Leer vs. A.R.E. truck caps - opinions?

Hi everyone,

I searched a few similar posts, but didn't see this particular brand comparison discussed.

I am down to deciding between an A.R.E. Z series or a Leer 100XL for my 09 Double Cab.

I will definitely be going with the factory roof rack option (Yakima for A.R.E., Thule for Leer), as well as a folding/slider front window in either case.

Other brands are out of contention due to my location and a desire to patronize local businesses.

I'd like to hear any opinions, hearsay, or conjecture anyone might have about one brand over the other, (for example if the one costs more than the other, is it worth it, or is one rack system better than the other, etc.)

I was quoted $1800 for the A.R.E. Z series (installed) plus $380 for the roof rack from Yakima. No quote for the Leer yet.

Thanks!

 

Yo- Stoked to hear that your looking for a cap. These trucks are perfect for a cap. I actually was looking from the first day i drove my truck off the lot. I finally made the big purchase after a unexpected bonus from work. After all the homework i went with the LEER 100XL. Looks sick and fits like a glove. Found out that the paint application was a lot more quality then ARE but not to take anything from ARE. In my opinion.. you cant go wrong with either or. My LEER dealer was a lot easier to work with and he works directly with the factory so warranty is a lot easier to deal with directly through him. ARE???? I was talking to a guy about the purchase and it just seemed as if he was playing middle man and pretty much once you buy... bye bye..But who knows???

Leer paint matched perfectly and has kept up so far!!!! Remember not to wax it for the first 3 months and seriously consider going with the flip down window and not a boot. The boot will damage your paint and allow water to get in every time you wash the truck or it rains. I go camping in BAJA quite often and being able to close or open the window makes more sense!!! Mine actually is able to be removed completely. I also went with keyless entry. I mean spending that much money might as well go big and get he goods!!!

I love it. I love it even more after installing my carpet bed! WOW- its sooooo tight bro!!!! I paid 1700 for the LEER 100 XL with flip down window and keyless entry.

Heres a pic of the shell but not the interior.... the interior is even better!!!

Road trip from San Diego to Canada on the HWY 1. Rainy Oregon!!!!

 

Awesome pic, and sweet looking cap!

I used to live on the Puget Sound - I miss the rainy weather!

Thanks for the advice!

 

Have had bad luck with the past 4 Leer caps I've had (paint match, cracking, glass door issues,etc). Lot's of folks I know have had good luck with A.R.E's. I've changed to Jason caps on my past couple trucks and am impressed with they're quality and options. Seems like they all need to be toughened up a little, but in they're defense... I'm pretty tough on them.

 

I have always had A.R.E. & liked them though chose not to run a cap on my current tacoma. Man, $380 for a channel rack now? Back in 06 it was a $225 option.

 

I have a cap that fit my 99 Access Cab Taco. It is white and in great condition. I got a new truck and I really dont have a need for a cap. I live in NE Ohio, it is free for anyone on this site that can come get it.

 

I have an ARE on my 08 and had a Leer on my 01. I went with the ARE because I could buy from a local dealer and they were $300 less for the same cap. I did get the interior carpet on the camper which dresses it up some. I also have the Yakima rack and tilt down front window. So far, the ARE has performed well, and I do not have anything bad to say about the company.

 

I had a Leer for about 3 years on my 05. Overall the quality and function was great, the only issue I had was the color match. Leer claims to match it to the factory paint, but mine was definatley different. I sent it back to Leer along with my fuel door, 4 months later it still didn't match.

 

Thanks for the advice - and sweet rides everyone!

 

I have a LEER Cap and I can not be more than happy with it, is my bed cover when fishing or hunting.

 

This is the best looking cap for the Taco by far. THe kick up in the cap's window nicely matches the rear door window.

 

Yeap, one-piece whole window, gives a better and continuous looking.

Thanks.

 

ARE z-series has a torsion beam on the rear window to open, very nice much better than gas pistons that always wore out. buy the roof rack seperately and put it on yourself with a drill and silicone and save over 100$.

 

hey!! a got a leer and it was on when a purshase the truck 06 a juste love it...

 

I have a Leer 100 R. No complaint's so far!

 

I've had an A.R.E. cap on my 1998 Tacoma for 5 years and 200,000+ km. Perfect paint match throughout. Still looks brand new. Just bought a 2008 Tacoma. Will probably get another A.R.E.

 

I purchased an ARE and am very happy with it. I also had it equipped with the tracks for roof mounted accessories. The dealer stated that the tracks are the same and either the Thule or Yakama posts or feet would fit.

I saved some big bucks by doing an internet search and bought the feet, locks and crossbars from an on-line source.

 

I say ARE. I have one and my father in law has one on his Gen 1. Both have held up great (his is older than mine too) and they both fit wonderful. Another forum member said he wished he got the ARE, after he put a Leer on his new truck. The only thing that the Leer has (or my Buddys cap) is it has a nice light in side to illuminate the cargo area. both are solid choices though.

 

Look into a SnugTop, I personally think they look better and are of a higher quality.

Bacon

 

MVEGA1969,,,
The "kick up" you have is just what I want in a new Leer Cap.
Looking at the Leer sites I dont see the kick up.......

Did you order it special ? Is it a 100 XL ?

Thanks
Steve
(new on this site)
notsew_evets@frontiernet.net