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

I actually added my flip down window 3 years after I bought the cap on my first LEER 100R. I bought it with the order with my second LEER cap, a 100XL. Yes, I may only remove it twice a year to clean my windows, but still worth it in my opinion.

 

Hum, right on... you leave it up 99% of the time but put it down to clean the windows... I suppose that does make sense. AS long as the mechanism does not make it more prone to leaking. Looking at my 2000 rig... seems what was common then was the boot... so you could leave the rear window out of the cap all together. There is only one rear window out the back of the truck and the cap has nothing.
I am guessing they do not do the boot anymore cause it leaks?
i'll be asking my dealer tomorrow. Anyone know the answer? Maybe you can get the boot from third party... will post what I find out.

but back to the rear window... I suppose you are right, having the ability to fold it down as long as it is not more likely to leak does make sense... it is just that with these cap companies I dont think you get anything for free. You get an option... you also give something up. I suppose in this case I am worried the hings will rust or bind over time or the thing will leak.

 

I had the fold down window on my ARE CX on a 2002 Tacoma. Never leaked for the 13 years I had it. Expecting rain this week. We'll see about my new ARE CX.

 

The rear window clips in and out using 4 little pieces of metal similar to a Pella window like in your home. If I recall correctly, there is a framework that stays in the fiberglass and the window has its own frame that fits inside of it. I've gone the route of trying to clean between the cab and the cap. For the $80 it costs over the life of the cap I think the fold down is worth it.

 

The removeable rear slider is totally worth it

 

X2

 

I just spent the weekend in Portland, Oregon. Went to 3 different shops. Wanted an A.R.E. Commercial canopy with a Kargo Master contractor's rack and a brush guard for my 2015 Tacoma. The first place didn't sell A.R.E. but did sell LEER, but said I couldn't put a Kargo Master on and had to use a RACK IT rack instead. Second place sold A.R.E. but said I couldn't put a contractor's rack on at all, said I could have the A.R.E. aluminum cargo rack on top. Third place only sells CENTURY canopies and said I could put a Kargo Master rack on. Came home and did the research. Kargo Master sells a rail system for my 2015 Tacoma that will work. Sounds like I want a LEER and not and A.R.E. Thanks for all your help and I'll post pictures and keep you all informed about the service I get.

 

I added a leer to my 16 Tacoma with the Thule rails and cafe plus the cage extender. Plus I put lights. And shovel and rotopax on the cage. I love the setup

 

Yea that's a Thule cage Here is the rotopax mount I used. https://www.cyclegear.com/accessori...intid=897157&gclid=CMW6uNfyt84CFU6Bfgod3_wHiw

I had to rivet some steel flat bar into the cage bottom to be able to mount the rotopax mount to the cage.

To access the stuff in the rack I have to stand on the tire. Or at home use a small step stool

 

How much roughly was it?

 

All I can say is after 6 years the ARE has been great. No problems

 

Anyone got a leer 100r for sale for a double cab short bed

 

I had an ARE and while there was nothing terribly wrong with it, I would try a LEER next time. There were some small fit and finish things with the ARE that were far from perfect. Sharp exposed metal edges (specifically on the rear window), the headliner was not installed very cleanly, bolts holding the window frames were over tightened causing the frame to bend, paint seemed to chip very easily.

 

My Leer 100XL has some of these issues. So don't count on them being much better than ARE.

 

I bought a brand new Leer and the lift shocks failed in about a month and won't lift the rear window all the way up on their own. Is that typical or are there better shocks?

 

I like the loaded ARE cap. Very clean looking and makes the truck look like an SUV. I believe the badge doesn't leave any brand traces either once removed which is pretty important to me.

A loaded LEER cap is good too, but I can't stand that little triangle imprint in the cap where their stick on logo sits.

In my opinion, don't even get a cap unless your willing to go with the seamless windows and backglass...they look like cheap contractor caps with anything but the seamless glass options.

 

I have had both ARE and Leer caps and as far as I am concerned fit and finish on both leave a lot to be desired. Over tightened and crooked screws on the windows, windows that leak, scratches on the window frame. Paint match has always been good and the paint has held up well on both.

 

I have from I think and told a A.R.E got it for 100 out of pocket( 300 but sold my tonneau for 200) plus 80 in paint and my time to paint it. I am happy with it. The one thing I like is that there is no window between the shell and cab. Just a big a$$ molding that is water tight. I have dogs so I can open my slide window and have ac going back there. Some what. Better then nothing.

 

My leer guy replaced mine under warranty..

 

Good (but bad) to know that it's not just ARE. Seems like someone needs to make a high quality cap and they could make a lot of money.