Snugtop vs Leer vs A.R.E. -- verdict

$400... It's identical!!! But cheaper!!!

 

Excellent thread topic and research. I too had narrowed my top choices down to these 3 manufacturers. I think I've been convinced to go with the Snugtop.

cheers

 

I looked at this option for carrying up to 300 lbs of kayaks or hauling wood...etc. (I like a safety factor....)
It looks like a quality option but it does increase the weight on the truck and therefore reduces the carrying capacity of the truck by something like 100 lbs.
I decided not to do the upgrade.
I have had a SnugTop Supersport with all the other options for 1.5 years and it has been great. I have carried up to 5 kayaks at 250+ lbs on dirt roads and I am confident it would carry more. ( I think the rating is about 250, and they hopefully built in some safety buffer.)
Quality shell!

 

See my previous post. I also have the remote option. Essential! So convenient!

 

I like my Snugtop Rebel but have a few little complaints.

1. The color match for black is off by a bit.
2. The lock broke on me in under a year (cylinder rotated so I can't put the key it). They will replace but I have to go back to the dealer.
3. I could see swirls in the finish when it was brand new, they only get worse.

Other than that it's a good cap, pricey though.

 

Got a used Leer 100XQ. Tried on a SnagTop Super Sport (or something like that), but liked the looks of Leer better, so I got that one. The guys that I bought it from kinda threw it on and sent me on my way, so the fit was a bit off. Stopped buy a local topper store and they've adjusted everything for me and it works much better now.

I did talk to multiple topper retailers (new and used) when pricing things out and *all* of them said that it does not matter which one you buy. Leer and SnagTop are identical in quality and fit. Some are great, some have issues and neither one is a clear winner.

 

Set this up for voting

 

I wanted to try the Snug Top this time around but refuse to buy from the Portland dealer who carries them (All American Canopys)...bad service.

So, I went with my third Leer.
Two hours old...100XR with Thule racks, gear net, front folding slider.

 

Going from a Leer 100R to the 100RCC does not add 100lbs to the cap weight

 

Look close at the load ratings. The roof may be rated to hold 400lbs, but the roof racks may not be. Its a nice little note hidden in the fine print.

 

The DeWalt conmercial rack on mine can hold more than 400lbs , the cap roof is the limiting factor

 

I know that the Thule is only good for 200lbs. The Dewalt and Thule were both available on the 100RCC when I ordered mine. I will say that the canopy does any excellent job of keeping everything dry. 40+ inches of rain a year here and no real leaks. Just a little gets into the tool box area once in awhile.

 

Leer's commercial caps offer the TracTac CapRac system now ( the DeWalt system I have was discontinued ) and the rack load rating is limited by the cap roof load rating which in the case of the 100RCC is 400lbs

http://www.tracrac.com/pick-up-trucks/caprac

 

Does anyone have dimensions for shells? Interior height/clearance? Gate height? I'm about to buy double cab long bed to haul mountain bikes and I'm trying to figure out which shell will do the job?

 

Should have tried canopy world. They have all sorts of canopies to choose from.

 

There are a ton of different shells with different dimensions, clearance, door sizes, etc. I'd say go to a place that sells used shells and see what works for you. Then either buy a used one or order a new one that you like.

 

I am looking for something like this for Leer and/or ARE shells:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/330542-snugtop-camper-shell-measurements.html

 

The Leer standard (no CC) canopy with the Thule rails installed has a weight rating of 150lbs...and yes, 400 on the CC models.

http://www.leer.com/faq

 

I can fit two 26'ers in my Snugtop Rebel with room to spare (6 ft bed) and the Rebel is small as far as toppers go. I've never tried to fit a 29'er but think one would probably still fit.

 

We ride 29ers and the saddle is at 39ish inches with the front wheel off. If I can get 40" from floor to ceiling, I figure we can make a cab hi work.