Thoughts on bed caps appreciated

Thinking about a cap for my '17 Limited. I would appreciate your experience with the various brands out there such as Leer, A.R.E., etc. Fit, finish, leaks, 3rd brake light, and repair parts availability are things I am concerned with.
TIA

 

i have had several different brands across multiple different trucks. my experience has been that mostly the quality is fairly similar. the biggest difference is availability, features, and price. find the features you can't live without and go from there - rather than picking a brand and then going from there. just my .02

 

I have an ARE in MGM. They matched the paint perfectly. The dealer took the time to get the paint code from the truck. Seems to make a difference on other colors or so I'm told. Pleased with the top no problems.

 

I almost went with ARE Z but went with Leer 100XR. Snugtop was out. Even though I could get it here in CA I didn't want to be tied to a regional brand in case I relocated. I also did not like the look.

I wanted the frameless rear window and a passenger side windoor and a drivers side slider. I think the ARE fits a little better on the sides (less overhang) and look great but it didn't give me the window configuration. I liked the look of the ARE Z series but I use my windoors every day! I could have gone with an ARE CX Evolve but I wasn't crazy about the looks and heard about troublesome rear windows, or the ARE V but this had a framed rear window vs. Frameless.

In the end how I used it matters. Windoors!

When the truck is in the garage backed up against the wall I put stuff in through the pass side windoor.

Color match was not good!! I just had it repainted and filled in the Leer logo recessed part. I have a friend who is a body and paint guy.

There are various posts and threads here about caps. Seems the color match is hit or miss among colors. Any body guy will tell you that blending metallics is tough.

Even paying the 'bro rate' to repaint the brand new cap I am happy with the Leer.

I almost bought a tonneau but the cap works for my needs.

 

Just got the Leer 100XR installed on my 2020 SBOR. Side sliding windoors and thule tracks on top with the frameless rear window. I couldn't be happier with this cap. My truck is white, the color code was pulled off the door and it matches fairly good. I notice a slight difference but could just my OCD. The biggest reason I went with the 100XR was the 600lb load rating for the top, not that I'm planning on using that, it's just nice to know it's there vs. the 300 most other tops offer. Any questions feel free to ask.

 

Well with how things are going theyre deff more pricey now. I recommend a hi roof one with windoors all around. Ive had mine since 2019, only issue was the cheap rubber that goes between the cap and the bed was thin as hell and sucked, which leaked. I have a protops shell, basically a knock off of the leer and ARE brands. I highly recommend the bubble top rubber sealant for the cap when they install it. The only part youll find trouble finding is the windows if you ever break one, ive replaced the lock rear door handle off of Amazon no problem it was cheap and fhe struts are universal, can buy anywhere.

 

Softopper. the versatility is perfect if you use a truck for varied uses.

 

Got my ARE 10 years ago used in black $550 for my 2009 pyrite mica Tacoma.
There is an ID tag riveted to the inside top so you can order correct replacement parts. ARE stocks them.
Easy to replace side screen and everywhere sells the rear window struts you pick the lb strength - stronger stays up better but harder to close down.
Front seal is most critical item on install for shells. See (but 2nd gen):
Need Help Filling Gap Between Cap and Bed | Tacoma World and look at post #5.

 

I've been oogling the Leer 180xl for a while now, but I can't bring myself to spend that kind of money when my Bakflip G2 is less than a year old. Besides, the Mrs would have a shit fit

 

If you decide on a model, shop around and get a few quotes. The shop that I went through was over $600 less than their competitors.

 

Had two Leer caps, one on my 2010 DC and one on my 17 DC. The one on my 2010 was good quality, the XL on my 2017 not so much. Tailgate window didn't line up right, tried adjusting but just could not get it right. Would stick when trying to open also. Bought a Diamondback for my Tundra. The way to go, get many compliments on it. Good luck with your decision.

 

Id get a soft topper in a heartbeat if i didnt have a camper shell.

 

I don't have a cap on my Taco, but my work F350 has an ARE. It has been just ok. It has a couple leaks and the rear door and latch is very flimsy. I would step up to one of the newer metal options for my Taco if I were in the market.

 

I have an A.R.E. (traded a Diamoneback that came on the truck for it) and I like it. I wish it had Winddoors more than any other upgrade. It has 3rd LED brake light and locks/unlocks with my H key fob. It is heavy, so on/off takes more than 2 people. I can't drape my mountain bike over the back tailgate with the rear hatch open because it lacks about 3 inches to be able to do so and the rear hatch is not easy to remove. I only mention this because I was trying to figure out a way to load all the bikes (mine and 5 nephews) in my truck - 2 on hitch rack and 3 draped over tailgate with tailgate pad. I will say having it on the truck is awesome some days and on other days drastically reduces the ability for my truck to "function" (using the bed for truck things) as a truck.

 

Keep an eye on marketplace, I found a LEER with windoors, carpet on the inside, Thule rack, sliding & folding front window, LED light inside, power lock on the rear, etc. on marketplace in a junk yard for $1,000 and it matched my truck.





Unfortunately someone lost a good truck.

 

ARE Z Series and Leer XR had the best look in my opinion. The bulky hinges on the ARE made me choose it.

https://youtu.be/e3HR4Yz6LdY

 

After months of deliberation I just ordered my very customized A.R.E. CX yesterday. I can’t tell you anything about the quality yet but I can tell you the features they offer are amazing and the amount of customization you can do is mind boggling.

That being said, it was outrageously expensive and the lead time right now for A.R.E. is 15 weeks according to my dealer.

I decided all of that was worth it, because the dealer informed me that the structure and paint of the cap come with a lifetime warranty. I plan on driving this truck for 15+ years so I wanted to spend the money to get a top of the line customized product and not have to re-do it down the road.

“Buy once, cry once”’ as they say.

Hope this helps.

 

My leer was the same way but actual lead time was half, I think they over estimate rather than have it go the other way and gave angry customers. But once cry once!

 

I used that exact phrase when justifying the purchase to my wife! I also showed her that I can have them install a clothes hangar in the cap so she can hang up her fancy clothes when we go on road trips (I did actually get that option)

 

I used that exact phrase when justifying the purchase to my wife! I also showed her that I can have them install a clothes hangar in the cap so she can hang up her fancy clothes when we go on road trips [/QUOTE]
Very good play! I said I had to have the windoors so when she takes it to the grocery store she doesn’t have to climb in the tailgate to get stuff that moved to the front of the bed…in reality I’m getting older and don’t want to climb in the bed all the time. It’s all on the sales pitch!