Truck caps, so many options, A.R.E and LEER

Whatever you get, make sure you get the rails installed for a roof rack, even if you're not planning on using it. They're built into the cap at time of build, so at least if you DO want them, you can have them. I regret not getting the rails, as now if I want a roof rack on my cap I have to drill into it (no thanks)

 

I went with a Century High-C. I had quite the ordeal getting it. Made the mistake of having the dealership order it, and then they forgot to order it and when they did, they ordered the wrong one and tried to cover their tracks. 8 months later I got a sweet cap though! I like it a lot. It is heavy, as any fiberglass topper, although easily taken off and on with two people. I got the Windoors, carpet liner and removable front windshield. They say it makes cleaning a whole lot easier, although i haven't had to clean it. In my opinion windoors are a must, I use them all the time and it makes getting stuff in and out much easier. I didn't get the roof rack mounts and as bcdbed said above, it would be a nice addition, although drilling the brackets in wouldn't be all that bad. If I remember correctly, Century toppers are a bit less expensive and so far has been a great topper.

 

Oh, if that's your last name, we're related, if that's your first name, that's a cool first name.

 

Check out Leer's and ARE's website. The big difference between the caps is the looks and the options available for each one. ARE V series and Leer 100R are the bottom of the line caps for each. If you want cheap, start with those. When you do get ready to pull the trigger, check out the manufacturer websites as they throw up free upgrade coupons so maybe you can get a free carpeted headliner or fold down front window. I was looking for a cap myself and came across Ranch brand caps. They look decent in my opinion and are a few hundred less than Leer or ARE.
If you're not in a hurry, keep your eye on Craigslist for a used one. Especially if you live out west, they pop up fairly frequently and you might even get lucky and find one the correct color. If you find an off color one and want to paint it, plan on paying $3-500 to get it painted (get quotes from your local shops, that's just a ballpark).

 

Ya it's not a big deal, but I was told it would void my warranty if I did it.

 

Figured I'd might as well show my Cap and Camping rig with it.

 

Here's a few pics on my Century

 

ARE quality sucks.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/for-those-shopping-for-a-new-cap.375875

 

Got a snugtop rebel with the non-vented windoors on my shortbed a few months ago. Overall, I love it. The fit and finish is great, color match is perfect, no leaks etc. My only complaint is locks on the windoors. One of them jammed up somehow so I took it back and the dealer and he loosened up the nut attaching it to the windoor. THat worked for a few days and it jammed again. So they replaced it under warranty. Works fine now, but what I learned in this experience is the locks on the windoors are not that hard to force open.

Also, it would be nice if the back window opened up higher. The rear lock in the center projects way down thanks to the emergency release mechanism that lets you open it from the inside (as if you were stupid enough to lock yourself in). I've bashed my head on it half a dozen times already.

 

Here's what I get every time I search for caps on Craigslist:

​

Toyota Tacoma Topper Wanted!
Looking to buy Tacoma topper!11!!
Wanted: Toyota Tacoma topper! Will pay cash!
Selling my first born child for Tacoma Toppers​

=/

I'm guessing I'll need to buy new if I ever want one.

 

I searched CL for about a month before I said screw it and ordered a Snugtop today. $2300 for a Rebel with headliner, fold down front slider, Yakima tracks, and a power pro lock that'll run off my keyless entry. More money than I wanted to spend, but buy once cry once. I'm driving this truck until the wheels fall off and at 12k miles a year, that's going to take a couple decades.

I decided on Snugtop after comparing all three, I felt Snugtop offers a little more "polish" on the little details. The price difference is negligible between Leer and Snugtop. ARE wasn't even in the running.

 

Seeing this made me run out and go over my ARE again....... I have some slight dimlping around the window screws but very minor and none of the other quality issues. I guess I caught them on a good day? My install went perfect and is very clean and sealed tight.

 

Atc for me!

 

I have bin looking at these, lowest price cap in Austin. What's your take on fit and quality?

 

So far so good. After comparing to other companies, a top doesn't raise the value of your truck. I wasn't going top of the line. The style and fit look good. Have my experienced rain so don't know about weatherproof yet.

 

Thx. Dealer here in Austin sells ATC, ARE and Snugtop. They say they have the least complaints about ATC, might have something to do with expectations on a $3000+ Snugtop cap. And yes they depreciate 50% the minute you buy them.

 

Very true sir. All pretty much have the same options as well.

 

I have a DCSB TRD OR I have a snug top Rebel. Front window has a slider and it folds down into the bed for cleaning. It has tinted slider windows on the sides and pet screens that are coated so your dogs do no scratch their noses. No leaks from the rain or car washes. Installs easy and is secure. I absolutely love it.

I also waited and found mine on craigslist. I did get a quote from a dealer new for 2300. I found mine 6 months old for 1300 installed from the original dealer that sold it new.

 

Man, that is my departed 2012 SR5! Leer 180 with sliding windoors. Yeah, that sucked, but there was nothing I could do about it. Looked like shit, frankly. I missed the footnote from Leer that said "Sliding windoors may not fit recess in shell".

That footnote is for sliding windoors only, though. With just plain windoors there isn't the asterisk, like here http://www.leer.com/100R

You are correct, ARE is the better option for sliding windoors, no asterisk, they fit the recess.

 

Lucky you, congrats. I love the sliding windoors, but I got asterisked pretty good with the Leer 180 with the sliding windoors.