Truck Caps, who makes the Best? ARE/Leer/SnugTop

Looking into purchasing a topper and was curious on what brands are better or worse than others. I've been looking at ARE, Leer and SnugTop, and so far I like ARE the best. What are your thoughts and/or experiences with these brands? Thanks!

 

Snugtop if you're on the west coast, harder to get on the East. ARE over LEER. Be sure and check over whatever you get before signing for it. These companies seem to go through periodic turnovers and quality can slip at times- notice you'll find people with legitimate gripes about most of the brands although fewer about Snugtop.

 

Whichever company you chose to purchase from, I can say it was one of the best things I have done to my Tacoma, after 18 years without a top on my last truck. At this time of year with all the ice/snow made my bed almost unusable and I'm not always worrying about leaving things in the bed.

 

I have an ARE that came with my 03 that I just bought. It’s been on the truck most of its life I believe, so over 10 years old, and it’s in great shape! I like that the side windows both slide open and raise up like the rear window does. The quality seems to be great and everything is holding up very well. I have no complaints.

I don’t have any experience with the other two brands though so I can’t compare.

 

@03 NIGHT TACO --
"I leave you alone for five seconds and you're already on TW!"
-my girlfriend

LOL

 

It’s true

 

To be honest, I just login in yesterday after about 9 months of not doing so, because I found myself on TW so much, so I can relate. I have learned so much on TW and it's a wonderful resource, saving hundreds with DIY info., but wish it wasn't so addictive....

 

Can't go wrong with either of those three. All top tier brands/manufacturers.

 

I own a Leer, I'm east of the Mississippi, so it was really only between Leer and ARE. I would say you can't really go wrong with either one, just check out ALL the specs.

What I think is more important than the brand (assuming you get a name brand) is the installer. Some know how to install on Tacos, some don't. Read reviews, ask people around here. Good luck.

 

I liked the design of the back door opening on snugtop the best. Built in rain gutter so when you open the door water does not pour into the back of your truck. Also dug the fancy door lock/keyless entry setup.

 

I have a A.R.E shell and its been good so far and no leaks. I've only had it for 10 months. If you go on ARE's website they coupons for their shell like free carpet headliner or discount on certain models.
Here's a link to the coupons: http://www.4are.com/product/offers/?cs=&cp=&bx=t


Here's mine:

 

I've had Leer and ARE both for over 10 years on trucks. Paint match from both companies has been spot on and has held up well. As others have said, the installer makes a big difference.

 

That's a damn good looking taco.. makes me miss my 255 Coopers!

I have an ARE too. No real complaints. It does leak in the corners but the carpeting absorbs it and it doesn't seem to build up at all or cause an issue.

 

West - Snugtop
East - ARE

Windoors are the BEST!

 

Thanks man! I might switch to 35s when I go long travel next year.

 

I had a Leer on my old Tacoma. Worked good. Bought it used. This time around i think im gonna go ARE V series. Seems like a good shell plus a little cheaper than the Leer. All i know is they are expen$ive. Im lookin at $2100 for the one i want. The only complaint i've ever heard (and its very few) from people that have a newer Leer, are some tops have come in with a slight color mismatch.

 

I just bought a 2018 TRD sport and I'm having an ARE installed with sliding windoors as we will have a dog back there a lot. I read that ARE hinges were superior. I don't get the truck until Feb 3 but I'll be driving it in some very extreme conditions above the Arctic circle. I'll be posting my opinion with pics. Not sure what you timeline is James.

 

+1 for ARE. I had one on my F150 before I bought my Tacoma. Nice fiberglass cover. Locked up good. Bought it used for $100.

 

Just pulled the trigger on a Snugtop Rebel. $2750. Only upgrade was roof rack. It was about 250 more than the Leer 100xr. Liked the overall mounting system and door better on the Snugtop.

 

For the record, Snug Top shells are available in the east - St. Louis.

It may be a drive, but that is where I bought mine. Only 8 hours from Atlanta...