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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,950
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,950 |
Need a topperfor the new pickup- Looking mostly at Leer and ARE- can't see much difference- Have read some reviews, each have a couple of nay sayers, most other rave about whichever one they have. Opinions?
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252 |
I just picked up an ARE canopy for my truck and so far it has been great. What's the price difference between the ARE and Leer?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26 |
I highly recommend one that's higher than the cab. You wouldn't believe how much that extra space is worth sometimes, whether you sleep in it or not.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252 |
Mine is the mx series which is higher than the cab but not full on old dude super wedge.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,252 |
I did have the canopy place install a small led rope light down the middle of the canopy that runs on the same switch as the dome light. Pretty nice to have light all the way to the front of the canopy. The rope light has velcro that sticks to the canopy carpet. So far so good. Rock Chuck is right about the slightly taller canopy for extra room if you don't mind the look. I have an easily removable OSMB sleeping shelf that rests on the canopy/truck bed rails. Pretty nice to have a warm dry place to sleep if necessary and I can put coolers and stuff underneath the shelf.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,729
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,729 |
I have had both. I have an ARE Fiberglass on my Dodge.
I put the old style aluminum on my F150 work truck.
I would just go with the best price.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11,089 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11,089 Likes: 2 |
Very pleased with my aluminum Lifetime Workmate work shell. Easy access all around.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,872
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,872 |
I've had Leer and Snugtop. I have a Snugtop on the current truck and would give the edge to Snugtop over Leer but only by a bit. They can get spendy when you start adding options.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17,289
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17,289 |
One thing to consider when choosing a topper is get one that doesn't pour rain inside the bed when you open it or have it open. Some do ... some don't.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860 |
I have an entry level ARE on my truck. I'm happy with it. I never cared for the ones that were taller than the cab...dad and grandfather both had them....always looked funny to me.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26 |
We all have our own ideas of what a truck should be. I figure that a truck is a work vehicle. If I want to load more stuff in it, a high shell is invaluable. I really don't care if it looks different. The last one I had was tall enough to load an ATV if I winched it in. I didn't have to take it off during hunting season to take the ATV and pull a camp trailer.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,220 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,220 Likes: 5 |
I have the top of the line ARE Z- series on a 2011 duramax. I have had to replace the lock/latch (under warranty) and have small but persistent troubles with water intrusion around the seals of the back glass. I also have a horrendous dust intrusion problem, but that's the fault of the bed design, with large open spaces that lead to the wheel wells. I taped it all up with gorilla tape and installed a tailgate seal and that helped a bunch, but 3 years later the tape needs to be redone. The cap looks great, but the water issue is aggravating.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15,952 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15,952 Likes: 2 |
I have an ARE on my Tacoma. I recommend the opening side window option. It's great when retrieving or placing things deep in the bed. I was having a horrible dust problem but bought a gasket that does a decent job at sealing around the tailgate. I then went to Lowe's and bought some weatherstripping and placed it on the inside and at the bottom of the camper door which seals dust out there, too. it's not perfect but it's a whole lot better than before.
There are 2 rules to success:
1. Never tell everything that you know.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 860 |
Find one on Craigslist that fits your truck and you will save a ton of money, even if you decide to get it painted to match. The price of a new camper shell or tonneau is absolutely nuts.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 504
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 504 |
Snugtop has a channel on the rear window to prevent the water from coming in. I also recommend getting the taller than cab version for more room
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,225
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,225 |
I have an ARE on my Silverado and when it rains I get a little water inside the tail gate. It also has a bunch of hairline cracks in the fiberglass. The paint on the bottom ledge (aluminum I think) has peeled off in spots too. It has been on for 6 years.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,722 Likes: 48
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,722 Likes: 48 |
I have been using Unicover for over 15 years with no problems. They are cheaper than Leer and have held up extremely well. I have taken 2 back windows out, backing unto the garage with the topper open, replaced the doors and kept right on going. They also fit correctly and I have never had leaking issues. The left is my 2008 Dodge, the right the 2012, both with the Unicover which I would highly recommend...
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,120 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,120 Likes: 6 |
I'm unhappy with my Leer. The rear door flashing is held on with double sided foam tape and it falls off. I replaced it with pipe insulation. The Leer was 1/3 again the price of the ARE, and it looks the same quality. As for the extra height ,I would have gone with the higher one for my Tacoma, but they usually don't fit thru a garage door height wise. Fine if you keep your truck outside. I don't.
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,044 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,044 Likes: 1 |
I have a century which is the cheap leer line.
get both side windows that open an double lock handles on the back. it seems to be standing up, but keep the locks lubed...
ps. add a hard tined rake too. its handy for pulling and pushing stuff in the front.
Last edited by humdinger; 10/01/14.
Other than that, How was the show Mrs. Lincoln?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,579 Likes: 26 |
I'm unhappy with my Leer. The rear door flashing is held on with double sided foam tape and it falls off. I replaced it with pipe insulation. The Leer was 1/3 again the price of the ARE, and it looks the same quality. As for the extra height ,I would have gone with the higher one for my Tacoma, but they usually don't fit thru a garage door height wise. Fine if you keep your truck outside. I don't. when I built my garage, I used an 8' high door exactly for that sort of thing.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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