I am looking for a new Cap for my Tacoma, Access Cab, 6 foot bed.
I can not decide between A.R.E., Leer or Snug Top, or ???
I want something sleek and don't trust the frameless rear doors.
I don't have a Tacoma. However, I have an ARE on my Tundra. It is OK, but I don't think you can get the best advice until you really define what "you" want/expect from the cap.
For example:
1. Are you expecting it to be 100% waterproof?
2. Are you expecting it to be relatively dust free?
3. Do you plan to install rack(s) on top? If so, how much weight do you want to carry?
4. What sort of use? Grocery getter/pavement pounder, or rough roads? Rough roads can be hell on a cap.
I think that if you do a little digging, you'll find that most of the consumer caps are pretty flimsy in construction, and often lack quality workmanship. This includes common models from ARE, Leer, Snugtop, etc. A few years ago, when I was shopping, there were some really good Youtube videos showing common weaknesses from all of them. But, I'd recommend that you visit a few dealers and see for yourself how the different brands are constructed. Sheetmetal screws into window frames, for example. Rough, poorly made cuts in the fiberglass and plastic trim pieces. Misaligned rear windows, etc. All the brands, not just one.
The next thing to consider is the local dealer. Some are absolute pieces of work. The dealer that I bought my cap from was very upfront about not guaranteeing any of the brands to be waterproof. In terms of dust, he said that most would be good, only because of the particular bed design of the Tundra. Once you start looking, there's differences in how the various truck manufacturers bend their sheet metal to form a bed. Or form the plastic for a Taco. In the end, my canopy leaked water until I got the clamp configuration figured out. Now, it's good.
If you determine that you need a heavy duty canopy, there are welded aluminum and all-steel options. Think commercial, forest service, mining, parks, emergency response, etc. type applications. These are heavier and more expensive than the flimsy fiberglass shells to cover groceries, fishing poles, and coolers
They are designed to be used on rough roads, day after day.
For me, I bought an ARE CX. I expected it to be waterproof, but not that great at dust. I have a BedRug though, and think it helps a lot with the dust. I don't expect it to last the life of the truck. It was $1800, and less than 1/2 the cost of a heavy duty aluminum or steel alternative. I am 100% OK with throwing that ARE in the dump, and buying a replacement if it cracks. However, I realize that I drive fast on rough roads, and that is part of the price to pay.