crbr
Veteran Member
Yes Sir. That is an 85 model Mastercraft. I visit TeamTalk from time to time... and the Dark Side too...
Truck cap/topper-Leer, A.R.E,Snugtop, Century?
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iamhistory
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Fellas.......I've seen this recommendation from a few guys and of course the question of why comes to mind.
I just today talked with a local Leer dealer about models and options for a cap for my 2010 Silverado crew cab. I've never owned a cap for any of my trucks but always thought about it. Some of the highest end models of Leer caps had features I didn't really like but the lower models didn't have features I wanted.....so I split the difference because you never get everything you want it seems and decided to get a 100xr with the wilderness package and removable front window. It is a reasonable compromise between style and cost for me.
The xr has one twist handle in the back and framed windows. So, why do you guys recommend staying away from those things? I have very little experience with truck caps so I sure would appreciate some advice.
Thanks!
iamhistory
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Also......anybody out there have a "Bedrug" installed in their truck?
They seem great but I like to research things before I decide to purchase them. I think they dress the truck up a lot and they feel nice to be on instead of a bed liner or just the bed. One thing I'm concerned about it if I have a chainsaw in the back, or I harvest a deer and get blood on it.......will that type of stuff come clean or will the bedrug be stained?
Thinking of installing one of these along with the new cap.
They seem great but I like to research things before I decide to purchase them. I think they dress the truck up a lot and they feel nice to be on instead of a bed liner or just the bed. One thing I'm concerned about it if I have a chainsaw in the back, or I harvest a deer and get blood on it.......will that type of stuff come clean or will the bedrug be stained?
Thinking of installing one of these along with the new cap.
walleyed
Bronze Member
I had one in my last truck. I'm a contractor so it had a ton of abuse but when I traded the truck I pulled it out along with the Leer cap and sold them myself. The truck was 3 years old.
The bedrug looked pretty bad when I pulled it out but I could hardly believe after a cleaning with the pressure washer. It looked new and the box on the truck was spotless. I would recommend them.
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iamhistory
Member
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- Jun 11, 2007
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- 33
- Location
- PA
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- Kioti NX5010, Kubota B7800, International-560 gas, John Deere 2155
Thanks walleyed..........that's nice to hear and it gives me more confidence in my decision. I'm pretty set on the bedrug b/c I want a more finished look and the comfort of some padding under me if I'm in the bed truck camping, messing with equipment on my knees, etc.
I dislike bedliners. They are slippery, uncomfortable when you have to get down on them for stuff, and collect debris underneath that actually causes damage when they are supposed to prevent damage.
The bedrug appealed to me immediately when I saw it and I was hoping it would perform as advertised.
crbr
Veteran Member
One handle shares the latching mechanism for both sides. Often times one side or the other can be subject to not latching without redundent effort or can be cantankerous in staying shut. I have a Leer now that gives me this problem. Nothing I can't deal with but the double handle / latch setup is just more reliable and consistent in functionality.
I have had Leer for years. Not saying the other brands are not as good (or not) but Leer has served me well. The frameless glass is the way to go. Much cleaner, and easier to care for. No aluminum framing maintenance at all.
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I have had Leer for years. Not saying the other brands are not as good (or not) but Leer has served me well. The frameless glass is the way to go. Much cleaner, and easier to care for. No aluminum framing maintenance at all.
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MikeInMaine
Bronze Member
I've had three caps.
1. Inexpensive aluminum cap with heavy duty frame/rack for carrying lumber & ladders on top.
2. Leer high top Fiberglass with side opening windows and Yakima rack for lumber & ladders on top.
3. A.R.E. steel cap with built-in side toolboxes and heavy duty rack for ladders, etc.
Leer looked nice and the fiberglass was lined with some kind of felt product. Had an inside light that ran on AA batteries. I had problems with the side-opening windows -- could not get the props replaced once they stopped lifting. The Leer dealer was no help. The opening/closing/locking hardware needed regular lubricating/unfreezing. I had this cap for 5 years, then replaced it with the A.R.E. cap below. By the time I got rid of it, none of the doors stayed open on their own. Frustrating for a tradesman like me who works out of his vehicle every day.
A.R.E. steel cap was pretty awesome. The inside light was wired into my pickup's electrical system. The door hardware (2 sides & the back) was outstanding. I had this cap for the remaining 7 1/2 years I owned my pickup. The built-in toolboxes do take up some inside space, but being able to access stuff from the outside was priceless. All the props worked when I sold my pickup, and they got daily use, including in freezing temperatures. The cap was just a great cap. I never did have to rely on the dealer after the sale. What more can I say?
1. Inexpensive aluminum cap with heavy duty frame/rack for carrying lumber & ladders on top.
2. Leer high top Fiberglass with side opening windows and Yakima rack for lumber & ladders on top.
3. A.R.E. steel cap with built-in side toolboxes and heavy duty rack for ladders, etc.
Leer looked nice and the fiberglass was lined with some kind of felt product. Had an inside light that ran on AA batteries. I had problems with the side-opening windows -- could not get the props replaced once they stopped lifting. The Leer dealer was no help. The opening/closing/locking hardware needed regular lubricating/unfreezing. I had this cap for 5 years, then replaced it with the A.R.E. cap below. By the time I got rid of it, none of the doors stayed open on their own. Frustrating for a tradesman like me who works out of his vehicle every day.
A.R.E. steel cap was pretty awesome. The inside light was wired into my pickup's electrical system. The door hardware (2 sides & the back) was outstanding. I had this cap for the remaining 7 1/2 years I owned my pickup. The built-in toolboxes do take up some inside space, but being able to access stuff from the outside was priceless. All the props worked when I sold my pickup, and they got daily use, including in freezing temperatures. The cap was just a great cap. I never did have to rely on the dealer after the sale. What more can I say?
sld
Veteran Member
From my experience, I would stay away from the Leer cap. I had nothing but problems with one of their high end caps. The SUV type latch sucked and was always in need of adjustment. It never worked right and was a source of constant frustration. On top of that, my topper developed stress cracks. I had it repaired once and it happened again. The second time, the dealer refuse to ship it back to the factory and get it fixed. I took the pos to the landfill and kissed it goodbye.
My current topper is a Century with the double handles, one on each side. It may not be as convenient, but it has never failed to work the way it supposed to. Plus, I think it is a more secure method of locking, especially when the tailgate is locked too.
I also have a bedrug and I can't say enough good things about it. I have hauled gravel, broken concrete, firewood and even spilled some used oil when taking it back to Orielly's. The stuff is easy to clean up and still looks like new 4 1/2 years later. The padding is great on your knees when you have to get inside to load cargo, etc... I have actually slept on mine on overnight fishing trips and it is very comfortable. You will not be disappointed in any way. Century toppers has an option to carpet the inside of their topper. It matches the bedrug perfectly and creates a big carpeted enclosure. When buddies are moving I always get asked to haul the delicate stuff. If you are considering the bedrug, don't even think twice about it. It's awesome!
My current topper is a Century with the double handles, one on each side. It may not be as convenient, but it has never failed to work the way it supposed to. Plus, I think it is a more secure method of locking, especially when the tailgate is locked too.
I also have a bedrug and I can't say enough good things about it. I have hauled gravel, broken concrete, firewood and even spilled some used oil when taking it back to Orielly's. The stuff is easy to clean up and still looks like new 4 1/2 years later. The padding is great on your knees when you have to get inside to load cargo, etc... I have actually slept on mine on overnight fishing trips and it is very comfortable. You will not be disappointed in any way. Century toppers has an option to carpet the inside of their topper. It matches the bedrug perfectly and creates a big carpeted enclosure. When buddies are moving I always get asked to haul the delicate stuff. If you are considering the bedrug, don't even think twice about it. It's awesome!
PapaPerk
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I recommend staying away from Leer. They have had bad quality problems in the last few years.
We have an older Leer top on a Chevy truck that has been great. But I bought a new expensive top from Leer a few years ago and it was junk. Even the dealer was very frustrated with Leer! Lots and lots of problems. I sold the top back to the dealer at a huge loss. But was happy to get rid of the d*** thing!
Snug Top makes good toppers I've heard. And also Swiss is suppose to be good for the money. Look around and ask. Tops are very simple but boy they can be frustrating if made wrong! Good luck.
We have an older Leer top on a Chevy truck that has been great. But I bought a new expensive top from Leer a few years ago and it was junk. Even the dealer was very frustrated with Leer! Lots and lots of problems. I sold the top back to the dealer at a huge loss. But was happy to get rid of the d*** thing!
Snug Top makes good toppers I've heard. And also Swiss is suppose to be good for the money. Look around and ask. Tops are very simple but boy they can be frustrating if made wrong! Good luck.
