Truck cap/topper-Leer, A.R.E,Snugtop, Century?

[walleyed]

That's the same Leer top I had. Problem after problem. Looks nice but quality was lousy!

I only had it for 3 years and no problems. Have an ARE now thats 1 1/2 years old and no problems. Its not as nice looking but that doesn't matter to me. Its a work truck.

 

[oliver28472]

I've had ARE tonneaus on my 98 and 03 F-150's. Both were good quality and struts did not go out. I have a RETRAX on the 10 and like it better. I can slide it back and forth and lock it anywhere in between. Can also open the tailgate without touching the cover.

 

[walleyed]

I put Swiss brand toppers on my delivery trucks . I have been satisfied with them . Once I had to send fuel tank door off of new truck to match new truck paint code . I also put a Bedslide in delivery trucks , saves chances of injuries , and easier to keep bed clean . If you haven't seen one look on internet , it's a flat platform on a roller bearing track with a latch and rubber removable mat .

The bedslide is a great product. I use this one raised up about 8" to allow plywood and lumber to slide under in the 8' bed. I built a steel frame for this. No bedrug in this one just a rubber matt and a plastic cover to protect the tailgate. No more crawling up into the bed to find a tool.

This cap is the ARE with the flip up side windows. I have built enclosed shelves only accessible through the side windows that hold small loose tools and fasteners. I also had the windows tinted with limo type stuff so you can't see in. I love this setup for what I do

 

[bdeboer]

Not to be a smart arss but I have owned over a dozen trucks and have never wanted or would have a topper. I had one cover back in the early 90's but never again. Just got in the way too much. To me its a truck. I have used the bed at least 3 times a week. Things that need loaded with a forklift, fire wood, boat stands, ect. If I need the safe dry storage I would have bought a Van or a large SUV like a Excursion or Suburban.

I guess its to each to make that decision but I will never own one. Seems to me like you should have just bought a Van or SUV. I can see the specialized up-fitter beds on a cab and chassis truck, that is different.

Chris

Having come from a 3/4 Ton Suburban, I prefer a cover for the winter and (not a topper). We have three kids with no room for stuff in the cab. The one I have is 58 lbs. It is removable by one person through the use of quick disconnects for the shocks and two latches.

Undercover ™ is the new standard in tonneau covers. Our Patented X-effect ™ design and advanced polymers give this tonneau cover unparalleled strength and durability at a fraction of the weight and less cost than fiberglass.

I removed it last spring and did not put back on until December.

 

[sld]

The bedslide is a great product. I use this one raised up about 8" to allow plywood and lumber to slide under in the 8' bed. I built a steel frame for this. No bedrug in this one just a rubber matt and a plastic cover to protect the tailgate. No more crawling up into the bed to find a tool.

This cap is the ARE with the flip up side windows. I have built enclosed shelves only accessible through the side windows that hold small loose tools and fasteners. I also had the windows tinted with limo type stuff so you can't see in. I love this setup for what I do

That is a great looking setup! I don't imagine you would like having all that stuff in the bed without a topper, especially during bad weather.

I can understand the guys that have no use for toppers but they are handy for a lot of pickup jobs.

 

[iamhistory]

I guess its to each to make that decision but I will never own one. Seems to me like you should have just bought a Van or SUV. I can see the specialized up-fitter beds on a cab and chassis truck, that is different.

Chris

Not only are all the comments already made valid statements, but also you may want to consider that there isn't an SUV out there that is as rugged as a full size pickup. Sometimes having options, as all those that come with owning a truck, along with the durability of a truck is really nice to have. It allows us many capabilities.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Not only are all the comments already made valid statements, but also you may want to consider that there isn't an SUV out there that is as rugged as a full size pickup. Sometimes having options, as all those that come with owning a truck, along with the durability of a truck is really nice to have. It allows us many capabilities.

This is getting way off track but a Suburban is basically a GM 1500 or 2500 series truck platform. They are basically identical underneath and from the drivers door forward.

Same goes for a Excursion, same as a F-250.

I do not see how these are any less durable as the truck cousins they have?:confused2:

Chris

 

[not2old]

I bought a Bac Pac canopy in 1990 that cracked due to a bad batch of resin. Although it took several months, it was replaced free of charge at about eight years old. They appologized for the delay, but said the supplier wouldn't go good for the resin and they were close to bankrupt. I sure wouldn't hesitate to buy another of their brand.

 

[PapaPerk]

Purchased one Leer fiberglass cap for my F150 back in '82, had nothing but problems, back then they used WOOD for mounting rails that fit on the pickup bed and it wasn't treated wood, after a few years the screws holding the fiberglass and aluminum molding started to pull out...I kept it waxed but it did no good, after 5 years the gelcoat was so bad it was like rough sandpaper. The dealer I purchased it from was saying "Leer is the King of Caps" well my experience said "Leer is the King of C--P", and I never purchased another one.

Only other cap I purchased was a Ranch fiberglass model for another F150, it's been neglected for 14 years (farm truck use) and it's still a better cap than the pampered Leer was after 5 years. I will NEVER buy another Leer product...EVER.

AMEN brother!!!

 

[Harold_J]

Not to be a smart arss but I have owned over a dozen trucks and have never wanted or would have a topper. I had one cover back in the early 90's but never again. Just got in the way too much. To me its a truck. I have used the bed at least 3 times a week. Things that need loaded with a forklift, fire wood, boat stands, ect. If I need the safe dry storage I would have bought a Van or a large SUV like a Excursion or Suburban.

I guess its to each to make that decision but I will never own one. Seems to me like you should have just bought a Van or SUV. I can see the specialized up-fitter beds on a cab and chassis truck, that is different. Chris

The cap gives me a lot of flexibility. I can take it off in about 5 mins and put back on in 5-10. I usually leave it one way or the other until it needs to be switched; can't do that with a van or Suburban.

Regarding the original question, I've owned two of the A.R.E. middle of the line MX fiberglass caps that rise about 4" over the cab and both are problem-free.