Leer vs A.R.E. ?

[JRussTX]

So, looking at a cap for my 2018 Ram 1500 Crew.

I have a quote of $2,475 from Leer and another for $2,164 from A.R.E. and I am not sure which to choose.

Both appear to be similar quality. Both places appear to be experienced.

Is it worth saving $300 to go with A.R.E.?

The ARE guy stated he did not recommend the "boot" between the cab and cap as it leaked. Any experience with that?

The purpose is to have the 3 dogs in the back with windows between for us to share a little cool air and/or let them not be alone, totally.

Thanks

Russ

 

[yortnodnarb]

I've had two ARE caps and was very happy with both, that's all the local shop carries. No experience with LEER so can't really side by side compare, but I'd personally save myself $300 and get the ARE.

 

[Pull Ya]

I've had a couple of Leer caps and with both the side windows leaked. The first one the dealership repaired it, the second one they wanted to send it back to the factory for repair---about 10-12 weeks. Said no thanks and had a windshield installer fix the leak. That is my only complaint--good quality and the paint matched well. Never had an ARE, my last one was a Snug Top which is better quality that either one of the Leers.
Jay

 

[JRussTX]

Hrm.. tough call.

The Leer is the 100XR, so not their base model. The A.R.E. states it is their V series, base model.

Hard to compare them like you would "option for option". They both have pictures of their tops they have installed and look nice.

I just want to get something that will last. I think they both might be the same quality so... (sorry....thinking out loud)..

$300 bucks is still money in the bank.

Thanks for the input guys.

Russ

 

[Pull Ya]

Are you buying it in Austin?
Jay

 

[crash68]

I have the LEER 110XL and have no issues with it. The power lock work with the tailgate, I would imagine ARE has something similar. The paint match was great, looks like truck & cap was painted at the same time.
I do know LEER has pet screens for the 100XR side windows.
You wouldn't want a boot between the cap and the cab as the move independently of each other, as it would wear the paint and leak.
Look on the LEER website for discounts.

 

[JRussTX]

Are you buying it in Austin?
Jay

I was planning on it. I just looked at the two closest places to Cedar Creek. Right now, feature for feature, they are the same but A.R.E. is like $311 cheaper.

Now, I WISH they were using the "Z" cap, but sounds like the V is the closest to the Leer 100XR.

I also noticed a huge difference in prices. I called Giddings and they were like hundreds more for the base cap.. which pretty much said, "look elsewhere" heh

Russ

 

[JRussTX]

I have the LEER 110XL and have no issues with it. The power lock work with the tailgate, I would imagine ARE has something similar. The paint match was great, looks like truck & cap was painted at the same time.
I do know LEER has pet screens for the 100XR side windows.
You wouldn't want a boot between the cap and the cab as the move independently of each other, as it would wear the paint and leak.
Look on the LEER website for discounts.

I asked a Leer guy and he said they only get 50% of the discount payment back, so I said not to worry about it. I want to build a relationship with someone that will take care of my truck/cap and it was not worth saving the money for a "free headliner".

But thank you for the info!

Russ

 

[crash68]

I asked a Leer guy and he said they only get 50% of the discount payment back, so I said not to worry about it. I want to build a relationship with someone that will take care of my truck/cap and it was not worth saving the money for a "free headliner".

Interesting, the dealer who I bought mine from told me about the discount coupon on the LEER website. They also had the best price around, it was $1800 installed.
Something I forget to mention earlier, if the cap you get has a weather seal on the bottom of the hatch that touches the vehicle paint. Have the dealer install a clear paint protector strip on the tailgate to prevent wear.

 

[Pull Ya]

I bought a Leer tonneau cover from the Leer dealer out on North 183, Custom Truck Outfitters. Worst service ever, techs didn't install tonneau correctly, had to go back, owner re-installed it and it was still crooked. I wouldn't even send my ex wife there to buy anything-----Guy by the name of "Ray" was the owner. Check in Round Rock, I think there maybe a couple of dealers up there.
Jay

 

[JRussTX]

Interesting, the dealer who I bought mine from told me about the discount coupon on the LEER website. They also had the best price around, it was $1800 installed.
Something I forget to mention earlier, if the cap you get has a weather seal on the bottom of the hatch that touches the vehicle paint. Have the dealer install a clear paint protector strip on the tailgate to prevent wear.

You got a 100XR installed for $1800? My quote, with tax, was $2475.

That included the following:

100XR
Sliding Pet-windows on side
Fold down w/sliding front window
Headliner

I think maybe a light?

That was about it.

R

 

[JRussTX]

I bought a Leer tonneau cover from the Leer dealer out on North 183, Custom Truck Outfitters. Worst service ever, techs didn't install tonneau correctly, had to go back, owner re-installed it and it was still crooked. I wouldn't even send my ex wife there to buy anything-----Guy by the name of "Ray" was the owner. Check in Round Rock, I think there maybe a couple of dealers up there.
Jay

Wow, that was who I had a quote from, on Anderson Lane?

Man, glad I asked.. Thanks Pull

 

[Pull Ya]

Not on Anderson Lane---Custom Truck Outfitters is out North on 183----way north unless they changed locations. You can call me--5123031261
Jay

 

[crash68]

You got a 100XR installed for $1800? My quote, with tax, was $2475.

That included the following:

100XR
Sliding Pet-windows on side
Fold down w/sliding front window
Headliner

I think maybe a light?

Mine is a 100XL with a removable sliding front window. No headliner but the power lock was included There might have been some change involved but I do know it was $18**. out the door(about 2.5 years ago). This was for a new cap, it was also had the new style fuse box/wiring in the cap.
There is one light right above the hatch. The upgraded lighting for the cap was a joke, which is just a second light near the front.
I added LED strip lights to mine.

 

[Joes1500]

I have been running leers for around 15-20 years . Never any problems.

I do suggest getting the removable or fold down front window. Really makes it nice to clean the windows. Get the headliner , there is usually a coupon for it on there website. I also had the remote lock assembly put on my newest one. It works flawlessly with the factory system.

I do admit the lighting inside isn't the best, but that is easily fixed.

Paint match is and always has been perfect.

I would suggest against the frameless side windows. They look nice but are fragile and very expensive to replace. Also they do not open much and wont allow much airflow. The sliding windows with screens is the way to go if you have dogs back there.

To add to this. I have since installed a full bed rug and the color texture of the cap headliner and bedbug match great.

 

[JRussTX]

Well, I am sold on the non-frameless windows, but I called another ARE place to check pricing and they told me about some brand called Rancher Fiberglass or something.

Again, fiberglass, all other things equal, about 1500-ish .

So dang many choices, but, at least I know it will only be price.

I think the real test will be to go down and SEE them and see the quality.

I do not mind paying for quality, and the 2475 is already set aside for the cap, so.. heh

Thanks for all the input guys, and the awesome pictures.

Russ

 

[Joes1500]

I think the RANCHER brand is made here in Texas . I think read one time that is somewhere around San Antonio. But dont remember.

I had around 2200 - 2400 in mine after all said and done.

 

[JRussTX]

I just got a steal of a bid on an A.R.E. shell an hour from me.... so looks like A.R.E. is gonna be the one.. heh. Pictures to follow, but will be about a month

Thanks fellas!

Russ

 

[avantiguy]

I just got a steal of a bid on an A.R.E. shell an hour from me.... so looks like A.R.E. is gonna be the one.. heh. Pictures to follow, but will be about a month

Thanks fellas!

Russ

You'll like the ARE. I found a Z-series made in 2013 that had been on two Rams before I bought it. In spite of the fact it had been used pretty roughly by the second owner it was in top notch condition. I had to paint it to match my truck and I couldn't find any cracks or breaks in the topper when I stripped it.

If it doesn't have a lock that locks with you truck fob, you can buy one off the internet for about $175. I just wired it into the tailgate lock on my 14 Sport and it locks when the tailgate locks. Darn handy option.



It has the sliding window but I wish it had a fold down.

 

[JRussTX]

Eh... I opted for a V series. Someone made a great point of the fact that the replacement windows on the Z were high.. heh.. and the Z was a lot higher cost .. but, the Z is really nice, and that deal you got must have been sweet

I am told the keyless fob will not work with the V series


R