Which Topper Brand?

[Bramic71]

Hello everyone. I have been contemplating a topper for my 2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab. My first thought was to find a good used one, but being in western ND, that idea has been impossible. There are tons of Ford and Chevy toppers, but very few if any for a Ram.
So much so, that I have decided on purchasing a new one. There are ARE, Leer, Century, and Unicover brands, all within 300 miles. Unicover is out, due to there not being a dealer close to my actual home close to Pensacola.
I need advice deciding on one of the other three brands. All of which have dealers close to home. Quality, and customer service, are the most important issues to me.
What has been you guys experience with these brands? Hopefully I am not beating a dead horse with this question. Thank you in advance.

 

[6.7CumminsDrvr]

I’ve had an ARE Z Series on 2 different trucks. They are pricey but top notch IMO.

I grew up not to far from P’cola, whatcha do’n up in ND?

 

[17Delmonico]

My previous cap was an ARE that I had for about 18 years. I chose ARE since they were the closest dealer to me. 18 years later, and it was still in great shape.
My current cap is a LEER. Mainly because the ARE dealer closed, so I can only get a LEER without driving a hundred miles or more. I've had it for a year so far, and it's just as good as the ARE. They are both about the same price for the same options.

 

[crash68]

I've a Leer 100XL that built real well, but one of the rear window gas struts is getting weak(not raising all the way in the cold). Windows, locks and latches all work real good. The color match to my Bright Silver truck looks like it was painted with the truck.
I did add some extra LED strip lighting as the factory light isn't that great.

 

[Pull Ya]

ARE, Leer and Snug Top seem to be the "big 3" I've had a Leer and a Snug Top. Both did a good job were relatively well made and both had windows that leaked(eventually fixed). They were both paint matched and the match was very good. The down side was that neither one of them was very cheap, although I think you get what you pay for as far as toppers are concerned. I'd recommend either one of them.
Jay

 

[avantiguy]

I have an ARE Z-series that has been on three Rams since 2013 and painted twice. It has not cracked nor any other issues since I painted and installed it on my 14 Sport.

A couple of thoughts. I installed the power lock one the ARE cap so the cap unlocks with the tailgate on the Ram, very handy. I'd also suggest the swing down front window for easy cleaning if you buy it new.

Also be sure you buy the one that fits the quad cab as there are noticeable differences in the cab contour.






Are Z series are really nice caps.

 

[JB1]

Which one fastens down the best without moving over time?

 

[Bramic71]

Hi everyone. I have a question about topper brands. I have been contemplating putting a topper on the truck for a while now. I work in North Dakota, but my home is in Florida. The topper brands that I can get here that we have back at home, are ARE, Leer, and Century. There are also Ranch toppers back home, but the closest dealer here is 600 miles away. The others are about 300 miles away.
What has been you guys experience with the brands I have listed (customer service, warranty, quality, etc.)? Brands that you would buy again, and ones that you would not.
It is an expensive investment, and I am just looking to go with the best. These are the ones I am contemplating:
Century Ultra
Leer 100R & 180
ARE V Series & MX
That you gentleman ahead of time for any advice that you can give me.

 

[Pull Ya]

See if this recent thread answers any of your questions
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/shell-canopy-thoughts.138082/page-5#post-1987728
Jay

 

[huntergreen]

Which one fastens down the best without moving over time?

None of them should move, just check the fasteners once a year.. not that mine ever came loose.

 

[JB1]

None of them should move, just check the fasteners once a year.. not that mine ever came loose.

I swear someone here mentioned his current topper attached differently/better than the standard clamps

 

[huntergreen]

I swear someone here mentioned his current topper attached differently/better than the standard clamps

Don't know what could be better. In the eighties, holes were drilled in the truck and bolted on. Many caps cracked around the attachment points and woof fly off the truck at speed. Clamp style fasteners seem to work well.

 

[huntergreen]

I have found caps to be pretty trouble free. Just make sure it is installed properly.

 

[Bramic71]

I’ve had an ARE Z Series on 2 different trucks. They are pricey but top notch IMO.

I grew up not to far from P’cola, whatcha do’n up in ND?

I have been up here in the oilfield for 5 out of the last seven years. After five winters, I am ready to go home to Pace/Milton.

 

[Bramic71]

You guys rock! Thank you all for the replies, and pics of the great looking trucks and toppers.

 

[6.7CumminsDrvr]

I have been up here in the oilfield for 5 out of the last seven years. After five winters, I am ready to go home to Pace/Milton.

I hear ya, gotta love the weather on the Gulf Coast

 

[Bramic71]

Do any of you gut have the mid rise toppers? Such as the Leer 180, ARE MX, or Raider Cobra? I am interested in a mid rise, but I don’t see a lot of pics for the 4th generation Ram. Also, do you like the added height? Thanks

 

[Purplert]

I have been up here in the oilfield for 5 out of the last seven years. After five winters, I am ready to go home to Pace/Milton.

Oh ****! Small world lol


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[Bramic71]

Oh ****! Small world lol


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Where are you located?

 

[NorthStar1]

A different fastening system? SnugTop Rebel!

I purchased my Rebel almost a year ago and it has performed flawlessly. It has J-Hooks that are integrated into the unit which hold the topper on to the bed of the truck. In Pic #3 you can see the J-Hook holding the topper to the rail of the bed. It is solid and although I've checked over time to ensure they are tight, I never find them loose or the topper moving. IMHO it is a better system than drilling or clamps as it is factory integrated into the rail and can be removed with no unsightly holes to the rail or clamps that loosen or move over time.

Pic #1: Truck with SnugTop Rebel installed
Pic #2: Top of left side rail of the Rebel...see the bolt heads which are part of the J-Hook system
Pic #3: Bottom of the left rail of the Rebel...see the J-Hook which holds it in place.
Pic #4: Back of the truck with BedRug on top of factory bed liner. Dog bed and first aid/rag bin.