MT_Fin
Well-known member
Looking for input, going to purchase one soon for my new to me this year truck. Anyone have a preference on one brand over the other?
thanks!
Fin
thanks!
Fin
Truck Topper: Leer vs A.R.E.
- Thread starter MT_Fin
- Start date
Ridgerunner6901
Well-known member
Both are really good, pick the one with the features you like if you plan on keeping it long term, I went cheap on my current one and regret it.
belshawelk
Well-known member
I have had 3 leer tops. All great never leaked and good customer service. Had a couple shocks get weak after a couple years and they replaced for free.
MTPUBLICLAND
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- Joined
- Dec 21, 2013
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- 204
We are in the market for a topper also. I’ve been torn between these two brands as well. Curious to hear peoples experiences with them.
fishing4sanity
Well-known member
I've had both ARE and Leer. I was very happy with both and would feel confident buying either one based just on price or if one dealer is closer or color availability, etc.
pabearhunter
Well-known member
ARE. I have 6 are's and 1 LEER. Only problem was with LEER. The window door on back never fit right. Took it back and they tried to fix it but it was never right. I just put my 6th ARE on my new pickup last week. Good luck.
I have a Snugtop with internal frame, insulation,carpeted with adjustable topper frame. Holds 750lbs too.
Almost 20 yrs on it and only problem is the screens finally got ripped. Oh I have replaced the door shocks twice. My truck has faded,but not the Snugtop.
Almost 20 yrs on it and only problem is the screens finally got ripped. Oh I have replaced the door shocks twice. My truck has faded,but not the Snugtop.
LuketheDog
Well-known member
I have had a Leer 100R for about 2 years now, it looks nice but I wouldn't buy it again. Fitment of the aluminum trim pieces and the removable front window are terrible, I can stick my fingers through it if the window is pushed all the way to one side, the side windows leak like crazy when it rains. I had to replace the rear window after I accidentally left it open and backed out of the garage (oops), and the replacement window (which they guarantee is an identical replacement) is off by 1/2" from one side to the other.
grizzly_
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- Feb 18, 2013
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I've got a 14 year old Leer and a new Leer and they've both been flawless. Never tried ARE.
Woodrow F Call
Active member
Either will be about the same.
MT_Fin
Well-known member
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input. I’ve been looking for a used one since June and haven’t found any so I’m gonna nite the bullet and buy a new one.
I was leaning towards ARE, that’s what the local shop recommended (they sell both) but my wife likes the Leer’s “look” better and they have a free headliner coupon too so it’s a bit cheaper
I do like the single handle/lock on the ARE but I doubt that will matter much in actual usage.
I was leaning towards ARE, that’s what the local shop recommended (they sell both) but my wife likes the Leer’s “look” better and they have a free headliner coupon too so it’s a bit cheaper
I do like the single handle/lock on the ARE but I doubt that will matter much in actual usage.
Woodrow F Call
Active member
ARE usually has coupons too. I'd buy the one that has the features you like better.
Oh, windoors, while expensive, are worth the $450 per.
Oh, windoors, while expensive, are worth the $450 per.
Woodrow F Call
Active member
I'd probably go mid rise if I were buying today. Cab height is ok, but more room would be better. 
I bought a Leer three years ago for my Ram. Got the Leer Locker option and the mounts failed on my deer hunt in AZ this year. Leer wouldn't warranty it. Seems like a bad design to me. The cap has also gotten loose several times and rubbed the paint off of the top of my tailgate / truck bed. Won't be buying from them again.
sluggo6850
Well-known member
I have had Century toppers on my last 3 trucks and they were pretty good . When i bought this truck in 18 the dealer had quit handling century so my next option was leer. So far I have had good luck with it. My only complaint is there is only one handle on the rear door and they said when you shut it to put your hand on the knob and slam it. It doen't always lock on both sides. I also got the contractor doors which I wouldn't have a topper without them.
Woodrow F Call
Active member
I'm guessing you are offroading a bit. If anything is loose or allowed to move, driving off road or rough dirt roads, it's going to wreak havoc.
I haven't looked at the Leer Locker, but it would need to be really heavy duty to work. Videos I've seen of it don't look like theyd hold up.
If mounted on paint, it's going to rub. Worse if the cap gets loose. It shouldn't get loose though. That sounds like an installation issue to me.
I live just a few minutes from the Leer headquarters and have one of their caps on my Tundra. Had to take it back twice to get it adjusted to stop the leaks and it still gets wet in there if it rains hard enough. Another big gripe was that glue seeped out around one of the windows and excess glue was on the glass when I picked it up. As far as the leaking goes, I believe the removable front window is the culprit. They threw it in for free and I regret taking them up on it
MT_Fin
Well-known member
That is what I’ll be getting, either a Leer 180 or ARE MX, both are mid-rise.
