A.R.E., Leer & SnugTop Truck Cap Comparison 

On my last truck I had an ARE and after 4 years the glue/adhesives wore out allowing the shell to begin separating and coming apart. I contacted ARE, sent them pictures, and got a profuse apology from them. A few days later they gave me a brand new replacement. Customer service par excellence!!!!!!!

Wow, not only you sell them, but you give an honest reviews of their pros and cons of your product. God bless your business.

Finally an informative and detailed explanation of the pros and cons. You made up my mind. I was sold on the beefy hinge. I hate when products are under engineered forsaking quality for price.

i thought straight-up honesty was long gone...you sir have restored my faith...i have a good mind to drive out there to make my purchase...thank you!!!

Just a heads up I recently bought (12/2020) a Leer 180 for my new F-150 and it has a continuous piano hinge along the top of the rear window, not two cheesy ones as in this video. Very happy with this Leer

I have an A.R.E. CX series cap on my 2005 Colorado that I use as my work truck, I bought the cap a little over a year ago and it has seen daily use. It has a Yakima roof rack that has seen daily use as well hauling a variety of loads, I have a rack that straps to the cab to support long loads also. It has performed very well, and I have been very happy with it. I like the looks of the Z series better, but wanted a framed back window because of the way I use my truck. Carpet liner is a must in my opinion.

God bless this man. An honest review from an expert.

Best comp video out there!! To bad Im not near vacaville would have ordered through you guys! Thanks for the solid comparison and the wearies of shell shock..not to mention sticker shock. Thanks again

Although I don't agree with all of your opinions, you gave a great review and definitely helped me to see more about what may or may not work and got me looking at the quality of the build because we are spending so much money. Example - I don't see the window not following the lines of the camper being a big deal for me aesthetically, but you are right to point it out - because of the money I will spend and it shows the manufacturer's attention to detail at least. Fun this review is based in Vacaville, used to live there.

I have a Leer 180 on my 2014 Tacoma.... happy with it for the most part.... no problems... solid build and quality....but as noted in the video the hinges do look to be the weak point.... noticed it right from the day I purchased it. Would go with a Leer again on my next truck but will now consider an ARE based on this video. Thank you!

Great vid! Thanks so much for the comparison!

I just sold my 2003 Tundra with the ARE shell with full walk-in door. I had both the truck with the shell (from close to day one). The shell looked and worked like new right up until I sold it. I just bought a new 2020 Tundra and will be putting a new ARE shell on this summer. I’m sold on ARE’s quality and appearance. I’ve owned Snug Tops before and I know ARE beats it hands down, but have never owned a Leer. All good products, but you can tell the workmanship of the ARE is superior.

To be fari, you should use the Leer 100XQ. That is their top of the line cap, which has carpet interior and heavier door hinges. Apples to apples

Good vid. Thanks. Been looking for something like this.

Fantastic description. Thanks so much for the information.

Great video thank you for putting this together

I'm on my second a.r.e. cx camper. No issues at all in the past 10years . Almost ready to purchase my 3rd for my f250. Will definitely be another a.r.e.

Ordered my A.R.E shell back in the beginning of Feb. right after receiving my new Silverado, and I just received it earlier this week (over 20 week wait) was told several times that it was being built and and that it would be shipped. Original time frame I was told was 10-12 weeks. After that just plan on getting the runaround. I even offered to drive up to Ohio and pick it up when they told me it was a shipping issue, only to find out that it hadn't been built and that it was just another line of BS they were coming up with. On a good note only 2 of the 4 windows leak....I like the function of the vented windoors but they leak pretty bad. Not looking forward to taking it the dealer, I'm sure they will make up some crap. Paid $3350.00. I recommend going with Leer (I have one on my Ram) it's been on for 12 years and have had NO issues. If I hadn't spent so mush I would take it off and use it for target practice then burn it to the ground. (With the so called fiberglass shortage) you can tell that the shell is much more flimsy than the older style. Have a nice day

Excellent video, thank you for posting this.

Thank you for the side by side comparison and explaining. My ARE purchase makes me feel good now. Thanks!

Nice video I learn a lot and I know which one I'm going to definitely be looking @.A R E that was a good video👍🏻

Great video, it just sold a cap for us. I am a fellow ARE dealer in Michigan. My customer, doing his research, came across this video and came back to buy. I owe you one and will be referring this video in the future!

Thank you for showing everyone these.

When driving down a dusty road, which one has the tightest fitting back window. On my Leers there was always a small gap on either side of the back window, so the fine duct would coat everything in the bed of my trucks...

Wow!! Thanks, Kevin!! It's pretty obvious , from your info., that "A.R.E.", makes the nicest toppers!!....

You lost me at A.R.E. customer service being great. However, this is still a useful video for some visual comparisons for someone x-shopping these models/brands. Thank you!

If I already have an existing Roll&Lock cover, can these canopy shell added on top or the Roll&Lock will have to be rid of? Thank you

I have a Leer, sadly it wasnt the "proper" fit for my truck. gmc sonoma. My lock on it was rusted. how can I replace that? Also, what can i place between the cap and back window to close the wrong fit cap. ?? apparently a window boot? but is there a way to give the "blend together" look? I thought a cap was great, til someone stole my stuff. I need to lock it all down asap :( .

This is a great video, very helpful, thank you.

Thanks for the quick overview, really useful :)

Well done, thank you!!! Blessings!!!

I have a '96 Leer on my '96 T100 and it has the original hinges and have a Snugtop on my '04 Tundra (did need a hinge repair)! I had an ARE on a previous truck and can honestly say that I think the ARE is the best quality!

Really excellent! Thank you.

I've had Snug Top and Leer on different Tacomas. The Leer has a particularly weak hinge system as described. Repeated rear window use pulled one of the piston brackets out of the fibreglass shell. The dealer just shrugged and said "they aren't meant to be used that much". ARE for me next time.

Thanks I have been researching tops for a long time. Your honest review has helped me make a wise decision. A.R.E. is the winner hands down 👍🏾

excellent review

do you sell the MX ARE truck cap with the full walk in door and how much

do you have for 2019 long bed tacoma

Ive owned 2 Leer caps on two different Chevy trucks and neither ever looked like they belonged on the truck so Im going with A.R.E for my 2018 Tundra so thank you for helping me decide. In your opinion what is the best method used for mating the cap to the bed rails? The Leer dealer told me they silicone the cap to the rails, not sure if I like that idea it sounds hard to get the cap off and would leave a mess to clean off the rails? (Im babying this baby :) traditionally ive seen the foam tape attached to the cap, your thoughts? PS thanks for pointing out the hinges.

Hi i wold like to know a good shell or cap for my truck i have a dodge dakota 2010 and i cant fine any in puerto rico can you help me

awesome video thanks!

Thank you for this information !!

Thanks so much for making this video!

Thanks for the video. You forgot to mention A.R.E. are 4 pieces glued together with epoxy. A fairly important piece of information.

Can you help me to find the window for my leer cap?

Why did you not talk about the two best ones at the bottom rack. The side opening Windows are very interesting.

I just bought a 2012 Nissan Titan, and I WANT/NEED one of these, for this truck!...

Nice review

Great concise review. I just started looking/considering truck caps for my Tundra as a form of an extension to my camper-additional visitors can sleep under one of these caps on an air mattress; they look nice too. Thanks for your reviews-very informative.

My 2009 ARE has peeling clear coat. Is that covered under warranty?

Thanks for helping me make a better decision.

great vid

I saw your video, I’m looking for a top for my 2011 Silverado 2500hd 6&1/2 foot bed. Any idea where I can find one?

I bought a Snug Top shell for my Dodge Ram and a few months later when it rained noticed the front window leaked. So I took it back to the dealer who told me Snug Top had used a defective window and had since began using a new window that didn't leak but I would have to pay a couple of hundred dollars to have the new window installed. I contacted Snug Top customer service but instead of taking responsibility for manufacturing a defective product they basically said it was my tuff luck. I'm about to buy another truck. Guess which shell I won't be buying?

very nice review. have you heard of Ranch brand?

What about roof racks for these brands and starting price?

It would be great if you became a dealer for RSI truck toppers: they are painted stainless steel with "windoors" on the sides, they have a great strength and good looks!

Good explanation.

Which is more secure on the rear tailgate door, a center latch or two latches?

Thank you for your time.

Do any of them use stainless steel metal hardware to avoid corrosion???

I'm researching tops now for a new F150. I have a Jason on my older F150. FWIW.....there is a RU-vid out there of an A.R.E. leaking water at the back window into the bed of the truck when it opens up.

Thank you!

This was helpful. Thank You.

Which one is the one in center lower row?

Excellent video, thanks! Wish I wasn't on the east coast, or I'd be driving there tomorrow.

Our ARE MX leaks at the tailgate like a spigot!! ARE couldn’t resolve the issue and suggested I deal with our dealer and our dealer told us that “no canopy is watertight and that they all leak and that if I wanted to ensure my truck items remain dry to use Rubbermaid storage bins!” I’ve had our canopy for a year and a half and every rain fall precipitates leaking. Issue unresolved!! Good luck...beware!!

Thank you sir, this was a helpful video, I will be going with the ARE Z I like the hidden hinges and seamless glass The Leer XQ also has an even more seamless glass appearance ( which you cannot slide open, only tilt open a couple inches) hidden hinges and comes with a liner stock, but I found a ARE Z new used for 700 that matchs my paint. I doubt I will find a Leer XQ at that value!

I am in the market, how about a updated comparison. I have a 2024 Nissan Frontier Pro4X 5' bed

Which of the 3 don't leak?

Stumbled on your channel when searching for a solution leaking ARE cap on a 2017 Silverado LT 6 ft bed. Took it to the dealer and basically told me to pound sand. Tried contacting Are, sent countless emails zero response, called 800 number no answer. Anyway, any ideas on stopping leaks at the front rail. Thanks

WHAT I HATE' Is the FKN price tags. CAP companies are doing drugs or have over priced homes to pay for. A working class, blue collar man wants to buy one,but not the fun prices they are asking, or better at demanding. SAVE your money buy a small trailer.

thank you

why are shells so expensive?

I would not go with Snugtop and here is why. I needed replacement keys for the lock on my Snugtop that I purchased with my truck about a year ago. Snugtop makes it really hard because they only allow you to get replacement keys with your local dealer. Luckily my local dealer was good and helped me do that. They also told me it would take about a month. This was a bummer since I was going on vacation in two weeks and hoped I could get them sooner, but I understood sometimes things just take time and that was okay. Well I called my dealer yesterday at my 29 day mark and was told that I would need to wait another week, but they could not give me a firm date on when the keys would arrive. I was a little disturbed that I couldn't get a straight answer so I went straight to Snuptops website to contact them and inquire about my keys. First of all the online written contact request is garbage, they do not call you back even though it says someone will reach out to you. So I actually called them after no response in 24 hours. Well that was worse as the lady who picked up acted like I was an idiot because I was concerned about buying or recommending a Snugtop product in the future when I couldn't even have a simple set of keys in a timely manner. She literally said, "well that is ridiculous you would think that." She then just continued with a belittling tone. Well I made up my mind right there this was my last snugtop transaction ever. I get a lot of compliments on my Tacoma to include the Snugtop, but after this type of customer support I will never recommend someone buy their product. I was very polite with her and never got upset, but she still treated me like garbage. Call was on 07/15/2021 at around 1:30 PM MST. If Snugtop reads this... I suggest you fix your customer service if you want to stay profitable.

I had a 1986 toyota pickup log beed haw mash for aluminum camper shell for this truck

I had an 2001 Tundra w/a Leer shell. It had the same hinge as the ARE, so be sure your providing the complete story. I don't think the Leer you showed was their top model, which comes with the same hinge as the ARE. I'm about to invest in a new shell for my RAM 1500 & will consider ARE alongside Leer.

I've got a truck Nissan patrol pickup model 2016 Do you have a model cap fit to my car.

Thanks 🙏. I have a 2018 Snugtop on my 6’ Toyo off-road. What’s the weight limit? Can I put a tent on top? Thanks

So 4 years later is your opinion the same?

How much would one of these have cost back in the late 90’s. Ranch.

The cool thing about these Camper shells definitely looks like an SUV For sure

Where do I order a ARE lock ? Mine is starting to fail, tried lock it and it’s just spinning

I have the ARE Z on an 08 F150. I have had The latch fail twice and the replacements are hard to get. Have to drive forty miles one way to order from a dealer then go again and pick them up when they come in. Why can I not just order from ARE and have delivered to my door. I sourced my own repair part this last time [ third fail] and it has lasted almost a year. Looks great fits great but the latches suck.

I just had an RSI Smartcap installed on my 2021 Ranger Lariat FX4. Beats the socks off of these standard type of canopies in the video.

What about Unicover?

Beautiful

pongan direccion y precios gracias

Had the worst experience with Leer. It leaked from day one went back to dealer 3 times and once to factory with leak never repaired

Best cap video out there! Thank you!

what sucks about Ford super crews , is that 5 foot 6 inch bed will only fit someone that tall or shorter to sleep in

100xl isn’t Leers top. 100XQ Good video! 👍🏼

How much please ?

I appreciate the comparison, but what about the prices? Shouldn't a comparison also give the price difference? It was it intentionally left out?

thanks

I disagree that SnugTop uses proprietary parts, or Leer for that matter, both ARE and Leer have unique door handles, even on the lower-end AREs, they have non-standard t-handles, but so does Leer. What you left out about AREs is they don't have a bulb rubber seal on the base rails-ARE'S require the neoprene foam tape, both SnugTop and Leer have the rubber on the rails. ARE also doesn't come pre-wired with quick disconnects, again, something the other two brands do. Like all tops, certain models look good on certain trucks. I like how an ARE fits on a new Tacoma, but on a Superduty, the SnugTop looks best. On the new Chevy/GM trucks, the Leer 100XQ looks awesome. SnugTops are also a bit thicker in their construction with that honeycomb roof, but at the end of the day, it comes down to look and style, and what fits someone's needs. All three are good, quality brands.

looks great.....

He LOVES the ARE because of the margins =$$$

Great review. I was a fan of LEER, but now it is A.R.E. :-) Best regards from Denmark, the land of vikings

Although ARE has an inferior mounting system to both snugtop and leer.