1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Need pre-purchase advice for camper shell, ARE vs Leer

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by badsector, Sep 1, 2016.

  1. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:11 AM
    #1
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Our family just got our first dog this summer (yellow lab), now that she's reached full size, there's just not enough room for the kids and her in the back of my double cab, it's time for the pooch to move to the bed. I want to be sure she getting enough air flow in the summer months, so I'm leaning toward a sliding window on the sides... the pop out vents don't seem adequate. I'm also leaning toward windoor option b/c we do a lot of camping and I want to have easy access to things from the sides of the truck.

    ARE and Leer are my choices available in my area. Here are the quotes I asked for:

    ARE = $2536.98
    CX Series
    Options: windoors on side, flip down front glass with slider, 12v dome lt & dual LED light strips, 12v outlet, carpet headliner, Yakima tower rack.

    Leer = $2306.00
    100R series, windoor sliders, removable front slider glass, Adventure Sports Package (Thule rack system, ceiling mounted gear net, 3-way 12v outlet, dual dome lights, carpet headliner, and a thule rack accessory choice)

    Is ARE and Leer pretty similar in quality/customer service? I've never had a camper shell before so would love any advice on things maybe I haven't considered etc.
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2016
    bandit likes this.
  2. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:14 AM
    #2
    bandit

    bandit New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Member:
    #2855
    Messages:
    1,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Supercharged Mazzulla Long Travel Rock Warrior
    Duh Tundra
    ARE has leer beat in customer service in my opinion. As far as quality go both are about equal. I've had snug tops in the past as well that performed great for my dogs also. Those are the three, personally that i'd stick with.
     
    jstchilln likes this.
  3. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:15 AM
    #3
    bandit

    bandit New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Member:
    #2855
    Messages:
    1,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Supercharged Mazzulla Long Travel Rock Warrior
    Duh Tundra
  4. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:47 AM
    #4
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Yeah that xtravsion is nice... the closest snugtop dealer to me is about 900 miles away which puts it out of the running.
     
  5. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:48 AM
    #5
    bandit

    bandit New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Member:
    #2855
    Messages:
    1,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Supercharged Mazzulla Long Travel Rock Warrior
    Duh Tundra
    Most dealerships can order it for you.
     
  6. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:50 AM
    #6
    bandit

    bandit New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Member:
    #2855
    Messages:
    1,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Supercharged Mazzulla Long Travel Rock Warrior
    Duh Tundra
    Snug top also offers a boot that will seal the bed/camper to the back window of the cab so your AC can pass through if you want.
     
    avssuc likes this.
  7. Sep 1, 2016 at 9:22 AM
    #7
    SOCO Tundra

    SOCO Tundra When do you stop being the FNG?

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #3892
    Messages:
    72
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    bsr
    SOCO
    Vehicle:
    '16 SR5 TRD Off Road, DBL Cab, Super White
    Leer topper, MagnaFlow, TRD CAI, TRD Hvy skid plate, and I want less chrome!
    I have had three Leers in succession on my Tacos and now Tundra. White is easy to match, and the finish on the Leers are flawless.
    2K seems high, but I guess it's where you live. Leer, maybe a short term special, gave me a free front slider and drop window, and carpet kit. I paid for the dog screens and a Thule rails, @ 1800. Maybe base your decision on aftermarket stuff?

    The topper fits the rear cab contours like a boss. I think everyone has opinions based on what they have owned, and the Leers have been nothing but solid from my experience.
     
  8. Sep 1, 2016 at 10:27 AM
    #8
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
    Member:
    #774
    Messages:
    2,252
    Gender:
    Male
    Western PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7 4x4 CM
    SnugTop is not even an option for those of us living in the East Coast. I was surprised to find that they have been in business for such a long time yet have no market penetration. My guess is that they don't want to produce caps for colder climate.

    I don't have a cap but I almost bought one (I did my share of reading and visiting dealers, etc.). From what I've read, it seems ARE is slightly of better quality. They also have stronger (thicker) roof.
     
  9. Sep 1, 2016 at 11:11 AM
    #9
    mverkaik

    mverkaik New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2016
    Member:
    #4368
    Messages:
    297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Hamilton, MI
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD PRO CrewMax
    WeatherTech Floorliners Toyota Running Boards Reflex Liner Truxedo X15 Pro cover.
    I love my ARE CX.

    I have all the options you listed except for the carpet and the stuff that is hard wired into the truck. I opted for the battery light.

    My dad has own ARE and Leer and OMO the ARE is a better product.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  10. Sep 1, 2016 at 3:17 PM
    #10
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    tagging. Thinking of an ARE Z series or that new snugtop xtra vision..would look nice on my black CM with method wheels.

    [​IMG]
     
    CJ21 likes this.
  11. Sep 1, 2016 at 3:42 PM
    #11
    HTGreen

    HTGreen New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2015
    Member:
    #2221
    Messages:
    250
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Halsey
    Central Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 TRD Tundra Quicksand
    I noticed that you are in Richmond, Va, I have gotten 2 Leer caps from Leonards in Fredericksburg, great caps, ones on my 2015 Tacoma and the other on my 2016 Tundra, both cost less than you are paying.and both had the Thule tracks and racks, but lacked the carpet and extra lighting and plugs, definely get the removal front cap window, makes easier to clean windows
     
  12. Sep 1, 2016 at 6:15 PM
    #12
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    post pics and feedback when you have it. thx
     
  13. Sep 3, 2016 at 11:06 AM
    #13
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Thanks for the heads up, I'll contact the Fredericksburg dealer on Tuesday... I got a quote from another ARE dealer in Charlottesville for $2204 so I'm leaning that way right now.

    Everyone I really appreciate the feedback... I'll let you guys know how it turns out and post some pics when I get the camper.
     
  14. Sep 3, 2016 at 12:28 PM
    #14
    HTGreen

    HTGreen New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2015
    Member:
    #2221
    Messages:
    250
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Halsey
    Central Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 TRD Tundra Quicksand
    Forgot to mention, discount coupons on the Leer website, I used the Thule one for both.
     
  15. Sep 8, 2016 at 4:25 PM
    #15
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Ok I pulled the trigger on an ARE CX shell. I scrubbed the LED light strips and will install those myself which saved some money, and after chatting with my local dealer a while, he friendly upped a bit and gave me 10% off which brought the price down to $2260 after taxes and installation. Not too bad considering all the options I upgraded to. Should have it in 2-3 weeks, I'll post pics then.

    Thanks everyone!
     
  16. Sep 8, 2016 at 5:42 PM
    #16
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3273
    Messages:
    641
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited CM 4 x 4
    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    This is my ultra cheap alternative to built in lights. This is the third topper I have done this with. It lights up the entire cap very well.



    P7020092.jpg

    I really like the opening side windows. My dealer has had a lot of trouble getting my ARE to fit. It rubbed a little at first. Just a heads up to check the gap from the top to the body yourself.
     
    f86sabjf and CJ21 like this.
  17. Sep 8, 2016 at 5:52 PM
    #17
    mverkaik

    mverkaik New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2016
    Member:
    #4368
    Messages:
    297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Hamilton, MI
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD PRO CrewMax
    WeatherTech Floorliners Toyota Running Boards Reflex Liner Truxedo X15 Pro cover.
    This is a very correct statement. The ARE fits really nice but you need to err on the side of too much filler between the box and the cap. I like the ARE because it does not have a huge gap between the box and the cap.
    I ended up with a product from Extruded Solutions. It is called the Ultra Cap seal and works very well to keep the cap far enough off the rails to prevent rubbing. (http://extrudedsolutions.com/products.html)
    They are a small company out of the Chicagoland area. I stopped in one day on a business trip and they are very helpful.
     
    NoobTruckin likes this.
  18. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:07 PM
    #18
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    How much gap should there be? And where should I measure from, top center between cab and shell or all around?
     
  19. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:14 PM
    #19
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3273
    Messages:
    641
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited CM 4 x 4
    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    The gap between the shell and your paint all the way around. I check using a piece of thin cardboard as a feeler gauge. If you look closely you will see paint touch up where the top rubbed the paint off my truck at the arrow.

    Tundra gap.jpg
     
  20. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:21 PM
    #20
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Ahh I see what you mean, I thought you were talking about the back of truck cab and the camper shell... didn't realize there was so much overhang on the bed rails.
     
  21. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:25 PM
    #21
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    I have the Z ARE. Got mine off Craigs List for $200. Made in 2008. Paid another $195 for a new driver side window plus a new set of keys. Best thing, it was the same color as my Tundra. SCORE!!
     
    TheBeast[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:29 PM
    #22
    CaptTyler

    CaptTyler Life’s too short to have an ugly boat.

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2015
    Member:
    #1561
    Messages:
    1,461
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tyler
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2018 Ram 2500 Cummins

    @Over the LINE
    I like your sticker.
    I'm involved with Quail Forever.
    Do lots of quail hunting down here and we do some woodcock and grouse in Northern Michigan.
    :threadjacked:




    But regarding the topic, I had an ARE topper on my last truck and it was fantastic. Had the side opening windows. Never had one leak. Would possibly like one for this truck but man they don't come cheap.
     
  23. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:33 PM
    #23
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Mine also came with the front drop down window too. I had to repaint the inside because it was outside on a trailer for quite some time. I'm going to get it repainted, maybe. My friend will do it for another 2$ bills. I have $395 so so far invested. Another $200.... $595... Not bad. A very good topper.
     
    TheBeast likes this.
  24. Sep 9, 2016 at 1:47 AM
    #24
    mverkaik

    mverkaik New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2016
    Member:
    #4368
    Messages:
    297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Hamilton, MI
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD PRO CrewMax
    WeatherTech Floorliners Toyota Running Boards Reflex Liner Truxedo X15 Pro cover.
    If the seal between your rails and the cap crushes to less than ¼" you will have body contact. Be sure to tell your dealer about this before they set the thing on your truck.
     
  25. Sep 29, 2016 at 4:48 PM
    #25
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Well, the A.R.E. dealer was supposed to install my camper shell today... Apparently, the A.R.E. factory can't read the order invoice specs correctly. It was missing the yakima tracks and had standard windoors instead of the vented windoors.

    This really put me in a pickle as I'm heading over to Overland Expo East next week and am not able to mount my awning and tent. The mgr called the account rep.. they said it would be 3 weeks for a replacement, not a happy camper!

    After brainstorming a bit, he called their other stores in the state and was able to find the yamika tracks at one of them and had them delivered for tomorrow morning...the dealer will install the tracks themselves. I told him I was ok as long as they installed straight and true and will not have any warranty issues. That will at least give me the ability to mount my awning and tent for Expo next week. The vented windoors will be ordered from the factory and installed later.

    So I have a 1pm appt for installation tomorrow... hoping to have a camper shell and pics for you guys.

    On the plus side, I ordered a bedrug from Amazon and installed it. First bedrug and got to say, the padding on the knees is fantastic.

    s67p9xBUBstiBvVkqzCJqZTSHegVNx4glBZa5W4X_429c45a6ac81b217759d7976dc73156b7b064595.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2016
    Black Wolf and Wvmoonshiner like this.
  26. Sep 30, 2016 at 5:56 AM
    #26
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3273
    Messages:
    641
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited CM 4 x 4
    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    I love my rack. Installed it myself. It is a discontinued Thule but there are similar versions out there.
    P8230007.jpg
     
    Uhhhh.... likes this.
  27. Sep 30, 2016 at 9:11 AM
    #27
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    Looks fantastic... how long are those cross bars?
     
  28. Sep 30, 2016 at 11:22 AM
    #28
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3273
    Messages:
    641
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited CM 4 x 4
    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    About five feet. I can measure if you need. I got them from a place call Rack Warehouse online a long time ago. Re-used the rack from my Titan. I think the closest thing out there right now is a Trac-Rac product.
     
  29. Sep 30, 2016 at 11:27 AM
    #29
    badsector

    badsector [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3930
    Messages:
    49
    Richmond, VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black Rock Warrior DC
    Expedition One Front Bumper w/Warn 10-S winch TRD Dual Exhaust ARE CX Camper Shell OME 613 Full suspension kit with Dakar rear springs.
    No need to measure.. approximation is fine. I ordered 58" yakima bars and am hoping they will have a similar amount of overhang like yours, we'll find out soon enough... the cap is being installed right now and UPS is scheduled to deliver my yakima bars/towers today.
     
  30. Sep 30, 2016 at 11:34 AM
    #30
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    I'm kinda new to roof tents and caps but will the cap take the weight of the roof tent + people inside ?
     

Products Discussed in

To Top