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ARE vs Snugtop

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Tkuramata, Dec 25, 2019.

?

Which is better/preferred?

  1. ARE Z Series

    57.8%
  2. Snugtop Rebel

    42.2%
  1. Dec 25, 2019 at 9:42 PM
    #1
    Tkuramata

    Tkuramata [OP] New Member

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    Deciding between an ARE Z series and a Snugtop Rebel for my silver 2008 crewmax. Thoughts on what's better? Pros and cons from current owners? Pictures always appreciated. Thanks
     
  2. Dec 25, 2019 at 9:53 PM
    #2
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    I think the fit of the ARE looks better. The SnugTops look like they hang down too far over the bed on our trucks, in my opinion. Everyone is going to have an opinion on quality, but it's a fiberglass mold at the end of the day—they're more or less all about the same.
     
  3. Dec 25, 2019 at 9:54 PM
    #3
    Tkuramata

    Tkuramata [OP] New Member

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    That is one thing that I have noticed that the ARE has cleaner lines and fits better. Appreciate the input
     
    BuckWallace likes this.
  4. Dec 25, 2019 at 9:58 PM
    #4
    NoRcptn

    NoRcptn Better than mediocre poster

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    I’ve had ARE, LEER, Snugtop. They were all the same to me. Went with ARE on the 3rd gen for exactly the reason you stated and that lip hangs down too much.
     
  5. Dec 25, 2019 at 10:01 PM
    #5
    Tkuramata

    Tkuramata [OP] New Member

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    Ya the fit on yours is super clean. Almost seems like there is no overhang
     
  6. Dec 25, 2019 at 10:02 PM
    #6
    NoRcptn

    NoRcptn Better than mediocre poster

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    Not really, just enough. I think it’s about .25”-.5” I can measure tomorrow if you want.
     
    Tkuramata[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Dec 26, 2019 at 10:05 AM
    #7
    NoRcptn

    NoRcptn Better than mediocre poster

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    image.jpg image.jpg I was wrong. It barely covers the black plastic top cap. image.jpg
     
    tundra_20 and Tkuramata[OP] like this.
  8. Dec 27, 2019 at 8:50 PM
    #8
    redhat

    redhat Leadfarmer

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    Nothing but good stuff.
    I went with the ARE cause I thought the lines were cleaner and the angle of the windows. I didn’t like the big overhang snugtop had either.

    7376993B-9B99-4D5D-BD59-23BD39463A58.jpg
     
  9. Dec 27, 2019 at 10:03 PM
    #9
    Salty Shakas

    Salty Shakas MTN OPS

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    Go with ARE, in my opinion it fits the Tundra much better than the snugtops
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  10. Dec 27, 2019 at 10:38 PM
    #10
    ESTundra937

    ESTundra937 All American Paratrooper

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    I was pretty close to going with ARE since we use them on our work trucks. Then I saw the poster of the new SnugTop GB Sport. Had to have it. Loving the gas prop up window that allows me to drive with it open. Also got the rack mounts and reinforced shell to hold more weight along with the power lock. Installed a BedRug and a Prinsu rack for my RTT and Nomad 270 awning. Really happy with it so far.
    20191208_113749.jpg
    20191221_143724.jpg
     
  11. Dec 28, 2019 at 12:27 PM
    #11
    Tundra9831

    Tundra9831 New Member

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    Can you post up a photo with the Prinsu rack? Do you know how long the Yakima tracks are on the roof of the Snugtop? I'm getting closer to ordering this set-up. Thanks!
     
  12. Dec 28, 2019 at 2:22 PM
    #12
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    The pop-up front window is one really cool feature of the SnugTops. You cna get the removable windows on the ARE/Leer versions, but I'd say it's nicer just being able to pop it up.
     
    PNWOffroader likes this.
  13. Dec 28, 2019 at 4:05 PM
    #13
    CP17Tundra

    CP17Tundra New Member

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    yes, that. I bought ARE for that reason alone. Ships from factory Jan 9.....
     
  14. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:06 PM
    #14
    ESTundra937

    ESTundra937 All American Paratrooper

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    No problem. The Yakima tracks are 57 inches from the tip of each rail cap. Here are some pics of the Prinsu shell rack as well.
    20191228_163712.jpg 20191228_163747.jpg
     
  15. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #15
    ESTundra937

    ESTundra937 All American Paratrooper

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    Yeah they all have their pros and cons. They are all really nice and expensive as well so it can be a tough choice. It all comes down to what the primary function of the shell will be and what you're willing to compromise on. Good luck to the OP and his decision. Regardless of which one you choose, they all look badass when they're on a TUNDRA! :thumbsup:
     
    tundra_20 likes this.
  16. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #16
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    you could take a nap in that bed. Looks comfy :)
     
  17. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:15 PM
    #17
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    all brands have issues. there is a thread on ARE issues somewhere in the forum. I say go with the shell shop that has the best CS in your town.
     
  18. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:18 PM
    #18
    ESTundra937

    ESTundra937 All American Paratrooper

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    I just might on the next Ocotillo trip. The kids can have the RTT pentouse. :rofl:
     
    tundra_20 and TheBeast[QUOTED] like this.
  19. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #19
    Tundra9831

    Tundra9831 New Member

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    Thanks a ton....looks great :muscleflexing:
     
  20. Dec 29, 2019 at 11:19 AM
    #20
    Fishman57

    Fishman57 New Member

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    A tonneau cover met my needs better on this truck but I had ARE’s on my two previous truck and loved them. But I do have to admit that the SnugTop that you put on looks slicker. Good luck with it!
     
  21. Mar 1, 2020 at 6:59 PM
    #21
    ChickenBender

    ChickenBender New Member

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  22. Mar 3, 2020 at 12:53 PM
    #22
    PNWOffroader

    PNWOffroader New Member

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    I really liked the A.R.E but went with the Snugtop for the fold up window. Put the Windoors on both sides so I have easy access in all corners. So Far so good.
     
  23. Mar 3, 2020 at 1:17 PM
    #23
    Tzvia

    Tzvia Just an old woman in a pickup truck.

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    Just a Bed Rug and Snugtop XTRA Vision
    I had Snugtop HiLiners on my previous 2 Toyota trucks, and just love that model, but it would have made my Tundra too high to fit in the parking structure at work so looked at ARE and other Snugtops. There was something about the look of the Rebel, not sure what, that I was not impressed with. Then I saw the XTRA Vision, maybe it was the larger side windows, but I like that look. The flip up front window sealed the deal. With a BedRug installed, the interior looks awesome and is easy to crawl around in without hurting the knees, and I've slept back there on vacation. The large windows for ventilation and inside lock/unlock pop lock made truck camping pleasant. I don't mind the overhanging lip on the outside, beats a short tight lip that rubs the paint off at the rear corners (there is a thread here about an ARE that damaged the corners of the truck). The lip does not contact the paint, and maybe it helps keep water from getting in. I never had water issues with my Snugtops unless I was stupid and left the windows open.

    Having had Snugtops on my trucks since 95, with nothing but good things to say about them over the decades, was a big factor in not switching to something else.
     
    Overisland, aperezsh and EBenke like this.
  24. Mar 3, 2020 at 1:27 PM
    #24
    1971sport

    1971sport New Member

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    I have no issues with my snug top rebel20190821_095656.jpg 20190817_112218.jpg
     
  25. Mar 7, 2020 at 6:34 PM
    #25
    AdventureAddict

    AdventureAddict New Member

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    I have the ARE overland, liked the shape/lines of ARE better and the fact that it didnt overhang as much as the snugtop. Recently I have noticed some rubbing on my tailgate because the ARE fits a little tight. Snugtop and Leer seem to leave more room for the overhang and have less rub. Overall I have been happy with my ARE and like the look of the overland with rhino lined strip IMG_9915.jpg
     
    AggiePhil likes this.
  26. Mar 11, 2020 at 11:26 AM
    #26
    scottb2240

    scottb2240 New Member

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    ARE has my vote too. Mainly for the lines and the lack of bulky overhang. My old truck had an ARE for over 10 years with no serious issues.
     
  27. May 10, 2020 at 3:58 PM
    #27
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw Fourth Year Member

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    Which are is that?
     
  28. May 10, 2020 at 5:14 PM
    #28
    myt1

    myt1 New Member

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    The top on my avatar (is that what it is called?) is a SnugTop. Mine is 9.5 years old and I'm very happy with it.
     
  29. May 10, 2020 at 5:42 PM
    #29
    Bronzeback

    Bronzeback New Member

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  30. May 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM
    #30
    Quikrete

    Quikrete New Member

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    Another vote for snugtop. I was looking at both ARE and snugtop but with the windoors, I liked the way the windows were placed on the fiberglass shell on the snugtop (filled in the entire space). As far as the additional overhang I was planning to debadge my entire truck so I wasn’t worried about if the TRD off-road sticker was going to be covered up. The flip up window has come in really handy. DA503F93-E257-4052-8A23-48CBD3AA7B1B.jpg3A25ACA8-0D4C-4DD2-BC4B-4E388DBC86F6.jpg
     
    1hkfan, RookieEP, Tundra Fan and 3 others like this.

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