Truck Caps

[Murf]

Anybody have any recommendations on a good fiberglass truck topper for the bed. Heard someone bad mouthing the the A.R.E. (think that was the name) would like one thats easy on and off ;) :rolleyes: - does not need to be fancy - two side windows with screens and an insulated roof for sure tho - I'm looking at a Century - anybody had one?

[David Proske]

I have a Leer on mine. Haven't had it all that long but I like it so far.

http://community.webshots.com/user/bedias300

[gardnerteam]

I'm one of the people who have had terrible quality problems with ARE, BUT in all fairness, several on this forem have had great luck with them. I am waiting for my 3rd replacement in 18 months - been waiting for 6 months. ARE is in no hurry to solve their warranty problems, even though they agree to. Even my dealer is very frustrated. First cap had a terrible rear door seal and fit, broken handles after a few miles, and was finally replaced after 8 months of hollow promises. Next cap arrived with huge indentations on each side - sort of a inward bulge. Again, ARE promised to replace. The cap on it now has fractured sides and spyder type paint fractures all over one side. Again, ARE is promising to replace, but I am getting very tired of terrible quality and poor service. Prior to ARE, I had used Lear for 15 or more years with a total of 9 caps all used exactly the same as the use has been for the ARE. Never had one problem with them, and I see several of them still running around after I sold the trucks. They look as good as new. Only reason I bought ARE was the dealer had changed brands. As I previously stated, many on this page have ARE and have had good luck, but for me it has been a nightmare.

[mike.morris]

I have an ARE Z series cap on my 8' bed. Purchased it for my '99 ex cab gasser and liked it so much, I kept it to put on my '03 CC D/A. I had the cap painted and it looks great. If I get the motivation, I will post some pics. I can't say enough good about this cap. I have the electronic lock which locks with my keyless entry and pop lock tailgate lock. Works very well. No problems with this cap. I have had a bit of a seal leak around the door since the day I bought it, but it has not been inconvenient for me. Again, I have had good experience with this cap and I looked at all of them when I decided to purchase back in 2001. Hope this helps.

[K1XV]

I have an ARE Z cap. Got it in Feb 2003, and am pleased. The only problem I experienced was with the weatherstrip seal between the two windows on each side. The cap was purchased and installed in sub-zero weather, and the adhesive was not fully cured and started letting go. Some double sided auto emblem tape applied in warm weather took care of that.

I got little in the way of "extras" or options, other than the brake light (which I think is standard) and the optional clothes hanger rod inside. The color match to the truck is perfect. Makes it look, at a glance, like a Suburban on steroids.

[ronkdmax]

I also have a ARE Z Series. First one was a poor color match and paint was peeling below side window. Dealer didn't want any trouble so ordered me a new one. Got it in two weeks. Paint was better but window frames were kinked at all screws and seams didn't fit together tightly.
Already had to replace lock solenoid on back window and screen on one window is coming out. Also aluminum hardware is corroding.
Would look at Leer or Snugtop before ever giving ARE another try.

[FirstDiesel]

I currently have 2 ARE caps. My S10 has the cheaper series and the 3500 has the Z series. I have had zero issues with either cap. The S10 is a work truck and I can open the rear of it 10 or 15 times a day. No problem with the hardware, fit or leaking.

I went with the ARE because the dealer I work with switched to this brand because of quality issues with his previous brands. He claims almost zero issues with ARE and no problems dealing with the factory.

[Tsckey]

I like my Leer very much. Nicely finished, perfect paint match. Zero complaints.

TC

[nickm3]

Had a Jerico on my '95... nothing to complain about. Nice color match, good quality, no problems.

[NEAB]

I have a CoverMaster and believe it has a few advantages. The cab has sliding windows and screens and the paint matches real well, but the main reason I purchased it was because there was ample spce (10 inches or so) between the end (side closest to cab) and the window so that the bezel for the fuel filler could be easily installed. Also it is possible to buy with an inside rear window that folds down for easy cleaning, and a rear lift window with two locks (one on each side of the shell) to make it more theft adverse.

[Nixter]

I have the A.R.E. MX series mid-high cap and like it very much. I like the increase in headroom and rear door size that it offers over a cab high model. Many folks would probably say that it doesn't look as nice but I don't mind. My fuel mileage on the 22 foot land yaht doesn't seem to suffer much from it. I can get 20 highway with a light foot, and several hundred pounds of people and cargo (empty by my stanards though). The only gripe I have is that in low light situations the paint doesn't appear to have the same depth as the truck. You have to look closely to notice though. I don't think you would go wrong with Leer, Century or SnugTop either though. --Nick

[CTmax]

I have had both Century and A.R.E. Z series. No trouble with either. The paint match on the A.R.E. is perfect and the hardware seems heavier than the Century. The Century paint match on my last truck was close but not quite there. I was sold on the Century when the salesman (6' 180 +- lb)took a walk on top of the floor model. I would have no problem recommending either.

[HDLD]

Here's a pic of a white 2003 2500HD D/A SB from Leer's customer pics.

100XQ on 2500HD (http://www.leer.com/customertrucks/fullmer.jpg)

[Murf]

Thanks for all the info guys - ordered a Century with the drop away/sliding front window - carpeted and will be installing a Yakima Rack on it for four bikes and a ski box then its on the road this winter hauling the 28' Splash TT to points unknown!! Hope it all stays on!!