A.R.E. vs Snugtop vs LEER

[FROGMAN524]

Any opinions on a cap for my new truck? Quality or fitment differences? Local dealer says they can get an A.R.E. Z2 the quickest.

 

[4Waters]

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[brianwhiteboy]

From what I’ve seen and have been told, Leer owns Snugtop and operations are based out of Mexico now. Snugtop I would say is the cleanest of the bunch with sleeker looking lines and hardware. I have a Snugtop for our Colorado.

The industry as a whole is kinda dying from what my shell dealer told me. The cost and quality are going in inverse directions. Parts can be hard to come by. Once Snugtop moved to Mexico things went downhill.

On my new Snugtop (about 1 year old) I had to warranty the rear glass right away because of imperfections impregnated in it. But it was still the cleanest looking shell out there.

 

[skiracr]

Check out Smart Cap

Truck Caps, Pick-Up Truck Canopy & Camper Shells

SmartCap is the world's first modular stainless steel truck canopy system. Its 5-piece design lets you customize your truck's camper shell.

www.na.rsismartcap.com

1000% This will be my next shell. A little more expensive up front but well worth it for longevity.

 

[4Waters]

1000% This will be my next shell. A little more expensive up front but well worth it for longevity.

I'm most likely putting one on my truck as well, @Jefftowz has one so I got to look at it a little, really nice

 

[JD D05]

Check out Smart Cap

Truck Caps, Pick-Up Truck Canopy & Camper Shells

SmartCap is the world's first modular stainless steel truck canopy system. Its 5-piece design lets you customize your truck's camper shell.

www.na.rsismartcap.com

My dad was obsessed with having one and now he hates it. It leaks bad, like really bad and he rattled off other shit but I wasn't paying attention.

 

[JD D05]

Any opinions on a cap for my new truck? Quality or fitment differences? Local dealer says they can get an A.R.E. Z2 the quickest.

Prob A.R.E. I was pretty happy with one I got about a year ago. I have had 2 Leer's and the paint has cracked within a hear on both of them.

 

[MeCasa16]

I have a LEER. I have no complaints. It took a several weeks to get, but that was during Covid times.

 

[2Driver]

My last 2 were ARE. One on a Gladiator and one on a Tundra. Very happy with both

 

[Scott4593]

We have had this one from OVS on our tundra for 8 months now and it’s been great

Expedition - Truck Cap W/Full Wing Doors, Front and Rear Windows & 3rd Brake Light

Find the perfect Truck Topper Camper Shell with Expedition - Truck Cap Full Wing Doors, Front & Rear Windows a 3rd brake light.

overlandvehiclesystems.com

 

[MonkeyButt70]

My last 3 shells have been Snugtop Rebels, I have been happy with them. The Rebel model has always been a good price with all the added features.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I’m leaning towards the ARE Z2 and of the three brands that’s the only one made in America that I’m told. Local dealer told me there four or six weeks to get one and the other ones are more like 12 weeks.

 

[coolchange]

@LazyLavey

 

[Gramps]

10 years on my Leer............zero issues

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I'm researching options now. I was going to go with the ARE CX Revo (IIRC). Get it with LED lights, screens in the side windows and wireless keyed to truck fob.

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

I’m leaning towards the ARE Z2 and of the three brands that’s the only one made in America that I’m told. Local dealer told me there four or six weeks to get one and the other ones are more like 12 weeks.

ARE has that goofy rubber trim that goes on the bottom edge of the shell, I've seen those peel and discolor

 

[ToMorrow44]

I’ve had 3 snug tops, all on white longbed fords come to think of it. No issues and I like their lines the best. But yes, Snugtop is made in Mexico and getting parts can be a pain. I needed new rear glass, it was ordered, and the dealer goes “we have no idea when it’ll show up, but it’ll get here at some point”.

All that being said, I wish I got an ARE with this last one. Dealer is right down the street from me and I think the quality is as good as SnugTop.

 

[Paradox]

Any opinions on a cap for my new truck? Quality or fitment differences? Local dealer says they can get an A.R.E. Z2 the quickest.

I recently got an ARE for my Denali. Took 2 months to get.

I’d give it a B. It’s pretty decent. I’ve has several brands over the years and it ranks towards the upper end. It’s the CX Revo with the frameless glass hatch.

Got it at DACO Truck & Van Equipment in North Hills. A few hundred dollars less than the retail price listed on the ARE webpage.

Also got a fairly cool in bed locking tool/storage box on Amazon. Made out of material similar to a pelican case.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

I’ve got a Leer, it’s 12 years old and has been on and off a few times due to projects etc, now i solely use a trailer when that’s a necessary task. It’s got banged up a little while off the truck. But all in all I’m more than satisfied still to this day. No leaks and windows are clear. Only thing if i did over id option for is the removable back window so it can be pulled to clean it as well the back glass on the truck. I typically just loosen and slide back once a year or so.
PS: looks like the whole truck has t been washed in a year as well.

 

[island time]

I had a snug top a few years ago. Horrible customer service and worse dealer network. The shell warped, causing it to grind my paint where it over laps the bed rail.
They told me to bad. Place I bought it refused to warranty and give my money back. It was about 3 weeks old.
I sat in the dealership truck accessory place half a day. Just taking up space. Waiting for someone to come in looking for a top. I walked to the counter, disrupted the sales guy and told the people of my situation. Owner came out, I told him I can sit here or outside all day. Refund me immediately, call the cops, or I'd be back the next to do the same thing. Guy was a dick. He gave me a refund, fork lifted the shell off. I told him I will send the paint bill to him shortly.

Fun times

 

[CLdrinker]

If my truck don’t sell I would like to put a shell on but my wife swears they look like grandpa trucks.

 

[throttle]

I do recall being told that Leer and Snugtop had merged. And being made in mexico. Took about 6 maybe 7 weeks to get my last snug top.

Note, if getting the folding window in back, be sure you get it to flip up, not down!

2024

2018

 

[throttle]

Of my truck don’t sell I would like to put a shell on but my wife swears they look like grandpa trucks.

Call me daddy all day, they keep shit dry and secure on trips.

 

[LazyLavey]

I managed a shell business in my previous life, for nearly 20 years.. Sold Snugs and Leers and several others. That was a long time ago but I still have good friends that are still in the business...specifically Leer.

Yes, Leer bought Snug a few years ago and moved the operation to Mexicali . And yes parts are more difficult to get now and I believe they're regretting the move. You know what happens when a new CEO comes onboard and tells the owners he can save them $$$...

I think they're sweating the tariff deals right now.

I've owned Snugs, Leers and Stocklands. I currently have a Leer on my GMC for nearly 10 years. Only the lock failed last year. Still look like new

They all have a tendency to leak. some worse than others.The shell and windows should not leak. We guarantee no leaks but told customers to expect it to leak especially near the door and tailgate.

Leer has a better line-up as far as different model applications. Snug is (and has always been) limited as far as availability for different trucks.

All the shells mentioned above are decent products, The service (and price) provided by your dealer may help you make a decision...

Some models have better doors and windows. Things like recessed windows, sliding screens, flush locks, power wireless locks, all glass door.....

If anybody is looking for recommendations for specific dealers in the Ca and AZ areas I can make an inquiry with the sales rep (another Lavey owner). If I can help with any concerns hit me up.

Sometimes Leer has sale prices on their website and they'll deliver to a cooperating dealer for pick-up and/or install...

 

[Jefftowz]

I'm most likely putting one on my truck as well, @Jefftowz has one so I got to look at it a little, really nice

I have had all the fiberglass options on other trucks. I love the Smartcap on my latest truck