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

In this video we will compare truck cap models between industry leaders A.R.E., Leer, and SnugTop. All caps were manufactured for a 2015 Ford F-150 for a fair comparison. Cap models featured: A.R.E. Z-series, Leer 100XL, and SnugTop SuperSport.
See more at www.vacavalleytruck.com

[@wendellleytham4046]

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!!!!!!!

[@citizenpark2782]

That is great customer service, but I hear so many people having the exact opposite experience. I want to buy ARE (best design for my truck) but the fit and finish issues is a dealbreaker.

[@ia6980]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BOX-fe4iq]

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

[@Yowzoe]

He’s a salesman. You’re a pushover.

[@scottmarrero8986]

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.

[@davidlackey4873]

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!!!

[@tacooper24]

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

[@Mike.D.843]

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.

[@rareroots]

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

[@hankh9285]

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.

[@jamoss2007]

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

[@dlsmithy]

Great vid! Thanks so much for the comparison!

[@ijzerkoekie]

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.

[@imxploring]

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!

[@ronschanz3852]

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!

[@vacavalleytruck]

Thanks These videos are a great way to help customers understand all the options and models that are available from ARE .

[@jackafella420xx]

Ron Schanz are is garbage

[@russkyle2837]

Lee Doe is a Troll

[@Ice_Diver_Ed]

Thank you for showing everyone these.

[@johnganshow5536]

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...

[@lynnarnett4578]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

+LYNN ARNETT Lynn the 100xq has a different type side window its not the same, the whole window flips out not just the rear like on the 100xl

[@yamahasuperbike2202]

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.

[@drwinlied]

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!

[@craigfrazee902]

Great video thank you for putting this together

[@TheJoncic]

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

[@davidschmittsr.3121]

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

[@oscarcrespo4637]

Fantastic description. Thanks so much for the information.

[@jefftingle9972]

Excellent video, thank you for posting this.

[@julisnedeker8795]

Thanks Jeff

[@JMorarii]

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.

[@devildog8084]

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

[@owen33333]

Same BS on my order, still waiting since Jan 2022 for my new 3500 Silverado long bed. Leer is not offering a long bed cap that I want. Had one on my 2014 and loved it. I'm having to tow a uhaul to keep my vintage minibikes/tools/parts dry and secure for an upcoming event that is a 2000 miles round trip! Thanks A.R.E.!

[@SunnyWu]

To be fair, they were probably not the only company to have issues like this. The supply chain is broken for many things. Parts and materials might not arrive on time, etc... I'm not surprised the quality went down though, like many things I've gotten since 2020. Rising costs and inflation has to come out of somewhere on things you. buy.

[@guloguloguy]

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

[@iamteamBB]

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 :( .

[@shanetseng6040]

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

[@stoehrjr9572]

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👍🏻

[@Robert-sl5tm]

do you have for 2019 long bed tacoma

[@tmaddrummer]

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

[@jaywilliams415]

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!

[@dj30269]

Thanks for the quick overview, really useful :)

[@homeontheroad018]

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

[@igypop.]

excellent review

[@dy1837]

very nice review. have you heard of Ranch brand?

[@TheCande10]

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

[@jamesf3112]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

Your welcome

[@scottyd8]

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

[@CKLewis]

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 👍🏾

[@michaelwhitt6025]

Really excellent! Thank you.

[@jaredbradley4095]

Thanks so much for making this video!

[@reyscottm9]

Thanks for helping me make a better decision.

[@israelgarcia7801]

Thank you for your time.

[@santhinyprato4180]

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

[@Jettguzman]

What about roof racks for these brands and starting price?

[@rickwalkerjr]

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.

[@rideco55]

awesome video thanks!

[@ScotWalt858]

Nice review

[@filibertomorado740]

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.

[@DoeMai619]

great vid

[@justinfreier1214]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

actually they used to have aluminum rails on some model the front wall and sides are 1 piece not glued together and since 2014 all the shells are 1 peice front sides and rear door opening come out of the mold as 1 peice, tha video is a 2015 f-150 and is a 1 piece parts as are all others built after 2014 and if you order one that has aluminum rails its for an older model year, Thanks for your in put

[@camodrums]

Justin, I have been supporting Leer for the past 5 trucks that have had shells on them. However, after my most recent experience with the most expensive "high end" Leer shell for my 2014 Ram, I am shopping around and considering A.R.E. because of the poor workmanship of the Leer. The overhang and flushness of the shell has destroyed the paint on my truck which has me here researching alternative options, not wanting to ever buy another Leer shell for any of my future trucks, or recommend them to my other truck enthusiasts.

[@mikemetz82]

Thank you!

[@guloguloguy]

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

[@tonyt300]

Thank you for this information !!

[@ReaiityCk]

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?

[@petertosh4748]

Thx for that...bye snug top

[@FrankGreenway]

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?

[@vdubing01]

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

[@spartan8390]

Good explanation.

[@jenniferalves152]

This was helpful. Thank You.

[@sdushdiu]

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

[@TVCJohn]

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

[@Bondo1970]

thank you

[@ZXNTV]

why are shells so expensive?

[@gaspardejesus957]

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

[@ryanhowell4492]

Beautiful

[@eriklachaga8675]

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.

[@bobvedder2451]

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!

[@SunnyWu]

RSI have problems too. Search KZbin for "RSI smart cap problems" and watch that first video.

[@garyo4456]

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!!

[@tonyhoffman1755]

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

[@ryantettenburn940]

Which of the 3 don't leak?

[@NicBush]

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

[@MrTaylorcraft]

What about Unicover?

[@l6j8b32]

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

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

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

[@ignacioenriquehernandez6570]

pongan direccion y precios gracias

[@dmanda24]

Which one is the one in center lower row?

[@user-xy4lz1mt5r]

looks great.....

[@armstronglance]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

Great glad you enjoyed it.

[@saifsumri]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

Are you in the United states ? The patrol is and armada type SUV ?

[@gotthyme]

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

[@albertoalfonso4263]

thanks

[@allincamo]

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.

[@vacavalleytruck]

No its not a cartel everybody pays different amounts mainly based on freight and volume we have one price on each model, The only way price would vary is if there was a price increase, And you waited 3 months between the time you got a price and when you decided to order it.

[@vacavalleytruck]

Sometimes I wonder who is on drugs ?

[@vacavalleytruck]

That should never happen-first the dealer should properly identify the year make and model of the truck and the model of shell you are looking for, What I do is take a few minutes explain the different model and give window of cost for instance $1400.00 to $2200.00 installed plus tax and options,seems to work well thanks for your input I appreciate it, Kevin

[@530loonee]

vacavalleytruck you charge to install?

[@vacavalleytruck]

standard install is included-if you add lights or other options there can be a charge

[@juanpa980]

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

[@vacavalleytruck]

any ARE dealer call me 707-447-9905 Thanks Kevin

[@Dark6star]

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!

[@mjfollrd]

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

[@Kenscialoia]

How much please ?

[@dougsharretts7727]

Best cap video out there! Thank you!

[@vacavalleytruck]

Thanks

[@woup511]

So 4 years later is your opinion the same?

[@thejohnalien60]

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.

[@vacavalleytruck]

I think if you check a current shell you will see a different hinge, These are all for 2015 ford f-150 super crews and you tundra was built 16 years ago, About not being the same model this are-leer and snug top are all compatible models I appreciate your feed back Thanks Kevin

[@riverrat1149]

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.

[@vacavalleytruck]

give me a call 707-447-9905 Kevin vaca valley truck

[@chatter7653]

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

[@Stanley_Furley]

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

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

ARE Fan boy

[@qtrpound3r]

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

[@thecount1001]

shit, i wished i lived near this guy, this is where i want to buy a shell from.

[@Scruffers2011]

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.

[@ia6980]

What would you say after having it for a year? I heard they have ton of issues also

[@Scruffers2011]

@@ia6980 I'm happy with it to this day.

[@JorgeGarcia-ql3lg]

I need a ship camper for a Toyota what's the price on them

[@vacavalleytruck]

Im sorry what do you mean by ship ?

[@zizwop]

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.

[@jeffreylc]

This write up/comments are better than the video! Thanks.

[@alimesghali8704]

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

[@mikeh7390]

Working those ARE's....How about prices?