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.

[wendellleytham]

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

[BOX-feiq]

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

[scottmarrero]

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.

[davidlackey]

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!!!

[tacooper]

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

[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

[ronschanz]

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!

[Mike.D.]

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.

[hankh]

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.

[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.

[vdubing]

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

[jamoss]

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

[yamahasuperbike]

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.

[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!

[devildog]

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

[lynnarnett]

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

[jaywilliams]

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!

[powerwagon]

My 20 year old Snug Tops carpet is decaying, black paint clear coat is failing and been through a few sets of struts.
Never the less I’m satisfied with its service over the years. Going to paint the whole rig someday.

[davidschmittsr.]

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

[kingsoutdoors]

Just found a leer 100 xq for my 2016 tacoma trd paid 1800 used....very, very happy!! Shell is made extremely well....and im an expert in fiberglass 💯