Truck Camper Shells

[Evo2700]

I'm looking into camper shells for my truck. Trying to decide between ARE, Snug Top, and Leer. Does anyone have a brand preference or experience with the quality of each? I have to say, I'm kind of shocked on the prices of these.

[HONDAMAN174]

I got my snug top from A1 trailer on valley view. And I felt the same way-ouch! Had found one about half price on Craigslist but by the time I went to get it then had it painted I would be at the same price.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[schrederman]

My last 2 company trucks were equipped with ARE toppers. One lasted 8 years and the other 12 years. Neither ever had a problem. My last 2 personal trucks had ARE toppers and the first I had for 5 years, and this one's just 6 months old... but still no problems. Sorry, but I can't speak to the other brands. My newest one was only $1800, which was more reasonable than the last one which was about $500- more. The newest one has a front window that folds down for cleaning between the topper and the truck.


Best of luck with your choice...

[Evo2700]

Today I went to every shop in town that sells them LoL. Do you notice a difference in mpg and when pulling the trailer?

[schrederman]

I got mine before I pulled... I got it and step rails about 2 weeks after buying the truck new. I am getting 13 - 14 mpg pulling about 7K pounds. Much better than 7 - 9.5 pulling with the 5.0 F-150.

[geotex1]

The prices have become ridiculous!!! The exact same cap I bought in 1998, is more than DOUBLE the cost today! Anyway, I have had all three. I have a bad taste left in my mouth from Leer because of when I owned the last Leer, it was one of the ones plagued with the paint and gelcoat problems. As such, I personally will never buy another Leer.

When I had a SnugTop, I loved it. It was the best made, best fitting cap I ever owned! Had a problem with the door and it had to be factory replaced. I had the cap back in 8 days and they even polished the whole cap for me! Unfortunately, no dealers on the East Coast.

I have had great experience with ARE. I had their top-of-the-line cap on my 98 Chevy. I had a pretty serious problem with it after 8 years of ownership and they took care of me completely! Even did some upgrades for me at the cost of materials. I would buy and recommend ARE, but a big component is making sure you buy from an established dealer. The cap I mentioned isn't the first ARE cap or tonneau I've had, and I've used the same dealer and that connection helps when any issues arrive.

Good luck!

[Evo2700]

Leer has been the cheapest I've priced so far, but I'm afraid of the old saying "You get what you pay for".

[Oaklevel]

Wow I am out of the loop Never heard of the brands other than Leer (they have been around a long time. My favorite brand was Glasstite but I understand they stopped making them (or at least the fitted non commercial type)

Also called: Toppers, Caps, Covers, Shells depending on where you live

[TURBS]

Check out.
http://www.centurycaps.com/

http://www.unicovercaps.com/

[HONDAMAN174]

When we added the topper, we also added the TRD dual exhaust and ARE intake. Mpg dropped by one to 7.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[comfun1]

I had no idea they were expensive. I bought a used gmc and it had a topper on it. I thought it made the back seat dark so I took it off. Listed it on craigslist for $200 and within two hours it was sold. The man drove 70 miles one way to buy it. Surprised me!

[oldcat]

I have a "Lifetime" top. Lifetime Camper Shells: Manufacturer of Aluminum Commercial & Utility camper shells, canopies, toppers, and work caps. Have had it for a year now and zero problems. All aluminum construction. I paid $1500 installed for this one.

[camper1999]

I had an ARE topper for 10 years. The paint still looked great and I had no problems with it.

[jchild]

Anybody ever do a soft topper?


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[geotex1]

Originally Posted by jchild

Anybody ever do a soft topper?


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Personally, I have not because it wouldn't provide for my needs at the time I was using toppers (reasonable security). However, I have friends who swear by Softopper and Can-Back brands. However, after my buddy Frank just told me what he paid for a Can-Back last year, I had to wonder why not just go fiberglass...

[campingwilliamsons]

I had an ARE on my Tundra and it did a good job. I did not leak, fit well, etc.

As far as soft toppers go, they are nice in that they are easy to remove. I have not owned one, but I happened to be Boulder a year or so ago and checked out the SoftTopper. VERY well built. My only concern would be wind noise, but apparently it is not too bad.

[Big Paul]

I have a Jason camper shell made in Elkhart, Indiana had for 11 plus years now still looks great and no leaks or problems of any kind. Son-in law has my old on still on his pickup which is 15 years old and still in good condition it is a Jason also.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by jchild

Anybody ever do a soft topper?


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I have a soft topper. Truxedo Lo Pro, fits inside the bed rails. I sold my Raider Cap to buy this, need roll up for fifth wheel use now. It makes a big difference with turbulence and a closed tailgate.

[grumpyer]

I just drove 75 miles one way to purchase a used one!
Cheapest, new with sliders and screens on3 sides and carpeted is about $1600!


NO WAY I'm paying that when you drive off lot it depreciates more than 50%!!!!


got mine for $400

[Platokidd]

SnugTop are very nice. I have my eye on one and like it better then all other tops I looked at or owned. Top of the line topper with a top of line price, around $3000

http://www.cooltruck.com/index.php?m...ast=Truck-Caps