which truck cap

RAYSR · 12-02-2015, 05:30 PM

I just bought a F250 for towing my new rock wood 8325SS coming in Dec. My question is: I want to purchase a cap for the truck bed, which is 6 1/2 feet.but their are a lot of caps manufactures and a variety of prices. Does any body have some suggestion which are best and what is the norma lprice. i was looking at the ARE MX series which has a higher top also the Century high C their is a $300 TO 400 DOLLAR DIFFERENCE in price.Any sugestions about quality products.
Raymond Kalinsky

RSchleder · 12-02-2015, 05:32 PM

I Strongly recommend the LEER truck caps, Many different styles, colors and excellent quality!

Evo2700 · 12-02-2015, 05:35 PM

When I started looking for mine I was shocked at how expensive they are. I found a used one on Craigslist for $200. My truck is 2013 and the cap I found was a 2008. It's not a perfect fit, but it's darn close. Don't be afraid to test fit some used ones from earlier model years. Even though a dealer might say it won't fit, still check cause it probably will.
I have a Snugtop and I've been happy with it.

doc73 · 12-02-2015, 05:38 PM

I looked at them as well and was sticker shocked!! Some were $2000!!!

A guy I work with has a Ranch cap. Looks nice on his F150. I ended up bailing on the cap due to cost and usage of the truck.

But, one thing I never though about until sitting down and looking is the "taller" models may not be a good thing if you visit towns or cities while traveling. Carports / garages ain't that tall... I fit with a 2500 by 6" in most cases, sometimes less.. A tall cap or cargo bars on the cap might be bad news bear...

Mr Havercamp · 12-02-2015, 05:54 PM

I've had Eagle, Jason, ARE,Leer, and a Jeraco.

Nothing compares to Leer. I have also heard good reviews for snugtop but we dont have any dealers for them around here.

AquaMan · 12-02-2015, 05:59 PM

My last 2 were ARE and was completely satisfied with fit and finish. Both were paint matched to the truck and looked great. Still have one of them sitting in my shop from my 2011 2500 that I sold 2 years ago.

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Mountndream · 12-02-2015, 06:07 PM

i have a Jason. Its paint matched. If it starts looking bad in 8 years, i can replace it and still be ahead on the price of a LEAR and ARE. I had a Leer on my previous truck and it was okay, but it wasn't any better or worse than what I have now. Certaintly not twice as good as the price suggests

schrederman · 12-02-2015, 06:07 PM

I've had 4 company pickups with ARE caps... I had one on a personal truck for years, and now have one on my new personal truck. Never had a problem.

Mr Havercamp · 12-02-2015, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountndream

i have a Jason. Its paint matched. If it starts looking bad in 8 years, i can replace it and still be ahead on the price of a LEAR and ARE. I had a Leer on my previous truck and it was okay, but it wasn't any better or worse than what I have now. Certaintly not twice as good as the price suggests

I dont know where your buying caps but Leers are not double the cost of a Jason. My last Jason was $1200. My current Leer was $1540 and thats for a 8 bed with full length windoors that open on both sides. I have mounted Yakima fixed racks on every one I have owned and I can tell you from experience Leers fiberglass is over twice the thickness of any other I have drilled through.

A lot is going to come down to what dealers are close to the OP. Are you going to drive 200 miles to save a couple of hundred? The pricing is more erratic than RVs. On the same model and brand I have had quotes that varied by as much as $800 between dealers.

doc73 · 12-02-2015, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

I dont know where your buying caps but Leers are not double the cost of a Jason. My last Jason was $1200. My current Leer was $1540 and thats for a 8 bed with full length windoors that open on both sides. I have mounted Yakima fixed racks on every one I have owned and I can tell you from experience Leers fiberglass is over twice the thickness of any other I have drilled through.

A lot is going to come down to what dealers are close to the OP. Are you going to drive 200 miles to save a couple of hundred? The pricing is more erratic than RVs. On the same model and brand I have had quotes that varied by as much as $800 between dealers.

How true.. In the end they are all probably all the same (assuming not a walmart brand). 1200 was way more than I though they would be but for the OP new 40 or 50k rig whats another 1500 if it looks good, lasts and does the job.

Scotty · 12-02-2015, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAYSR

I just bought a F250 for towing my new rock wood 8325SS coming in Dec. My question is: I want to purchase a cap for the truck bed, which is 6 1/2 feet.but their are a lot of caps manufactures and a variety of prices. Does any body have some suggestion which are best and what is the norma lprice. i was looking at the ARE MX series which has a higher top also the Century high C their is a $300 TO 400 DOLLAR DIFFERENCE in price.Any sugestions about quality products.
Raymond Kalinsky

I put the Leer XL100 cap on my Dodge two years ago and love it. Not cheap 2K but a perfect paint match and still looks like new. Perfect fit.

Mr Havercamp · 12-02-2015, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty

I put the Leer XL100 cap on my Dodge two years ago and love it. Not cheap 2K but a perfect paint match and still looks like new. Perfect fit.

2k for a 100xl.....holy fist#/=÷ batman.

I paid 1540 here in western pa for an 8' 100xl with windoors and the hinged front window which was around a $400 add all told....the pricing varies greatly. Jason lists prices right on their website and the e1 which is comparable to the Leer xl starts at around 1000. You get into the top models with the flush glass and you can spend lots of $$$.

doc73 · 12-02-2015, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

2k for a 100xl.....holy fist#/=÷ batman.

HAHAHA!!!!

**wmtire** · 12-02-2015, 06:55 PM

Duplicate postings by OP merged into this one thread.

Scotty · 12-02-2015, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

2k for a 100xl.....holy fist#/=÷ batman.

I paid 1540 here in western pa for an 8' 100xl with windoors and the hinged front window which was around a $400 add all told....the pricing varies greatly. Jason lists prices right on their website and the e1 which is comparable to the Leer xl starts at around 1000. You get into the top models with the flush glass and you can spend lots of $$$.

Yep mine is loaded, removal front window, fold down luggage hangar, and roof racks. with tax was 2K. Purchased in Mount Joy Pa.

oldcat · 12-02-2015, 06:58 PM

I have been very happy with my "Lifetime" brand shell. 3 years and no problems. I looked at several brands and the Lifetime seemed to have the most bang for the buck. Hundreds of $ less than Snugtop, Leer or ARE. I got the one with the double "ambulance" style rear doors. Easy access to truck bed even with TT hooked up. No tailgate in the way.

Safe travels.

doc73 · 12-02-2015, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty

Yep mine is loaded, removal front window, fold down luggage hangar, and roof racks. with tax was 2K. Purchased in Mount Joy Pa.

Ishlers? That is where the guy I know got his.. He seemed happy with the shop and service

Mountndream · 12-02-2015, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

I dont know where your buying caps but Leers are not double the cost of a Jason. My last Jason was $1200. My current Leer was $1540 and thats for a 8 bed with full length windoors that open on both sides. I have mounted Yakima fixed racks on every one I have owned and I can tell you from experience Leers fiberglass is over twice the thickness of any other I have drilled through.

A lot is going to come down to what dealers are close to the OP. Are you going to drive 200 miles to save a couple of hundred? The pricing is more erratic than RVs. On the same model and brand I have had quotes that varied by as much as $800 between dealers.

999 for jason.. vs 1999 for the lear at the same dealer. i called another dealer in the area (STL) they wanted the same for the lear

**Platokidd** · 12-02-2015, 07:15 PM

This has been on my wish list for awhile. I shopped many caps and snugtop are top of the line. pricey too
Truck Caps and Camper Shells | SNUGTOP

uhduh camping · 12-02-2015, 07:39 PM

I have painted many caps. Lear and ARE are some of the best. Buy them used find someone who works in a bodyshop and paints on the side.

You can save a lot of money. Having a new F250 SB should be easy enough to find. I liked making a FAST $$ painting caps, Some else would too. Even if it has a little damage that's easy to fix.

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