Choosing between Leer and ARE?

[AMTRV]

I have both available from local reputable dealers. Pricing is not a consideration but quality is.
Anyone have practical experience with either and why choose one over the other.
Thanks,
Norris

 

[stufarmer]

In July I made this same decision. It boiled down to the only moving part on the Topper, the rear Window hinges. I chose the A.R.E. Z series. A.R.E. rear window hinges are substantially heavier, stronger. Everything else seemed pretty much equal. A.R.E. also uses American owned and made Yakima racks. Leer doesn't. I was told 16-18 weeks. I'm hoping for the end of October.

 

[AMTRV]

I was leaning ARE. They told me to look to January for delivery.
I’ve driven trucks, mostly 3/4 ton all my life but never had a camper shell. Wife and I are planning a 6 week trip this coming summer to Alaska in our new Tremor 6.7 pulling an Opus OP15. Thought a quality camper shell would be in order.
Thanks for the “nudge”.
Norris

 

[rublelvr]

I went with ARE Z series. I was told 10-12 weeks but it took 22 weeks. Seems pretty solid, paint matches. Would love to have an Opus15 they seem very nice. Hope you guys have a great trip

 

[drivingforward]

I have a LEER 100XQ but honestly the paint match color isn’t super close and I feel like it’s a really thin paint job. At different angles and in sunlight it can look like a completely different color. It was in stock when I needed one so I bought it but I’m wondering if they’d honor some kind of warranty for it since I’ve only had it a few months. It’s a manual key and lock rear glass hatch so I can’t speak to the keyless setup, but the windows on the LEER are nice. I’ve noticed the sliding window already rattles after 2k road miles with it. The plastic on the rear tailgate area is already covered in swirls just from washing it, so it’s super soft. Can’t think of any other rear downsides to it. It would be cool to have keyless access and even be able to power open and close the vent windows from the cab in the summer but I’ve never looked into options for that. ARE has a great keyless system I’ve heard, but no experience yet with that brand.

 

[Lightspeed]

I just received a quote for the ARE. I need it in March. That price does not include installation or tax.

R.E. Model: Z

Your Cap Build:
• Interior Carpet: Dark Gray Headliner
• Clothes Rod: Interior Clothes Rod
• Front Window: Aluminum Framed Tilt-Down Sliding Window
• Light Option: 12V LED Dome Light & Dual Rope Lights
• Prop Switch: Prop Switch For 12V LED Dome Light & Dual Rope Lights
• Power Strip: 12-Volt Power Strip
• Side Window: Aluminum Framed Half Slider w/ Corner Fascias
• Window Pet Screen Option: Yes
• Rear Door: Frameless Door w/ Contour Strip
• Lock System: Keyless Entry
• Roof Rack: Roof Tracks Only

Date Received: September 25, 2021 - 5:54:47 PM EDT

Your Cost*: $3875.00. Lead time is 4 months

 

[PapaRaptor]

My companies work trucks have had both. the guys are really tough on them. The ARE seems to hold up better. as mentioned before with the hardware. I was happy with the fiberglass work of both no issues with paint match. We have had a few broken rear windows, I was able to get them repaired in a timely manor. We often remove them and replace them so they get beat up from that too. Both brands have decent mount flanges ( where meets the bed ) .

 

[Lightspeed]

I have a LEER 100XQ but honestly the paint match color isn’t super close and I feel like it’s a really thin paint job. At different angles and in sunlight it can look like a completely different color. It was in stock when I needed one so I bought it but I’m wondering if they’d honor some kind of warranty for it since I’ve only had it a few months. It’s a manual key and lock rear glass hatch so I can’t speak to the keyless setup, but the windows on the LEER are nice. I’ve noticed the sliding window already rattles after 2k road miles with it. The plastic on the rear tailgate area is already covered in swirls just from washing it, so it’s super soft. Can’t think of any other rear downsides to it. It would be cool to have keyless access and even be able to power open and close the vent windows from the cab in the summer but I’ve never looked into options for that. ARE has a great keyless system I’ve heard, but no experience yet with that brand.

View attachment 34988

 

[Lightspeed]

I went to order the camper/cap today and the dealer says I will lose the 360 camera view. Anyone have a cap and the 360 camera? I did a search and found a few post that indicate that it should still work, but it seemed to be in theory.

 

[drivingforward]

I went to order the camper/cap today and the dealer says I will lose the 360 camera view. Anyone have a cap and the 360 camera? I did a search and found a few post that indicate that it should still work, but it seemed to be in theory.

You lose your bed camera because it’s obstructed by the shell, but I still have 360 and backup etc, just know that high mount camera works but all you see is the cap.

 

[Lightspeed]

You lose your bed camera because it’s obstructed by the shell, but I still have 360 and backup etc, just know that high mount camera works but all you see is the cap.

Thank you!

 

[AMTRV]

I ordered an ARE Z series today for my ’22 Tremor. Won’t be here until mid-January. Really looking forward to it. Much more weatherproof room for our excursions.

 

[Kingdomseeder]

I ad an ARE on my F150 and was disappointed in the workmanship on it and it leaked a lot around the tailgate. I had had a Leer on my Tundra before that and was happy with that but wanted to try ARE. Now that I have the Tremor, I went back to Leer and got the 100XQ and keyless entry. All works well at this point and I have been through some downpours and the back is nice and dry. One thing is that the back cover/lip for tailgate , covered the camera and I had to modify that a little bit, but I really like the Leer better at this point

 

[drivingforward]

I ad an ARE on my F150 and was disappointed in the workmanship on it and it leaked a lot around the tailgate. I had had a Leer on my Tundra before that and was happy with that but wanted to try ARE. Now that I have the Tremor, I went back to Leer and got the 100XQ and keyless entry. All works well at this point and I have been through some downpours and the back is nice and dry. One thing is that the back cover/lip for tailgate , covered the camera and I had to modify that a little bit, but I really like the Leer better at this point
View attachment 35240

And it’s hard not to love that color on these tremors. Good call!

 

[Fordseniormaster]

I absolutely love my Leer XL, has the key less entry, headliner to match my bed rug, and the added lights. I have the ARE on my Raptor and i think they are pretty close to each as for quality. I did have to reach out to Leer for a issue and i have to say the customer service was the best i have seen as of late. I was impressed with how the handled the issue so quickly.

 

[Joeduty]

I chose leer after researching mini models from commercial applications to displaying good looks, I needed something that I could work out of as well as we’re functional and good looking. I found that I am super happy with the Lier and wind doors and it gives me a classy look. Like a lot of you I feel like the latches on the Lier could be a bit more rugged.

 

[Lightspeed]

The cap came in this week. Does anyone have a tip on how to store a flex fold Tonneau cover? I need a bigger garage! lol

 

[stufarmer]

The cap came in this week. Does anyone have a tip on how to store a flex fold Tonneau cover? I need a bigger garage! lol

That looks great ..!!

 

[drivingforward]

The cap came in this week. Does anyone have a tip on how to store a flex fold Tonneau cover? I need a bigger garage! lol

Best tip, bigger garage. Regardless of current size lol!

Where did you get the racks for the top, any fitment issues? I have the tracks on my cap but wasn’t sure about which racks were going to be best.

 

[Lightspeed]

I ordered them with the cap, it was what Leer offered. Brand is Thule. I had it installed so if there were any fitment issues I guess they dealt with them. Everything seems to fit great, as far as I can tell.