New truck... looking for truck cap advice/pics

[Delta Jim]

Hi all,

Returning to the Ford brand after many years in a GMC... bought a new F-350 CC LB a couple of weeks ago to replace the aging 1/2-ton SUV tow vehicle.

I'm looking to put a truck cap on to provide additional (secure) storage. Been looking at Leer, Snugtop, and A.R.E... anybody have recent experience with any of those brands on late model Super Duty trucks? Right now I'm favoring a Leer 100XL as the local dealer's pricing is reasonable and they are manufactured nearby so lead-times are only 7-10 days.

Thanks!
Jim

[TOPFUELF250]

I've had a Leer cap in the past and I didn't have any complaints about the quality. The paint on other caps i've had oxidized quite a bit but the Leer seemed to hold it's shine pretty good.

[4mm]

I've had two Leer caps on both my trucks for about 5 years. One red and one black. I have no quality issues except the gas struts that lift the rear window are starting to fail (something to be expected). My friend has another brand but Leer is better in quality IMO. The paint has also held up exceptionally well considering it is parked outside in the hot Texas sun.

[Delta Jim]

Thanks for the replys... many I have spoken with confirm Leer makes a good cap. Going to order one this weekend...

Jim

[jbiersba]

I have experience with both Leer ad ARE..... Leer on an '08, and ARE on an '06. My opinion is that your choice should depend on what you're going to use it for.

I have a Leer 100XQ on my '08 super duty.... I chose Leer because I liked the looks better, I also liked the way the bottom edge of the Leer cap hung over the bed rail.

I think quality between the Leer and ARE are comparable. However, I think the ARE has more "substance" in the roof of the cap.

I have used a Yakima Roof Rack system on both trucks to carry canoes, bikes, lumber etc..... The ARE had much less flex than the Leer does.

I'm actually waiting for a call back from my Leer dealer regarding getting a front window replaced..... is spontaneously shattered the other week. Not sure why, there were no nicks or chips and I didn't hit it with anything

So, hands down, I like the looks and fit of the Leer better, but the ARE seemed a little beefier, so if you're going to be rough on it, take a close look at ARE.

Good luck!

[Delta Jim]

Thanks jbiersba... I did order the Leer with Thule tracks but the extent of my loads are skis, bikes, kayaks, and sometimes the combi box... nothing really heavy.

To your point, I did read somewhere as well that A.R.E. was bit stouter in the roof. I would think all the cap manufacturers would augment their roof construction when ordered with tracks?

We'll see.... will post pics in a few weeks when it's on the truck.

Jim

[jbiersba]

You'll be happy with the Leer..... I am. I usually am carrying skis, a box, or a Canoe like you. and aside from the broken window which I can't really attribute to the structural makeup of the shell when I had a moderate load of lumber on the roof, I've never had any problems.

On a side note, the tracks that Leer installs may or may not be manufactured by Thule. Regardless, they are manufacturer independent. Meaning, if you are a Yakima guy, like me, you can mount your Yakima bars to the tracks that Leer will install without issue.

[Delta Jim]

Leer shell came in last week and had it installed on Friday. Fit and finish seem pretty good except there was a paint chip on the roof. Dealer said I could send it back for repair but it would be another 3-4 weeks wait. Decided to hold off until spring as the fall rains and even some snow are coming to the mtns and I need the bed covered and secured. Inside I installed a BedRug carpet kit... matches the interior shell carpet and will make truck camping and short overnights a little more comfortable.

The rail/track system on the shell works great and with a few Thule parts quickly accepted my existing Thule rack. Although I did find the overall height of this set up is quite a bit higher than my prior 1/2-ton and requires a tire step to access the rack and box.

[allevil]

Looks Great!

I'm Interested in getting a Leer too.

Everyone's Comments are making the Purchase a little more Confident.

[palady6.4]

niceI'm thinking about one myself