Show me your bed toppers (camper shells)!
01-30-2017, 08:06 PM
#181
I'm trying to decide on a Lakeland or an ARE. Why Lakeland? They are open on Saturdays, where the ARE dealers are closed. I don't have time during the week to make it to one before they close during the week.
I have an ARE from my wrecked 2014 that I bought used and painted it to match. Was well worth the cost and time. I like the options it has, and it is solid compared to others I have seen. Going to head up to Lakeland in Madison second weekend of Feb since I already have plans for this weekend. I can compare their caps to the ARE I have and see how much they differ. They are less expensive, but muct be a reason why.
I have an ARE from my wrecked 2014 that I bought used and painted it to match. Was well worth the cost and time. I like the options it has, and it is solid compared to others I have seen. Going to head up to Lakeland in Madison second weekend of Feb since I already have plans for this weekend. I can compare their caps to the ARE I have and see how much they differ. They are less expensive, but muct be a reason why.
01-30-2017, 09:23 PM
#182
Senior Member
I wonder if anybody makes a slide-in, over-roof camper shell, but as just a shell, nothing in it except windows/doors/vents. I'd like to customize/finish it myself. The "regular" slide-in's are too heavy, too complex, and too expensive! I'd love to have a very simple unit with a bed over the cab, and a simple portable seating area/table on the floor. Wire it up for some LED's and a fan, and call it done.
If anyone knows of a mrg'r of an empty shell similar to what I'm describing above, please post a link/info.
If anyone knows of a mrg'r of an empty shell similar to what I'm describing above, please post a link/info.
01-30-2017, 10:15 PM
#183
Somethin' Bout a Truck...
Maybe I'm in the minority but I've had 2 Leer caps without issue. Granted I purchased both second hand off Craigslist for MUCH cheaper than they go new, but after getting one on my '14 after having a tonneau cover I'll never own a pickup without a cap again. Both times I was lucky enough to find them in matching colors as well.
Old truck...
New truck...
Welp....guess I don't have a picture of my new truck...I only bought it last month, LOL. I'll edit this post tomorrow.
Old truck...
New truck...
Welp....guess I don't have a picture of my new truck...I only bought it last month, LOL. I'll edit this post tomorrow.
01-30-2017, 10:23 PM
#184
Thats funny, I got my ARE off craigslist, and it was the exact same color as the top pic! 
01-31-2017, 01:34 AM
#185
Member
ARE
I bought an ARE CX series cap. Flush side glass with tip outs, drop down front slider, carpeted headliner, and a prop light switch. I'm happy, as it is nicer than the Century topper I had on my 2006 SCAB.
The one item I will put a plug in for is the full Bedrug. Crawling in and out of the bed is the downside to a topper. The Bedrug offers your knees a ton of cushion, unlike a plastic bed liner that is pretty much an instrument of torture. I purchased one in 2006 when they were fairly new to the market. When it was time to upgrade, there was no question of buying another one. A hidden bonus is that anything you do haul is cushioned from getting scarfed up in transit. The gray/charcoal color is a perfect match for the ARE headliner color too. The Bedrug really works well in my application, perhaps it might for you too.
01-31-2017, 02:06 AM
#186
On down the highway
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Not sure why all the hate on leer... I always bought them forever, only problem I ever had was a simple latch adjustment on a cable. only reason I stopped buying them is the indent they use for there logo... I debadge everything and you still can, only now they make it recessed do you have a triangle left..dummies.
my last 2 are ARE's... 1st one sent back, window came in crooked and had 100s 0f paint defects that they said were normal... went without till my 16, tried them again and begged for a better paint job... they delivered and its good....no complaints and no logo!!
my last 2 are ARE's... 1st one sent back, window came in crooked and had 100s 0f paint defects that they said were normal... went without till my 16, tried them again and begged for a better paint job... they delivered and its good....no complaints and no logo!!
01-31-2017, 09:30 AM
#187
I bought an ARE CX series cap. Flush side glass with tip outs, drop down front slider, carpeted headliner, and a prop light switch. I'm happy, as it is nicer than the Century topper I had on my 2006 SCAB.
The one item I will put a plug in for is the full Bedrug. Crawling in and out of the bed is the downside to a topper. The Bedrug offers your knees a ton of cushion, unlike a plastic bed liner that is pretty much an instrument of torture. I purchased one in 2006 when they were fairly new to the market. When it was time to upgrade, there was no question of buying another one. A hidden bonus is that anything you do haul is cushioned from getting scarfed up in transit. The gray/charcoal color is a perfect match for the ARE headliner color too. The Bedrug really works well in my application, perhaps it might for you too.
01-31-2017, 11:34 AM
#188
Member
The ARE CX cap was close to $1800 and the Bedrug was $420. I was going to buy a Bedrug online and install it myself, but the cap dealer offered the same price as I was looking at online and installed it for "free" when he put the cap on.
The Ford dealer wanted $400 for a plastic bedliner, so I passed on that, knowing I was going the Bedrug route. The Bedrug really makes your truck bed much more user friendly when you are running a topper. The have also expanded their product offerings, so you do have options there too.
The Bedgrug I put in the 2006 SCAB looked as good as new when I sold the truck last year. Truly a "install it and forget it" eperience.
http://www.bedrug.com/products/bed-liners/bed-rug.html
Full Disclosure: I'm not on Bedrug's payroll, but I am a satisified customer.
So we stay on topic, I haven't had any issues with the ARE cap. The only thing I've done is to debadge it. At least ARE doesn't leave indentations on their caps where they place their logo.
The Ford dealer wanted $400 for a plastic bedliner, so I passed on that, knowing I was going the Bedrug route. The Bedrug really makes your truck bed much more user friendly when you are running a topper. The have also expanded their product offerings, so you do have options there too.
The Bedgrug I put in the 2006 SCAB looked as good as new when I sold the truck last year. Truly a "install it and forget it" eperience.
http://www.bedrug.com/products/bed-liners/bed-rug.html
Full Disclosure: I'm not on Bedrug's payroll, but I am a satisified customer.
So we stay on topic, I haven't had any issues with the ARE cap. The only thing I've done is to debadge it. At least ARE doesn't leave indentations on their caps where they place their logo.
Last edited by 90trunk; 01-31-2017 at 11:39 AM. Reason: typo
I love it! 
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MayDFXForceBWithU (12-09-2023)
01-31-2017, 02:28 PM
#190
Are z series..so the paint has improved since my 14 topper, but still has a way to go...I looked at leer and snugtop... all of them have flaws in the paint! That said I like the looks of ARE so went with it...gonna wait 60 days for paint to cure and buff some of the paint flaws away
I'll try to get better pics... this one a cheap cell photo
Attachment 444702
I'll try to get better pics... this one a cheap cell photo
Attachment 444702
Love it!