Leer vs A.R.E SHELLS - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

TUNDRA RU · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2003, 11:34 PM

I'm looking for a shell for my 02 Tundra. I'm trying to decide between the Leer and the A.R.E. Any suggestions. Pictures of your truck with the shell would be appreciated. Thanks.

Moderators Note: The thread "Leer vs A.R.E SHELLS" has been moved to the Aftermarket Products Forum for better exposure and replies. PM was sent to the thread starter of its relocation. --- Possum

Laubypt · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 02:41 AM

I bought a Leer last August and got rid of it in Feb of this year. Reason---it didn't fit good (back corners) and the window frames on the side started to to warp away from the shell. The dealer stated that they would put sealer around the frames and more screws and pull them back in. I told him that I didn't want gobs of sealer and a bunch of screws that I felt since the Shell was only 6 months old it should be replaced. Leer said no and I bought a ARE Hard Tonneau traded Leer (lost a considerable $$$. Iam happy with the ARE and I won't give Leer any business in the future. My buddy also had a LeeR and the back window trim (plastic bottom edge on the all glass back window) cracked and they told him that he would need to buy a new window for $200 because glass isn't warranteed. Good luck.

Thwarter · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 02:48 AM

You should consider SnugTop as well. I have the Hi-liner and like it a lot.

Check out my pics to see it...

Sumo99 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 11:34 AM

Of the 2, I liked the ARE better. It seemed to fit a little better than the Leer. I also liked that you can get a rear window wiper.
In the end, I went w/ SnugTop XV. I wanted screened sliding windows, oterwise I would have gotten the SS.

H2O_MAN · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2003, 10:33 PM

I purchased a LEER for my long bed - model 122.
I'm $1400.00 poorer and the cap has been on my truck for less than 30 day's...

Pro: color match - Thunder Gray - perfect.
Con: Fit - It's time for an updated design/mold.
It fits like a one-size-fits-all.
Pro: Great latches and door lifts.
Con: My top has nickle size bubbles below the paint,
and it showed up with some scratches.
Pro: The pop out back window is a great idea that needs better fitment and seal.
I can clean all the back glass easily.
Con: The drivers side uppermost front does not line up with the other side when seen from the front. Looks like a D.I.Y. repair job.
Pro: Dome light? - If only I could figure out how to install the batteries.
Con: Batteries are not included. No joke. Wired is opptional.

Pro: My dealer just ordered me a brand new cap @ no charge plus,
I get to keep the current one until my new one is installed

I'll update after the new one is installed.

Preludetundra · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 11:23 AM

I put am A.R.E. on my 2002 Tundra about a year ago. Still looks as new as the day I bought it. I also looked at the Leer when I was looking at caps. I didn't think there was any comparison and they both were priced about the same. I also think the design of my A.R.E. (Z model I think) looks great on the Tundra extended cab.

hahynborn · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 01:41 PM

Carryboy.com. Check it out. I get compliments all the time.

H2O_MAN · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 01:51 PM

Nice, strong looking stuff

Not available in many areas

Who sells them in the SE ?

icefox · #9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2003, 12:35 AM

I bought my ARE about a year ago. I haven't had a single problem with it, and I can only say good things about it. It has an awesome look to it, (not the square, boxy look), has screened sliding windows, wired dome light, tilt window so you can clean it and the back of the cabs window, and you can order it with a rear windshield wiper, and even keyless entry for the cap. I would highly suggest the ARE. (Z series I believe, not sure though) Colormatch is perfect too

random · #10 (**permalink**) 07-27-2003, 01:40 AM

I, too, have a SnugTop and I like it alot.

dark_tundra_03 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 11:11 AM

Ok,

I've been reading this thread and realized I needed to do some research on this Leer vs ARE.. I have been in touch with a half dozen dealers in the North East and it seems that all agree the ARE is a much better design. Most of these dealers have at one time sold Leer as well and most dropped the Leer line due to price increases with no increase in Quality.

And it does seem that Leer has issues in supporting it's Products

Question:
I just priced the Z series by ARE for my 03 Stepside and it came out at 1200.00 .. Does this seem in range or above ??

This includes:
all glass window
interior carpeting
choice of front window.

I also priced thier new rack system that interfaces with Yakima and Thule... It was 225.00 ... Does this price seem right too??

Any Input is appreciated..

Son of Odin · #12 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 01:57 PM

I bought my 2001 truck used with a Glasstite shell. It has been on the truck for about a year and looks and fits great. No complaints from me.

Garth · #13 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 08:40 PM

I have an ARE MX cap that I've had for a few yrs, with no problems. This past weekend, I was cleaning the side sliding windows on the inside, so, I slid it open, washed it, then was sliding it shut. It had a bit of resistance at first, so I gave it a little more force, then it just took off, slid fast, bumped into the rear detente, and completely shattered. I just stared at it in amazement. I couldn't believe it broke that easily. So, I called my local ARE dealer where I got it, and nope, not covered under any kind of warranty. bummer. But wait, it gets worse. I described the the model cap I had, and truck, and the dealer tells me that I can't get that sliding window, I have to get the entire window.... Damn. I'm thinking price just went from maybe $25 to $75. oh, and there's more. They don't make the style I have anymore.... a 1/3 slider, and 2/3'rds fixed with a screen. They now use a 50/50 split.... argh. so, I either get both windows replaced, or have them not match. I guess it's not that big a deal. I just can't believe you can't get replacement parts like this on a 3 yr old cap.

Done venting
-Garth

Son of Odin · #14 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garth

I have an ARE MX cap that I've had for a few yrs, with no problems. This past weekend, I was cleaning the side sliding windows on the inside, so, I slid it open, washed it, then was sliding it shut. It had a bit of resistance at first, so I gave it a little more force, then it just took off, slid fast, bumped into the rear detente, and completely shattered. I just stared at it in amazement. I couldn't believe it broke that easily. So, I called my local ARE dealer where I got it, and nope, not covered under any kind of warranty. bummer. But wait, it gets worse. I described the the model cap I had, and truck, and the dealer tells me that I can't get that sliding window, I have to get the entire window.... Damn. I'm thinking price just went from maybe $25 to $75. oh, and there's more. They don't make the style I have anymore.... a 1/3 slider, and 2/3'rds fixed with a screen. They now use a 50/50 split.... argh. so, I either get both windows replaced, or have them not match. I guess it's not that big a deal. I just can't believe you can't get replacement parts like this on a 3 yr old cap.

Done venting
-Garth

Have you checked with a local glass shop? Maybe they could make one to fit?

jjc · #15 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 10:59 AM

I have had my LEER top for over a year and it fits perfect and has held up great! I looked at all of the brands, but the LEER looks the best in my opinion. I guess it may depend on the model you get - mine is a XL100.