I have an ARE Z Series cap on my F-150. I have used ARE Z series cappers on my last two trucks over the past 7 years. I would buy another one without hesitation. They hold up and "weather" well. They are a bit pricey though. Hope this helps.
Brad (40), Cheryl (40), Kaila (17)
'07 F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 with 5.4L V8 and 3.73LS gears
'07 Rockwood Roo 21SS
I went with a Century fiberglass cap 7 1/2 years ago. I have waxed it twice a year and it still looks brand new. I did have to replace the gas cylinders 2 years ago.
Stabilus builds the gas cylinders for the caps and I work with the regional rep who tells me that the cylinders are only designed for 3-4 years of life. So don't be surprised if you have to replace them.
1968 Dad (me)
1969 Wife
1995 Son
1996 Daughter
2005 Ford E-350 - 5.4L 4-spd auto, 3.73 (new to us 2/08)
2000 Dodge Dakota QC - 4.7L 5-spd Man, 3.55lsd, Century Cap, air springs
2003 Starcraft Travel Star 21RB (Loaded,)Prodigy, Draw-tite WD & SC
If you can get a SnugTop, that's the best top you can buy! Unfortunately, their distribution is limited.
I have had both the LEER and A.R.E.s. I would not buy another LEER personally because I was one of those unfortunate owners about ~12-15 years ago when they were having all the paint and fiberglass problems. They did not, as a company, treat me well at all for buying such a high-end cap. Their dealer was on my side as well. He had so many customers treated the same, he dropped LEER and went with A.R.E.
I am on a second A.R.E. product. First was a fiberglass tonneau and it was great until the hinge design sheared from use. They changed the design along the way and openly serviced mine under the warranty. Unfortunately for me, they chose to retrofit my fiberglass top to the new hinge and frame. Never fit or worked right again. Was so unhappy with it, I sold the truck with it and that's when I got my 3/4-ton. Cap dealer gave me my choice of new caps at his cost because he felt A.R.E. also did wrong by me (remembering my LEER nightmare). At that time, the CX-series was their top-of-the-line so that's what I went with. It's now 8 years old and doing well. I have several areas where the gelcoat has crazed, but this is typical of fiberglass, and I have had to replace the vinyl glazing strips in all the windows (this cap was before the new style windows).
When I got my truck I though of either a cap or a cover. I went with the roll cover instead of the cap, that way you can hall tall things without taking the cap off. Have had the cover on for two years and think it is great. Keeps the rain and snow out and can be locked, No windows for lookers to see in. Pace Edwards Jack Rabit.
http://www.pace-edwards.com/jackrabbit.asp
I purchased the ARE CX series. The fit is much better than others that I have seen. It is not as stylish as the Z series, but almost $1000 cheaper. I found that pricing amongst the brands is so similar, that price shopping was almost pointless. I am pleased with the purchase, and would choose ARE again.
I'm wondering the same thing right now. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram QC short box and I looking to buy a topper. I have noticed that you can sometimes buy them used as I did with my previous two trucks. I got a great deal on those two. They were both ARE's and looked great even after several years.
If anyone has one forsale in or near Michigan for a 2003 Dodge Ram short box, please let me know.
I had a Century, 2 actually, for many years, both worked and lasted just fine. Something like 8-10 years on each. Bought a Leer 3 years ago as the local Century Dealer quit carrying that brand. The Leer just plain sucks. Paint job is lousy, very soft like it's an enamel job, also the light asembly clouded within a year or so. The hardware is also already showing rust on the INSIDE of the cap... For the money it should have been top quality, seems they are charging just for the brand name.
Should have listened to the dealer that used to carry the Century's, he swapped to both the ARE and Jerico lines, he had suggested the Jerico. He also had told me that the Century line had gone down hill, I'd take that with a grain of salt though, he was/is a salesman.
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
04 GMC 1500 4X4, 5.3L
06 Starcraft 18SB
The 2 that I like are the Jason Trek LINK
and the Lakeland Explorer LINK
The Lakeland I had on my first truck for over 15 years!
Wore good, played well with others...
We went to Trick Trucks in Edgewater, MD (about a 15min drive) to get a cap (not sure if it's any particular brand) for our Nissan Titan. After several months, I noticed it had MOVED! The cap is only 'clamped' to the bed and was coming loose. I had to reposition and tighted. Won't go back to Trick Trucks as this cap doesn't appear to fit my truck....but the color does match the truck, which was guaranteed. Wish I had gone for the LEER. I've seen some LEER caps on the Titans and they look really nice and looks like a good fit. My DH didn't want to drive further (about a 30 min drive) to check out the LEER caps. He was too impatient and wanted a place closer.
2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS
2006 Silver Nissan Titan KingCab
DH (42)
me (41)
2 cats (Count & Kashi)...who don't travel well (so they stay home) Pics
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