Leer or A.R.E camper shell?

[Duckhead78]

I’m shopping for a camper shell for my 2024 F-150. As of now, I’ve narrowed it down between Leer and A.R.E. I’m looking for some input from anyone who has owned either one of these brands. Pros and cons. Thank you in advance..

[TheWidowMaker]

I've had a couple ARE's and never had an issue with them I enjoyed having both. But they're all way overpriced. Got a quote on a pretty basic ARE last year and it was still over $3k. I felt like they were overpriced when they were $2k new too though.

[Slew]

I had an ARE on a 2008 Chevrolet. It wasn’t a bad shell. East to install and remove by myself. I think you would be happy with either one. I would look for one for my current truck but I’m not paying what they want for one now. I give $1200 for the last one and though it was stupid high.

[airehead]

Had an ARE on an f250 when I bought it 2nd hand it cracked on The back passenger side corner
they paid shipping to ship it back to the manufacturer repair it and shipped it back to me
it would been cheaper to just replace it but they fixed it didn’t cost me anything

it was a long bed cover
really pleased with the customer service

[Reasonable]

I have a LEER on a 2016 F150...I love it and likely won't have a truck without one in the future. It isn't as airtight as I'd hoped, but I think installation could have something to do with it. I've never taken it off/put it back on so I don't have any input there. Someone in New Mexico tried to open it while I was in the wilderness and they were unsuccessful...so it did it's job there!

[Quackerbox]

ARE on our work trucks. They all leak from the rear, mine leaks from two of the three doors. One has bad shocks to hold the rear door up that I know of. These all have the side access for storage. Half of them the mounting bolts to hold up the bins pulled loose causing the bin to collapse. These are on 2021 trucks

[Duckhead78]

Thank you all for the information! The prices are crazy on them now.

[WItoTX]

I had a Leer. Great topper, did have it's leaks, as do most. If I had to do it again, I'd get the lights added, and side windows that open completely so I could grab stuff in the bed.

Check with different dealers. I shopped for a month or so before I found one at a dealer that was originally supposed to go on a brand new truck, but the dealership never took delivery. At the time, toppers were $2300, I got mine for $1200.

If I had to do it again, I'd really look at the snug top brand.

[Duckhead78]

I had a Leer. Great topper, did have it's leaks, as do most. If I had to do it again, I'd get the lights added, and side windows that open completely so I could grab stuff in the bed.

Check with different dealers. I shopped for a month or so before I found one at a dealer that was originally supposed to go on a brand new truck, but the dealership never took delivery. At the time, toppers were $2300, I got mine for $1200.

If I had to do it again, I'd really look at the snug top brand.

Thank for the info. I’ll look at snug top a bit more too. I really like Smart Cap brand but they’re way out of my price range! You got a great deal for $1,200!

[TXcazador91]

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Leers. I have a Ranch topper on my truck and it’s been great for me.

[Mertzon Man]

I’ve owned several ARE toppers, the low ones and they were good. I have the camper topper and it has leaked from day one. The place I bought it from tried to fix it but couldn’t. Shipped it back to ARE and they said they fixed it. Still leaks back left. Very disappointed in ARE not standing by their product.

[SaltwaterSlick]

All my trucks get tonneau covers... They have all been ARE up until this year. ARE stopped making tonneau covers... I loved them too... My dealer talked me into a Leer instead for this go-round. Only had it about a year or so, but I like it even better than the ARE. It's hardware is better and the lock mechanism is easier to work with plus its profile fits my truck better. I know you're looking for a topper, but thought I'd give you my perspective between the two brands. But at the end of the day, I don't think you'd be disappointed with whichever you go with... I'd say whichever you can get first and that you like the fit and finish, that's the one I'd get.

[sandbill]

I’ve had three Leers over the years. Very satisfied with them all

[diamond10x]

I'm on my second Leer. The one I currently have I bought from a fellow TBHer about 3 years ago for a couple hundred bucks. Brand new they are all way overpriced, no matter the brand. If price is an issue and you can wait 6 months, its usually not that difficult to find a used one.

I had a Leer. Great topper, did have it's leaks, as do most. If I had to do it again, I'd get the lights added, and side windows that open completely so I could grab stuff in the bed.

^ this is a must. My current one has the full length side window that I can open and I'll never own another that doesn't have this in it. Interior lights are handier than one thinks as well. Something else I'll add, for me personally I like a little taller/bigger than what you think you need because there will be times you wish you had the extra space.

[Duckhead78]

All my trucks get tonneau covers... They have all been ARE up until this year. ARE stopped making tonneau covers... I loved them too... My dealer talked me into a Leer instead for this go-round. Only had it about a year or so, but I like it even better than the ARE. It's hardware is better and the lock mechanism is easier to work with plus its profile fits my truck better. I know you're looking for a topper, but thought I'd give you my perspective between the two brands. But at the end of the day, I don't think you'd be disappointed with whichever you go with... I'd say whichever you can get first and that you like the fit and finish, that's the one I'd get.

I had an undercover bed cover on my last truck. Very nice but limited my bed use if I needed to carry anything above bed heights. My main interest in a camper shell is that I’m steering back towards public hunting. Secure my gear plus have a place to sleep. At lease that’s my plan now.