July 23, 2025 - Both brands are renowned for their high-quality construction, exceptional paint matching, and numerous features, making them top choices for consumers looking to optimize their truck’s cargo area. If you’re in the market for a new topper, you’ll need to decide which brand to choose. So, which is right for you? In this feature, we compare these popular camper shell brands—A.R.E. and LEER—to determine which offers the best assortment of features, the highest quality construction, and the best value.

August 15, 2022 - Based upon the reviews/comparisons that I have seen online, I am leaning towards the Leer 180XR. The fit and finish of the Leer appears to be a little better and the ARE appears to be more prone to leaks.

December 22, 2019 - I was leaning towards ARE, that’s what the local shop recommended (they sell both) but my wife likes the Leer’s “look” better and they have a free headliner coupon too so it’s a bit cheaper I do like the single handle/lock on the ARE but I doubt that will matter much in actual usage.

Hey guys, Looking to throw a topper on my 2019 Short bed crew cab SR5. I know Leer is supposed to be the biggest company in the industry but I am...

LOVE the windoors on my ARE. Lots of air flow for the dog. ... A.R.E. here, I had ordered a Leer first. The dealer called me and said when she tried to order the Leer they told her the Leer windoors would be 9 inches shorter than the molded indentations in the sides of the cap.

Lets see what you are towing!

I talked to my local camper dealer yesterday. They carry both ARE & LEER. The only ARE currently available is the V series. 12 week lead time. No LEER available yet but she called and they said they are hoping to have the XR & XL available within the next month. Once available only a 4-5 week...

Click to expand... Do you have a link to the discussion? My searches aren't bringing up any results... Thanks for the info! Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using OB Talk mobile app ... I’ve owned both a leer and an ARE. They were both excellent. The only difference was the ARE plastic faded faster.

August 14, 2020 - Had a Leer on my F150 for 5 years. It tended to shift on me, rubbing on the cab. So I had to keep moving it back. Dealership couldn't fix it. It seemed to last ok. My new one is an ARE because of features. The back window is different and I get keyless entry that syncs to my truck.

I've had several toppers over the years, LEER by far is the best. Frameless/flush mount windows are the way to go.

Our family just got our first dog this summer (yellow lab), now that she's reached full size, there's just not enough room for the kids and her in the...

Leer and ARE are both solid truck cap makers. I have had one of each on my last 2 trucks, and was happy with both. Every truck I have had with a cap has leaked a little from time to time. It is not a problem with just Honda leaking.

November 7, 2022 - We can go hours talking about what makes these two caps better than the other. Instead, we are going to illustrate the main viewpoints. LEER uses automotive Axalta paints, whereas the A.R.E uses OTR.

March 30, 2025 - A few hundred dollars less than the retail price listed on the ARE webpage. Also got a fairly cool in bed locking tool/storage box on Amazon. Made out of material similar to a pelican case. ... I’ve got a Leer, it’s 12 years old and has been on and off a few times due to projects etc, now i solely use a trailer when that’s a necessary task.

May 14, 2011 - I know the ARE's and Snug Top's are at the top of the pricing ladder, but also have the best fit, styling and options. The ARE's, Leer's and Snug Top's are very comparable in features and (generally speaking) in prices.

I need to get a topper for a 2013 RAM 1500 and, as much as it hurts, think I’m going to order a new one since I can’t find a decent used one. Feature wise I think I’ve narrowed it down to either an A.R.E. CX series or a Leer 100XR. Equivalent quotes have the A.R.E. about $400 less but there are a bunch of A.R.E.

The Leer and Century brands the rear door hardware did not last one winter and it corroded badly, Replacement parts were expensive and hard to get, no dealers had them. Dealers were useless in this endeavor and I had to call the company multiple times to get what I needed. They are not in the habit of making replacement parts available.

March 25, 2022 - They claim to be planning for an eventual 8ft model but no word on when and I don't have time to hurry up and wait, I did enough of that crap for Uncle Sam. Tough choice to make between the two you're looking at but if funds aren't an issue I think the Smartcap is worth the coin and will leave you happier in the long run. ... Try pricing out a Leer with all the features that are standard on the RSI.

December 18, 2025 - I bought the ARE for my RAM s as Leer didn’t offer a slightly taller than cab option. Very disappointed with the ARE due to leakage of dust and water around the back lift window. The weather strip doesn’t last and all my efforts to seal have not yet been successful.