Snugfit, Leer, ARE - truck camper tops

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carboncycles

carboncycles

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 7, 2006
Threads
26
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872
Location
Austin, Texas
Guys,

I need some advice on which manufacturer is reliable, high quality and decent customer service. I'm in the middle of looking for camper tops for my Tacoma, and it would be nice if it had a roof-rails (but it's not a requirement).

TIA...
 
Leer is made here in Elkhart. Their customer service is pretty good and I've seen how they're made- good quality. The others- I don't know at all.
 
I have an ARE (Z Series) on my Dodge. I think they're the best canopy on the market today. For example.......I rigged up a hoist mechanism to lift it off my Dodge, so I don't have to bother the neighbor. It was suspended 7+ feet in the air by 2X4s and cables. The cables had hand crimped loops on the ends, one of which failed, so the canopy fell onto that corner. Anyway, I took a careful look at the canopy and other than a few scratches, there's no damage. I'm impressed. :D
 
Most camper shells can be ordered with roof rack attachment points or rails, and you can install your own from Yakima if you want: Yakima Products - Tracks.

Put some thought into where you want the windows in relation to how you will use it. Sleeping quarters will want something different than dog hauling, which is different than tools/equipment....

My 2c from research before I sold my pickup.
 
Doghauler = front slider to interface w/pickup rear sliding window to increase air flow to & check on pups. Sliding windows in rear of topper w/mesh screen replaced by metal screen or 'dog-resistant' screen.
 
sirenmoses said:
Doghauler = front slider to interface w/pickup rear sliding window to increase air flow to & check on pups. Sliding windows in rear of topper w/mesh screen replaced by metal screen or 'dog-resistant' screen.
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that sounds about right, and I can't seem to find anyone who has a snugtop xtr. That model has caught my attention out of all the ARE & Snugtops. I'll have to go see one up close, but I was hoping someone could at least comment from their personal experiences.
 
I install tons of leers. in my opinion they have the most options on the market. roof rack,power lock, solid or window sides, slider front glass, dome light,12v power piont, led third brake light,and fit the vehicle nicely. I vote LEER
 
The best in our area is Caravan campers. All steel and lots of options. I dont know if they make one for a tacoma. A friend of mine has had his on 5 pickups.
 
I have an 11yo Snugtop on my Taco. Had a Raven before that and the Snugtop is much nicer and built better than the Raven. Those are the only 2 that I have had personal experience with. Another ASM had a Leer on his Ford F150 and it worked well.

-B-
 
I'm with -B-. I've owned two Snugtops. I bought the second because of my experience with the first.
 
ARE on my Dodge truck. I've had it for over 16 years. I replaced the rear gate struts last year. That's the extent of repairs.
 
carboncycles said:
Uh oh...damnit cruiserdan has to come in here and throw his weight around with an ARE endorsement...time to reweigh the options
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Since no one else will blow me....























I'll toot my own horn! Great minds think alike!!!! :grinpimp:
 
I have an ARE CX series on my tacoma. Weighed alot of options and companies but liked the ARE for its options and overall construction. Have been nothing but happy so far.
 
My parents have leer tops on both of their trucks. The top on my dad's mini truck has been on there since '92, he got it when he bought the truck. It has held up great and he hunts out of this truck so it hasn't had an easy life. My mom's F250 got one shortly after they bought it ('03) and it has a nicer fit and finish than the earlier one so they have improved over the years. The only thing that they have done to them is reseal the windows on the mini truck a couple of years ago.
 
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