03' Truck Cap

[BMancin]

Can anyone recommend a real nice fiberglass truck cap for 03' lo. I am going for quality and looks, so high-end is OK. I would love to see pictures and/or site URL.



Thanks much,

 

[d90boy]

I like the SnugTop XV myself, they run around $1600.



http://www.snugtop.com/p_xv.htm

 

[Scooby]

I'll second the SungTop XV... . I've got one on my '01 and the fit and quality is excellent.

 

[SSchoenfelder]

Anyone like Leer or Jeraco?

I was looking at Leer and Jeraco as both have factory outlets within 10 miles of where I live. Does anyone have any preferences between these two brands?

 

[Briman]

I'm having a Leer 100R installed on Thursday. It has windoors on both sides because I work out of it. I'll post pictures This weekend.

 

[FM]

I ordered an ARE T-series. Should be here this week or next.

http://www.4are.com/product/t/

 

[Prairie Dog]

I have the Leer and the finish of the fiberglass is better than most. Unfortunately it leaks from one of the side windows and also from the front as well. I've been siliconing things up and I think I've fixed the problems but I shouldn't of had to for the $1500+ I spent.

The look is kinda different from others. It slopes slightly down in back and because the truck is slightly higher in back, it levels out and kinda looks like a suburban. It fits easily into a garage this way but I preferred the look of the back being higher.

I'll post a pic when the weather clears up.

By the way, I had an ARE on my last DC (93) and it was great.

 

[PCline]

I too have the Leer. I can't remember the model number but I know it was the top of the line model. It has frameless windows, carpet liner, slider, dome light, etc.



The sloping side window does take some getting used too. I didn't like it at first but it grows on you. I think Leer could have done a better job blending the contour lines in with the truck.



Also, the sliding window opens from the opposite as the truck window. In other words, you have to open the truck slider completely to even reach the handle on the canopy window. I think I can swap it around though.



I put pictures in my gallery, PClines Truck.

 

[Ken B]

I ordered an A. R. E. Z series for a couple of reasons. The quality looked to be very good and they offered several options I was looking for.



First off, they offered a Keyless Entry option that ties into your factory remote. I'm not aware of any other mfg. 's offering this option. For me, this was a deal closer... as often as I'm in and out of the back of my truck, this will be a life changer! Also their single handle entry is top of the line. The other option I liked (I know Leer also offers this option) was the tilt down slider window... should make it very easy to clean the truck slider and the cap slider as well.



I also liked the lines of the Z series. It will be level with the cab of the truck and will give the truck an overall very clean look.



I had an Raider on my 01 and liked it, but it didn't have the options that my new A. R. E. will have.



Hope this helps, good luck, -Ken



http://www.4are.com/product/z/

 

[ntenna]

I second Ken on the ARE-Z. Only way to go, doesn't leak, paint is a perfect match and price was right. You can even get a rear wiper/washer !

 

[Blue Goat]

I had a Glasstite Raven high rise put installed on my 2003. Try glasstite.com.

 

[loncray]

Caps

I've had the ARE T series on mine for a few months now - I love it! Lots of room - though I did lose some MPG by going to such a tall cap.

 

[BMancin]

SnugTop

I agree the SnugTop looks great. Yikes! Shipping is 450. 00 to the East Coast! I am checking ARE as they are local to my area.



Thanks much for all your help.

 

[rscurtis]

I purchased an ARE "Z" series for my Light Almond '03. The cap

looks like it was painted right on the truck. Also like the fold-down

front window for cleaning and LED CHMSL. Also had an ARE CH

series on my '95- paint on that looked like new when I sold it.

Only complaint is window tint is a little too dark for my taste.

 

[jlord]

I just installed an ARE-Z, and am very happy with it. I had and ARE-CH on my last 2 trucks, but the Z looks much better. BTW, you can haggle with your ARE dealer and get atleast 10% off the retail price.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Ken B when you get your ARE canopy on post some pictures of it . I like the lines of it also and the features you mentioned. Looks great on the website. It's similar to the SnugTop XV I had on the '01 which I really liked. Had opening front window as well for cleaning and single handle latch & frameless glass. Also sliding side windows, only way to go if you camp out in it during warm weather, which I did several times with the SnugTop.



About how much does the Z series set you back with all the bells and whistles?



Vaughn

 

[Mr.Goat]

I went with Century out of Indiana because they had one of the highest roof capacity ratings. I carry alot of canoes and kayaks and because of the height of the Dodge with the cap and racks I have to be able to stand on the roof of the cap to tie everything down.



The Century high "C" model is a god looking well made cap and I have been pleased with it thus far. Pete

 

[Ken B]

Vaughn,



I'll post some pics of the A. R. E. Z series when it arrives. I should see it in the next week or so. -Ken

 

[Briman]

Ok, Here's a picture of my new leer.

 

[Briman]

One more view.