Truck Cap Brands

[NNovak]

I know this is a personal preference quesiton but still very curious.



I am looking to put a cap on the truck in my sig. Currently I am looking at cab high with side windows that open. Is there a particular brand that is built better or designed better. Also is there any design out there that helps with wind drag (when not towing). Some trucks I have seen a rear spoiler to being air down the back of the truck, Do they do anything?



Thank you in advance for feedback... .



Nate

 

[JMetzger]

I have a Raider Vagabond, it has windows on the side that open. I have not had any problems with it & it fits the truck good. Would I buy another one, I probably would. It has a slight lift from the from to the rear but I can still get my truck in the garage & it is a 4x4.

 

[JValdez]

I've got the ARE cap. I like the way it looks and fits. I've had it for 3 years and so far no problems.

 

[DWordinger]

I am happy with my A. R. E. I looked at Leer, Gem Top, Raider, and others. Some of the others may have been as good as the A. R. E. , but I didn't find anything I thought was better. Some were less expensive and maybe a better value for the money, but the A. R. E. is strong and the windows don't leak. I would probably do it again.

 

[ABarry]

I have a Leer and hate it.

 

[HPetrat]

I had a Raider on my old Chev P. U. and hated it. Glass always leaked and the tialgate mechanisms were always in need of repair or adjustment.



HP

 

[Mr.Goat]

Mine is a "Century" made in Indiana. Had it 5 yrs now, no issues. Bought it originally as it was rated for 500 Ibs on the roof.

Since I carry canoes and kayaks now and then and this was the only cap brand available rated for putting anything but a chicadee on the roof.



I had the whole top sprayed with Linex so I wouldn't slip when walking up there and also I can no longer scratch the paint with sandy shoes.



I ordered it straight from the factory painted to match my truck.



I would buy another, very tough cap.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I really liked the SnugTop canopy I had on my 2001. It was their XV ("Xtra Vision") model with side sliding windows and a frameless back window. The handle snapped in flush when not in use but sometimes got a bit sticky. If I were to get another canopy I'd seriously consider Glasstite again.

 

[MFenza]

cap

I have the new leer cap on my new 07. 5 and it is great if you have a leer dealer near you it is worth the trip Matt 2007. 5 Qc laramie dually 4x4 leer cap banks dual monster exhaust aem cold air intake kit putco grill bores door handle trim avs door handles go rhino hitch ss step

 

[Andy Morrison]

I had a Leer on my '97 it was a total piece of crap. Windows leaked, poor fit, rear door latch never worked ,quality control sucks.



My current truck has an A. R. E. cap, world of difference. I like it much better.



Andy

 

[MartyK]

This is my second truck with my second Century cap. No problems. I would buy another one.



Marty

 

[JMarhofke]

I have the Century and really like it. It is the "top end" model that makes it blend into the truck, w/o the rubber boots around the windows. The windows crank out, and have screens. I have the optional sliding/drop down front window, and carpet. The carpet matches the "Bed-Rug", and really quiets the interior. The drop down window is great for cleaning. The rear glass/hatch, is one piece w/o a frame and looks similar to a SUV. Fit & finish are very good. The A. R. E. is also a great cap, for me it was a toss up. The A. R. E. cost a little more, but where I got my Century was a one man shop. I like the small "shops". When it was installed, I felt more like a "friend", not just another "customer".



Jim

 

[NNovak]

Thanks Everyone for the feedback. I just found a Century dealer where I am, also looking at A. R. E and Lakeland.



any more feedback is great. I believe in real world vs marketing verbage.



Nate

 

[Paddy McMahon]

I have had great luck with the two snug top canopies I ran on my Dodge trucks and bad luck with the Leer I had on my Chevy. FYI the boot between the canopy and truck cab will wear off your paint eventually. I have had better luck with the canopies that have an integral window. if you can get it the spray applied carpeting on the inside walls and cieling keep the canopy from "sweating" gathering condensate on the inside if you have dogs in back or plan on sleeping back there. Watch for they key operated latches too-I have been locked out of mine when it was frozen over. The best latches have a key to lock but operate on a latch or lever cam to actually open the rear hatch. They are failsafe when Winter shows up in force. Consider if you will want a roof rack something with integral tracks that will accept yakima or tule style bars is also a big plus.

 

[GCarr]

GlassTite is THE BEST. Have had three over past 25 yrs. Quality and durability is terrific.

 

[River-Runner]

I put the high end Leer on my 2008 Mega. I like the looks of this Leer model best of all tops I shopped because the lines from the truck windows line up with the canopy window.



Downside: I don't believe the rear window latch and seals will last very long. The latch and lock has a cable versus a rod that will / has required several adjustments to date and the rubber seal around the window is being eaten up by the rear window hinge. When the window is opened up, the hinge hits the rubber seal and it has already been chewed up and I've only got 5500 miles.



Otherwise it should provide good service.

 

[Buffalo]

I have an ARE on my '03 & like it. Fold down front window is a good thing for cleaning both truck rear window & camper window. I, also, have an auxillary fuel tank in the bed of the truck & had a "Windoor" installed in the shell. Basically, it is a fold-up side window & allows entrance into the bed from the side of the vehicle.



I, also, like the single handle & lock on the rear shell door. Some have two handles that make it more complicated to get into the bed.



I would buy the ARE again. At the time, it seemed to have a very high rating amongst shells.



Joe F. (Buffalo)