Truck topper advice. Leer vs A.R.E.

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. dealers while only Radco has Leer. Will Radco negotiate much? Any reason to not just get the A.R.E.?

I have had both, no issues with either, you can sometimes get a coupon at the sport shows

I have a are z series w no complaints. Led rope lights are well worth the cost

huskerdu wrote:

I have had both, no issues with either, you can sometimes get a coupon at the sport shows

Thanks, that’s good to hear.

PmB wrote:

I have a are z series w no complaints. Led rope lights are well worth the cost

Thanks. The Z certainly looks nicer but I want the sliding/vented windoors for the dogs. I was planning on a rope light on each side with prop switch. Only about $160 but good to hear it’s worth it.

You can’t go wrong with an A.R.E topper. I have the V series with contractor side windows, fishing rod holders and the rope light. The fishing rod holders are the same ones you can buy in store for $15 and install them yourself. Just use short screws into the “meat”, thicker part of the fiberglass, of the topper. I wish I would’ve saved some money there but oh well, live and learn. The rope light is PLENTY bright enough, you would not need 2 of them. I have an 8′ box and between ice fishing and grabbing tools out of the back for work, there is no way anyone would ever need 2 rope lights. Side note on the lights, I purchased my topper about a year ago and the connections for the 3rd brake light and rope light were corroded and in need of repair. I think they could use some weather proof type of connections but I replaced them with my own grease filled connectors and taped them up. Better than new. Get the double locks on the rear window for added protection against theft. The single lock, even when locked, doesn’t provide enough protection from thieves, in my personal experience. Good luck!

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I have the are and I love it. My ice gear stays locked in my topper all winter. I put my own led lights in it on a toggle was super easy and well worth the hour it took me. The only thing I did besides was black out the windows so no one can see in it at all.

One thing I wouldn’t buy again is the cigarette outlet in the back. I can run a aerator off of it but for whatever reason it won’t charge my Makita batteries. The key fob auto lock was well worth it. The sky is the limit but another thing I don’t regret buying is a bedslide

The z series has vents.

Buddy has a leer and i like it. The cap that attaches to the glass that covers the tailgate is way more ridged then my zseries.

I also have issues with my zeries on my ford wit hard to open.