LEER truck cap warning

Attached are some pictures of my leaking LEER cap. It looks good from the outside on the passenger side (the driver side sticks about about 1.5" too far) but there are several things you should know before dropping $1800.

1. They leak.
2. They are evidently hard to install. Took Anchor in Salem, VA almost 4 hours and they still couldn't get it on straight (they also accidentally drilled an extra set of holes and couldn't figure out how to adjust the tailgate glass).
3. LEER has been unresponsive to any of the questions I have asked about how to adjust the cap.
4. Huge blindspot on the sides, those big windows acutally cover about 3" of fiberglass so you're only left with a 3-4" strip of window when looking out from inside.

I probably would have bought the Pilot or a Tacoma had I known all this going in, it's just been a huge hassle.

My particular cap has a poor fit on the drivers side and the dealer (Anchor) says they can't fix b/c it's a LEER mold issue. However, it leaks from both sides and a little from the top near the brake light. Not a huge deal as my dogs are always sloppy/muddy but it's nice to know.

I have more high quality pictures but they're a pain to upload. Any specific requests or angles?

Did you buy it directly from Leer or from Anchor?
If you bought it from Anchor make them reorder a new one that fits. Especially since they are saying it has a manufacturing defect.
If you bought it from Leer you should still go after them for a replacement. Problem is that Anchor's not going to want to install a replacement for free so you'd need to work out some allowance from Leer.

Don't just accept it when it looks like that.

There should be a warranty, right???

Thanks for the heads up. That's one of the real advantages to reading the threads on this site. Much appreciated.

When you say unresponsive, are you emailing them? Maybe you can call someone and if you don't get any help ask for a supervisor or second level support. Let us know how you make out.

I saw a Leer installed on a Ridge at the dealer's showroom. It looked nothing like the fit on yours. Something's not right with yours, or so it seems.

A salesman at the dealer has one on his demo, and it does not leak.

I also noted that the view was very restricted. The cap looks good but the drawbacks (for me) overrode the good things.

Yes, I bought from Anchor (LEER only sells through dealers). I've been back several times, but Anchor keeps saying that's the way they are, a new one would be just as bad (they said they've installed several with poor fits). I'll ask them to reorder a new one and see what they say. I'd be glad to hear of other good stories where the cap did fit properly, as this might bolster my argument to have Anchor order a new one.

I've been emailing LEER. I can't find their phone number on their website (need to do some research, I'm sure I can find it). I'm going to write LEER a detailed letter and in addition to the problems with my cap I'll point out all the public web forums where they can find my opinion of their product (and see what everyone else has said).

In the end, Anchor is a small town dealer and I don't think they're afraid of losing 2 Ridgeline cap installs a year. I probably could flame them on other truck websites (there's an idea).

I had the leer cap installed a month ago and love it. I have not experienced any leaks. The visibility is cut down significantly! But, overall I love it and would recommend it to anyone! My install only took just under two hours with one guy doing it. I carpeted the bed and it's like a little home in there now.

I've been emailing LEER. I can't find their phone number on their website (need to do some research, I'm sure I can find it). I'm going to write LEER a detailed letter and in addition to the problems with my cap I'll point out all the public web forums where they can find my opinion of their product (and see what everyone else has said).
I yahoo map'd the city and then searched for the directory listing for Leer.

Leer Inc
Address: 58288 Ventura Dr, Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: (574) 522-5337

Good Luck !

Attached are some pictures of my leaking LEER cap. It looks good from the outside on the passenger side (the driver side sticks about about 1.5" too far) but there are several things you should know before dropping $1800.

1. They leak.
2. They are evidently hard to install. Took Anchor in Salem, VA almost 4 hours and they still couldn't get it on straight (they also accidentally drilled an extra set of holes and couldn't figure out how to adjust the tailgate glass).
3. LEER has been unresponsive to any of the questions I have asked about how to adjust the cap.
4. Huge blindspot on the sides, those big windows acutally cover about 3" of fiberglass so you're only left with a 3-4" strip of window when looking out from inside.

I probably would have bought the Pilot or a Tacoma had I known all this going in, it's just been a huge hassle.

My particular cap has a poor fit on the drivers side and the dealer (Anchor) says they can't fix b/c it's a LEER mold issue. However, it leaks from both sides and a little from the top near the brake light. Not a huge deal as my dogs are always sloppy/muddy but it's nice to know.

I have more high quality pictures but they're a pain to upload. Any specific requests or angles?

i have a leer and no problems. i feel it's the installer. mine was installed by all american in portland,or. nice people. jim

i have a leer and no problems. i feel it is your installer. all american ,in portland or. installed mine . when they did they lifted the roof ( ridgeline roof ) trim strips in the rear,sealed the water drain area with puddy, centered the cap, the cap had a slight overhang in the rear when installed , then they tightened the rear hold downs first,then the front.

has a even clearence on both sides,and the cap door hits the tail gate about 3 quarters of the way forward. i have no wind noise ,nor leaks.

they also added more gasket material across the front of the cap.

the hold downs can be over torqued, i belived mine are torqued to 15 INCH pounds.

i feel my leer fits well, doesn't leak and i had a great install.

wish you luck. jim :-)

Thanks for the all the feedback, I'm tempted to re-adjust myself, but I'll wait to see if LEER as any input (thanks for the phone #).

Here are two more picutres for comparison (passenger side then driver side, both from ground level looking up).

Hi,

I really hate these stories, and feel your pain.

If it happened to me, and after exhausting all reasonable compromises, I would order another cap from Leer, and have Anchor install it. I would then call my credit card company then question that particular charge and state your reason that you got a faulty product and send your credit card company a clear pic of that faulty installation on the first LEER cap you ordered.

My credit card company (AMEX) have been very good in giving me back my hard earned money and forcing these lowlifes who don't back their products warranty to take action.I sure do hope your credit card company will take care of you like my AMEX has for the last five years.

The above strategy has work when a delearship near me installed my ridges roofrack but left a dent on the roof 2x4 inches big and half an inch wide.When I told them that I would contest my credit card charges on the roof rack installation with American express if they don't fix it in a timely manner, their not so corteous demeanor turned really polite and the issue was resolve quickly.

Hope this helps.

Hi again,

If it has been less than 60 days since you purchased this cap with a credit card I assume, try to question the charges by calling your credit card company.

I assure you that the very moment leer or Anchor noticed $1800 missing from their coffers they would be the ones calling you to make things right.

The above strategy worked also when I had carpets and fencing done and the workmanship was shoddy. Whereas I threatened the delearship who dented my Ridgelines roof, I didn't even bother to make a 2nd phone call with the fence and carpet installers after I made just one only one phone call to report their shortcoming to their respective offices.The very second AMEX credited back the money to me they were calling me to schedule a repair asap under warranty.

Hope this helps

Marylandridge

Couple things after reading your story.

1. You state the dealer said they have had several installs of the leer cap that did not fit properly. Did they disclose this to you in order for you to decide whether you should persue wanting the cap?

2. Them stating several bad installs make me think its them since other dealers do it correctly.

3. Sqeeky wheel gets the grease, keep complaining and don't take no for an answer. Also don't have them install another, you need to find a better dealer for this product, obviously.

Good Luck. The cap does make the RL look nice!

And I repeat my previous post (#8). :D :D :D
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11532

Quote:
I like my Leer cap. I've Had leer caps on all my vehicles and have found them to be of good quality. Unquote

You're fortunate. My "Leer" was the most expensive ($1,300) piece of crap that I have ever purchased for a truck. Numerous quality issues.
Small cracking at front edges
A MAJOR 1/8 crack at right aft post
Left rear window ill fit. 1st one shattered. 2nd one so bad that I didn't dare use it
Front window leaked

The local dealership shipped the first cover back to the factory for repair. After almost two months it came back with very sloppy repair workmanship. The dealership then ordered me a second one new. The second one (new from the factory) left rear window didn't fit well. At the dealership prior to installation, the dealer went to operate the window. It shattered. Dealership orders new window. Another week's delay, the dealer receives the window and carefully installs it. It too, also binded, and the dealership advised me then, not to use the window. Well, he duped me into taking the cover, and it too started to develop cracks (although not as bad as the first one). After a very short time of use (two months?) of not using the window, small new cracks developing, and by now the vinyl trim between the rear windows and cover body falling off, I took it back to get my $1,300 returned. No deal. Dealership said that sale was final and that I had a lifetime warranty on the cover. So I guess I was suppose to keep shipping it back to the factory for repair?

Well, I got rid of it and I think it's now being used as a dog house. Good riddance, and good riddance "Leer".

Sad thing is, that I've noticed Leer buying out their competition. If you can't beat them, buy them out.....

Sorry, just had to vent when I'd seen that "to be of good quality" comment. You're fortunate......
__________________
Hawk

Thanks for all the feedback, I've got a call in with Joe at LEER (the warranty guy) and the Anchor people are much more willing to try and fix (I shared all the information I've learned so far).

If possible, can any of you take a couple of pictures of the front edge of the cap so I can demonstrate what it's supposed to look like.

Finally, can someone with a good fitting cap check the measurement of the back tailgate? The Anchor folks installed it too far forward (according to LEER installation instructions). The correct measurement is 3/8inch from truck sheet metal to outside of cap surface. Mine is shown with about 1/8 inch overhang (basically the thickness of the cap).

I appreciate any feedback.
Matt

Wow and I thought I found the perfect cap for my truck:( How many people have had these cap actually Last and fit properly? I dont need a $1400 dog house.
When you talk about blind spots where are they.

Thanks for the all the feedback, I'm tempted to re-adjust myself, but I'll wait to see if LEER as any input (thanks for the phone #).

Here are two more picutres for comparison (passenger side then driver side, both from ground level looking up).

Also have Leer cap and no problems.
Don't adjust it yourself. How do you spell Warranty? And if they don't stand by their install, and just blame the truck, get your money back and go elsewhere! Demand satisfaction. Too much money to just let them get away with it.

I recently saw a ridgeline in Gardner Maine with a cap on it,after a little investigating through our forum I realized it's not such a great idea. There are two dealers in the area that sell tonneau covers for about $450.00 installed.They are roll up and have velcro sides. Any input would be great.Besides all the snow in back it would be nice to keep stuff in the back dry.

I have been dealing with my leaking LEER cap for months now! It is unexceptable to have this problem. The installer has tried three times to get it right and each time the result is the same. It Leaks and doesn't sit right on the truck. Not sure if this is a molding issue from LEER or the installer??? LEER is now going step in and try and help. So, we'll see what happens! Does anyone have any other good options beisides a LEER?

I also have leer cap. leaks, doesn't fit well, rear window too tall, etc. etc. It takes an Ridgeline Leer expert to get it even close to filtting. My leer dealer is 400 miles away so I have made my own efforts to adjust.

however mine is tolerable. grown used to poor visibility. I cannot recommend a Leer. i have seen other Leers on other makes and models around town and in parking lots. they seem to fit like a glove. Seems Ridgeline Leer is their unique problem.

I've spent several hours overhauling/adjusting mine. One day i'll grow tired and take it off and put it on my garage loft when I have a second pair of hands around and when I am in the mode.

$1,700 lesson learned.

From what I understand, these are made in 3 different parts of the country. Mine was made in Pa., Since I am in NJ. I have minimal leaking. I don't see any comparison with the tonneaus, every other cover has had people complain about leaking.

The caps that are leaking seem more bowed out on the sides than mine. My installers were not that great (they scratched it and had to readjust the window). But for my trips south it does what it is intended to do, keep my cargo safe and dry. I also get better mileage since I put it on.

As far as moving it, I would be worried about the side windows getting damaged. I also wonder what the weight is. My installers used a forklift so I don't think it is that easy to handle.

good luck

Am I insane or are the plastic moldings still on the truck under the box cover? I haven't installed one yet, but I'm in the midst of buying one.... Seems to me that on the posts that I've read about installation, those are supposed to come off for the installation. Is that accurate and if it is, could that account for your problems?

J

Had mine installed March/2008 in San Diego. It was probably built at their plant near Sacramento, CA. Fit is nice and no leaks. I even got the electric locking rear hatch option which was wired into the auto door locks when I picked it up following the install. This allowed me to wire a tailgate lock into the cap hatch lock wiring rather than running it all the way to the front of the truck, so the entire thing locks/unlocks together. I love mine, total satisfaction. Even the paint was a perfect match. I get a lot of compliments and questions about it from other RL owners.

I think it weighs several hundred lbs., definitely caused my rear to sag some more when towing. I just bought the Belltech/KW coilover kit to correct this. Too many people flashing lights at me at night when towing.

It looks like A.R.E. makes a topper for the Ridgeline.



http://www.4are.com/img/product/ridgeline/pics/1105_ridgeline_02.jpg

It looks like A.R.E. makes a topper for the Ridgeline.


That's what I favour buying soon. They have a no-drill installation, so that's less scary and handier for when I want it of and back on again (say, when it's time to haul an ATV). I'm guessing that removing the top moldings is still required here.

ARE = ugly

My ugly ARE which doesn't leak and fits pretty good. LOL

http://ddawson1.net/images/Ridgeline/rl1.jpg

My ugly ARE which doesn't leak and fits pretty good. LOL

http://ddawson1.net/images/Ridgeline/rl1.jpg

my are looks great and works great too!

I've had my Leer cap since September of '06. Fit and finish is excellent. I've had no leaks. Sounds like the installer has a lot to do with it. Mine was installed by CampWay in Fairfield, CA. This was the first they had seen for the Ridgeline. It was removed and reinstalled about a year ago by my local Honda dealer (Winters Honda) when I had the OEM rearview camera installed. I had to adjust the rear window after the install but have had no other problems. There is a standoff of about 3/8" around the entire perimeter of the cap. Mine is the model made with the roof rack cutouts at the front. For information, the bed rails are not removed for the cap install. Hope you find a resolution to your problems.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p247/mwarren260/Ridgeline/CALROCMeetI9-30-06045.jpg

Am I insane or are the plastic moldings still on the truck under the box cover? I haven't installed one yet, but I'm in the midst of buying one.... Seems to me that on the posts that I've read about installation, those are supposed to come off for the installation. Is that accurate and if it is, could that account for your problems?J

You are NOT insane. The plastic moldings on the bed rails are NOT removed when installing a Leer shell. Mine was installed last week, and I watched the entire process.

Leer sends along a roll of some stuff that looks like black putty. This stuff is used to level off/remove the "step" where the molding ends, and is also used to plug up the rain gutters wher they go under that plastic pices at the rear of the roof. They also removed the bulbs from the existing high-mounted stop light so it wouldn't come on wher you brake.

My Leer fits beautifully (about 1/4" gap all the way around) and doesn't leak. The color match (white) is about as close as my front bumper, so no complaints there.

The shell is clamped down with 4 J-clamps with are torqued to only 100 in-lbs. YES, that's INCH-POUNDS, not foot-pounds. I wonder if the IP ever checked to see how tight his clamps were, as my installer said that the shell will start splaying out to both sides if the front clamps are too tight.

It's damned expensive though - over $2K.

From what I understand, these are made in 3 different parts of the country. Mine was made in Pa., Since I am in NJ. I have minimal leaking. I don't see any comparison with the tonneaus, every other cover has had people complain about leaking.

The caps that are leaking seem more bowed out on the sides than mine. My installers were not that great (they scratched it and had to readjust the window). But for my trips south it does what it is intended to do, keep my cargo safe and dry. I also get better mileage since I put it on.

As far as moving it, I would be worried about the side windows getting damaged. I also wonder what the weight is. My installers used a forklift so I don't think it is that easy to handle.

good luck



Hey Jerseyshoreguy, where in PA did you purchase your LEER cap?

Thanks!

Did you really expect a return call from LEER. There are in Elkhart, Indiana.... they're Amish for Christ sake...they don't believe in phones! If you want a buggy built, call the Amish. If you want a great looking cap call A.R.E. :cool:

We had one installed recently and do not have any of the problems stated here. Ours fits and is water tight. Even have the auto lock using the Honda remote. Guess there are some lemons out there. So far so good.:D

I hope you paid for both the cap and the install with a credit card.
If you did, call up your credit card company, and claim theft of service.
They should debit both the cap company and the installer who evidently shouldnt have tried to install an already defective product.
You should always pay for any product or service with a credit card, so you have restition.
Vinnie:D

Good idea, never thought of the "theft of service " thing. Seems to fit in this case. However, our Leer cap fits very well.:)

I responded to an old post from 2007, so I deleted the contents, sorry :o

Couple of things to add:

The official weight of the Leer topper without additional accessories is 140 lbs.

While my Leer topper doesn't leak I have found that some water and dirt gets into the bed from under the rear tailgate. I kept getting dusty dirt buildup in the bed over time despite everything being sealed up and occasionally would find some small amount of water in the bed floor, but couldn't detect any moisture around the topper body/window sealing areas. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from at first. After being in the rear bed with the tailgate up and rear hatch closed I could see daylight under some areas of the tailgate and also at some areas at the front of the bed too. Makes sense since Honda never intended for the rear bed to be entirely sealed up for any reason. Otherwise it would fill up with water during a rain storm ,etc. Best as I can tell having the topper while driving at highway speeds creates a vacuum flow effect in the rear bed area through these openings, which pulls small amounts of dirt/water into through them and into the bed area at times. :confused:

E


.

If there is low pressure there, I would be more concerned about exhaust migrating into the cab.

that depends on whether it pulls from front to rear or rear to front

since the vacuum source is most likely the low pressure area behind the topper/tailgate it would flow front to rear

I have run with the rear glass open before and can't say that I noticed any fumes or other smells (currently have a bad bank 1 cat converter that will be replaced soon), but your point may be valid

Couple of things to add:

The official weight of the Leer topper without additional accessories is 140 lbs.

While my Leer topper doesn't leak I have found that some water and dirt gets into the bed from under the rear tailgate. I kept getting dusty dirt buildup in the bed over time despite everything being sealed up and occasionally would find some small amount of water in the bed floor, but couldn't detect any moisture around the topper body/window sealing areas. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from at first. After being in the rear bed with the tailgate up and rear hatch closed I could see daylight under some areas of the tailgate and also at some areas at the front of the bed too. Makes sense since Honda never intended for the rear bed to be entirely sealed up for any reason. Otherwise it would fill up with water during a rain storm ,etc. Best as I can tell having the topper while driving at highway speeds creates a vacuum flow effect in the rear bed area through these openings, which pulls small amounts of dirt/water into through them and into the bed area at times. :confused:

E


.

TeamRidgeline I'm not finding the leaks in the front of the bed that you mentioned. I've had my Leer since Dec 08 but I live in sunny Seattle and I guess I don't get enough moisture to show up inside. I run through a car wash with mine about once a week too. I carry a lot of medical equipment in the bed and I've never had a wet box. Maybe I better knock on wood and continue to stay out of the rain.

Cap is flimsy and cannot carry any load. Why do they over a Thule rack for the top if it can't carry much weight--useless for most purposes. I later was told by Leer rep that the core material of the cap is cardboard. Based on how flimsy it is, it must be so. Tailgate will not stay closed. Product came with defective window screen. Took me 2.5 years to get my replacement. They shipped it after 1.5 years, but nobody notified me it came in. Sat for over a year. Even with new screen the screen is not held in place at enough points to keep out insects--large gaps between screen and window.

This window has four brackets to hold it tight? Come on! what were you thinking? I asked for more brackets and these were never provided.

This was the worst choice I could make for a truck cap. My old one that cost me $50 was stronger, although not a good looking.

FINALLY. I lost my key and the electric opener failed. I could not get in and LEER would not respond to my requests for a new key. What is so hard about that.

The people at LEER are at the level of idiots studying hard to be morons. I hope they go out of business. They don't deserve to exist. Everyone associated with the company should be out of a job and homeless, maybe then they will learn about customer support.

WOW that is some serious bad Customer Relations. I am sorry to hear about that. I will def keep that in mind before looking into one of those! Sorry to hear about your problems though.

We purchased our cap April of 09. We have had not one of the problems you indicate. Could be that it was a "first" year model, I do no know. I have never seen signs of cardboard? Our fits snugly, no leaks or tailgate locking issues. Sounds like it is more a dealer issue than the cap, but do not know that.

What Leer model is it? The windows only open about an inch so don't understand about the brackets, unless they changed those also.

Sorry you are having problems can only say that SO far we have had none.:D

It appears you are new to ROC, there are many good "helps" here for everything you can imagine. Welcome aboard.

Not my experience with Leer either! I use mine EVERY day. Locks tight doesn't leak even here in the great NW. I probably open and close the rear hatch a least a dozen times every day.

I'm about to install Thule rails on the top of it to haul our 2 sea kayaks on weekends. I bought mine from a local dealer here in December so I have almost 6 months use out of it and haven't had a problem.

Sorry for the problems, it's just not my experience with the Leer cap at all.

We purchased our cap April of 09.

QCRidge, I assume the QC is Queen Creek. I'm in Mesa. What dealer did you guy your LEER from and if you don't mind sharing, what did it cost?

Leer generally leaves their distributor network to deal directly with the public. The distributor who supplied the topper should have all the information on file and be able to get you a replacement key without too much hassle :confused:

I noticed a blemish the size of my hand in the paint in the roof of my leer cap. I took it to the place I purchased the cap, and they sent it back to leer. Leer made me a brand new cap no questions asked and had it shipped back within 2 weeks. The new cap seems to fit better and the color seems to match a little closer too.

sorry to hear some others have had troubles. I am happy with mine.

I had a Leer cap installed yesterday on my 08 and drove home in a thunder shower. No runs or drips. I will adjust the rear window as I think it could close a bit better. The cap was installed with my roof rack already in place so it had to be removed to seal the water tracks. The total install time was about 90 minutes. Everything seems to fit well. Satisfied in Pennsylvania!

Finally took my Honda with a Leer cap back to the Leer dealer. Don't laugh, but the cap is rusting. At the rear around the break light the cap is blistering and rust is staining the cap. Tomorrow the dealer is removing the cap and sending it back to Leer for either a repair or replacement. I will inform this forum of the results.

Not my experience with Leer either! I use mine EVERY day. Locks tight doesn't leak even here in the great NW. I probably open and close the rear hatch a least a dozen times every day.

I'm about to install Thule rails on the top of it to haul our 2 sea kayaks on weekends. I bought mine from a local dealer here in December so I have almost 6 months use out of it and haven't had a problem.

Sorry for the problems, it's just not my experience with the Leer cap at all.

No problems with mine either.

Finally took my Honda with a Leer cap back to the Leer dealer. Don't laugh, but the cap is rusting. At the rear around the break light the cap is blistering and rust is staining the cap. Tomorrow the dealer is removing the cap and sending it back to Leer for either a repair or replacement. I will inform this forum of the results.

I am more than sure there is a metal plate behind the break light and metal does rust. ;) Just be glad that they are taking care of this for you. :DSo far no issues with our Leer. Thankfully. Will be interesting to find out what they do.

Good news to report. Went to the Leer dealers today to arrange an appointment. Leer sent a brand new cap to replace the cap that was rusting. Thank you Leer and Leer dealer.

Congratulations, and all you see are complaints about Leer, leaking etc. I wonder how many other dealers would have just replaced the cap? I am gald we have a Leer! Thanks for going the extra mile to post your news about replacement.:D

43167Good news to report. Went to the Leer dealers today to arrange an appointment. Leer sent a brand new cap to replace the cap that was rusting. Thank you Leer and Leer dealer.
here are pictures of the new cap. It fits better and no leaks. Way to go
Leer

here are pictures of the new cap. It fits better and no leaks. Way to go
Leer

Looks pretty good!

I can't get over the cost of these, or I would be considering one. At the market price, I'm indifferent as I really have no need for one. If a used one showed up locally that fit right and was priced right, I'd probably pick it up since I like to have options.

I remember when I was a "kid," I could buy new Sprint shells for $585. Nice ones too! Even better, when I bought one for my '87 Toyota that was traded in so it was pre-owned. I got it for only $450 and it even happened to be the right color (altho' the factory gelcoat was a poor match to the factory charcoal gray, but was was better than some other color gelcoat!)