Leer vs A.R.E. truck caps

[gobo]

I chose the A.R.E over the Leer for 2 reasons:

1) The cap door covers the top of the tailgate offering a bit more security over the Leer which just sits on the top of the tailgate in the closed position.

2) The roof on the A.R.E is more level. Since I carry a kayak up there this is important to me.

[heintzra]

I installed the LEER ($1,650) about 2 months back. No major problems other than some small leaks in the high pressure car wash. But since I wash the inside out anyway .....

The LEER installation came with a tailgate trim (screws & sticks to Ridgeline's tailgate top trim using existing screws) that the Leer rear window sets up against. With the window down it is impossible to open the tailgate without breaking the window. The window has a key lock.

The other minor problem is dust on county roads. The back fills up around the tailgate. I live in the country, so about 15 miles of dirt road travel every day. I have not installed a tailgate seal yet but have a "universal" one ready. not sure how best to handle the ends.

[gimli]

Didn't hear good things from a cap dealer about Leer's overall quality or how they handled defect claims. So I caved in and ponied up for the A.R.E and it's definitely top notch. Dealer took almost 3 full hours to do the install but there are no leaks no matter how hard it rains or even when I use a power washer. Although I haven't had any problems at all, the rear door of the cap seems a little shaky but it always closes fine. I also installed Thule racks on the cap and they are rock solid. At first I thought almost 2 grand for a cap was insane but having dry gear and no rattles or squeaks is worth the price. I think the experience and skill of the installer is critical!

[heintzra]

I'm having second thoughts about my LEER cap after 2+ months use.
But not having seen the ARE I cannot compare honestly if I made the wrong choice. I chose the LEER from popular opinion of people I know based on pictures.. LEER vs ARE LEER won hands down on looks in my poll of 12 coworkers. 11:1.

The fit of my LEER could be better. The rear glass in my opinion is about .25" to long. (amoung other minor things) Rear glass hits the tail gate before sealing on cap completly. I have adjusted glass up as far as it will go still hits first. I could move the cap back then but that causes other misfits. And I have some paint coming off around top of rear glass already where I think the glass bumps while going down country roads.

Seems LEER could have done a better job with the mold. Best I can tell, one Ridgeline is exactly like every other so production tolerances could have been tighter. and with Laser measurment technology... could have fit like a glove.

I'm considering removing mine and placing it on my garage loft until I need to haul something that needs cover.

Anyone know how to remove about .25 inchs of tempered (?) glass without breaking the whole thing?

[CanWeTakeTheRidgeline?]

I just had an ARE cap put on yesterday. I am pleased with the look.
It ran about $1600.
The Billet Silver color match and fit are good. It seem very solid so far.
It took the dealer about 2 1/2 hrs to install. The tech said it was their first one...maybe I didn't want to know that.
The extension that covers from the glass down to the tailgate seems kind of lame, could have designed better I think.
Since the window latch and that extension cover fill the low area over the tailgate it does reduce the visibility out the rear when backing.
I haven't backed up to the trailer yet, so that may be a learning experience.
I will probably get used to it, just seems kind of tunnel like in the rear view mirror.
I have had the Ridge' only about six weeks, so maybe I am just sensitive.

[gobo]

If you can swing it, get the backup camera.