Leer vs A.R.E. truck caps

[ridgeline_kid]

At least some of you have read and responded to my dilemma-laden threads regarding which tonneau cover to purchase for my Ridge. And to add to the already complicated equation, my wife and I were enjoying a late afternoon stroll around the neighborhood when we serendipitously stumbled upon a Ridge with a Leer cap. I had never seen this set up before and was quite intrigued so much so that I left my telephone number on a note attached to this owner's windshield. And, yes, like a good Ridge soldier, he did in fact call me.

His cap is made by Leer and after rushing home to search ROCs threads, I found a guy who did purchase the Leer and was quite happy with it. Both the thread on here and the gentleman with whom I spoke did confirm "small" leaks but in the final analysis, both owners were pleased. Here is a pic of the Leer...

http://www.leer.com/hondagallery/hondastudio.jpg

Upon further research, I found another manufacturer of Ridge caps...A.R.E. This cap looks like this:

http://www.4are.com/product/view_models.php?mk=h&md=r

Does anyone have any experience with the A.R.E. cap? Which one is better? Leer or A.R.E.? I'm pretty sure both are around the same price but the look and fit of the A.R.E. appeals to me more, at least from these pics.

I'd appreciate it if anyone could educate me before I pay nearly double for what I would end up paying for a high-end tonneau.

Cheers!

[Mtnman]

I looked at both of them and think the A.R.E has a better fit and better quality. The A.R.E. is took the dealer about 2 hrs. to install on someone else's truck, it is not meant to be taken off and on easily. Has to do with the seal on the cab roof. Didn't get one, can't justify the $2000.00 for a cap.

[canucksridge]

Love my lear cap. I've had it now for over a year and put 60,000km on the truck since install. I travel a ton and having the extra space has been great. No problem with quality on this cap.

It does leak a little when I use those high pressure car washes but it give me an excuse to wipe down the bed after the wash

http://ridgelineownersclub.com/forum...d=11828126 69

P

[grizzfan]

Check the "Accessories" thread just below for the topper made by Raider for the Ridgeline. One fellow had a very bad experience and it never arrived. One Canadian owner posted photos and had a very solid experience. I think the Raider is the best looking one of all and in the states, several hundred dollars cheaper.

Tom

[RustyH]

I opted for a Truxedo Pro and not a shell for one reason only. Both the Leer and A.R.E. angle slighly upward from rear of the cab and that kind of destroy's the look of the Ridgeline for me. After double checking both, I realize that if the shell remained at the same height as the roofline, you would have a much shorter storage area than what is currently offered.

Also, the way the uni-body is designed, the angles look great by themselves, but when you put a shell on it, it just looks added on and not intergrated into the truck. I'm probably being way to picky, but if you need the extra storage, I guess the A.R.E. is less obtrusive than the Leer. Otherwise the Retrax if you need a hard lockable cover seems the best bet, or if your looking for the soft cover, IMHO Truxedo Pro works and looks great.

[shamrockshooter]

Leer and ARE are both solid truck cap makers. I have had one of each on my last 2 trucks, and was happy with both. Every truck I have had with a cap has leaked a little from time to time. It is not a problem with just Honda leaking. Plus b/c the Honda cap does not have a front window, you don't have to worry about the very noisy ice chunks that get stuck btwn the back window of the truck and front windo of the cab on REAL trucks. Anyone that lives in a snowy region knows what that is all about.

I think it boils down to which one you like the looks of better and price. I just orederd a leer cap last week.

[ridgeline_kid]

Is this a good quote for the A.R.E. cap and Draw-tite trailer hitch package?

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I received a quote (well, rather two quotes from two different dealers...one for the Leer and one for the A.R.E. and the A.R.E. is a much better deal) and I'd like to receive some feedback:

1. A.R.E. cap: $1,695
(This dealer doesn't sell Dynolocks so I'll purchase one and have him install it, which he said he will do when he installs the cap).

2. Draw-tite trailer hitch: $199 (I believe it's either Class III or IV...waiting for confirmation)

3. 2 5/16" Chrome ball and ball mount: $19.95

4. T-one connection: $49.00 (Is this the best electrical harness to have? I've got to plead ignorance because I've never purchased a towing kit before and have read a lot about different harnesses on this board.)

Total, including tax AND installation: $2,115.07 (We agreed on $2,000 even.)

Knowing the this daunting project is over? PRICELESS! (OK, I know that joke is so played but I couldn't resist.)

First, is this a good price for everything that's included (even at $2,115)? Second, is there any other equipment I need for the towing kit? Chains, etc?

The quote I received from the Leer dealer is about $400-$500 more and that DOESN'T include the towing equipment, which the Leer dealer quoted me $650installed. Apples to apples (comparing both quotes WITH the towing kit): the Leer dealer is $1,000 more!

Am I missing something? Both dealers quoted me for the Draw-tite hitch. I don't know why one is so much more than the other.

In addition, I was also debating whether or not to have the manufacturer install the tracks on the cap should I decide later to add a rack. Right now I don't have a serious use for a rack but you never know and it would be nice should I decide to add one that I don't have to do the drilling into the cap. Has anyone done this, and if so, how much did it cost? The A.R.E. dealer quoted me $400 but I believe he meant for the tracks as well as the rack because the Leer dealer quoted me about $400 for the track install and the rack. I'm sorry if this doesn't sound "concrete" but there was a bit of a language gap with both dealers. Obviously, before I buy, I will make sure everyone is on the same page.

Any feedback would be greatly apprecated.

[ridgeline_kid]

I've read a lot about about the tailgate gasket for the Retrax. It apparently keeps dirt out of the truck bed (apparently, when you have a cover, it creates a vaccum and basically sucks up dirt into the bed). If you install a truck cap, do you need to install a tailgate gasket for the same purposes?

[kwoodman]

I love the Leer on my Ridgeline. No problems at all.

[SPIZZ]

A dealer in Traverse City, MI used to install the Leer caps on Ridgelines but discontinued because of fit and product quality problems (poor paint work). I don't have any personal experience with it myself.

My wife told me that she didn't wnat me to put either cap on my Ridgeline because it made it look like an old man's truck.