Leer Cap total costs vs. ARE cap total costs

[jerseyshoreguy]

Hello,
I know those that DON'T like caps .. and how we should have just bought a pilot... BUT PLEASE FOR THOSE THAT DO OWN A CAP

I am going to get a cap/ canopy/ cover and wanted to know what people were paying. I was told the Leer now has 3 hours of labor to put it on ... That seems a little excessive. What have others paid and any other pictures of the 2 would be great ..

Yes I have seen Leer's website and a Leer Red, Black and Green top (ARE only Green I think) Any other pictures would be appreciated.

Also if it leaks and if you have trouble with blindspots?

Last question ... What do you not like about your cap?


Thanks for your time

[cwsatterlee]

I have a Leer vs the ARE. In Rhode Island we don't have too many options and dealers to purchase from. The difference at the place I purchased my Leer was the ARE was more expensive. In RI the Leer sold for $1625.00 plus tax. I did get a $70.00 coupon from Leer by visiting their site. The ARE was about $125.00 more plus tax. It took the dealer I bought the cap from about 2 hours, because it was the first one he did.

I have had no problems or leaks with mine. Blind spot no different than when the cap was not on it. Pilot was not as big as the Ridgline. I like it with the cap no matter what anybody else thinks. Too each their own. I rather have the cap then spend $2000.00 on wheels and tires while mine are perfectly fine at the time with 13,000 miles on them. I now get 19.5 miles per gallon and drive 80 round trip daily to work and back.

We ought to start our own site for the cap owners.

[blueridgeman]

I had an A.R.E. cap installed in March, 2006, along with the remote lock which works with the Honda key. It all cost $1738, including tax. I've put 9000 miles on the truck since then.
Visibility is ok using the sideview mirrors. I feel very comfortable changing lanes etc. Visibility while backing up is poor - I rely on the backup sensors to help me. I'm seriously considering getting an aftermarket backup camera system (I didn't get the NAV).
It's never leaked in a rain storm, but I will get an occasional leak going through one car wash but not others. I think this is due to the high pressure air during the dry cycle. If this gets to be a problem, I'll take it back to the installer.
Overall, I'm very happy with the quality of the cap and it's utility. I've been doing a lot of cross country driving to visit our kids and I'm hauling stuff back and forth.
Hope this helps.

[jerseyshoreguy]

cwsatterlee and blueridgeman thank you both for your quick replies!

I am torn between the two and unless the other installer near me is nicer and more trustworthy (3 to 4 hours for the leer install ... sounds a little greedy) I will get the ARE (which I like too)

Blueridge do you have any pictures?

cwsatterlee also thank you for your pictures I thought they were great.

thanks again for all the information... yeah us cap owners and wannabees are the minority

[cwsatterlee]

Another cap own, great. Gow to the NE Meet site Aug 26. There are better pictures of the cap. Once you get your cap, do you plan on attending the Mid Atlantic meet? Would love to go to a meet and see another cap owner no matter what anyone else thinks about them. If you go to a ROC meet, have a cap, you will get your fair share of individuals looking at your truck because you are the odd ball.

[meanmachine19]

I don't have a cap. I've seen the ARE cap in green and blue. I took some pics of Tucker's (green) RL next to AZridgeliner's green (without).

Not being a 'cap' guy, I think the ARE looks good. I believe Tucker said it cost him $1500. Not sure about labor or leaks. he uses it for his dog when he travels.

[Michael Kennedy]

Hi everybody, never was a cap guy either but they do seem practical if keeping things dry is important.
I wanted to know if any of you tried the tonneau cover first before thinking of the cap. I had the dealer install the cover but It leaks water. I bought it to keep things safe from the element but its not going to work out. Might have to go with the cap--which is growing on me mor and more
Thanks
Mike

[jd144]

The ARE cap makes the truck look like it has a major crinkle under the front part of the cap, just on top of the gas filler.

[cwsatterlee]

Now that you brought it to my attention, I do notice the difference above the gas filler.

[SpartanML]

Bleh dont get the ARE cap... the Leer looks soo much more stock... i think the ARE is hideous by comparison.