Mike..I have to admit..I like it. Congratulations and enjoy the "new" ride.

Cool dogs!!

 

Thanks Alot! The "Boys" say hey!

 

Looks great, if you get a chance I'd sure love some more photos of the inside. I'm curious about the latch mechanism, in your first photo there seems to be some cable dangling from the center latch. I'm also curious how they anchored down the shell near the tailgate end.

Also would love details when you get the keyless remote installed such as where they tapped into the wires, I'm guessing they'll have to run 'em to the inside of the cab where basicconcepts does for their tailgate lock.

I'm pleased to hear you like it and think it's good quality, I'm going to wait a few months more then place my order.

 

Howdy,

Sure I'll get some more pics soon.

I do know that the unit is anchored with four long 1/4" "J" bolts that hook on the rear pair and the upper front pair of factory hold-down hooks. I still have use of the hooks. The slick part is that the angle of attack for the front pair is such that it pulls down and foreward to seal the canopy at the cab. The rears just pull down.

One thing I'm not thrilled with, which is no fault of Leer, is the installer left the fuses and wiring for the 3 outlet 12 volt plugs hanging loose. I have some flexable, split, wire cover/harness material that will solve it. It was just a bit cheesy on their part. In fact, I think I'll make them do it when I go back for the keyless entry.

I'll try to be there to pay attention to where they wire it. The installer did mention the fact that it's a real pain to do, based on the amount of time it takes to trace the leads to the actual mechanics that cause the driver's door lock button to go up and down inside of the door itself..

The Sport Package really is worth the extra $400. The "Thule" rack and track mounting system is worth that (or better) without the Load Stops, quick cinch ropes and tie down straps. Plus you get the 3 outlet gizmo, an extra battery operated interior light (I believe it's extra) and the cargo net ceiling.

The wire cable you noticed is the escape release like car trunks have these days. A result of a successful law suit, somewhere, some how, no doubt...

 

Thanks Mike, that explains the tie downs for the cap, don't need pics of those, I've seen the front j hooks just didn't know how they did the back ones.

Still curious about the whole latch system, seem I've seen other pics where the wires where slightly different, guess it's part of the whole safety release system.

I also intend to remove the leer sticker on the back window, hopefully it is a sticker and cab be removed and not etched into the glass.

I think I know just where they have to tap into the wires for the keyless remote, sort of pain as the back seat has to come out and a bunch of trim and panels to remove, been there doing the rear camera install myself. think I'll buy the remote kit but put it in myself as I know what I'm doing now and I'm sure my installer has no clue.

 

Looks good

 

It's on my wishing list.

 

maybe its jusy me but i think it looks better without the shell

 

Looks great!!! Never really thought it looked all that great until i saw your pics.

 

Looks GREAT !!

Love your KIDS !!!

 

Hey Mike B- The canopy looks great! I like your anti-theft system (nice looking doggies)!

 

Looks tough. What's the final cost? Labor and parts...

 

I love it Mike, the boys look happy . My three girls would like it too . I am throwing a penny in my wishing well in the hope of getting a green also wiht the sports package . I like the extra outlets in the back, great for a camping trip for a little tv or other goodies .

 

Just saw my first truck cap on a Ridgeline today - it looked sweet. Both Leer and A.R.E. are making them. Try:

http://www.leer.com/ (no picture available on website)

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

Factory paint matches. Leer is asking $1709 plus tax. A.R.E doesn't show prices.

Has anyone else bought one - what's your experience been - any recommendations - what's it done to the gas mileage (I'm getting 17-18 on a daily 130-mile round trip commute at 70 mph)???

 

Think i'm going to stay with the tonneau bed cover i like the truck look, but congrats and enjoy!!!!

 

Well I finally got around to taking some more shots of things some of you were asking about. The mounting system and other features of the Leer canopy. so, here they are! Forgive the dust and the nose prints. I am a contractor and my dogs are ANIMALS! LOL

The mounts are 1/4" J-bolts. The front set pull foreward and down. The rear set pull straight down. They hook onto the in-bed tie-down points. I can still use all of the hooks.

The "Sports Package" comes with the Thule rack, one accessory (I chose the load stops for carrying a ladder), extra aux lighter plugs and a ceiling mounted cargo net.

I added the keyless entry as an option as well. I works off the Honda key.

Hope this helps!

Mike

 

Mike Great job I think it looks great!!!

Have you had any leaks?

I am amazed at how it is attached ... I am not saying it looks flimsy but .. I expected something more. I think the ARE has a clamp like device.

What about the darkness factor out the back at night and blind spots?

Thanks for your pictures and help. Oh yeah ... what was your total damages ....$.

thanks,

 

Thx all and Jerseyguy.

Nope. No leaks after the first day. I had one trickle the next morning, while washing the truck, about 1 1/2 feet in from the driver's side on the roof. I'm told it takes at least 24 hours for the canopy to "settle in" and make a final seal. I believe this as during the install I noticed the canopy was about 5/16" from touching the cab roof in the center third of the canopy. I pointed this out to the installer who said there was a double seal in that area.

He's right, there is, but I still made a mental note to pay attention to the area. I called the place I bought it and advised them to add some more time to look at the leak when I came back for the install of the Keyless Entry. About a week and a half later, I went in for the work. I stood on my running board and looked at the spot on the roof where the canopy had been 5/16" high. It was flat, tight and conformed to the cab.

There was "maybe" an 1/8" gap that was consistant along the entire run of the canopy/truck connection. Good to go. He retightened the four bolts and it didn't budge. I have washed the truck a number of times since, spraying with purpose at the seal without any leaks.

I even left the side windows open by accident yesterday and, Murphy's Law, we got some light showers. It didn't even leak into the interior with the windows open while parked all day in the rain!

I'm adding a couple pics showing the window operator and one of the window fully open. It only opens as a vent-maybe 1 1/4" max. Seems to be enough for driving, but if you wanted to camp inside it would get a might stuffy I bet.

I thought the mounting was great, as there are no holes in the truck, the hold down hooks are still usable. Most times, in my experiance, simple is better. Those bolts are plenty stout.

Someone asked about cost as well. Sorry, I have not been logging on as often as I'd like....OK, the canopy was $1650, the Sports Package was $400, and the Keyless entry was $150. There's no sales tax in Oregon (Yippee!), so my total cost, installed was $2200.00. Looks like wheels and tires will wait a bit. HAHA

Considering the last time I looked at canopies they were less than a grand, I was bit shocked at first. I called around and the price seems pretty close to everyone else's. Plus, I have someone locally that I can go complain to should any issues arise. This area (Southern Oregon/Medford) is nicknamed, "Mail Order Medford" because it seems like EVERYTHING has to be special ordered. So, having a local dealer, at times, is worth a buck or two more than one might spend in Portland or other larger cities.

I can't really help with the blind spot questions. I have driven with side mirrors so long, in so many other trucks (With highside toolboxes or canopies, and pulling trailers daily, or in a van) I rarely look at the center mirror. Plus, with Dumb and Dumber in the back, they just about block out the sun. My rear view is usually of two big ol' noses sticking into the cab!


The Leer logo on the rear window is a 3D sticker. I am planning on removing it as well. The windows are tempered glass not Plexiglass. I asked for this very reason.

I have a nice "Harley" sticker that will replace it. I'll end up with Honda's first "Harley Edition" pick-up! HAH. Ford, step aside! Honda's got a truck now!

PS- The "Boys" like all the fan mail!

 

what about a ROC sticker.!!!!!!!!!!

 

Does the canopy have it's own window that aligns with the Ridgeline back window that slides open? If so, can the leer window be opened?

Your buds in the back look like they like it!!

 

Canopy does not have it's own window. Mates directly to the cab; not separate.

 

Howdy,

Sorry about the slow responce. Lots going on these days.

The side windows open slightly as a vent at the lower, rear corner, by about an inch or better. When they are open, and you crack the rear window of the truck, the air moves through at quite a clip.

These days, as a Builder, are more than bleak. I am going to have to give up my Ridgeline. It doesn't have the towing capacity I need to pull my work trailer. The jobs I am getting are usually as a Carpenter, so the Ridgeline has to go.

That said, I am looking to sell the canopy, cargo net and the billet grill. The whole truck for that matter, if anyone knows of anyone looking.

I spent $2200 on the canopy, but would take $1600 OBO cash. I has the Sportsmans Package on it. That includes the Thule Roof Rack system, the cargo option with tiedowns, additional interior lighting, a three plug 12v pod and a ceiling mounted cargo net.

I want $100 for the grill and $40 for the net.

I need to get pay off for the truck itself. Something like $23k, give or take. The truck has 34k miles on it and still runs like new.

Let me know if anyone is interested.

Mike

 

Mike,
You know what you need more than anybody. I use my Ridgeline for construction and it works for me. I carry my tools in the truck. I have a 5' x 10' box trailer for when I need some materials. If I need a lot of supplies, I have it delivered. Works well, but not all construction is the same. Cheers.

 

Be sure and get the electric lock option for the rear hatch, makes tying in the tailgate lock (Dyno-Lock, etc.) a cinch for full locking security

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=351191&postcount=29

 

This is an old thread, but I'm wondering for those of you with the Leer canopy. How are they holding up? Would you do it again?

I'm considering switching to a canopy from a tonneau (a BakFlip F1) My concerns are this:
1) How easy are they to remove and reinstall (say I need to haul something that won't fit under the cap) can two people lift off easily?
2) What is the rear/side visibility like (note: I am in the process of adding a back up camera any way)

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Have you seen the Softopper?
Covered cap like storage,folds down for big load items.
But is non lockable.
I have been wanting one but I think the istall is too much for me.
I have seen one on a local RL.It looks good.
Unfortunatly I jumped the gun to cover the bed before winter and bought a HardHat tonneau.I should of waited.
This last weekend I found my self hauling a bed full of building suppiles and four people and nowhere to put the removed cover.
Ai leastthe fold soft cover can fit under the rear seat.

 

Coming up 3 years of daily use of the RL and the Leer. I open and close the rear hatch about a dozen times a day. Wore our the original latch assembly(the one that says Leer on it) about a month ago and had the Leer folks replace it for $50.00 and change. Only problem so far, works great and after 90k over the road, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

 

Good to hear a success story! Thanks for the feedback.

I just wonder, have you ever needed to remove the canopy for any reason? I'm just wondering how big a job that is and if it can be done easily by two people. That's probably the only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger.

 

I love mine. I have had it off once to paint it and no leaks. I would not make a habit of doing this though. There are too many nooks and such that the gasket and goo they use could get out of wack. The visibility is a little tough but you get used to it. I'm thinking of getting a camera since I have nav.