Well heck, not so quick. They can't order it until Tuesday so we are thinking over options and such and calling it in on Tuesday. Leaning towards the camper shell because we are not sure the torneau will give us enough room with the shallow bed.
Quick question A.R.E. vs Leer
I know there are a million threads about A.R.E. vs Leer but this is specific and I need a quick answer. We are walking out the door in about 15 minutes to buy an A.R.E. not sure whether that will be a flat lid or that cap one. That is up to my husband's needs. Anyway, after we both read the threads here, did some googling we decided to go with the A.R.E. because we think it looks better.
Since the difference in looks are slight, very slight, my question is, is there a functional issue that you would think makes the Leer a better choice?
After reading this board for three weeks I already wish I would have held out for the -E instead of my -T so I don't want to go through those regrets again.
So does anyone have a reason we would be happier with the Leer?
Speak now or forever hold your piece. or is it peace? I know it is I said my piece but peace seems better..... Help!
Since the difference in looks are slight, very slight, my question is, is there a functional issue that you would think makes the Leer a better choice?
After reading this board for three weeks I already wish I would have held out for the -E instead of my -T so I don't want to go through those regrets again.
So does anyone have a reason we would be happier with the Leer?
Speak now or forever hold your piece. or is it peace? I know it is I said my piece but peace seems better..... Help!
1 - 20 of 35 Posts
I hope you get some feedback from RL owners with Leer and ARE toppers. I'm very interested in what they have to say because I will most likely be making that choice in the future too. I think the ARE looks a little better but it could just be photo angles. The rear hatch of the ARE looks more sloped than the Leer's, giving it a slightly more streamlined appearance but also reducing vertical space at the rear of the bed. The ARE sloped hatch/window may also accumulate less road grime/backwash than the more upright Leer window, but the difference could be negligible. I was told the ARE weighs 125 lbs and the Leer XL 180 lbs -- a surprising difference that I'd like to get confirmed by other sources.
The weight is good to know since my husband and I will be taking it off when necessary. Two accessories that my husband has agreed to are the key-less entry that can be controlled by the Honda system and the tilt in front window so I can clean between the windows.I hope you get some feedback from RL owners with Leer and ARE toppers. I'm very interested in what they have to say because I will most likely be making that choice in the future too. I think the ARE looks a little better but it could just be photo angles. The rear hatch of the ARE looks more sloped than the Leer's, giving it a slightly more streamlined appearance but also reducing vertical space at the rear of the bed. The ARE sloped hatch/window may also accumulate less road grime/backwash than the more upright Leer window, but the difference could be negligible. I was told the ARE weighs 125 lbs and the Leer XL 180 lbs -- a surprising difference that I'd like to get confirmed by other sources.
I found out it doesn't reduce the vertical space but just appears to. The top of the bed actually tapers and it just follows that.
We are planning on ordering on Tuesday, they don't keep them in stock for the G2 RL since ours will be the first they lay hands on. Kind of makes me feel cool but I am lame like that. Takes three weeks to get it in so pictures and reviews will be following.
So what kind of dog do you have on board? I just had to let my daughter's goldendoodle out so she could chase some birds and come in frustrated that she cannot fly.
Ahh the hatch, now I am going to have to go back and review some stuff.
The caps are not my thing whenever I get G2 Ridgeline will get OEM Tonneau Cover like G1. However wish I could help more don't know what type of cap was on this G2 Ridgeline I saw parking in the Dick's Sporting/Marshalls/Pet Smart lot a few weeks ago here in DC. I was so excited to see my 2nd G2 in person other then dealers lot. I really did not check out cap that much and was not near enough to see what it was.
Completely understand. I wasn't thrilled about the cap either, the tonneau is more to my liking. Still my husband wants it and I demanded the RL so I feel it is fair to give him this.The caps are not my thing whenever I get G2 Ridgeline will get OEM Tonneau Cover like G1. However wish I could help more don't know what type of cap was on this G2 Ridgeline I saw parking in the Dick's Sporting/Marshalls/Pet Smart lot a few weeks ago here in DC. I was so excited to see my 2nd G2 in person other then dealers lot. I really did not check out cap that much and was not near enough to see what it was.
My husband is one of those amazing gentlemen that will give me everything I want, I can't say no to something he wants.
Very informative link. The answer to your question, ARE. https://youtu.be/e3HR4Yz6LdY?t=112I know there are a million threads about A.R.E. vs Leer but this is specific and I need a quick answer. We are walking out the door in about 15 minutes to buy an A.R.E. not sure whether that will be a flat lid or that cap one. That is up to my husband's needs. Anyway, after we both read the threads here, did some googling we decided to go with the A.R.E. because we think it looks better.
Since the difference in looks are slight, very slight, my question is, is there a functional issue that you would think makes the Leer a better choice?
After reading this board for three weeks I already wish I would have held out for the -E instead of my -T so I don't want to go through those regrets again.
So does anyone have a reason we would be happier with the Leer?
Speak now or forever hold your piece. or is it peace? I know it is I said my piece but peace seems better..... Help!
You had to ask, so that means you don't mind some thread drift. She's a yellow lab, she can clear an 8' wide creek on a run and she almost flies after birds. She has pulled down several grouse that were slow to get off the ground, and there is no brush or bramble too thick for her to bust when hunting. (I'm much worse than a proud parent when boasting about her.)...So what kind of dog do you have on board? I just had to let my daughter's goldendoodle out so she could chase some birds and come in frustrated that she cannot fly...
I almost always have her on board, and during bird hunting season, she often shares the capped bed of my truck with other bird dogs belonging to my hunting companions. In the summer, she's always at my side in the trout streams or patiently waiting and watching from the bank.
PS: I have friends that hunt their goldendoodles...:grin:
I hope you don't mean hunt like hunt them down. I keep threatening to take her into the woods and make her find her own deer antlers but that is about it.You had to ask, so that means you don't mind some thread drift. She's a yellow lab, she can clear an 8' wide creek on a run and she almost flies after birds. She has pulled down several grouse that were slow to get off the ground, and there is no brush or bramble too thick for her to bust when hunting. (I'm much worse than a proud parent when boasting about her.)
I almost always have her on board, and during bird hunting season, she often shares the capped bed of my truck with other bird dogs belonging to my hunting companions. In the summer, she's always at my side in the trout streams or patiently waiting and watching from the bank.
PS: I have friends that hunt their goldendoodles...:grin:
I was wondering because at some point Ellie is going into the truck. Right now we have a cover for the back seats but we need to work through the best way to transport her. My kids grew up with Golden retrievers but due to a fiancee with allergies my daughter had to go with a doodle. Very smart and entertaining dog. Thankfully my now son in law is not allergic to her because there was some question who would be re-homed if he was.
Useful to know she can ride in the back once we get the cap. Sometimes she has a little too much fun in the mud.
I meant they use their labradoodles to hunt birds just like traditional sporting dogs...but I think it's more the exception than the rule. Most LD's are well-loved companion animals rather than hunters. I was also blurring the distinction between goldendoodles (golden retriever X poodle) and labradoodle (labrador retriever X poodle). They are different but nonetheless similar in many ways, I am told.I hope you don't mean hunt like hunt them down...Useful to know she can ride in the back once we get the cap. Sometimes she has a little too much fun in the mud.
To be clear, I don't own an RL but will need to replace my older compact truck in a few years and will be considering a G2 RL. As you likely know, the safest way to transport a dog is in a dog crate securely fastened/strapped to the vehicle's floor or bed. I guess there are also dog safety harnesses you can use in conjunction with seat belts. An unrestrained dog can get hurt badly or can hurt/kill a passenger in a serious accident. The bigger the breed, the greater the risk to passengers. I'm guilty like many dog owners of not following that advice 100% of the time.
I have had trucks since 1982 (yea, I am old... lol) I have had a Leer Cap with my first truck and while it did a great job keeping the weather out, it was a pain in the backside if I needed to haul limbs, mulch, or other "Bulk" items. I used "C-Clamps for quick removal but then I had to find a place to store the cap and find someone to help me remove a 150 lb topper. Leer being heavier helped it with sealing out the weather. With a foam seal between it and the truck bed liner, there was no way water was going to come in.
Next I had a Leer Fiberglass solid tonneau cover that again, was great while on but in the way for Bulk items and took 2 people to remove the cover.
Next was my Avalanche and its 3 piece cover. Each section was solid and interlocked. I could easily remove the sections I needed (or all of them myself) and it gave me all the weather coverage. It never leaked (I take care of rubber seals multiple times a year with a good conditioner to keep the flexible and working).
I wish I could find a good 3 piece cover like the Avalanche for my RTL-E. Dont see that happening. Next is a cover that will keep out the weather, prefer solid. and then the Holy Grail, that will also let the trunk open fully. That might be the Unicorn.
Most of my experience is with Leer. I have never had a bad product from them and they are built to last. You will find what fits your life style. Good luck.
Next I had a Leer Fiberglass solid tonneau cover that again, was great while on but in the way for Bulk items and took 2 people to remove the cover.
Next was my Avalanche and its 3 piece cover. Each section was solid and interlocked. I could easily remove the sections I needed (or all of them myself) and it gave me all the weather coverage. It never leaked (I take care of rubber seals multiple times a year with a good conditioner to keep the flexible and working).
I wish I could find a good 3 piece cover like the Avalanche for my RTL-E. Dont see that happening. Next is a cover that will keep out the weather, prefer solid. and then the Holy Grail, that will also let the trunk open fully. That might be the Unicorn.
Most of my experience is with Leer. I have never had a bad product from them and they are built to last. You will find what fits your life style. Good luck.
My goldens were amazing trackers but they also had the show coat. No way in heck I would have allowed someone to use them for hunting. You can imagine what that coat would pick up in the woods. Ellie is like the princess and the pea when it comes to finding things with her nose. I am planning on training her to find deer antlers. She loves them too much and they are too expensive. Time for her to have a part in her habit.I meant they use their labradoodles to hunt birds just like traditional sporting dogs...but I think it's more the exception than the rule. Most LD's are well-loved companion animals rather than hunters. I was also blurring the distinction between goldendoodles (golden retriever X poodle) and labradoodle (labrador retriever X poodle). They are different but nonetheless similar in many ways, I am told.
The seat cover comes with two harnesses that attach to the seat belt to restrain the dog. Perfect for short trips. Just haven't used it yet in the RL I figure on longer trips she would be more comfortable in the back in her crate with it tied down. The cap will be handy for that.To be clear, I don't own an RL but will need to replace my older compact truck in a few years and will be considering a G2 RL. As you likely know, the safest way to transport a dog is in a dog crate securely fastened/strapped to the vehicle's floor or bed. I guess there are also dog safety harnesses you can use in conjunction with seat belts. An unrestrained dog can get hurt badly or can hurt/kill a passenger in a serious accident. The bigger the breed, the greater the risk to passengers. I'm guilty like many dog owners of not following that advice 100% of the time.
We saw both ARE products just not on a RL. The cover has a nice mechanism that raises it and at full open will allow you to open and use the trunk. Solid fiberglass, doesn't leak. The guy said that their factory makes a mold of the back of each truck and then custom molds then and has a gasket. He said he has never had one brought back for leaking. Obviously the cap is high enough not to interfere with the trunk.I have had trucks since 1982 (yea, I am old... lol) I have had a Leer Cap with my first truck and while it did a great job keeping the weather out, it was a pain in the backside if I needed to haul limbs, mulch, or other "Bulk" items. I used "C-Clamps for quick removal but then I had to find a place to store the cap and find someone to help me remove a 150 lb topper. Leer being heavier helped it with sealing out the weather. With a foam seal between it and the truck bed liner, there was no way water was going to come in.
Next I had a Leer Fiberglass solid tonneau cover that again, was great while on but in the way for Bulk items and took 2 people to remove the cover.
Next was my Avalanche and its 3 piece cover. Each section was solid and interlocked. I could easily remove the sections I needed (or all of them myself) and it gave me all the weather coverage. It never leaked (I take care of rubber seals multiple times a year with a good conditioner to keep the flexible and working).
I wish I could find a good 3 piece cover like the Avalanche for my RTL-E. Dont see that happening. Next is a cover that will keep out the weather, prefer solid. and then the Holy Grail, that will also let the trunk open fully. That might be the Unicorn.
Most of my experience is with Leer. I have never had a bad product from them and they are built to last. You will find what fits your life style. Good luck.
My husband's first truck was a 93 and had a leer. I think that might be why I think they are ugly.
Yes, last weekend. My husband wanted to think on options for a bit. We ended up getting the Z series cap, the locking system that works with the RL locks, the tilt in window so I can obsessively clean between the two windows and the roof rack. We went with the roof rack because all but the tracks come off so it doesn't really change the look much but when my husband needs to haul longer items he can load them up on top. He doesn't really like the short bed. Yeah well I don't like a small cab so now we both win.Did you get an order in?
Takes about three weeks to come in. I will post pictures.
One thing I really liked was the mold the base of the window around the top of the gate so to open the gate you would have to tear the window apart. Pretty much locks the gate.
Oh a funny side note, there were two guys working at the shop that day. The guy who wasn't working with us asked if he could go see the RL, he hadn't see the 2017 yet and seemed pretty excited to see it.
So here is the RL with the ARE cap. Just an FLI they take a lot longer to install than other trucks. In part because of crazy wiring but mostly the unibody construction makes it very hard, and time consuming to run the wires for the locking system.
That is my youngest, I told her that was her new bedroom. She seem oddly okay with that.
That is my youngest, I told her that was her new bedroom. She seem oddly okay with that.
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Cap looks real good on G2.So here is the RL with the ARE cap. Just an FLI they take a lot longer to install than other trucks. In part because of crazy wiring but mostly the unibody construction makes it very hard, and time consuming to run the wires for the locking system.
That is my youngest, I told her that was her new bedroom. She seem oddly okay with that.
I kind of fought my husband on this, I wanted the tonneau, but I have to say it looks really good. Like it belongs there.Cap looks real good on G2.
I love the ARE line because they are lined with this fuzzy stuff instead of just exposed fiberglass.
If your Z-Series cap was built as well as the Z-series I had on an '07 Silverado, you will be very happy with it. ARE builds a fine product, but admit I have a bias because ARE's are made about 30 miles from here.I kind of fought my husband on this, I wanted the tonneau, but I have to say it looks really good. Like it belongs there.
I love the ARE line because they are lined with this fuzzy stuff instead of just exposed fiberglass.
The one recommendation I have is to hang onto the warranty paperwork for the lock/latch hardware. My first lock was non-powered, which was basically trashed by road salt in 1 winter. Then, made an upcharge deal to get power in the replacement while getting warranty adjustment. The power lock was much better, but eventually an internal seal began leaking water into the mechanism. The water caused the lock/latch to freeze, then eventually shorted out the power mechanism. Typically kept power control wires unplugged in the Winter unless I needed the security so would not get locked out (should find a quick-connect on the driver's side near the rear window). When I discussed one of these caps for the Ridgeline, my dealer told me the lock & latch was redesigned to prevent the water problems since my last purchase.
For now, I'm trying to make a simple soft tri-fold tonneau work. It seem like every truck I get I promise not to put a cap on it, then gets a cap within a couple of years. Will likely be a Z-Series when if it happens again, just hoping for something with a little more clearance and maybe sliding windows.
Looks high quality. So with the Z line you have the ability to clean the rear window of the RL from the bed? Would you mind sharing cost and if install was separate or included? I had an ARE on my Ranger years ago and it was high quality. The locking handle and its arms were not the best design but the paint and fiberglass were great.I kind of fought my husband on this, I wanted the tonneau, but I have to say it looks really good. Like it belongs there.
I love the ARE line because they are lined with this fuzzy stuff instead of just exposed fiberglass.
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