[eovc]

Looking to purchase a shell for my 2003 F-250. Would like shell that is even with cab roof. Lots of brands, ie Leer, Stockland, Snug Top. Anybody have any strong opinions one brand over another? Would appreciate any insight or thoughts.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[My427stang]

I tried many, to the point I was beginning to think I was too fussy. Snug-top hands down had the best fit and finish and had the best shape to the body. Recommend them highly

 

[joc]

I got a Leer. If you go that route, DON'T get the one with the BIG windows. (not sure of the model #) They are prone to leaks and they do not like to stand behind their products, saying they all leak which is BS in my mind. Never had one leak on the past 6 I've had. Also, the pushbutton latch is a POS. It connects to sides by wires and is hard to keep adjusted. BTW. the pushbutton lock freezes-up in the winter and you have to heat it up to get into it. Good luck with your choice. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RDAVIS]

I have had 2 Leers and 2 Stocklands (Stocklands are no longer available around here) and have been very satisfied with all of them. If Stocklands were available here that would likely be my first choice.

 

[eovc]

Thanks to all for your insight, it'll help me make a decision in the very near future!

 

[BDS]

Dito on the big window leaking from LEER. I bought it new in 2003 and put it on my 96' I used to have...Well from day one it leaked. Also the paint they put on it was a good match but was paper thin. I had a problem with the rear latch..I had to keep adusting it so it would latch by closing it normally (not by slamming it). I had the gas strut brkts. screws for the rear hatch window break off once when I was opening the window. And finally I had the one with the headliner installed and that was falling down in one corner. I guess I could have gotten a lemon but I only had it for 2 years.

My friend has an ARE cap for almost 4 years now without ANY problems yet. I will be going with ARE for my next cap.

Brent.

 

[ftch m up]

Had a Leer on my 00 "sig" Liked the Look and finish, but 2 years in it leaked. Just bought an A.R.E. for the new one. Like the functionality, I got "windoors" on the sides. Keeps the dog cool and easy acess to the training crap!! Time will tell if it leaks. My .02

 

[Dubco1]

You might want to look into an ARE brand. www.4ARE.com They offer a lifetime warranty on there paint to the original purchaser and a lifetime warranty on the fiberglass itself. I bought there hard tonneau cover and there paint matches the factory paint on my truck. You even get a 5 year warranty on the gas struts. I am very happy with there product.

FOMOGO

 

[MarvinVR]

I have a Stockland and dont like it. It isnt quite long enough---fits too tight on tailgate and has worn paint off. Cant move it back because it leaves a front gap. The windows LEAK on both sides all the way down, and the paint is bubbling off under both windows. Its only 3 years old.

 

[MarvinVR]

I forgot to add the push in lock-handle SUCKS. Always a problem. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif

 

[alpena]

EVOC,
I bought a Gem Top and I DON'T recommend it. Leaked from day one, one of the back window brackets broke and shattered the back window ($280.00 repair bill) and the side windows don't seal anymore. I even had the shell separate on me. I bought this canopy back in '95 and had problems from the beginning. It's been back 6 times! No BS. I heard Leer took over Gem Top a few years ago. A friend at work bought a A.R.E. for his '03 and has been happy. Good Luck. Al

 

[IA712]

I have a snug top, love it, can't complain at all. Great fit, really light to take on and off, and great warranty (lifetime on paint and structure). Color mathces well and I like that there is only one handle,which can be opened from the inside, as well as recessed when locked on the outside.

 

[Blake_N]

I had a Century brand on my '97 F-350. Both side windows leaked. Other than that, it was fine.

I have a Leer on my '01 F-350. My windows don't leak, but the seam between shell and bed leaks on one side. I have to visit Leer sometime to get them to readjust it.

The Leer locks froze once, but a little graphite in the lock solved that. The latch mechanism is a bugger though. When it's aligned right, it's very secure, but if it's misaligned, the back window is hard to close.

You can see pictures of the Leer in my sig.

-Blake

 

[Bella PSD]

I had a Leer with lots of problems. Sold it at 2 months old at a loss because Leer was to hard to deal with for warranty and I did not want a cap that need so much work...for a new cap. Now have a ARE for 3 years on this truck. NOT ONE PROBLEM! Had an ARE on my old truck with 0 problems as well!

From all the post's I have read sounds like ARE or Snug Top are the best choice. And well, Leer...is dead last!

Louie

 

[Phill Vanderschaegen]

I've had many over the years. All had their +s & -s. Got a Vista this time. My last one (Raven)leaked alot around the bed, windows have never leaked on any of mine.

What I like about this one is that there is a lip that overlaps the edge of the bed. Hopefully that will keep water out of the bed.

I also bought a couple of those sliding window locks that they sell for house windows. Now I can leave my windows open a bit and they can't be slid open any further.

Phill

 

[ktpauley]

I have an ARE "K" series on my 04. I had 2 minor problems which the dealer fixed no questions asked. Pics are in my sig. Keith

 

[MattLong400]

This is my second Snugtop. I liked my first one so much I drove over 8 hours each way (closest dealer) just to buy another one.

 

[wingnut60]

I have just ordered an ARE shell because of the good luck with my ARE lid. Haven't had a problem with the lid, and the paint is like new after 2 years. Need more room, thus the shell.

Anyone interested in an ARE LS II fiberglass lid in True Blue, swb, Dallas area?

 

[stevedunham]

I put a LEER on mine and although the fit and finish is nice, the tailgate mechanism is a POS. I'm constantly adjusting it to seal which is doesn't do very well. Also, take the in-cab light and throw it in the trash because it's junk too. I installed a set of 55w foglights in the roof of the cap to light up the bed and tailgate and they are premo compared to the stock light. I also had my cap lined with the grey carpet headliner and installed a BedRug which matches perfectly...

 

[fxdwg]

Have a Leer 160 XL. It's a wedge shape that is cab high at the front, to about 6" higher in the back. The fiberglass was cut incorrectly on the 1st one, so the rear window gasket didn't even have anything to stick to down one side. (I waited 3 months for that one to come back.) The 2nd one had the fiberglass crack at the upper passenger side corner of the rear window. (only waited about 4 weeks, but a MUCH better dealer) The 3rd on has terrible paint and finish. I have one of the early ones, so I don't have the push button release, it's a twist handle. It's still a big POS! I'd have done lots better with a hooker for my $1600 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif. At least I'd have gotten kissed!! The original dealer- Scott's Trailer Sales in Tulsa Oklahoma /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif- has to be one of the worst places in the world to buy from. The idiots at Malwart (that's Walmart for the uninitiated), have better customer service- when you can find someone! The second dealer- Mr. Pickup in Oklahoma City Oklahoma /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif- is very respectful AND helpful. They will certainly be the first place I go when I replace this truck. Hopefully they'll have another line besides Leer. Oh yeah, my cap costs me 2-2.5mpg /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif.