Best Looking / Most Functional Topper for '04 Tundra

**Tap** · 01-31-2007, 01:27 PM

Well, boys, it looks like I'm in line to get an '04 Double-Cab Tundra

but it needs a topper, and it seems that the double-cab is a tough shape to find a sweet looking aggro topper for

recommendations? things to look for? Leer? Snug-top? A.R.E.?

i've done a search through www.tundrasolutions.com but wanted maggot input

thx

i'll post pictures i get it

**wilcox510** · 01-31-2007, 01:31 PM

This is the one on my 2001 Tundra. http://www.leer.com/122page.html I really like the high rise design, even though it looks a bit odd. I have a platform with a matress in the bed, and the high rise gives enough room to have tons of storage below the mattress, and enough room to comfortably sleep.

edit: I didnt notice that you have a double cab, so my reccomendation is probably worthless, mine is an extended cab.

**Tap** · 01-31-2007, 01:42 PM

here is the A.R.E. model Z

the Leer 100XL

the Leer 100R

SnugTop Super Sport

**lemon boy** · 01-31-2007, 01:53 PM

My truck has an ARE MX on it, been a great topper. Been on for 8yrs so far and needs a couple of things fixed (all damage done by me, not defects) but still going strong. Unless you're always using parking structures the extra rise toppers are really nice to have.

**Rascal King** · 01-31-2007, 02:15 PM

C-tops defeat the purpose of having a truck. Your're gay!

**mooseknuckle** · 01-31-2007, 02:20 PM

I'd stay away from designs like the Leer 100R that have the locking handle on each side of the rear window. My buddy had one like that on his mid 90's Taco and complained that it frequently disengaged due to flex in dirt/offroad situations. He thought it was a much worse design than the center locking mechanism.

I'm going with the A.R.E. CX for my truck later this spring.

**MarsB** · 01-31-2007, 02:22 PM

I have the ARE Z on my 2000 Tundra (very similar to your pic). I looked at the Leer and Ridgerunner (local WV manufacturer) lines before I decided on the ARE. The ARE best met all of my requirements - functional side windows with screens for summer sleeping, fabric interior for condensation management in the winter. A few other step-ups I ordered- internal hanger options for drying kayak gear and an interior light (a must, IMHO). I also way prefer the single latch/lock mechanism of the ARE vs. the dual knobs for the Leer. Just don't break the back glass - very $$$ to replace....

**kidwoo** · 01-31-2007, 02:29 PM

My.......they're all so drastically different from one another.

Hard to say.

**Cirquerider** · 01-31-2007, 02:48 PM

The Leer 100XQ is a step up in appearance from the XL with hidden hinges and one-piece tilt out side windows + screens. Leer changed to an Emron Clear coat this year that I think has really upgraded its OEM paint match. They will also equip the shell with an optional Yakima rack, which is nice since with a cap, long loads like kayaks are a challenge. Lifetime guarantee is real.

**char** · 01-31-2007, 02:51 PM

I have the Leer 100R on my Ranger. From a style viewpoint I'd stay away from it, a few of the others you posted look better IMHO.

Watch out for freezing the locks shut on cold days. Road spray works its way in there and they won't turn. I tried to apply a little more pressure than normal, like on the door lock and snapped the key clean off. Lucky for me it was unlocked at the time. I finally got around to replacing both locks this year when the other one started acting up.

Other than that it's been a good topper. Good construction.

Make sure you disconnect the wires before you pull it off. I've been sans dome/brake light due to my idiocy.

**Tap** · 01-31-2007, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by kidwoo

My.......they're all so drastically different from one another.

Hard to say.

hush you!

**bio-smear** · 02-01-2007, 12:20 AM

I have the Snug-Top SuperSport on my Access Cab. It's pretty good. It actually took a hard fucking impact from a rolling, flipping '78 Dodge RAM Charger(quartered me from above, crazy story) and only sustained shattered left glass and a 12" crack in the fiberglass.

It has a built in rubber cap for the handle, no road grime gets in there.

Things I wish I had: I've seen some canopies with flip up side windows, so you can get to your shit without climbing in the back and bruising your knees. I also wish it was a little taller so I didn't scrape my forehead when I wake up during a bad dream while camping, but the tallboy canopies look like shit.

Make sure the shop that installs it plumbs the dome light into unswitched 12V.

**snowburns** · 02-01-2007, 12:31 AM

I've got the 100XL on a 2006 Tacoma...nice cap, I'm very pleased with it.

Originally Posted by bio-smear

Make sure the shop that installs it plumbs the dome light into unswitched 12V.

and what he said...I've got to rewire mine unless I only want to use the dome light when the key is on......weak sauce

**Kya** · 02-02-2007, 02:19 PM

If you plan on sleeping your truck a lot, totally get a high-rise topper or else you WILL FEEL cramped.

**dookeyXXX** · 12-31-2007, 10:06 PM

okay, posted on a couple other topper threads.

looking to get one in the next couple of weeks.

was going to go with Snugtop as it's the "certified" topper for Toyota, but have heard some rumblings about them. also after spending a few days on their website and reading the brochure i can't seem to decide between 3 models.

have heard mixed things about ARE.

have heard nothing bad about Leer. and have to admit that after spending 15 minutes on their site I pretty much was able to decide on a model.

so here's my truck stats:

2004 Tacoma with extended cab.

looking for pros and cons on Snugtop versus Leer versus ARE.

Price doesn't matter that much as they all seem to be in the 1200 - 2000 range depending on bells and whistles.

danke!

**Cirquerider** · 01-01-2008, 12:16 AM

I have worked with Leer as a client since 1998 and seen their product advance technologically and aesthetically over the years. As an environmental consultant, they have cut emissions without compromising product quality. We installed a fully enclosed paint system that captures emissions and treats them in a Rotating Concentrator Catalytic Oxidation system so, no need for water-based paints. Leer paints with the same DuPont ChromaPremiere system as the OEM truck manufacturers. The use of low styrene monomer resins is made possible by careful batch control of resin characteristics that minimize trapped air and reinforce critical corners and spaces around window and door openings. The rail system is fully integrated with the shell rather than an attached metal ledge. Leer now has a wide range of accessory options including LED lighting, full carpeting, rack options, glass options and one of the best standard sealing systems between the truck rail and cap. No foam tape here, the refrigerator type seal eliminates leaks and wind and protects the finish on your truck rail. The lifetime guarantee is real. Any problems with the fit or finish of the cap or accessories will be repaired free of charge as long as you own your truck. I have seen 20 year old caps being refurbished at the factory.

Want a tour of the manufacturing plant? send a PM. Leer caps for the west coast are made in Woodland, CA and we can set you up for a tour.

**mntlion** · 01-01-2008, 08:34 AM

**Core Shot** · 01-01-2008, 09:27 AM

If you're on a budget, just remove the bedliner and flip it over

**Rontele** · 01-01-2008, 09:56 AM

Another vote for ARE

**~mikey b** · 01-01-2008, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by mntlion

that's the exact set-up my wife wants - she's as sick of the lezbaru as I am

damn

**SuperChief** · 01-01-2008, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by mntlion

Who's responsible for Mfg'ing this?

Nice info on Lear Cirqurider.

Stay away from Glasstight they have a great looking high rise but it's heavy, all the windows leaked, or started to fall out of the glued in frames and their lifetime warranty and customer service are bullshit.

**mntlion** · 01-01-2008, 11:48 AM

https://www.allterraincampers.com/

or

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

both are similar, sub 700pounds dry, made for 4wd, smaller trucks, $10Kish with some options
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/
is the home for talking about them.

**dookeyXXX** · 01-02-2008, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Cirquerider

Want a tour of the manufacturing plant? send a PM. Leer caps for the west coast are made in Woodland, CA and we can set you up for a tour.

Does a free topper come with the tour?

**frorider** · 01-02-2008, 01:16 PM

it's been a few years since i was shopping for shells, but at that time SNugTop was one of the very few brands that would warrantee failures for a shell mounted on a 4X4 truck. Leer (for example) had a reputation for saying 'Well yes it has cracked but that's because you must have been driving on rough terrain. NOt our fault'. Whereas snugtop had a better rep for not pulling moves like that, and having a sturdier design to begin with.

dunno if that's still the case. ARE's look decently made.

i've owned 2 snugtops, one for 9 years. great customer service.

ALSO: decide if you're in the yuppie category or not. A yuppie will always go for the smooth, clean-looking frameless rear tailgate window. Whereas a blue collar guy who actually uses and abuses his truck will go for a framed rear. Framed = stronger. Framed = if there every is a breakage, any glass shop can easily and cheaply and quickly replace the glass portion, whereas the frameless glass is a custom order job.