I've never been a cap owner. However, after I sold my stepfather on getting an F-150, he wants a cap again, like he had on his old truck (which he bought used, so he didn't get to pick the cap.) He lives in an area where probably any cap will have to be ordered, so chances of an in-person preview or test fit are slim to none, sad to say. I'd like to help him get it right the first time, so I'm looking for recommendations.

I've so far read "love it" and "hate it" comments on ARE and Leer. Overall, I'm leery about either for different reasons.

 

I've had a couple Leer caps and have many friends with them. I highly recommend Leer. Fit and finish has always been good. The only area on a cap that I would suggest you be careful on is adding racks and making sure you have adequate reinforcement to their mounts. Tossing kayaks and lumber can ruin the cap very easily.

 

Thanks for that info. I think he's going to keep everything inside the cap and bed. The primary purpose will be to have a locking space for tools and such while also having room for building materials and supplies.

 

I've had several caps over the years. 2 raiders where by far the best (been bought out by Leer and have since then been not as good as they used to be from what dealers are telling me)
1 Jason and 1 ARE.
Wasn't as happy with the Jason as i was with the Raiders. I therefore bought a ARE (owe right now)
If i was looking for a cap right now, I'd be taking a real good look at the Leer brand. Even though i been reading about paint-faiding issues with Leer's.
Under no circumstances would i buy another ARE Cap!
Opinions vary, but these are mine, based on personal experiences

 

I've had a topper on every one of my work trucks for the past 22 years, the company buys a new truck with a new topper every year. Seems like we've tried them all in the mid to low price range and honestly they are all about the same. If we ever broke something most of the parts from windows to hardware are interchangeable. The only difference I've seen is fit and finish with new model trucks.

I could never afford the high end models but was able to get an ARE Z series for my 05 off of CL. Definitely the nicest looking of any that I have had and no problems with fit or finish.

 

Are you looking for a topper or a fiberglass tonneau?