What do you guys think, about putting a cap on a Lariat Super Crew? I have a 2003 and I really could use the space that would be provided if I put a cap on the bed. I do a lot of hunting and would like too put the Dog kennel in back with the added protection of a full cap. Whick cap would you recommend? I have heard of A.R.E and also Lakeland. Any others? I live in Wisconsin...Thanks.

 

Your best choice, bottome line, will be an ARE "Z" Series cap. I will get mine with my tax return. ARE is the hottest cap on the market, better parts, better warranty than Leer. You paid good money for your SC, don't go cheap on the cap.

I saw one on the road today, man it really looked sharp!

 

I love my Snugtop SS. It completely covers the plastic bed rails, has LED 3rd brake lites, is covered with a high quality carpet on the inside, and doesn't require drilling through the rails to mount. Pictures to come since I just recently got a digital camera.....

 

Thanks guys for your responses... I will price out the Snuglid SS and the A.R.E Z caps... Would both of you tell me what the cost of your shells were??? Thanks...I will let you know what they both cost here in Wisconsin.

 

I did the century cap.
Some people don't care for the way the windows look on it.
I have never had a problem with a century cap, this is my 3rd one on a 3rd truck.

Pics in my gallery under the button www below

Cost was right around 1000.00 from what I recall, but then again I added alot of options to this one.
- Removable Yackma ladder rack
- Tilt in slider in the front, so you can clean the rear window on the truck.
- clothes rod
- Interior light

I am not sure if the $1k included the bed and tailgate mat or not, I got it at Tri County cap, which I don't know if there is a location in So WI, I thought so...

 

softgenious-

I have the A.R.E. "Z" series. Check out my gallery for pics:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...ry.cfm?gnum=86

 

Tray,

Great looking Super Crew. Right now, I am leaning towards the same cap that you have. What options did you get with your cap? What do you like and dislike about your cap. What bed liner do you have? What color do you have? Dark gray? It is hard to tell looking at your pictures. I think I was quoted around $1450 for the Z series but am hoping I can get a better price. Thanks.

John

 

softgenious

I went with the Leer 100xq. I have had it about 1 week and have 0 complaints with it. Copy and paste my gallery site in my signture and you cn check it out.---Paul

 

Softgenious,

I went with the ARE "Z" series cap. paid $1280 plus tax installed.

Really like how it looks. It feels real solid when I close the back window.

I have a Leer on my other truck so that should tell you something.

 

I went to two different dealerships and looked at the ARE Z & MX (4" taller) series for our truck and the Snug tops.
By far, I was really impressed with the Snugtops and very dissappointed with the ARE's. I know that everyone on the board favors the ARE Z, but the ARE's I saw had cheap locks compared to the Snugs, the interiors did not look finished, epecially around the windows. The Snugs looked completely finished on the inside and the installation clamps, etc. looked safer and less bulky than the ARE's.

I'm waiting to see if they come out with a high-top Snugtop XTR model. Here's the cab-high XTR

http://www.snugtop.com/

 

I think I paid somewhere around 1600 for my Snugtop. Higher priced than almost any of them but I liked the cap better. I figured that if I spent tons on the truck because I liked the way it looked I'd be foolish to scrimp on a top that I really didn't like. It comes from California and maybe the higher price reflects the shipping costs over one made in Indiana or someplace closer.

 

The snugtops look nice. There web site doen't have any info on the construction or the locks so I can't compare them to the ARE. The nearest dealer is 250 miles away from me, so I can't look at them first hand.

I don't know what you are referring to about the ARE locks. Mine is pretty nice, 2 inches wide by about 5 inch long. The left side is a latach that you push up to open and the key hole is on the right. The latches are on each side and are adjustable. The latch arms are incased in a small channel box and the hinges are about 6 inches wide. The whole door feels solid when you close it. The ARE door makes my Leer cap look like a cheap piece of S***.

Again I can't compare the finishes between the two nor the clamps. But I can't see anything wrong with the fininsh nor the clamps on the ARE.

You probably can't go wrong with either one.

 

softgeniuos...I got the carpeted interior. Comes in a half dozen or so colors. Also went with tyhe 12V light, single front sliding window. I decided not to get the rear window washer option or the keyless entry. I keep the truck pretty clean anyhow and have found that with the tinted windows (truck, front cap, and rear cap window along with the rear view mirror adjust) it's difficult to see out anyhow. Keyless entry...?!, well it's up to you. I keep the Cap locked anyhow becuase of the tools, etc. I keep back there.

The color is Dark Highland Green to match the truck. It's perfect. Most Cap mfr's use the same paint codes as the OEM's and many use the same paints as well.

I had only one little issue with the cap. The Cap's rear window has a black trim molding along the bottom edge. If you go with this Cap, check to make sure that when the window is closed it doesn't rub along the top edge of the truck's tailgate paint. I ended up trimming a little of the molding with my Dremel as I noticed a slight mark along the tailgate, just below it's molding. Other than that, I love this thing! I especially like the single handle lever that opens the window.

I have a "Bedrug" in the back. Very nice as most on this site will testify too. Color is gray to closely match the interior of the Cap.

I have had the Cap for a couple years now. Purchased it at the local Boat and Outdoor show. Dealer was giving free installations with purchase. I paid around $1,400.00 at the time. I think prices have came down some from 2 years ago. It's like most things, you get what you pay for generally, and how badly do you want it.

You'll like the "Z". Keep checking out others though and comparing quality, especially how the corners and around the windows are formed. Ask the dealers about the molding process of the fiberglass process in making these things.

 

I started with an Astro topper, fully optioned at about $1460. Due to an unfortunate incident, I had to replace the topper. I have a Z series ARE now. Very similar to the Astro except the door hinges are WAY stronger and the latch/lock is different. I also ordered the flip down rear slider so I can clean the windows a bit easier. The bill on that one was around $1500, with out the sport rack that I had on the Astro. Both are nice units, but the dealer distribution network may be limited in some parts of the country.

 

I also have the Leer 100xq and love it. Check out my gallery for pics.


Rick