I've had two caps both on mid '80's F-150's. One leaked and the other did not. My biggest complaint was the way the paint held up on both. 2 grand is a lot of money just to come home disappointed about fit and finish. I'd take it back and raise sand.

Tim

 

False about Leer and Century being the same. I bought my Leer right at the factory in Milton, Pa. Century comes right out of Indiana state. I have a 08 Lariat with the White sand tri coat and what a pain to match. After dealing with Century caps, they made two caps for my truck, the fit was horrible, horrible, horrible. Even as the dealer, Bigler Boyz in Bigler Pa, has not an ounce of customer service, he was pissed at Century at what they sent.

Then I went to Leer in Milton. Their first paint job was a joke as to color match. Repainted and is close but you can still see some difference. And I even drove to the factory so the paint guys could see my paint. Guess this is a tough color to match. Nothing is perfect.

If Century could do some QA, they actually have a better cap than Leer as their roof is two layers with honey comb sandwiched in between, Leers cap roof is only a single layer.

 

Whoa! I should have read this before. I just had a Leer cap installed yesterday, same thing, '09 with 6.5' bed. Looks like they "fixed" the problem of having it stick out the back by having it stick out the front. It rubs against the truck and squeals and rattles and I don't know what damage it's doing. I'm bringing it back today. Also, I searched the internet and found a lot of people having problems with Leer. ARE sounds like the best. I did my research too late.

 

I'd like to know how the original poster had the problem resolved, but I see he hasn't posted since Feb.

 

I saw bobcats Platinum with the Leer cap and his looks like it fits good. I would take it back to the dealer you got it from and tell them that it doesnt fit right.

 

I took it back and he adjusted it by sliding it back a little so it no longer rubs, but to do that the had to enlarge the holes he drilled in it. I think I should have ordered the shell with the open front end instead of the built in removable/sliding front end window. My last truck had the open front end with the rubber boot and I had no problem with rain getting in, but these new trucks have channels on the roof that could possibly cause a problem. He said he'd convert it for me if I want. Any advice on that?

 

Do not, I repeat, Do Not Buy the Leer XQ100 for the 2010 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab. The rear hatch is a straight line at the bottom edge and does not fit against the contour of the tailgate sill, which bows out. The fit, seal and appearance are terrible. I was furious when I saw my installation. I will seek to return the cap for a full refund from Leer. If I am met with any resistance I am filing with the state attorney general's office. I recommend this option to anyone else who has been stung by this poorly-designed product.

 

I had some paint match issues with my ARE Z series, but after MONTHS of waiting, I am happy with the final product... Fit is excellent and the design is pretty nice... Pictures in my gallery for those who are in the market...

 

I had an ARE on my 95 F150. Great cap. I've had an Eagle cap on my 05 SD and my 06 F150. Great quality. Color match was fantastic. The price was $975 for my 6.5' bed F150. It's their Maverick cap. It's approximately 4" above the cab. A friend of mine just bought one for his 02 SD. It's a cab high short bed for $950. They are made in Plymouth, IN. Leer has a couple of plants in Indiana as well. But I don't like the quality or price. Another friend has a Leer on his 03 SD and he's not that satisfied with it. He has had some quality issues that he's had to live with. The Eagle cap is very strong on top. It's reinforced as well as or better than the ARE I had.

 

I had a Leer cap on my 1999 F-150. Color match was spot on. But it leaked around the rear lift window. Even had leaks around the sealing tape, between the cap and bed rails. Even had the leaks after replacing the tape.
But it's someone else's problem now. Traded the '99 for a '10 F-150.

 

I just ordered a 2011 f-150 and now the search begins for a Topper. I am looking at Leer, Unicover, and A.R.E. Any advice which one looks the best, and fits the best? I have never owned a cap this will be my first.

 

I have a Leer 122 that I bought new last year when I got my 2001 PSD, and the exterior is fine, the interior quality was a little buggered. The front sliding window is all messed up, bent trim rails etc. I only noticed it months after they installed it, can't tell if it was Leer or the shipping/cap joint.....

Exterior quality is decent, no issues so far. I don't have a noticeable overhang, no worse than anything else I've seen.

Not sure if I'd go with Leer again, then again everything else gets mixed reviews as well.

 

Of the 3 you listed, I would lean toward the ARE. I don't know a lot about Unicover and the Leers that I have seen are a little lacking in quality on the interior, windows, and back glass/door latches.

 

Howdy, Welcome to FTE. I've never owned a Leer cover cause I didn't care for the look. However, I recently put a Jason Hugger cover on my 2010 F150 scab 6 1/2 foot bed and it's fit is perfect and the color match is exact. I wish you the best possible outcome on your experience. Good luck.

 

I have an ARE DCU topper on my 09 F150, and have extensive experience with the DCU on 01, 03, 07, and 10 F150 SCrews... they are excellent. I would recommend the factory-matched paint (I think it's standard now, actually). Also, see if you can talk them into installing the power locks for you - very handy feature.

All of the above have the double swing-out rear doors.

The 09 and 10 trucks also have a Bedrug under the topper, which is fantastic, and much easier on the knees and **** when in the back of the truck doing work (wiring, primarily).