Canopy/topper opinions

[Bret56]

Calling all Canopy/Topper users

previously had a LEER 100xr with the sliding side windows. Had nothing but leaks from that thing. I’m wanting to get another cap but need it to be as dry as possible for the gear I keep in the back (work uniforms and turnout gear)

been looking at rsi smart caps and Alucab contour lately. Not loving the box look of them but I can prob get over that.

I am also open to fiberglass, brands local to Vancouver Canada here are LEER, ARE, Century, and I’m sure I’m missing some.

Any real world advice or feedback from the hive here on which is better suited and which stays dry? Ive seen reviews on the smart cap leaking but not many reviews on the Alucab.

thanks in advance

Sponsored

 

[ryanc111]

Calling all Canopy/Topper users

previously had a LEER 100xr with the sliding side windows. Had nothing but leaks from that thing. I’m wanting to get another cap but need it to be as dry as possible for the gear I keep in the back (work uniforms and turnout gear)

been looking at rsi smart caps and Alucab contour lately. Not loving the box look of them but I can prob get over that.

I am also open to fiberglass, brands local to Vancouver Canada here are LEER, ARE, Century, and I’m sure I’m missing some.

Any real world advice or feedback from the hive here on which is better suited and which stays dry? Ive seen reviews on the smart cap leaking but not many reviews on the Alucab.

thanks in advance

I recently got the RSI smart cap and I am a big fan. I’ve had many different toppers over the years on my trucks and without a doubt this is my new favorite. No perspective on leaks as I got it right before winter hit so haven’t had a chance to really evaluate any potential leak issues. I do think the latest version though addressed some of the shortcomings from the first model - primarily freezing locks and being able to unlock from the inside.

The passthrough window to allow the bed light to light up inside the topper is awesome and the side door access is great. First had it with my GFC and it is a huge benefit. The benefit of the generic black color is that when it is time to sell the truck I can sell it to anyone with an F150 and don’t have to worry about color matching. Especially valuable for me considering I have a Leadfoot Gray truck - not many of those on the road these days.

 

[Kodiak]

I have an ARE CX Revo with side windows that have the screened sliders built in. I also have the fold down front window.

Not a drop of water comes in, and I have had it in 2 hurricanes with driving rain.

The back window set up looks like the weak point as the F-150 tailgate with the step sticks out quite a bit so that back window looks like where the seal could break down, but so far not an issue. I even have mine connected to the trucks fob controls so I can lock and unlock with the trucks action.

Not a cheap date when you start adding on any extras, but this was one of the nicest toppers I looked at.

Had I been able to find out if I could get the RSI smartcap disassembled and the main body of the cap painted to match the truck, I might have gone that route myself. However be aware that the seams in the RSI cap will need tightening attention and probably new seal gaskets at some point in its life.

Good luck and apologies to our friends in the north.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I’ve had a few shells over the years, I’ve never had window leakage issues.

The RCI top looks like an erector set project

 

[roadPilot]

My Leer 100XQ has the frameless one-piece tip out windows that are hinged at the top. Dry as a bone inside.

 

[Stormpeakco]

My Leer 100XQ has the frameless one-piece tip out windows that are hinged at the top. Dry as a bone inside.

Good to know, thanks.
Have a Leer 180CC on order with solid, hinged win-doors (hoping to mitigate roving eyes w/ our camping gear...solid rear hatch wasn't available)

 

[Calson]

I noticed about 15 years ago that my new Snugtop camper had a very different and much improved bottom where it attached to the bed of the truck. The new camper design wrapped over the outer edge of the sides of the bed. Far less is required of the bed seal with this design.

Now that I no longer have dogs there is also no need for sliding windows in the shell and a solid glass window is cheaper and less likely to leak. That said the leaks I experienced in the past were all at seal of the topper to the truck.

 

[ChemGuy]

Leer 100XL here. It has been on for 2 years and I have not noticed any leaking after car washes, trips in the rain etc. The back portion of the window pops out sort of like a vent window. It does not slide all the way open and has a nice tight fit when closed. It was not cheap, optioned with carpet headliner, keyless lock/unlock and folding front window to clean the back glass but I have been very happy with it.

I have tossed around the idea of selling it but I can't convince myself that I wouldn't just end up wanting another lol.

 

[Bret56]

Leer 100XL here. It has been on for 2 years and I have not noticed any leaking after car washes, trips in the rain etc. The back portion of the window pops out sort of like a vent window. It does not slide all the way open and has a nice tight fit when closed. It was not cheap, optioned with carpet headliner, keyless lock/unlock and folding front window to clean the back glass but I have been very happy with it.

I have tossed around the idea of selling it, but I can't convince myself that I wouldn't just end up wanting another lol.

Your truck looks great. The or a 100xq is what I would do if I did another leer. Think my issues were all from the sliding windows leaking from the track. These have the sealed full windows and just the rear portion like u said pops out. Def keeping an eye out for one for sale.

 

[Zedbra]

I would like a canopy as well, but man they are big bucks here in BC nowadays. So, I'm sticking with my tonneau cover and justified spending money on an enclosed trailer instead. Least, that's how I explained it to my wife. Lol

 

[Jeb536]

I like the look of the shaped Back glass on the ARE Revo

 

[Stormpeakco]

I would like a canopy as well, but man they are big bucks here in BC nowadays. So, I'm sticking with my tonneau cover and justified spending money on an enclosed trailer instead. Least, that's how I explained it to my wife. Lol

LOL.
THEY'RE SPENDY IN THE STATES TOO.
(ordered/paid/installed in OR, sans state sales tax, but wouldn't help you in BC, during our travels).

 

[ChemGuy]

Your truck looks great. The or a 100xq is what I would do if I did another leer. Think my issues were all from the sliding windows leaking from the track. These have the sealed full windows and just the rear portion like u said pops out. Def keeping an eye out for one for sale.

Thanks! I think it also helps that I've probably only opened them and "broke the seal" 2-3 times in the 2 years I've had it on.

I would like a canopy as well, but man they are big bucks here in BC nowadays. So, I'm sticking with my tonneau cover and justified spending money on an enclosed trailer instead. Least, that's how I explained it to my wife. Lol

They're big bucks in the states too. Not sure what they go for now but a couple years ago I gave ~$3500 for mine ?

Not sure what the bald eagle to maple leaf conversion is but it's painful either way lol.

 

[roadPilot]

My 100XQ with full carpet, dual 12V adjustable tube light w/gas prop switch, fold down front window, and keyless remote lock (locks/unlocks when you lock/unlock the truck) cost US$4,200 (plus 6% MI sales tax) just a couple months ago.

I like the XQ because of the way the side windows "open". Each side window is a single piece of glass hinged all the way across the top. At the rear is a mechanism that allows the rear-most side and bottom edge of the window to pivot open a few inches. There is no place for it to leak, as it is a single piece of glass. There is a rubber gasket that goes around the entire circumference of the window openig. You don't see any of it - it makes it look like an SUV window. Each windows has a long removable screen that comes out from the inside.

It also has a molded "lip" that runs the entire width of the rear window. It completely wrap over and down the tailgate, so water doesn't have a chance to go between the top of the tailgate and the bottom of the rear window.

I added the molded black Tufskinz "PLATINUM" letters to the tailgate. Ties it all together very nicely.

You pretty much can't see through the windows.

 

[NavyChief]

I’ve had 2 smartcaps and the only time I had them leak was in a car wash as the top vent that keeps positive air pressure in the bed area to keep dust out can leak if the water is pressurized and aimed at it. I think they redesigned it though.

Sponsored