All toppers are not created equal - Here's my Leer

[Donnie B]

Just finished ceramic coating my new Leer topper for my 2025 Ranger Lariat. Unlike others offered, this Leer is a bit taller whereby I can load my mountain bikes with ease. I had already built the loading platform for my 2006 F-150 and cut it down to fit the 5-foot bed on my Ranger. Although my bikes fit with inches to spare without the topper, I was concerned the sides of the Leer would angle in too far for a 2-bike handlebar spread. I must admit I did have to move my mounts closer together and stagger their height a bit. But at the end of the day, all my e-bike variations fit quite well.

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[bigb]

Looks good.

I'm going to be looking at a topper for my 2025 when it arrives. I like the extra height ones and A.R.E. makes them as well. I also like the Windoors. I do wonder if the extra height costs fuel economy though.

Some other things I am considering, are 2 latches better than a single in the middle? My present topper on my F350 has 2 which can sometimes be a hassle. (A.R.E. offers either choice). Also A.R.E. offers a walk in door design that can also lift up like an SUV liftgate which looks pretty useful. Lots of things to think about before I buy. I don't believe there is a walk in door model yet for the 24/25 Ranger but I did put in a customer inquiry on the web site.

 

[DanielRayJ]

Just finished ceramic coating my new Leer topper for my 2025 Ranger Lariat. Unlike others offered, this Leer is a bit taller whereby I can load my mountain bikes with ease. I had already built the loading platform for my 2006 F-150 and cut it down to fit the 5-foot bed on my Ranger. Although my bikes fit with inches to spare without the topper, I was concerned the sides of the Leer would angle in too far for a 2-bike handlebar spread. I must admit I did have to move my mounts closer together and stagger their height a bit. But at the end of the day, all my e-bike variations fit quite well.

Looks good! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[BML]

Just finished ceramic coating my new Leer topper for my 2025 Ranger Lariat. Unlike others offered, this Leer is a bit taller whereby I can load my mountain bikes with ease. I had already built the loading platform for my 2006 F-150 and cut it down to fit the 5-foot bed on my Ranger. Although my bikes fit with inches to spare without the topper, I was concerned the sides of the Leer would angle in too far for a 2-bike handlebar spread. I must admit I did have to move my mounts closer together and stagger their height a bit. But at the end of the day, all my e-bike variations fit quite well.

Like the set up–curious which Leer model you installed. Is it a mid height or full height?

 

[John E Davies]

I really like Leers, does yours have the “rack ready” reinforced roof? Can you post pics of the bed rail attach points and pocket spacers?

I am sure that center pic is posed, surely you don’t transport your batteries like that? My $800 Bosch battery goes inside the cab where it can stay cool and out of sight, and this affordable case worked great for drop protection.

ProMaster Tripod Case TC-16-16 inch, Padded and Weather-Resistant Carrying Case for Tripods and Monopods

I would like to see your e-bikes please.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Donnie B]

I too like the single center-handle.....but what can a boy do. As for fuel economy, I intend to burn as many dead dinosaurs as possible.

I am not aware of any roof reinforcement option, so no....mine does not have one.

As for mid-height of full height....me no know. I called the Leer factory and told them what I wanted, and my local Leer dealership followed up with them. When my topper came in here in Colorado Springs, I was pleasantly surprised with the height I received. Also, there are no Leer emblems on my topper which makes me think that semi-custom orders are possible.

My batteries also travel inside the cab when driving distance or vacating my truck for any length of time. But if someone wants to steal my batteries and not one of my $5,000 bikes....have at it. I refuse to live in fear about what could happen. Here are a few of my e-bikes as I've built and own 8 of them. It's kind of a passion to me.....much like everything else that has rubber wheels.

 

[bigb]

As for fuel economy, I intend to burn as many dead dinosaurs as possible.

MPG is not so much a concern for my pocketbook as it is for the range with an 18 gallon tank. there's a place I go that is 100 miles from fuel and while there we do a fair amount of beach cruising which means I have to be careful and save enough fuel to make it back. I'll probably have to bring jerry cans which is a PITA.

 

[johnalan]

Donnie... did you say you keep your ebike batteries in the cab of your truck? I just bought one so I am curious why you do that. Thanks

 

[Donnie B]

My front fork mounts lock inside the bed to secure my bikes. Everything else that has the potential to grow legs gets put inside the cab WHEN I vacate my truck for any length of time. I believe in trust, but one can never be too careful.

 

[johnalan]

Thx

 

[John E Davies]

All regular lithium ion batteries should be kept from extreme temperatures as much as possible to prolong their life. This is critical when recharging them - using the bed power outlet with a topper on a hot day could result in a battery fire that destroys your truck.

Newer lithium iron phosphate batteries don’t share those fire and storage risks, but they are not yet common in most electrical devices. But that situation is rapidly improving.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[stormrider151]

Looks good.

I'm going to be looking at a topper for my 2025 when it arrives. I like the extra height ones and A.R.E. makes them as well. I also like the Windoors. I do wonder if the extra height costs fuel economy though.

Some other things I am considering, are 2 latches better than a single in the middle? My present topper on my F350 has 2 which can sometimes be a hassle. (A.R.E. offers either choice). Also A.R.E. offers a walk in door design that can also lift up like an SUV liftgate which looks pretty useful. Lots of things to think about before I buy. I don't believe there is a walk in door model yet for the 24/25 Ranger but I did put in a customer inquiry on the web site.

A.R.E makes great toppers. I have one on my super duty. The only thing I would steer clear of is the electronic locks. My first one failed due to water intrusion. The dealer installed the second one and it did the same thing. I bought one and installed it myself and it has done well. If I do it again I'll go with the two T handles. Less to go wrong.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

Looks good.

I'm going to be looking at a topper for my 2025 when it arrives. I like the extra height ones and A.R.E. makes them as well. I also like the Windoors. I do wonder if the extra height costs fuel economy though.

Some other things I am considering, are 2 latches better than a single in the middle? My present topper on my F350 has 2 which can sometimes be a hassle. (A.R.E. offers either choice). Also A.R.E. offers a walk in door design that can also lift up like an SUV liftgate which looks pretty useful. Lots of things to think about before I buy. I don't believe there is a walk in door model yet for the 24/25 Ranger but I did put in a customer inquiry on the web site.

While I do miss the high cap I had on my old 2008 ranger. (A.R.E. cap but sold under the upfitter Action Truck caps brand) I am glad I went with thr cab height cap on my new ranger. I got the roof rack rails with it, so reinforced roof for a rooftop tent or basket later down the road. I should of ordered the Windoors for the new A.R.E. CX Classic, but I was trying to keep the cap cheeper. it was already almost 5 grand installed tax in. was like 3200 plus install, and tax.

I did however spec it to have the dual latches, vs the single latch in the middle. I wanted the folding front window for ease of cleaning the back glass, but again to keep the costs down, I only ordered it with the sliding front window, vs the standard non sliding picture window

 

[JrRaptor619]

Just finished ceramic coating my new Leer topper for my 2025 Ranger Lariat. Unlike others offered, this Leer is a bit taller whereby I can load my mountain bikes with ease. I had already built the loading platform for my 2006 F-150 and cut it down to fit the 5-foot bed on my Ranger. Although my bikes fit with inches to spare without the topper, I was concerned the sides of the Leer would angle in too far for a 2-bike handlebar spread. I must admit I did have to move my mounts closer together and stagger their height a bit. But at the end of the day, all my e-bike variations fit quite well.

Sweet setup! I’m wondering if it would make loading and unloading easier if you had the ebikes facing the other direction. That way you could just set the rear tire on the bed and back it into the truck and secure the fork mount without having to crawl into the bed of the truck.

It’s just a thought but you might have a good reason for the way it’s currently setup like clearance issues. Either way, thanks for sharing! It’s helping me with ideas on what I’m going to do with my bed setup.

 

[K_teven]

I had a 2022 Lariat with an MX series topper from ARE. Now, on my 2025 Raptor, I purchased the LEER 180. Profile wise, they're both nearly identical. Both rise above the cab several inches with a gentle slope at the front. The ARE had a tinted window looking inset (not an actual window) where the LEER was simply smooth. Both toppers had gas lifts for the rear hatch and both of mine had the dual T-handles. I elected to have protective grilles inside to prevent the kids (dogs) from tearing the screens and both were ordered with the optional headliner. I also ordered the LED lighting in both. Let me tells you, the ARE runs CIRCLES around the LEER in this area. The LEER lighting is a joke compared to that in the ARE. The ARE runs 2 full length lighting strips (F to R) where the LEER uses something akin to a single Harbor Freight light tube in the back above the hatch hinge. I also ordered 12 volt accessory points in both. The ARE resembled something almost "industrial" in construction and appearance while the LEER looked like it came from Walmart. Having a Raptor means having the signature flares above the rear wheels. LEER charged me EXTRA to trim off the skirt from their topper to accommodate this. I can't see that it would have been a problem though. The flare appears sufficiently below the topper skirt IMO.

When asked (repeatedly) about these quality concerns and having to trim the skirt, LEER IGNORED me. Their only response was to "consult with the Dealer." The dealer has nothing to do with design of the topper or the accessories used inside it.

In short, I seriously regret going with the LEER on my Raptor. If I ever do get another new truck (not likely at my age) my recommendation would definitely be the ARE brand topper. Steer clear of anything of LEER origins.

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