Ranger toppers

[CaptainAmericaRob]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! new cap installed Tuesday ARE V series.
like it so far, but Tuesdays rain showed some leaks in the front corners. will add some extra weather strip where there's small gaps.
the LED lighting is awesome.
next is a BedRug mat.

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[T-Wrecks]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! new cap installed Tuesday ARE V series.
like it so far, but Tuesdays rain showed some leaks in the front corners. will add some extra weather strip where there's small gaps.
the LED lighting is awesome.
next is a BedRug mat.

Leer customer service sucks, even to their own dealers. My ARE CX Evolve topper for my S Cab gets installed Tuesday. Glad you like the LED lights, I added that too. And a bedrug is also next on the list. Sounds like your installer didn't do a good job?

What are those storage boxes? I like them.

 

[CaptainAmericaRob]

yeah, looking at it closely, i think it's not forward enough on the bed. The boxes are "Swing Cases" by Undercover.
they're awesome.
see my post https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/whats-in-your-truck-gear-box.4080/#post-59920

i just added the Rotopax fuel can. perfect place for it.

 

[Tcarter]

Has anyone else put a topper on their Ranger? We just put a Leer topper on our Ranger and it had rough raw fiberglass edges so we installed door edge trim on the raw fiberglass edge. It looks OK but are wondering if anyone else has a Leer topper or other brand of topper on their Ranger.

 

[RangerAJS]

I have a SnugTop on the way. From what I can tell it looks similar. Will post pics soon as it’s on.

 

[bka0721]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! new cap installed Tuesday ARE V series.
like it so far, but Tuesdays rain showed some leaks in the front corners. will add some extra weather strip where there's small gaps.
the LED lighting is awesome.
next is a BedRug mat.

Now that you have had your topper for more than a year, what are your thoughts? Pros & Cons? Would you still get the same topper, again?

thanks.

b

 

[Tcarter]

Has anyone else put a topper on their Ranger? We just put a Leer topper on our Ranger and it had rough raw fiberglass edges so we installed door edge trim on the raw fiberglass edge. It looks OK but are wondering if anyone else has a Leer topper or other brand of topper on their Ranger.

Hi REDWM. I'm new to this forum. Nice to meet you.
I had a 180 midrise installed on my 2020 Rapid Red Supercab FX2 last Friday. Purchased the truck Oct. 8th. Traded a 1995 Black Splash Stepside and a 1997 Escort I inherted from my mom so this my 1st new vehicle in 27 years. Color match pretty dead on and was my biggest concern as it is a tricolor finish code D4 which Ford and Leer offer for upcharge. Bought off the lot as not many FX2s available locally and never have had a red vehicle in my life. Love the Lightning blue but the red is really growing on me.
Sliding windows are a bit hard to open but maybe that's a good thing. Overall looks really nice. I noticed the same thing with regard to front corners as you once I got home. Not happy. It's not only unsightly but gives the appearance of an after thought or a topper made for another truck model modified to fit. Called the Mgr and he said to come back so he can take a look. As you mentioned it could snag and break off or even cut somone.
My take is simple. If you can't properly manufacture it right don't offer it for the model until the kinks are worked out, or, at least warn the customer. But then they may lose a sale. I later found that I was the 1st newer Ranger done by this dealer. I Think it was rushed to market given the Ranger recent revival in the US. Looked at A.R.E. but the only ones they offered at the time was V series and Overland both cab high. They now offer the MX midrise. I bought this for camping with intent on sleeping in the bed avoiding tent or hammock setup/breakdown so being rather water resistant is a must.
Since it rained today, I pulled it out of the garage into the driveway to check for leaks. It was a few hours of light rain interspersed by a few heavier showers and the truck was stationary. Multiple leaks and water pooled slightly toward the front as it was on a slight incline front down. Wet along front half of standard sliding window bottom casing, along rails and pretty much the entire front cab side rail. The bottom of the front window frame wasn't wet but the liner below was, especially in front corners. When I pressed on the liner it dripped. Had the 3 port power outlet installed which is located on left rail just inside tailgate and there was a wet spot in front and to the right of the unit. Don't think water and electricity mix well and a little worried about a short.
In checking results and wiping up moisture I also noticed a tear in the felt on left rail close to front corner. That should be easy to repair.
I expected a small amount of moisture as the dealer warned no topper is totally waterproof but this is unacceptable. 2992.89 for all as follows: Weathertech mud flaps 125.00 installed. The rest was topper cost plus power port, 2 LED lighting strips with back door switch which activate when door is ope paint upcharge, installation and taxes. Lucky me, they had just had a price increase Jan 1 for topper. After order placed on Jan 3rd the Mgr called me the next day as the windoors I wanted with slideable screen option were not available for my truck/topper combo. Saved 700.00 for that and glad I did. Gonna eventually install a DIY plywood slider to ease having to climb into the topper to retrieve. Worse case I could use a hoe like my buddy did with his Tundra. Which BTW never leaked and corners were smooth and from same dealer that has been there for years.
I dried up the water as best I could with a towel so I can reverse position with tailgate lower than cab for next rain test scheduled for this Thursday and will take photos for dealer though I will leave as is so dealer can see for themselves. With a plastic liner and cool weather moisture will still be present.
I will try and drive there while rainy which hasn't been done as of yet and I suspect worse results.
I am extremely dissapointed in the build quality finish-wise. and so many leaks. As they say, the devil is in the details. Thde mgr stated his installer was top knotch. Will update with results but I am expected to have to call DM about sharp corners since the dealer will most likely say it's designed that way due to truck bed caveats. My question to him will be 'does that look right to you and would you want your topper to look like this?'.

Has anyone else put a topper on their Ranger? We just put a Leer topper on our Ranger and it had rough raw fiberglass edges so we installed door edge trim on the raw fiberglass edge. It looks OK but are wondering if anyone else has a Leer topper or other brand of topper on their Ranger.

Yep. 2020 Rapid Red (D4) Ranger Supercab FX2. Traded 95 Ranger Splah Stepside and 97 Escort inherited from my mom. 1st new vehicle in 27 years.
Just had Leer 180 mid high installed last Friday. 2992.00 ttl including Weathertech mud flaps, 2 LED light strips with door switch, power port, liner and paint upcharge which both Ford and Leer charge for D4 color. This was a concern but color match is pretty much dead on which put a smile on my face.
Upon arriving home noticed the ugly knotches on front corners like yours. Looks like an after thought or mod for another model top cut to fit. I suspect rush to market due to release of new Ranger in 2019 resulted in poor engineering. I feel if you can't do it right, wait until you can. I was the first re-designed Ranger they had done at this dealer. It's not only unsightly but could snag and break or maybe cause injury. Unacceptable. My buddy had same dealer install his topper on an older Tundra - no leaks ever and no ugly knotch.
I'm almost 63yrs old and bought this for camping as I am now retired due to Covid layoff and want to simplify camping by sleeping in the bed. No more tent or hammock setup/ breakdown. Pull in and have very little to prep.
Now, on to the 2nd problem. 1st leak test today. Pulled truck from garage into driveway. It rained lightly with interspersed harder showers and not driven. After about 3 hrs I checked and to my dismay there was lots of water in the bed and on rails. Especially on front rail next to cab. Corners were soaked. I pressed down on liner and it dripped. The power port is mounted on the left rail just inside the back door. Water leaked around it and am concerned about shorting out. Side windows toward the front had water on the bottom of the frames. I expected a few dribbles possibly but again, this defeats the purpose of the topper which is to keep things mostly dry.
I can deal with a few minor leaks that can be corrected but it's leaking all over the place. Again, unacceptable. I've read folks with soft topper had no problems like this. They are vinyl and cost about 900.00.
I went with Leer since A.R.E. didn't offer mid high for Ranger. After I ordered, found out they now do. Leer is supposed to be top knotch. Guess not. I'm having buyers remorse.
Dried everything as best I could. Dry day tomorrow but rain expected Thursday off to the dealer I go. I can only imagine how much water will seep in when driving.
Have you experienced leaks? Will update later with results.

 

[Tcarter]

Hi REDWM. I'm new to this forum. Nice to meet you.
I had a 180 midrise installed on my 2020 Rapid Red Supercab FX2 last Friday. Purchased the truck Oct. 8th. Traded a 1995 Black Splash Stepside and a 1997 Escort I inherted from my mom so this my 1st new vehicle in 27 years. Color match pretty dead on and was my biggest concern as it is a tricolor finish code D4 which Ford and Leer offer for upcharge. Bought off the lot as not many FX2s available locally and never have had a red vehicle in my life. Love the Lightning blue but the red is really growing on me.
Sliding windows are a bit hard to open but maybe that's a good thing. Overall looks really nice. I noticed the same thing with regard to front corners as you once I got home. Not happy. It's not only unsightly but gives the appearance of an after thought or a topper made for another truck model modified to fit. Called the Mgr and he said to come back so he can take a look. As you mentioned it could snag and break off or even cut somone.
My take is simple. If you can't properly manufacture it right don't offer it for the model until the kinks are worked out, or, at least warn the customer. But then they may lose a sale. I later found that I was the 1st newer Ranger done by this dealer. I Think it was rushed to market given the Ranger recent revival in the US. Looked at A.R.E. but the only ones they offered at the time was V series and Overland both cab high. They now offer the MX midrise. I bought this for camping with intent on sleeping in the bed avoiding tent or hammock setup/breakdown so being rather water resistant is a must.
Since it rained today, I pulled it out of the garage into the driveway to check for leaks. It was a few hours of light rain interspersed by a few heavier showers and the truck was stationary. Multiple leaks and water pooled slightly toward the front as it was on a slight incline front down. Wet along front half of standard sliding window bottom casing, along rails and pretty much the entire front cab side rail. The bottom of the front window frame wasn't wet but the liner below was, especially in front corners. When I pressed on the liner it dripped. Had the 3 port power outlet installed which is located on left rail just inside tailgate and there was a wet spot in front and to the right of the unit. Don't think water and electricity mix well and a little worried about a short.
In checking results and wiping up moisture I also noticed a tear in the felt on left rail close to front corner. That should be easy to repair.
I expected a small amount of moisture as the dealer warned no topper is totally waterproof but this is unacceptable. 2992.89 for all as follows: Weathertech mud flaps 125.00 installed. The rest was topper cost plus power port, 2 LED lighting strips with back door switch which activate when door is ope paint upcharge, installation and taxes. Lucky me, they had just had a price increase Jan 1 for topper. After order placed on Jan 3rd the Mgr called me the next day as the windoors I wanted with slideable screen option were not available for my truck/topper combo. Saved 700.00 for that and glad I did. Gonna eventually install a DIY plywood slider to ease having to climb into the topper to retrieve. Worse case I could use a hoe like my buddy did with his Tundra. Which BTW never leaked and corners were smooth and from same dealer that has been there for years.
I dried up the water as best I could with a towel so I can reverse position with tailgate lower than cab for next rain test scheduled for this Thursday and will take photos for dealer though I will leave as is so dealer can see for themselves. With a plastic liner and cool weather moisture will still be present.
I will try and drive there while rainy which hasn't been done as of yet and I suspect worse results.
I am extremely dissapointed in the build quality finish-wise. and so many leaks. As they say, the devil is in the details. Thde mgr stated his installer was top knotch. Will update with results but I am expected to have to call DM about sharp corners since the dealer will most likely say it's designed that way due to truck bed caveats. My question to him will be 'does that look right to you and would you want your topper to look like this?'.

Yep. 2020 Rapid Red (D4) Ranger Supercab FX2. Traded 95 Ranger Splah Stepside and 97 Escort inherited from my mom. 1st new vehicle in 27 years.
Just had Leer 180 mid high installed last Friday. 2992.00 ttl including Weathertech mud flaps, 2 LED light strips with door switch, power port, liner and paint upcharge which both Ford and Leer charge for D4 color. This was a concern but color match is pretty much dead on which put a smile on my face.
Upon arriving home noticed the ugly knotches on front corners like yours. Looks like an after thought or mod for another model top cut to fit. I suspect rush to market due to release of new Ranger in 2019 resulted in poor engineering. I feel if you can't do it right, wait until you can. I was the first re-designed Ranger they had done at this dealer. It's not only unsightly but could snag and break or maybe cause injury. Unacceptable. My buddy had same dealer install his topper on an older Tundra - no leaks ever and no ugly knotch.
I'm almost 63yrs old and bought this for camping as I am now retired due to Covid layoff and want to simplify camping by sleeping in the bed. No more tent or hammock setup/ breakdown. Pull in and have very little to prep.
Now, on to the 2nd problem. 1st leak test today. Pulled truck from garage into driveway. It rained lightly with interspersed harder showers and not driven. After about 3 hrs I checked and to my dismay there was lots of water in the bed and on rails. Especially on front rail next to cab. Corners were soaked. I pressed down on liner and it dripped. The power port is mounted on the left rail just inside the back door. Water leaked around it and am concerned about shorting out. Side windows toward the front had water on the bottom of the frames. I expected a few dribbles possibly but again, this defeats the purpose of the topper which is to keep things mostly dry.
I can deal with a few minor leaks that can be corrected but it's leaking all over the place. Again, unacceptable. I've read folks with soft topper had no problems like this. They are vinyl and cost about 900.00.
I went with Leer since A.R.E. didn't offer mid high for Ranger. After I ordered, found out they now do. Leer is supposed to be top knotch. Guess not. I'm having buyers remorse.
Dried everything as best I could. Dry day tomorrow but rain expected Thursday off to the dealer I go. I can only imagine how much water will seep in when driving.
Have you experienced leaks? Will update later with results.

Apologies for dupe post. I thought I lost the 1st so retype since I couldn't locate the original.

 

[SFB]

Has anyone else put a topper on their Ranger? We just put a Leer topper on our Ranger and it had rough raw fiberglass edges so we installed door edge trim on the raw fiberglass edge. It looks OK but are wondering if anyone else has a Leer topper or other brand of topper on their Ranger.

I would take it back and have them clean up those edges! For what you pay these days there is no excuse for that. I looks nice overall though. Do you mind telling me what you paid? Im thinking of doing the same but afraid its going to be out of my range...

 

[Tcarter]

I would take it back and have them clean up those edges! For what you pay these days there is no excuse for that. I looks nice overall though. Do you mind telling me what you paid? Im thinking of doing the same but afraid its going to be out of my range...

Hi SFB. No problem on price. Leer 2900.00 roughly, included front/back led light strips with option to activate with back door opening. Wired directly to battery so truck key to turn on is not required. 3 port dc power supply and felt liner (included free via promotion).

Took the topper back to dealer today. Rather than try and make it right with redo, they said they would refund money and most likley not take on the new Rangers again. To which I replied 'that would be prudent until you have it worked out.'. Have an appt. On Saturday to remove and return. They would rather refund than hassle with another build. Why they can't communicate with factory and get better than a 3rd grader at geometry is beyond me.

So, left there and straight back to A.R.E. and explained the situation. They viewed the topper and agreed it was botched and stated 'what were they thinking?'. Also stated there will always be leaks but rails should have never been wet.

Got a price quote for same features PLUS!!! Windoors and fold down front bulkhead window (for cleaning). 3062.00. So for about 162.00 more they offer 3 window upgrades and they at least have done several Rangers so isn't new to them.

My recommendation is to 'Steer clear from Leer' with Rangers till they figure it out. Already received text from another member that their A.R.E. front corners were nice and rounded. They were later to market with the Ranger range of availability with respect to models offered which was one of the reasons I chose Leer. By the time I ordered they were offering the MX mid high for the Ranger.

If you are going to be camping and sleeping in the bed such as I, go with mid high. About 4 inches extra height which makes a big difference when dressing, sitting up, etc. in the bed. Anything larger to me would not look nice on a Ranger.

I'm going A.R.E. for now. 12 week delivery window. Looks like May b4 we can visit our frirnds in Salida, Co. from Atlanta, Ga. Metro area.
Good luck with whatever you choose but for now, it's A.R.E. for me. Will update when received in May.

A.R.E. only has 1 plant in Ohio. LEER has two. 1 west coast and 1 east so takes twice as long to get A.R.E. but well worth the wait if done right. Good luck.

 

[jblc]

I've also had 2x ARE canopies on Rangers, and am a fan of their canopies overall. Highly durable and look great. Their hinges and factory lighting options are a bit better than others.

For the 2021 ranger though, i purchased Snugtop due to fit and finish being slightly high quality (from what i've read). The Snugtop will arrive in about a week, so I don't have a direct comparison yet.

 

[SFB]

Hi SFB. No problem on price. Leer 2900.00 roughly, included front/back led light strips with option to activate with back door opening. Wired directly to battery so truck key to turn on is not required. 3 port dc power supply and felt liner (included free via promotion).

Took the topper back to dealer today. Rather than try and make it right with redo, they said they would refund money and most likley not take on the new Rangers again. To which I replied 'that would be prudent until you have it worked out.'. Have an appt. On Saturday to remove and return. They would rather refund than hassle with another build. Why they can't communicate with factory and get better than a 3rd grader at geometry is beyond me.

So, left there and straight back to A.R.E. and explained the situation. They viewed the topper and agreed it was botched and stated 'what were they thinking?'. Also stated there will always be leaks but rails should have never been wet.

Got a price quote for same features PLUS!!! Windoors and fold down front bulkhead window (for cleaning). 3062.00. So for about 162.00 more they offer 3 window upgrades and they at least have done several Rangers so isn't new to them.

My recommendation is to 'Steer clear from Leer' with Rangers till they figure it out. Already received text from another member that their A.R.E. front corners were nice and rounded. They were later to market with the Ranger range of availability with respect to models offered which was one of the reasons I chose Leer. By the time I ordered they were offering the MX mid high for the Ranger.

If you are going to be camping and sleeping in the bed such as I, go with mid high. About 4 inches extra height which makes a big difference when dressing, sitting up, etc. in the bed. Anything larger to me would not look nice on a Ranger.

I'm going A.R.E. for now. 12 week delivery window. Looks like May b4 we can visit our frirnds in Salida, Co. from Atlanta, Ga. Metro area.
Good luck with whatever you choose but for now, it's A.R.E. for me. Will update when received in May.

A.R.E. only has 1 plant in Ohio. LEER has two. 1 west coast and 1 east so takes twice as long to get A.R.E. but well worth the wait if done right. Good luck.

Fantastic that you got your money back and kudos to Leer for not hassling you, even though they should not have sold you one to begin with since they obviously dont know what they are doing.
Thank you for all the info, love these forums. Post pics of your new one when you get it.. Unfortunately it is out of my price range right now.

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