1. Leer Topper Serial Number Location
2. Serial Number Idm
3. Leer Serial Number Location
4. Leer Canopy Serial Number
5. Leer Serial Number Location

The warranty on your unit is determined by the serial number. If you feel you have a situation that could be under warranty, visit your local Century dealer - they will be able to inspect your unit and explain the warranty that applies to your unit.

• AxleAddict»

So, you finally got that new truck you've been wanting, but now that it's sitting safely in your driveway (it looks so naked). You're considering a shell or a top, maybe even a hard lid-type cover, but there are so many options. Where do you begin?

I spent many years selling truck accessories, but no longer do, so I will try to help by offering this information.

The first thing you want to ask yourself is, 'How do I plan on using my new truck? If I put a top on the truck bed, will I still be able to use the truck in the same way?'

If the answer is yes, meaning a lumber rack and/or tool boxes aren't part of your vision, then you're ready to start looking at tops.

Tips on Buying a Truck Shell or Top

1. Learn the types of removable covers.
2. Decide on a style.
3. Consider which add-ons you may need.
4. Consider buying used.

So you want a shell, or even a lid (also known as a hard tonneau cover), but you want to be able to remove it without too much trouble for that occasional large load. After all, what good is having a truck if you can't use it like a truck.

The good news is that many truck top manufacturers know that truck owners want the option to be able to remove a shell or lid.

SnugTop Covers

For a good shell that's easy to remove, consider a SnugTop. It uses a J-hook style installation that works like a clamp—no drilling.

The other benefit with this brand is that their tops are very custom fit, meaning the base rails of the shell are a contoured fit, not flat, so you will actually feel the shell fit in place when you set it on the bed.

Their tops also have a bulb rubber seal built-in along the base rail, meaning there is no seal to have to re-do when you remove and reinstall the shell.

Leer

A Leer brand top has a rubber seal and J-hooks as well, although their J-hooks are a little different. Most manufactures require a foam tape to be installed along the base rails to seal the shell to the bed.

If that tape is not replaced when the shell is removed, it will leak after you reinstall it. Either one of these brands of shells will weigh between 150 to 200 lbs, depending on how large your truck is.

Pro-Tip: Ask for the Boards the Shell Was Shipped On

A good tip to remember if you plan on removing a shell after you buy it is to ask the dealer for the boards that the shell is shipped with, that way if you do remove it, you can reuse those boards when you set it on the ground for storage.

These boards typically get tossed out or recycled, so the dealer should not have a problem just giving them to you. Remember too that a lot of truck shells now have what they call wrap-rails-for a nice custom-fit look. They can easily be damaged, so having these shipping boards really helps.

Removing Hard Lid Covers

Hard lid covers (tonneau covers) are not as easy to remove as you might think. A hard, fiberglass, painted-to-match lid is actually quite heavy, and depending on the brand or style, it can be a little tricky to take on and off.

Believe it or not, something such as a basic SnugTop hard tonneau—which they call their TC lid-or Tonneau Cover—weighs almost as much as some shells do. They have a very thick honey-comb construction, and despite what the company says, they're heavy.

Painted-to-match Leer covers are about the same in weight.

Another good painted fiberglass lid brand is the Gaylord cover, and their mounting systems have a lot of flexibility for fine adjustments.

The Easiest Lid to Remove

Probably the easiest lids to remove are the non-painted, black hard covers, such as the Undercover brand. They weigh less than half of the painted fiberglass covers, but they are also just as strong. They tend to fit great and are very easy to install.

I found that their cover on the new Tacoma beds were extremely simple to install. Professional installers can get them on in about 15 minutes or less. It's no surprise then that removing these and re-installing them is just as simple.

Since they weigh about 50 lbs. (less for the extra short mini-truck beds) and they aren't painted, taking it off and propping it against a wall in your garage takes about ten minutes and you won't have to worry about scratching it.

True, these covers don't look as good as the painted ones, but they are very functional, secure and strong. Older style covers, like the old Protecto Tops, were very flimsy, and could be broken in half like snapping thin plywood.

The newer Undercover lids are also very reasonable in price, and don't pay too much for labor if you get one of these installed, because believe me, even someone who is mildly handy could put one of these on by themselves.

Rolling Covers

You may also consider a rolling cover. They roll up out of your way into a canister in the front of the bed, and you don't have to remove it. But remember, more moving parts means more that can go wrong over time.

It may work great when you first get it, but give it a year or two and it may need some occasional adjusting, or sometimes a lot of regular adjusting.

Roll covers also take up bed space, and they are notorious for leaking. That's why most of them come with drain tubes. A good, secure cover is the Pace Edwards Full Metal roll cover. It costs almost as much as a shell, but they are designed well, and have few problems.

What do you want your truck to look like?

Good shells and higher-end models will cost well over $2,000 at the end of the day, so before you even start looking, keep that in mind.

Fiberglass

Even when there are special sales, a simple, color-matched fiberglass shell can cost between $1,200 and $1,400 depending on the brand.

Shells are not what they used to be, which were gel-coated (not painted) plastic pieces of garbage that fit lousy, and spent more time on the side of the freeway than on the bed of your truck.

Plastic shells are now non-existent and most fiberglass tops are clear coat enamel paint, just like your truck. I know they seem expensive, but if you just spent more than $35,000 on a brand new truck, you should put something on it that is comparable in quality to the truck itself. After all, you wouldn't buy a $5 tie for a $1,000 designer suit.

High-End Tops and Their Downsides

Expensive styles of tops usually have the all-glass doors with hidden or semi-hidden hinges for that realistic SUV look. SnugTop's models that have this all glass, frameless rear door are the XV (eXtra Vision) or the Super Sport models.

It's all about the look, nothing more. Going with that SUV look may be the coolest, but remember that if and when you do break that back door, it's expensive. Trust me, a lot of people break the back door on their shells.

Backing into the garage with the door up is the most common scenario. Same goes with Leer's popular 100XL model. Remember that the glass in these doors is tempered safety glass, but not laminated like a windshield, so all it takes is one small rock, and all that glass will shatter into very small pieces.

Aluminum-framed doors on the other hand are much cheaper to replace, sometimes half the cost for the part. Most basic fiberglass shells use the aluminum framed rear doors.

SnugTop calls their basic top the Cab High, meaning it is level in height with that of the cab of the truck. Leer's is called the 100R. Of course, all of these tops I just described are cab level in height.

These two types of tops are the most popular, and I highly, highly recommend looking at actual tops at an accessory dealer so you can see the quality difference in the parts they use.

SnugTop vs Leer

SnugTop's shells tend to cost more than any other brand, but that's mostly because they use more expensive parts. It's arguable if that means those parts are better, but they look and feel better, like sturdier latches and metal, not plastic hinges.

SnugTop shells also have thicker fiberglass construction, which may mean nothing unless you want to mount a rack on top of it or if you have an off-road truck and actually use it that way and subject the bed to a lot of flexing.

There are of course many other models, most of which involve extra height for the camping enthusiast or just someone with a need for more headroom and space.

Leer has several taller models, the model 122 being the tallest, but I personally think they look ugly. SnugTop has a very smooth-line taller top called the High Liner, but its availability is sometimes limited as most people want the clean look of a cab high top.

The Best Brands

Notice I am mainly talking about SnugTop and Leer here. That's because these are the two most widely known and popular brands on the market today. There are other more obscure brands, but be careful what you buy.

I have seen manufacturers come and go, and good luck getting parts or service for these tops once the company goes under. SnugTop and Leer have been around for a while. Century is a decent brand, and it's owned by Leer so it's basically a cheap Leer.

Glasstite use to be a really good brand, then they sold out to different corporate owners a few years ago and the service went down the tubes.

Leer Topper Serial Number Location

A.R.E. is another brand, and they have a very distinct model of top where the tailgate of the truck bed is removed, making it a full walk-in rear door, but be careful with this one, it's prone to many potential problems. The fit from A.R.E. isn't that great either.

Carpet Lining

Yes, truck caps or shells have many optional features. The most common is the inside carpet lining. Most shells have this, that is to say most dealers will stock tops with this option and many models actually come with this option included.

Is carpet necessary? No, not really, it just looks much better than the raw fiberglass, and it helps to insulate the shell better. The carpet is like speaker box carpet, and it's indoor/outdoor grade, so it won't get mildewed if it gets wet.

Windows

The front of a top usually has a sliding window, so the inside of the now covered bed can be accessed from the truck's rear cab window-provided your truck has a rear sliding window. Solid windows are usually standard, but you would only want that if your rear cab window is solid as well.

An option for that front sliding window in the shell is to have one with the capability to fold down, or in the case of Leer, it can be removed.

Why is this a good option? Because cleaning the rear cab window once a shell is installed becomes quite a chore without it.

Serial Number Idm

The gap between the truck bed and cab is very tight, especially now since trucks have more streamlined designs, and if you want a nice custom look, the shell has to fit this way. Fold down glass is also available with solid windows as well, for the same reason.

Boots

Don't get a boot. This option is still offered, but I highly, highly recommend not getting it. They leak, they rub off all your paint, they don't last and the list goes on. With folding front sliders now available, they really aren't necessary.

Racks

Leer Serial Number Location

Racks on top of shells are also common options. The best thing to do is to order the shell with the tracks pre-installed. Either Thule or Yakima tracks are cross-compatible, and even if you're not sure what specific type of rack you want, you at least now have the option to install the towers and bars on the tracks after you get the shell.

You may even have these parts already and want to transfer that system to the shell. Tracks also give you the option to vary the spread between the bars. They can typically hold about 165 lbs. I only know of one shell manufacturer that offers the option to have the roof made thicker to accommodate extra weight, and that's SnugTop.

They call it the sportsman package, and for a price, they will make the roof thicker as well as reinforce all of the critical stress points. Tops with this option can carry up to 500 lbs, which is perfect for a small aluminum boat. For most, this option is probably overkill.

Keep your cargo in one place

You can get a really great deal buying a used shell if you know what to look for. I had a customer once who not only got the exact fit, but he found a used shell that was the same color, and it wasn't a common color either. He bought the shell used for $500, and new, the same shell would have cost $1,500.

Do Your Research

The key is to know what fits what. Full size Chevy beds for example:1988 will fit up to 1998, and some 99s. 2000 up to 2006 Chevy beds are also the same, despite the body style changes. The 2007 model is different than all of them.

Simply measuring the bed though will not always be enough to know if the used shell you're looking to buy will fit. This is because most truck beds are now tapered, meaning the bed is wider in the front and narrower in the back.

Chevy started doing this in 88, Ford in 97 and Dodge in 94. The new full-size Dodge truck beds are so tapered in fact that lumber racks on these beds don't seem to fit until you push the rack all the way forward.

Try It On

Leer Canopy Serial Number

Setting the shell on the bed is the best way to determine if it will fit. Remember that even if the shell appears to fit, if the rear door doesn't open and shut right, or lock, what's the point of even having the shell on the bed.

Some dealers also offer close-out shells, because truck bed fits have gone through so many changes over the last five or six years, they may still have a top in inventory that they would love to get rid of.

I once sold a shell to a guy that only fit a 2003-04 F150 crew cab with the extra short bed, and it was even in is color, and he got it for almost $800 less than if he had ordered it, and the shell was technically brand new.

Leer Serial Number Location

Ask, Ask, Ask

Remember to always ask about warranties and paint finish for those really good deals you see advertised.

Sometimes shells will be offered super cheap, but they may only come with a one year paint warranty, where most have a lifetime warranty.

Good luck, and I hope this info helps.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

• Hey, very well written post! Thanks for sharing the interesting information.

• Hello Tom,

  Very nice write-up, much appreciated.

  I have been reading on several forums where water leaks (and dust/dirt) are common issues for trucks/shells. I was considering purchasing a Tacoma and shell, but now have reservations. Do shells typically leak or is this an over exaggeration? Some say the design of the Tacoma's bed is the issue while others state it's the shell manufacturers and/or both. I think the issue is with both truck and shell design/quality in addition to improper installation procedures. Would you please shed some light on this issue, thank you very much.

• Hi Tom, Thanks for the informative article. I'm currently looking for a factory shell for my 73 Ford F250 Long Bed. Like the one in your picture. I live in SoCal. any leads on where I might find one? i'm not having much luck.

• Tom,

  Can you give me some honest feedback on Ranch caps / camper shells

  If you have it on here I apologize that I missed it

  excellent information thanks for making time to do this

• Im putting an ARE DCU from a 2011 full size regular cab F150 on toa 2004 GMC 1500 regular cab full size. how do I modify to fit?

• I currently have a leer shell on my short short bed ford supercrew. I want a shell with a higher roof. I see you said Century is a 'cheaper' leer. Will the Century shell hold up as well as a leer? Thanks for any info.

• what is the proper height for a cap ?? ranger, and s10??

  think it should be roof line but ford seem a bit higher, can you help

• Thank you. In the market for another capper for one of our trucks. Its been a while since I looked for one, so a quick primer is helpful.

• I was wondering if a 2006 ram 1500 quad cab campershell would fit my 2015 ram 1500 quad cab?

• Hi, Tom,

  Thanks for sharing your wisdom; great write-up.

  I know everyone is bugging you, so i thought I would too - lol. How can I find out if a cap from my 2006 F150 6.5' box Supercab will fit my 'new' 2016 Supercrew with 6.5' box? Is trying it the only way? Do you happen to know?

  Thanks!

• Thoughts on the best time of year to shop for a shell for lowest pricing?

• Can I put a fiberglass lid from a silverado 6.5 bed on an 11 Silverado 6.5'. The measurements are:

  2011 82 1/4. 71 1/2-68 1/8

  2002 81 1/2. 71 1/2-68

  Thank you.

• Im having a problem finding a cap for my 2001 ford f150 . Will the cap im looking for will be only for a 2001 ford f150 . Or will other truck chevy or dodge fit as well ???

• I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 extend a cab with a short bed (not a side step bed). The inside lip measurements are: length- 77 7/16', width-front - 64', width rear - 62 1/8'.

  What camper shell should I buy?

• Hi there I’m selling my 2001 Silverado 2500HD 6/12’, but would like to put the leer camper shell on my 2012 Silverado 2500 HD 61/2’. Will it fit.

• I am considering a Hi-Rise Pro Top for my 2nd Gen Tacoma for camping. What are your thoughts on that brand/model? Thanks for your help.

• Hi Tom, I sure appreciate your willingness to share your expertise. I'm looking at the snugtop series, and would prefer something with some extra height, i.e, the Hi-liner. I notice it's not listed among their 'off-road' choices, so I wondered how you think it would hold up to moderate (by no means extreme) 4x4 travel?

• Will a Lear Camper Shell designed for a 2017 Ram Quad Cab with a 6' 4' Box, fit on a 2018 Ram Crew Cab with a 6' 4' Box?

• Tom, I have a 2006 ram 3500 slt crew cab (short bed) how can I find out if other truck manufactures shells fit on my truck? I'm having a hard time finding one.

• I bought a leer 122 for my chevy silverado long bed 2007. The installer offset the cap about 2 inches in order to make the back door fit. It looks horrible. It actually looks like the door is about 1 inch too long. Are there different heights of tailgates ? Is there any way correct this so it is lined up correctly.

• hi and thank you for so much valuable insight. any chance you could direct me to a company that could fit my 1998 ford 150 lariat? it has the tapered 6.5 foot bed with a seven inch width difference.

  i was hoping for a canvas shell that gave me ease of removal but research indicates this is unlikely......

• Thanks for this awesome article! I have a question though, I'm currently deployed but when I get back stateside, I want to install a camper shell on my 2015 Silverado. I've been looking at the Leer 100XQ because it looks like it follows the lines of my truck the best. I saw a picture online of a Silverado with the 100XQ installed and a roof rack with a large spare tire mounted on top. Realistically, how would a set up like that hold up off road? I don't do anything crazy like Baja style jumping, just some mild rock crawling and trail running. I do hit up some places that require a lot of flex. Are the camper shells pretty resilient to that? Would the 100XQ be a good option? You mentioned that SnugTop can reinforce the roof, should I go with that brand?

• Good articles.

  Tom, I have a 2015 Toyota Tacoma DCLB with a Leer top; working in it a few days ago I slid the side window shut and it shattered. I can replace the window myself, do you have any recommendations on where to procure one?

• Tom,

  Do you have any knowledge of the Ranch truck topper brand?

• Thanks for the great info. I'm trying to figure out which solution is best for my 14 Raptor, or if I should simply go with a roll top. In all of your years, have you ever heard people wish they would have got a roll top instead of the shell or visaversa? Are the roll tops easy to resell if I decide it's not the solution? Too many decisions and too little time. LOL Thanks again!

• I was given a free topper in almost brand new condition and the back glass had been broken out need to find out were to replace the glass and frame and also we're are the leer numbers that tell you what model and make it is besides on the end of the topper need help please

• Thanks much for the info. Just bought a 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder pickup and want a camper shell to fit it. Don't want anything expensive but want it to be reliable. You are a big help in sorting through the details to decide what to get. There is a Leer dealer not too far that I will visit to eyeball the choices, but would prefer to get a used (cheaper) one if available. Don't want to buy b4 I know more though. U r a good start to my education.

• Don't purchase a shell from ARE. Ordered one and six-weeks later the dealer called to say it was damaged in shipment. Then they said the paint was defective (bubble) from the factory, not damaged. So I paid too much for a shell that is nothing more than a used product. It will be another six-weeks before I receive a repainted-repaired shell. What good is a warranty if you can't get a quality product right from the start? Send it back to the factory every year for a possible repair (only if the dealer stays in business). Very sorry I purchased from this company. Fool and his money are soon separated, guess I'm an old fool.

• Can the glass rear window on a snug top be repaired?

• Hello, I just got a 4 door tacoma, considering the cloth camper shell cause of the cost, just need ITV to transport my border collie pup? Do you recommend it? Thanks

• Super helpful! Thank you! Any thoughts on if its worth a try on a v4 tacoma? Not much power there.

• Will a Ranch Camper shell from a 2011 chevy 2500 crew cab fit a 2016 chevy 2500 crew cab?

• what other model trucks.say it came on it would fit a 94 ford f150?is it all measuring? no universal lke a chevy short bed wil fit a ford short bed?

• How is it you failed to mention the Caravan Camper Top Company

  In Sparks Nevada. They make arguably the finest tops in the

  world, and have been doing so for over four decades. Like a hunting

  rifle discussion without mentioning Wearherby.

• Hi Tom,

  This is a very helpful information on buying a camper shell.Thank you so very much for your time and effort to post this great information.

  Cheers.

• Thanks for the reply. I'm going to end up removing everything I keep in the bed. I keep gear back there all the time. My main concern is break in's while at home. I will look into some sort of lock box as well.

  A few days ago, someone tried to pry the back door open it seems like. The door has some play when its locked, it was a very snug fit days before. Is there a way to retrofit the frame to remove the single middle handle lock to dual locks on the ends? Is this a worthy upgrade or no?

• Hey Tom, cool write up. Very true about the A.R.E's fit being bad as mine leaked after the first rain =(

  Is there anyway to make a truck cap more secure by adding external locks? Today, I am going to wire in a hood pinswitch and blinking LED light from my alarm system to the rear cap door. Tired of people prying open the door or grabbing stuff from the back when I forgot to lock. Maybe something like a Slick Lock that work vans use.

  The locking mechanism and aluminum door frame on the ARE MX cap that I have is pretty flimsy.

• hello,

  good article.

  any suggestions for guys rockin' mid-4-figure $ trucks, vs the more typical new / newer mid-5-figure $ + crowd?

  lifetime, softopper, bestop, etc?

  Vaya con Dios

  thks!

• Hi Tom. I live in Thousand Oaks Ca. Looking for a shell for 2014 Dodge 1500 Tradesman short bed. Any recommendations?

• Thanks Tom! Very informative! Now on to further shopping for my F150 cap!

• All I want to know if after my husband puts his new Leer Cab on he says he'll lose his 'back up lights' that make it so he can load a trailer by himself without jumping in and out of his old truck. Anyway, to rewire or preserve these back up lights on a 2018 GMC pickup?

  Maybe the Leer dealer will know too, but it' his truck and was only making a comment to me. Thought I see what can be done, Thanks

• Wow! I've only checked the dealer that was near me listed on AREs website so far, but was just quoted $3995 plus tax for a Z series with Yakima rack.

  He stated base price was $2995 plus upgrades. Big change in market for these or just because I'm in Phoenix?

• I don't think I mentioned in my previous comment that I have a 2017 RAM 3500 Mega Cab.

• This is a great article. I'm really torn between the SnugTop Xtra Vision and the A.R.E. Z Series. The ARE with the fold down front slider, locks keyed to my remote, and 2x4' rope LED lights is only $2515. The SnugTop is at least $3100 for a similar configuration. I can probably get an additional 10% off on the A.R.E. Do these prices seem high? Do you have any advice to help justify the cost difference for SnugTop?

• I got an old aluminum (not tapered) cap for free. The rear window extends down too far and hits the tailgate so it wont close. Should i trim 3/4' off the window or can i find replacement windows that would fit better.

• Thanks for the good info! Coming from a newbie first-time truck owner who is unfamiliar with all this stuff, I could really use some visuals (photos) inserted along with all the different options you describe.

• Tom, I'm sold on Snugtop. Can you give me an idea of how much off MSRP would be a good buy?

• I have a 2002 Toyota longbed, V6 I am considering a camper shell. I am not sure who to ask if my truck can handle the weight. any suggestions, Great article it helps those who need it!

• Thanks for the article Tom. In your opinion, is it better to have the pick-up truck's tailgate removed and have a full back door installed on a custom camper shell or is it better to keep the tailgate and get a camper shell that sits on top of the tailgate?

• should the truck cap gap be evenly spaced with the cab?

• I just purchased a Toyota Tacoma and am planning to add a hi-rise as I plan frequent camping trips. This article was really informative and helpful.

• Is there any compatibility between truck brands? I found plenty of used chevy caps that according to measurements should fit on my ford, but after speaking with a leer rep, they say 'no way will it work.' If there is any cross-over, the next question would be how perfectly do these caps need to fit onto the bed?

• Hi

  My husband has a 1988 GMC 3500 truck which we have found a cab for. However, the bed of the truck is sealed and does not have side rails. How do you install the cab on this?

• First great website and info, I have a 2008 Tundra Crewmax with a Leer fiberglass top that fits really well, I am looking for a 2015-2017 Tundra Crewmax, will the top fit the newer truck?

To register, complete the online registration form below. Or download the pdf registration form (on the right-hand side of this page, under form downloads) and fax, email or send via U.S. mail to the LEER Cover Cash Contingency Program Office.