If you’re shopping for a truck topper, you’ve probably come across three major brands: ARE, SmartCap, and Leer. Each manufacturer offers a variety of truck caps designed to protect cargo, improve storage, and expand the versatility of a pickup truck. For a comprehensive overview, check out this guide to buying a truck topper.
Key Takeaways
- ARE and Leer use fiberglass; SmartCap uses stainless steel for durability
- SmartCap offers highest roof load capacity; fiberglass caps provide moderate load support
- Fiberglass caps are lighter; steel toppers are heavier and more rugged
- ARE and Leer emphasize traditional design; SmartCap focuses on modular functionality
- Bed access is limited on hard caps; modular or soft toppers improve accessibility
- SmartCap is most expensive; ARE and Leer offer more budget-friendly options
- Soft toppers provide lightweight, flexible alternatives with full bed access
Truck toppers, also called camper shells, truck caps, or bed canopies, can transform your truck bed into a secure and weather-protected storage space. They’re commonly used by contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and truck owners who want more functionality from their pickup. To better understand the differences, see our detailed comparison of truck caps, toppers, or camper shells.
But with so many designs and materials available, it can be difficult to decide which topper is best for your needs. In this guide, we’ll compare ARE, SmartCap, and Leer based on materials, durability, roof load capacity, usability, and price so you can determine which option makes the most sense for your truck.
Popular Hard Truck Topper Brands
Before diving into the comparison, it’s helpful to understand what each brand specializes in.
ARE Truck Caps
ARE is one of the most recognizable truck cap brands in North America. The company has been manufacturing camper shells for decades and offers a wide variety of topper models designed for different trucks.
ARE is best known for its fiberglass truck caps, which are often paint-matched to the truck’s body color.
Common ARE topper features include:
- molded fiberglass construction
- locking rear glass hatch doors
- optional roof racks
- interior lighting options
ARE toppers are widely available through dealer networks and are commonly used by truck owners looking for a traditional camper shell appearance.
SmartCap Truck Toppers
SmartCap is a newer entrant in the truck topper market but has gained attention for its modular stainless steel topper design.
Unlike traditional fiberglass caps, SmartCap toppers use panelized steel construction, allowing sections of the topper to be removed or replaced.
Key SmartCap features include:
- stainless steel construction
- modular removable side panels
- very high roof load capacity
- heavy-duty off-road durability
SmartCap toppers are often marketed toward overlanders and expedition vehicle builds due to their strength and modular design.
Leer Truck Caps
Leer is another well-known manufacturer of truck caps and camper shells. Similar to ARE, Leer primarily produces fiberglass toppers, along with some aluminum commercial caps.
Leer products are widely distributed through truck accessory dealers and are popular among both recreational and work truck owners.
Typical Leer topper features include:
- fiberglass construction
- paint-matched finishes
- locking rear hatch
- optional sliding side windows
Like ARE, Leer focuses on traditional camper shell designs that blend with the appearance of the truck.
ARE vs SmartCap vs Leer: Quick Comparison
The table below summarizes the main differences between these brands.
|
Feature |
ARE |
SmartCap |
Leer |
|
Primary Material |
Fiberglass |
Stainless Steel |
Fiberglass / Aluminum |
|
Average Weight |
Medium |
Heavy |
Medium |
|
Price Range |
$$ |
$$$$ |
$$ |
|
Roof Load Capacity |
Moderate |
Very High |
Moderate |
|
Removability |
Difficult |
Modular panels |
Difficult |
|
Dealer Availability |
High |
Moderate |
High |
While each brand provides solid truck topper options, their design philosophies differ significantly.
Materials and Construction
One of the biggest differences between these brands is the materials used to build the topper.
Fiberglass Truck Caps (ARE and Leer)
Fiberglass is the traditional material used for camper shells. Both ARE and Leer offer molded fiberglass caps that are designed to match the truck’s body lines and paint color.
Advantages of fiberglass caps include:
- clean, factory-style appearance
- good weather protection
- integrated rear hatch doors
However, fiberglass caps also have limitations. They tend to be heavy and are often difficult to remove once installed.
Many fiberglass caps weigh 150–250 pounds, making removal inconvenient for most truck owners.
Stainless Steel Construction (SmartCap)
SmartCap toppers take a different approach by using stainless steel panel construction.
Advantages include:
- exceptional durability
- high roof load capacity
- removable modular panels
Because of the steel construction, SmartCap toppers can handle heavy roof loads and rugged off-road conditions.
However, steel toppers are also heavier and typically cost more than fiberglass alternatives.
Weight and Installation
Weight is an important factor for many truck owners, particularly if the topper needs to be removed periodically.
Typical topper weight ranges include:
|
Topper Type |
Typical Weight |
|
Fiberglass caps |
150–250 lbs |
|
Steel modular caps |
200–300 lbs |
Heavier toppers may require:
- multiple people for installation
- lifting equipment
- permanent mounting
For truck owners who frequently switch between hauling cargo and using a topper, weight and removability become important considerations.
Roof Rack Compatibility and Load Capacity
Many truck owners want to mount gear on top of their topper. Common rooftop equipment includes:
- rooftop tents
- kayaks
- cargo boxes
- bikes
Roof load ratings vary depending on the topper design.
|
Brand |
Typical Dynamic Load |
Typical Static Load |
|
ARE |
Moderate |
High |
|
SmartCap |
Very High |
Very High |
|
Leer |
Moderate |
High |
SmartCap typically offers the highest roof load ratings due to its steel construction.
Truck Bed Access and Usability
Bed access is often overlooked when comparing toppers, but it can significantly affect usability.
ARE and Leer fiberglass caps typically provide access through:
- rear glass hatch
- small sliding side windows
While this works well for storing cargo, it can make it difficult to reach gear stored toward the front of the truck bed.
SmartCap offers side access panels that improve accessibility, though the structure itself remains fixed.
For truck owners who frequently load and unload gear, bed access can be one of the most important usability factors.
Security and Durability
All three brands offer solid protection for cargo stored inside the truck bed.
ARE and Leer caps use locking rear glass hatch doors and reinforced fiberglass construction.
SmartCap offers additional durability thanks to its steel panel construction, which provides strong resistance to impacts and heavy loads.
For work trucks or remote travel setups, durability and locking systems are particularly important.
Cost Comparison
Truck topper pricing varies depending on features, truck model compatibility, and installation requirements.
Typical price ranges include:
|
Brand |
Typical Price Range |
|
ARE |
$2,000 – $4,000 |
|
SmartCap |
$4,000 – $5,000+ |
|
Leer |
$2,000 – $4,000 |
Additional features that can increase price include:
- roof racks
- interior lighting
- sliding windows
- paint matching
Because SmartCap toppers use steel construction, they typically sit at the higher end of the price range.
Best Use Cases for Each Brand
Different topper brands work best for different applications.
ARE Toppers
Best for truck owners who want:
- traditional fiberglass camper shells
- paint-matched appearance
- widespread dealer installation
SmartCap Toppers
Best for users who need:
- extremely durable toppers
- heavy rooftop loads
- overland expedition builds
Leer Toppers
Best for truck owners looking for:
- widely available fiberglass caps
- contractor-friendly options
- traditional truck cap design
Popular Trucks for These Brands
Truck toppers are typically designed for specific truck models and bed sizes.
Common trucks supported by these brands include:
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevy Silverado
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford Ranger
- Nissan Frontier
When purchasing a topper, it’s important to select a model built specifically for your truck’s year, cab configuration, and bed length.
A Flexible Alternative
While fiberglass and steel caps dominate the truck topper market, another category has become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and truck campers: soft truck toppers.
Soft toppers use lightweight frames combined with durable canvas or fabric panels.
These toppers offer a number of advantages compared to traditional hard caps.
Advantages of Soft Toppers
- significantly lighter weight
- easier installation and removal
- roll-up side and rear panels
- full truck bed access without removing the topper
This flexibility makes soft toppers especially useful for:
- camping setups
- overlanding
- trucks that frequently haul large gear
Some modern soft toppers (like WildTop) also include integrated roof rack systems, allowing owners to mount equipment like bikes, kayaks, or rooftop cargo carriers while maintaining easy bed access.
Because the panels roll up, the entire truck bed can be accessed from multiple sides, something that traditional fiberglass caps often limit.
For truck owners who want a combination of gear protection, versatility, and easy access, soft toppers provide an alternative approach to traditional hard caps.
How to Choose the Right Truck Cap
When comparing topper brands, the best choice depends on how you use your truck.
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- Do you prioritize security or flexibility?
- Will you mount gear on the roof?
- Do you need frequent access to the truck bed?
- How important is weight and removability?
Answering these questions will help determine whether a fiberglass cap, steel topper, or flexible soft topper is the best fit.
Final Thoughts
ARE, SmartCap, and Leer all offer quality truck toppers that can significantly improve the functionality of a pickup truck.
Fiberglass caps from ARE and Leer provide a traditional look and reliable weather protection. SmartCap offers exceptional durability and high roof load capacity through its steel construction.
However, many truck owners are also exploring lighter, more flexible topper designs that provide better bed access and easier installation.
Ultimately, the best truck topper is the one that fits your truck, your gear, and the way you plan to use your vehicle.
