Leer 180 Truck Topper Review BEST TRUCK CAMPER build for 2023 Toyota Tacoma Overland Camping
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- This here is a Leer 180 truck topper straight from the factory. I sure do love the look and functionality of this topper but it does have some issues. The install company reached out to the manufacturer, and they decided to replace to topper. I am now 100% happy with the Leer 180 and will have a follow up video coming out soon!
Finding the perfect camper for your overlanding truck adventures. This is a 2022 Tacoma Access cab long bed ( ACLB ) and is identical to the 2023 Tacoma TRD Off Road. We look at all of the different truck caps for the long bed 3rd gen Tacoma. Leer truck caps, ARE toppers, Snugtop and more.
Best Truck Camper build for 2023 Toyota Tacoma Overland Camping.
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Thank you so much for being honest about the quality control issues. Your honesty is appreciated more than you know.
I'm going with ARE for lady's tacoma. That's such bs for how much they charge for these things. Poor quality control and workmanship. I hope you get some money back or get them to swap it out. Unacceptable
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Better call anyways.. more head room with the ARE
We need an update! well, I need an update before I give Leer my money. :)
It’s so shitty that the company you bought that from didn’t care enough to stop from putting that top on your truck !!! I would definitely give that topper back !
The Leer 180 look great on your truck, but all of those issues are unacceptable. Hopefully the replacement will be better. I was seriously considering a Leer topper for my truck, but after seeing this video, I am going to explore other options.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
@@ottouring Thanks for the reply! I have subscribed to your channel and am enjoying the videos! I still have not made a decision on which topper to get.
@@ottouring Are there any topper with transparent roof to look at the stars at night?
@@chrisx5127
Hi mate not as far as I know
Cheers
Craig
Out There Touring
I like the look of the leer 180 over the ARE MX but i have had issue with leer in the past. I have a ARE MX on my 21 Accesscab and love it zero issues i sealed the front header bed rail and pulled the plastic bedside covers off and threw some silicone under. Only water that comes in is by the tailgate. I also had to put on a set of icon leaf packs as the factory leafs with the topper and some gear gave me a saggy diaper look
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
How much was your ARE mx topper? I think it might be the one I go towards since leer has so many issues.
Leer should hire you as their quality control manager 😅
Just test drove a beautiful used 2022 Tacoma, really liked it. Came home and called a local truck topper dealership to get some ballpark pricing. He tells me among other things that the Tacoma truck is notorious for leaking with camper shells. That they try to fix it but they can’t guarantee it will still not leek. So l do some research and sure enough everybody has problems with the Tacoma leaking in the front corners (right where l would put my head when sleeping). Now l learn that Leer is selling a lemon like this. So now unfortunately I’m rethinking it all. Funny 35 years ago l put a cap that wasn’t even a good fit on a Isuzu P’up, never had one drop of water come in, and l drilled hole in the roof for a roof rack also.
I have a are mx on a second Gen 2015 Tacoma. They have a rubber gasket to prevent leaks for my year of truck
I’m literally getting ready to go to a dealership tomorrow to dial my topper in and I was set on Leer. This is definitely making me reconsider. Love the look of your truck!
Ive got the ARE version of this topper and it's basically flawless. Man if that second one comes in junk too, id definitely be looking at an alternate.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Love your attitude, I have had a leer and an ARE and my leer had the quality way over my A.R.E. and now I see I just got lucky with one --
I had very similar issues with mine. For how much I paid I was blown away by the complete lack of attention to detail. They totally jacked up the screws for installing the gas struts, the carpet on the inside was garbage with exposed fiberglass and peeling away carpeting, and the tension on the release latch is super touch where it will pop open on one side. And over all the crude design and poor quality components was just shocking with that price tag.
Great attitude in the face of so many issues. Glad they’re sorting it.
so many stories like this with Leer, made me go with SnugTop
Have same camper shell for my 2021 TACO. Mine’s army green. The local AD here in San Antonio (Uresti) did a SH*TTY job on installation. Basically just put it on, tightened it, and that was it. ZERO adjustments. Probably ‘cause my wife took the truck that day as I was out of state.
The back window didn’t even latch on one side. Now… I will say, when I took it to the Main Uresti location, the owner’s son apologized. He mentioned their other location (where my wife had taken it in) was having “QC” issues.
The left side window - one of the latches could be smoother but it’s whatever at this point. Owner’s son said they were going to replace the window. That was within a few weeks of it arriving. I never went back to get it replaced but it’s all documented so if it needed to be replaced….
Oh, and mine cost $3,001.00
I still like how the Leer looks over the other ones
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
I went with century hi-c camper shell topper with dual wind doors my only regret was didn't get folding front window, was only 150.00 extra charge now is going to cost me 250.00 to replace it century is basically the sister company of Leer but I can't complain of any qc issue, came with a just about perfect paint match "silver sky" color 5 ft bed, also had them install some thule rails on the roof of the camper and they included the carpet, and led light inside the camper. Total cost was around $2800.00 out the door.
For the entire thing? That’s a great deal. Any links to help me find one
@@ericb1876 it's one of the local stores here in Las Vegas NV off of Boulder hwy
Always enjoy your uplifting and positive reviews.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Looks like you need the Toyota rubber mat to keep that cooler from sliding around. I had one in my 06 Tacoma and now in my 21 Tacoma. They work great and hold up well
Been seeing Sequoias , 4Runners and Tacomas all over the place in this color here in Calgary. That’s it I’m getting one after seeing this
Saw that you noted, in the video, that the company took care of this for you. Glad to hear!
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Good overview and nice features on that topper, but I would have rejected the original topper and switched brands. The nice features don't makeup for the terrible quality. I know those things are not cheap either.
That QC is unacceptable for how expensive those things are. Definitely going to be looking at a different brand for my topper. Sucks cause I love the design with the folding windows.
Made in America! No thank you
Nice review had a leer on my ram 1500 in the past would never purchase another especially after seeing your video. Thanks again for sharing
I just got a Leer put on my 2023 Tacoma with a few of the same issues. The shell looks good on the truck but unfortunately Leer has some serious quality control issues now.
I am surprised they even installed that one. You would think they would do their own quality check before installing a damaged topper when it is supposed to be brand new.
Great addition and value to your rig! 👊🏽I noticed you were concerned with the pass through window fitment. I use to own one of these tops by ARE. I believe is the reason for the non-flush fitment (closed position before latching) may be because of needed tension, so that the window does not rattle when latched. -Just my thoughts 🤔
Wad looking to get this same topper. Not now. There should be Zero issues. The dealer saying a couple issues is normal is such BS. Also their response to the misaligned flip down window is unacceptable.
Dammit I wish I would’ve seen this before I ordered a topper from Leer. and how about a rubber mat for that truck bed so you’re container doesn’t slide and slam your truck!
Craftsmanship and quality control seems to be foreign to Leer!
Mine came scratched, front window leaks, roofrailings are screwed in as if the installer was drunk and the ceiling carpet is put in sloppy....it amazes me that they are still in business - try to sell that in Germany, you won't last a day!
That topper looks nice on there let us know how the replacement works
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Thanks, I’ll be inspecting mine closely when I do get one
Unacceptable. My buddy got the same top and had the same issues.
Besides the swirls the paint match looks perfect from the video. I got one a while back to color match but it was off so I just settled for a black one
Get a bet mat, the best thing ever
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Glad that the dealer replaced your topper with another.
Some WD40 'Specialist' Silicone spray in those sliding window tracks/seals will likely make the windows move much easier.
Thanks for the heads up on the junk. Saved me a headache.
Like your channel sir..gonna sub..wish i was in the mountains learning some bushcraft from you, and roaming around in our yotas.
What did the cost come out to fully specd out like this?
Nice looking truck and topper 👍 Are you going to add a bedrug to the truck bed?
Snugtop was my choice for my access cab.
Love this setup brother. You've helped me make up my mind. What MPG are you getting with the topper?
bed mat
Be great if you find out where to order leer windoor replacdment glass. My bottom half was broke from a camping trip . Leer doesn’t have a customer service line… only dealer level service and the dealer keeps saying they don’t know
I'm usually not one to want to hear a lot of complaining but as much as they charge for these they had better be flawless. That's pretty raggedy, looking at the sum of all of those issues.
I have a friend who just got an ARE and the rear door wouldn't close properly/didn't fit. Consequently the fiber glass started to crack. The camper place had to cut the areas that were causing this and rebuild it with fiberglass. This was after a 3-4 month lead time to get it and only a month of use.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Great looking topper, great choice, but you need a bed may to cut down on things sliding around and doing damage. Good luck looking forward on how you make out.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
Thanks for the highlights, man. How are you making out with the drop-down window? I am thinking of asking Toyota or whoever to rig the rear cab window so that it opens up to the camper shell, similar to the windoors. Any idea if this can be done, or will the fold-down seats etc. be in the way? Cheers
Did they honor their warranty?
Found this because I'm considering one. Terrible QC - impossible to believe that left the factory. How is the new one?
You would think products made in the US had better quality! Their QC must have been blind!
So I learned that Leer is producing their shells in Mexico… The QC issues you identified are associated to the production facilities… IMO I’d rather buy a shell from a US manufacturing facility so if I have issues my concerns can be readily addressed….Im going with ARE as a manufacturer because they are based in Ohio, USA…
Do they make a back window for that truck that opens fully so you can crawl through to the cab so you dont have to get out? be nice if they made a flip up inward.
They would have never installed that topper on my truck !!!
I was told by a distributor that ARE, Leer and Snug top are the same company, lol.
I went with a Jericho and I had no issues at all
That is a very bad thing for brand new gear....
that is the first thing I do when I buy my Tacoma offroad, put a Canopy to,start my Overland truck.. I choose Alu-Cab Explorer canopy. I love it, and I put 3 cupboards . Very practical.
I just *knew* you were in Colorado :)
Thank you!
Great looking camper shell! Too bad about the the few issues. Hopefully won’t be too much to get worked out.
Hi from Australia
I just read your comment and thought you might like to look at my Toyota (Hilux) set up, some Australian locations and camp cook ups.
Cheers and safe travels
Out There Touring
I know this IA an old video, but I was wondering what's the size of the tires and wheels? Also, do you have a lift kit? If so,, what height? I have exact same truck. (23 model). Ordered my Leer topper 2 weeks ago. Thanks.
I have this exact model tacoma and the bed flexes like crazy when off roading. Do you have any issues when off roading hitting the cab or cracking? I have pictures showing how bad the flex is when flexing hard on 2 wheels .
Try installing a pair of bed stiffeners.
That'll help with the bed
flexing.
Really cool..
They won’t do anything for the swirl marks that is really nitpicking. You don’t see it on your Tacoma, because it’s never been buffed.
I was leaning towards a new Leer camper but after seeing this video. Hell to the no no. I'll go with the moonlander.
Need an update on what happened with the Topper replacement! I want this topper too but am afraid of quality control issues like this.
Still waiting. Over 4 months. With the paint damage ($2000+) caused by a bad cap and dealers failure to recognize it, i am out a total $6000 as they have the cap in Mexicali plant. Leer has zero customer service and dealer makes lots of excuses. After 4 months, I finally got a Leer phone number and Leer told me I had to work through the dealer as leer did not want to hear it directly from any customers. No matter what. DO NOT BUY LEER!!!!
@@user-ul4vp2bq4s Sorry to hear that! I hope it’s resolved soon/eventually. ~$6k is alot for poor quality control topper. Keep us updated!
Really makes me hesitate to get a Leer. Unfortunately I don’t have any ARE dealers around either so will have to see what my options are or I’ll stick with my Bakflip mx4 tonneau cover.
I have the exact same problems on my topper, not what you expect from a brand new topper
Seems like these things you should have checked when you picked it up?
I had similar issues with ARE. It seems like all these companies went to crap after the pandemic.
I was looking at Leer for my '22 Frontier but I think now that I will look somewhere else.
😢
All camper top companies are now own by one person. All made in Mexico. Parts are hard to find..I broke my passenger side wing window..18 months later replaced, two times wrong size, 2 nd time wrong side was sent.
SAD this person has a poor quality Leer camper top.
I found my wing window was a great thing for my purpose,especially loading and unloading from the sides ..the front window that drop down makes cleaning truck rear outside windows and camper outside cleaning WORTH the PRICE!
How much did you pick up the shell for? Im thinking about buying aswell
What was the OTD $ for the 180?
I got quoted 2800 with color match recently
Did you get Leer to address and repair all those issues?
I’ve got the same exact issue with a leer topper pretty nice design horrible quality
how much fuel economy did you lose with this topper ?
how much you paid for this cover? thanks you.
It also looks a little long for the bed. Seems like QC has gone to shit for everything. I still have my 20 year old Leer topper on 1st gen tacoma and it's served pretty well. Even the paint is still descent.
My leer leaked in both side windows from day one, and they tried four times to fix it, but it would start leaking again when the rainy season was back. Eventually they gave up and told me they were done and that my warranty was over and I’d have to sue them to get anything else. I’d definitely advise not to buy a leer.
Sad to see the install company ruined the topper
I’ve had 2 leers with decent success. Definitely seems like the quality of pretty much everything has gone to shit the last few years-across all brands. Just bought another Tacoma and trying to decide if I’m going to buy another leer or not.
Looking for other options, but again sounds all brands are sucking right now.
Try JERACO
Wtf! I would return that topper if it was mine.
The quality of my new snugtop is similar. Disappointed. Mine also leaks at the bed rails which is an install issue.
I didn't get another 180 because of the drip at the back. Snugtop sports have gutters at the rear.
My older leer 180 has the same issues.
Neither of my toppers have windoors, but my pass thru was also not great.
Overall, topper design and features have been the same for decades and I won't be buying another one of any brand.
Oh, last thing. The swirls might be rubbing compound/polish. Both mine were kinda swirly, turned out to be nothing.
Good luck!
I had my Leer paint peeling off 3 months after purchasing. Never buy a Leer!
Did they honor their warranty?
I was going to get one but after seeing ur video, oh heck nah. Almost 3k for that kind of quality. Nope!
You need a bed mat!
What is the overall height at the back?
All too common is the following, the number of products coming off the assembly line on a given day takes priority over the products quality.
Even if the quality control guy cares about the finished product, the production manager's emphasis is on numbers and simply tells quality guy to look at my stripes, I have more authority
All that info and not a peep about the price? Where’s your bed mat?
I just bought a 180xr for my f150 late september 2023. It has paint issues swirl marks and fish eyes, multiple window leaks and canopy to rail leaks, back window is scratching tailgate to mention a few. Dont buy leer at this time. Their quality has gone downhill.
it has now been 4 months. absolutely 0 resolution. I'm out the cost of the canopy, $2000 worth a paint damage because the dealer did not realize there was a clearance problem with the cap, they have had the cap for over 3 months. You cannot talk to leer directly. You must work through the dealer. After 4 months, i finally got a Leer phone number, they tell you to work through your dealer. Leer doesn't want to hear It from the customer. Horrible customer service from dealer and Leer. Don't buy Leer.
I had one Leer dealer tell me that he will no longer sell Leer because they are such a problem. He also carries ARE and suggested that. Unfortunately, I had already bought this other disaster 180XR Leer cap. I have since spoken to other dealers and if they carry another cap besides Leer, They recommend the other cap first. I do live on the West side of the US so I don't know if there are different fabrication locations besides the Mexicali fabrication location. Or If that would even make a difference anymore. Might be worth the drive to purchase ARE which I hear has much better quality and customer service than leer per dealers who carry more than leer. Thought i had done my research but i somehow missed the bad reviews which have escalated in past year. Urgh. Snug top, leer and century tops are All fabricated in the same location in Mexicali.
RSI SmartCap - the end
How much?
Leer caps are now garbage. Bought my first one in 1991 and quality was good. Next one was in 2000 and quality was way down. Last one was 2012. Crappy. I now run an ARE overlander model and super pleased. Night and day difference from Leer.
Same !!!!.. brand new .. windows leaking , electrical harness is junk (replaced) , back window seals are coming out .. Windoors don't open properly . for more than 3g ??? crap IMO .. its only two years old but probably won't last two more .. shame !!!
Thing made in Mexico? Or assembled…seems to be like Chinese made styles..not quality control is use anymore..after seeing this video..
Note I have almost the same camper top and window styles..almost 6 years old ..no issues on the spacing!
Wow, all those flaws with that topper is unacceptable.
How much do these weigh.
Send it back
Do they make toppers for 6 foot bed?
No. Just his.
Dude, why did you let them install that bull$hit? The fact that came straight from the factory in that condition is 100% unacceptable. Looking forward to hearing the update on the replacement. The lack of factory quality control is pathetic!