Camper Shell Comparison: A.R.E. Vs. LEER Truck Caps

A.R.E. got its start in 1969 in Massillon, Ohio. The company derives its name from the first initials of its original owner—Sal Gatti’s—three oldest children—Anne Marie, Ralph, and Elizabeth. 

Since its inception, A.R.E. has remained primarily located in Massillon. Its headquarters and central production facility remain in the small Ohio town, with one additional facility in Dundee, Ohio, for manufacturing aluminum accessories. 

Although initially specializing in residential truck caps exclusively, A.R.E. later expanded into the commercial sector to produce commercial aluminum and fiberglass truck caps. A.R.E. also patented the use of automotive-grade paint processes on its toppers, marking the beginning of the sleek, paint-matched look that most manufacturers now employ. 

LEER

While not the first camper shell manufacturer, LEER was at the forefront of widespread camper shell production. Beginning in 1960, the company opened the doors to its Elkhart, Indiana headquarters and manufacturing facility. 

Since its inception, LEER has remained headquartered in Elkhart, right where it all started. The company has since grown to inhabit three main facilities in the US, located in Elkhart, Indiana, Woodland, California, and Milton, Pennsylvania. However, significant processes, such as engineering, design, and mold-making, still occur in Indiana. 

While initially producing campers only under the LEER name, the company eventually acquired other smaller competitors, including SnugTop, Century, Pace Edwards, and BedSlide. 

Construction: Materials, Quality, and Manufacturing

Moving on, let’s discuss materials, quality, and manufacturing. 

A.R.E.

As one of the earliest truck cap manufacturers, A.R.E. has had over five decades to perfect and refine its manufacturing processes. It’s these years of development that have laid the foundation for A.R.E. 's reputation for quality and its extensive current product line, which includes various camper styles, materials, and recreational and commercial applications. 

From high-end fiberglass constructions, consisting of unique polyester resin laminate fiberglass with low-filled resin fiberglass substructures, to high-end, tig-welded aluminum frames with premium aluminum sheeting, A.R.E. camper shells are built to last and backed with a warranty that supports that sentiment—in most cases, for the product’s lifetime. A.R.E. proudly manufactures all camper shells in the USA using globally sourced materials. 

LEER

LEER is another reputable name in the camper shell industry, no doubt. Specializing in high-end recreational and commercial-grade toppers for a variety of applications. The brand, which also manufactures truck caps under the names SnugTop and Century, offers competitive build quality and the confidence of being built in the USA. 

Founded in 1960, LEER is one of the first companies to manufacture high-end fiberglass and aluminum toppers. The company is synonymous with quality and is committed to American manufacturing. However, like A.R.E., LEER also utilizes globally-sourced materials. LEER also backs most of its products with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Model Lineup: Styles and Configurability

When selecting and setting up a camper shell to meet your needs, a major pro is that the brand you’re considering, whether LEER or A.R.E., offers a wide range of models and features to accommodate your preferences. Fortunately, both LEER and A.R.E. meet these needs. 

A.R.E.

Beginning with A.R.E., the manufacturer offers 17 distinct camper models, including numerous recreational and commercial models. Within these 17 models, A.R.E. offers various features and customization options, including different window styles, finishes, interior liners, and lights, among others. Regardless of your needs and budget, A.R.E. offers a camper shell that’ll satisfy you.