Nice video I just bought a leer 180 for my new F-150. I just retired at 62 and plan on seeing the country. Good to know I hopefully have a few good years left in me, 72 years old and you were camping in that for seven weeks, that's impressive!
I love that you went into detail on closing and opening from the inside, it was a big question for me. Also love te wood plugs used for inside "locks", nice video!
I just found a used 180 for my truck. They seem to be the most wanted so when they went up for sale they woudl sell wihint a day. I finally got one with roof racks even
Thank you for doing this video, sir. I'm about to be living out of my truck and was looking at a Leer (this or 122) to camp out of the back. I'm greatly appreciative for you doing this.
love the video. if you dont have a soft open feature on your tailgate you can buy one online for less than $30. then pop the latch and let go and the tailgate will slowly open. mine is a ZEEDEE brand 45 minutes to install.
Nice. Just wondering, can that Leer cap come with roof rails/rack to mount ski's or kayaks or bikes or whatnot on top of it, and if so, what kind of weight capacity up top can it handle? I love the RSI Smart cap for among other things those reasons, but it does not have this greater headroom, and also does not come with bug screens on any of the windows.
Hello Rusty that boot sounds like a good idea having a slide window installed on your truck and removing or installing a slide window on your leer camper. Open the new slide windows and you can remote start your truck with the A/C on and turn it off with the remote also. It might be less expensive than renting a motel room. I do this on my GMC Yukon SUV and it's about the same size as your truck but you get a lot better gas milage than I do since you have a V6 engine. Of course get a carbon monoxide detector. Run the A/C to cool it off at night then turn it off with your remote or when ever you might need some cooling at your discretion. You might like this idea since you don't want to run a generator or carry gas cans.
I was always curious how to secure the rear window. Great idea. I’ve got a century cap on my truck. It has the same 2 handle operation as your leer. I believe leer makes century caps.
Rusty, Thanks, this was a great and helpful video. I'm thinking of getting the same (2016 Ram 1500) but can't find any measurements for the interior height available inside once installed. Any chance you could measure the height from the bed to the interior roof of the cap? I'm trying to figure out if there is enough room to sit up on a small stool or similar inside.
You are so clever! Wood locks and all. Wouldn't the sides be better straight up instead of slanted,in to give you more room inside,re the camper top? Looks cool tho.like it is.
I really like my shell top. Napier sells a tent that attaches to over the back of the shell so that you can have some more space thats covered and bug proof.
I have a different opinion of the Leer 180. I've had mine about 2 weeks and paid $2700 for it. One of the inside latches fell off the first day. The screw hole was stripped out so it wouldn't tighten. The window in the passenger side won't close without pulling the weather seal out of its track. The cap leaks. After a heavy rainstorm, there was a sizeable puddle at the front driver side and the carpet was wet around the sill in that corner. The rear window has gaping holes at the bottom where the frame was cut short, allowing dust to come pouring in. And the window frame doesn't overlap the weather seal on the left side. It barely touches it. I'm just not at all impressed with the build quality of this cap.
You rated it a 9 out of 10, what would it take to be a 10? Is there something you don't like about it? Personally, I would have had a dome light and a a/c adaptor installed. Just curious. Thanks
rusty78609 I think the headliner is free this month too, but my quotes for just the topper are around $1900-$2k. We’ll be in Texas early next year and I was just wondering what dealer you went through to get that price.
Hey Rusty, I know you said the topper didn't leak a couple of times and you mentioned a downpour of rain...have you ever taken your truck and the topper through one of those coin operated power washes? Do you think it might leak somewhere then?
Rusty, you said it cost about $1600.00 for the shell and the installation. I just got a quote from a dealer in Denton that tell me it will cost $2,366 including installation. Does this sound outrageously high?
Hi My friend gave me a pickup bed topper for my 04 ram he said it was on a 02 ram It fits perfect length but the height is short Its not flush with top of cab its about 1.5'inches too low..... I dont like how it looks.....should be flush with cab top.......any ideas how to raise it 1.5 inches? I was thinking a 2x4 on bottom of topper perimeter but would have to modify rearvwindow somehow Any ideas?
Looks real nice! Not bad for $1600. Maybe i missed it, but what part of the window opens up, the cab or tailgate side? I wonder if I can configure so that the cab side is what opens. I need to be able to reach in to grab stuff toward the front of the bed.
You need to put a one step boat step ladder on the back of your truck on the tail gate I have one and it make it really easy to get in the back of my truck
Rusty, did I see Matilda at the end of your driveway? It is good to have you doing videos but I do miss the camping ones. I guess you should camp full time and I would be happy. haha. I heard that there was a fire in AZ, is that true? Is your family glad to have you home again? Have a great day as I plan on it. Happy trails. Joyce
Probably the best "Crow dinner with hot sauce" you ever had...;-) nice idea on security.. I would have just tied a string to the window lock and my big toe when I went to sleep.. ofcourse I am kidding! Stay cool... Safe Travels
Between the XL and and regular, it's more styling and ease of use than anything. The XL has a slick, frameless windows on the side and the back near the tailgate, so they look more like an SUV style. The 180 has a rubber seal around them. And the other big thing is the way you open the cap to get into your bed. the 180 has 2 turn-style handles, and the XL only has 1, at the center. That 1 handle unlocks 2 latches at both ends, so it's more automated than manually going to each corner and turning the handles to get into the back. I think what Rusty is thinking about being 4 inches difference is the height between the 100XL and the 180. The 180 is taller.
Horrible leaking at poorly designed door seal at tailgate. Huge gaps. Distributor tried numerous attempts at gasketing. . Terrible customer service. Sent pictures as requested, never heard back after initially telling me to go to distributor. Wish I would have bought an ARE.
Nice video I just bought a leer 180 for my new F-150. I just retired at 62 and plan on seeing the country. Good to know I hopefully have a few good years left in me, 72 years old and you were camping in that for seven weeks, that's impressive!
Best of luck!
I love that you went into detail on closing and opening from the inside, it was a big question for me. Also love te wood plugs used for inside "locks", nice video!
I just found a used 180 for my truck. They seem to be the most wanted so when they went up for sale they woudl sell wihint a day. I finally got one with roof racks even
Very impressed with your Leer 180 👍 I can see why people swear by them (and not _at_ them)
Thank you for doing this video, sir. I'm about to be living out of my truck and was looking at a Leer (this or 122) to camp out of the back. I'm greatly appreciative for you doing this.
Thanks Rusty. I am looking to put a Leer on my Raptor and your review was very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
I remember the aluminum topper I had back in the 70's. it would condensate inside to the point it seemed to be raining inside more then it was outside
Thank you so much rusty for answering my questions on the leer toppers. Now I know I'll be getting one. 🖖
Great video, love all the details you shared, the wood plug used for a lock is genius :)
love the video. if you dont have a soft open feature on your tailgate you can buy one online for less than $30. then pop the latch and let go and the tailgate will slowly open. mine is a ZEEDEE brand 45 minutes to install.
Nice. Just wondering, can that Leer cap come with roof rails/rack to mount ski's or kayaks or bikes or whatnot on top of it, and if so, what kind of weight capacity up top can it handle? I love the RSI Smart cap for among other things those reasons, but it does not have this greater headroom, and also does not come with bug screens on any of the windows.
Hello Rusty that boot sounds like a good idea having a slide window installed on your truck and removing or installing a slide window on your leer camper. Open the new slide windows and you can remote start your truck with the A/C on and turn it off with the remote also. It might be less expensive than renting a motel room. I do this on my GMC Yukon SUV and it's about the same size as your truck but you get a lot better gas milage than I do since you have a V6 engine. Of course get a carbon monoxide detector. Run the A/C to cool it off at night then turn it off with your remote or when ever you might need some cooling at your discretion. You might like this idea since you don't want to run a generator or carry gas cans.
I was always curious how to secure the rear window. Great idea. I’ve got a century cap on my truck. It has the same 2 handle operation as your leer. I believe leer makes century caps.
Glad I could help
you can also just put some vise grips on the rod next to the center block, prevents them from sliding when the handle is turned.
Thanks for the review. I have been considering this for my Tundra at it was very helpful.
Rusty, Thanks, this was a great and helpful video. I'm thinking of getting the same (2016 Ram 1500) but can't find any measurements for the interior height available inside once installed. Any chance you could measure the height from the bed to the interior roof of the cap? I'm trying to figure out if there is enough room to sit up on a small stool or similar inside.
I don't have my Ram now...
Good idea about the wood! Thanks!
Rusty I have seen others install fans on the roof for ventilation...
good idea
Great video Rusty thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great review and looks nice at home place with Jay Flight...it all goes very well together. Thanks for review.
Hoping to pick one up on clearance.
Just ordered mine. Didn't opt for the carpeting ... figure i can do that myself.
Anyone done that? Wondering what materials are available.
Thanks.
Planning on the 180xr for a 6.5foot 2020 f150.
good luck
You can't go wrong with a Leer, new or used.
I want a camper shell like that
Can you tell me where you bought it?
You are so clever! Wood locks and all. Wouldn't the sides be better straight up instead of slanted,in to give you more room inside,re the camper top? Looks cool tho.like it is.
I really like my shell top. Napier sells a tent that attaches to over the back of the shell so that you can have some more space thats covered and bug proof.
I have a different opinion of the Leer 180. I've had mine about 2 weeks and paid $2700 for it. One of the inside latches fell off the first day. The screw hole was stripped out so it wouldn't tighten. The window in the passenger side won't close without pulling the weather seal out of its track. The cap leaks. After a heavy rainstorm, there was a sizeable puddle at the front driver side and the carpet was wet around the sill in that corner. The rear window has gaping holes at the bottom where the frame was cut short, allowing dust to come pouring in. And the window frame doesn't overlap the weather seal on the left side. It barely touches it. I'm just not at all impressed with the build quality of this cap.
Mine has never leaked...everything working fine after 2 years...
It shows how inconsistent they can be.
Most problems seem to be-with sloppy installation not the top itself so who installs it can make you smile or frown
Thank you. Great video, sweet set up.
You rated it a 9 out of 10, what would it take to be a 10? Is there something you don't like about it? Personally, I would have had a dome light and a a/c adaptor installed. Just curious. Thanks
cool lear 180 pickup camper rusty
What did you mean when you spoke of a "boot" between your camper top and the cab of the truck ?
if you have a cab rear window that opens they can add a window that opens into the camper and seal it with a rubber "boot"
Where did you purchase? I live in Lubbock and they want an arm and a leg for Leer here.
Great review! Where did you find this for $1650? I’m getting quotes upwards of 2k for the topper and headliner.
rusty78609 I think the headliner is free this month too, but my quotes for just the topper are around $1900-$2k. We’ll be in Texas early next year and I was just wondering what dealer you went through to get that price.
Good review. The "gas things" are called "struts". Also think the knife is for cutting limes for Cerveza gringo?. Thanks for mpg update, all good!
Wozza...love it...thinking about trading my Ford 250 to a Ram. With a camper shell..Leer is the best!!
Hey Rusty,
I know you said the topper didn't leak a couple of times and you mentioned a downpour of rain...have you ever taken your truck and the topper through one of those coin operated power washes? Do you think it might leak somewhere then?
So you just wash your truck with a bucket and a sponge?
Great video. Answered all my questions.
Rusty, you said it cost about $1600.00 for the shell and the installation. I just got a quote from a dealer in Denton that tell me it will cost $2,366 including installation. Does this sound outrageously high?
Very good video!
Glad you liked it!
Hi
My friend gave me a pickup bed topper for my 04 ram
he said it was on a 02 ram
It fits perfect length but the height is short
Its not flush with top of cab its about 1.5'inches too low.....
I dont like how it looks.....should be flush with cab top.......any ideas how to raise it 1.5 inches?
I was thinking a 2x4 on bottom of topper perimeter but would have to modify rearvwindow somehow
Any ideas?
Hi Rusty. I am thinking of purchasing a Leer 180. How is you cap holding up? Would you still recommend it? Thanks
rusty78609 Thank you for your response. Nice video by the way. Have a great and blessed day.
Looks real nice! Not bad for $1600. Maybe i missed it, but what part of the window opens up, the cab or tailgate side? I wonder if I can configure so that the cab side is what opens. I need to be able to reach in to grab stuff toward the front of the bed.
My local Miami dealer quoted me at $2200 + tax with the liner and roof rack.
Nice truck setup
You need to put a one step boat step ladder on the back of your truck on the tail gate I have one and it make it really easy to get in the back of my truck
How long is the bed of your truck?
6'4"
Rusty, did I see Matilda at the end of your driveway? It is good to have you doing videos but I do miss the camping ones. I guess you should camp full time and I would be happy. haha. I heard that there was a fire in AZ, is that true? Is your family glad to have you home again? Have a great day as I plan on it. Happy trails. Joyce
Good review on your Leer 180 camper top.
Probably the best "Crow dinner with hot sauce" you ever had...;-) nice idea on security.. I would have just tied a string to the window lock and my big toe when I went to sleep.. ofcourse I am kidding! Stay cool... Safe Travels
Nice review
But how do you lock the tailgate?
from the inside you can brace the bars w/? and the knobs can't be turned from the outside
The tailgate locks automatically when you lock the truck with the clicker
+rusty78609 what’s the difference between the 180 and the 180XL?
Between the XL and and regular, it's more styling and ease of use than anything. The XL has a slick, frameless windows on the side and the back near the tailgate, so they look more like an SUV style. The 180 has a rubber seal around them. And the other big thing is the way you open the cap to get into your bed. the 180 has 2 turn-style handles, and the XL only has 1, at the center. That 1 handle unlocks 2 latches at both ends, so it's more automated than manually going to each corner and turning the handles to get into the back.
I think what Rusty is thinking about being 4 inches difference is the height between the 100XL and the 180. The 180 is taller.
i have to show this to my dad
Hey Rusty, how much did you pay to get this Topper?
rusty78609 thanks! Was just checking to see my current prices.
HOW MUCH?
now...approx $2500
Horrible leaking at poorly designed door seal at tailgate. Huge gaps. Distributor tried numerous attempts at gasketing. . Terrible customer service. Sent pictures as requested, never heard back after initially telling me to go to distributor. Wish I would have bought an ARE.
my son and I have the same top...never any leaks
@@rusty78609 well then I got a lemon... Would love to see pics of the bottom of door rails!
I'd remove the bolts and flip them.
I would prefer clamps instead of drilling holes in the bed rails.
Bedrug