Will A Leer 180 Truck Cap Fit On A 2019 Chevy Colorado? A Comprehensive Guide

Will A Leer 180 Truck Cap Fit On A 2019 Chevy Colorado? A Comprehensive Guide Usedtruck.Truckstrend.Com

Introduction: The Quest for the Perfect Truck Cap Fit

Finding the right truck cap for your pickup can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. It's a significant investment that enhances your truck's versatility, security, and even its aesthetics. Among the popular brands, Leer stands out for its quality and durability. The Leer 180, with its distinctive raised roof design, offers extra headroom and storage space, making it a desirable choice for many truck owners. If you own a 2019 Chevy Colorado, the burning question is: Will a Leer 180 truck cap fit on my specific model? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key considerations, ensuring you make an informed decision and achieve a perfect fit. We'll explore compatibility factors, measurement techniques, potential modifications, and offer practical advice to navigate the process smoothly.

Will A Leer 180 Truck Cap Fit On A 2019 Chevy Colorado? A Comprehensive Guide

Section 1: Understanding the Leer 180 Truck Cap

The Leer 180 is a popular truck cap model known for its distinctive raised roof. This design provides several advantages:

• Increased Headroom: The elevated roofline offers more vertical space inside the truck bed, making it easier to access and organize cargo. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently transport tall items or use their truck bed for camping.
• Enhanced Storage Capacity: The extra height translates to increased storage volume. You can stack items higher without worrying about hitting the roof.
• Improved Aesthetics: Many find the raised roof design aesthetically pleasing, giving the truck a more rugged and functional appearance.
• Ventilation Options: Leer 180 caps often come with various window and ventilation options, allowing you to customize airflow and prevent moisture buildup inside the bed.

However, the raised roof also has potential drawbacks:

• Height Restrictions: The added height can limit access to areas with low clearance, such as parking garages or covered driveways.
• Fuel Economy: While the impact is generally minimal, the increased aerodynamic drag can slightly reduce fuel efficiency.
• Aesthetics (Subjective): Some may not prefer the look of a raised roof cap compared to a flush-mounted option.

Section 2: The 2019 Chevy Colorado: Key Dimensions and Compatibility Factors

Before considering any truck cap, it's crucial to understand the dimensions and specifications of your 2019 Chevy Colorado:

• Bed Length: The 2019 Colorado is available with two bed lengths: a short bed (approximately 5 feet) and a long bed (approximately 6 feet). This is the MOST CRITICAL factor. A cap designed for a short bed will not fit a long bed, and vice versa.

• Bed Width: While bed width is generally standardized within a model year, slight variations can occur due to manufacturing tolerances.
• Cab Configuration: The cab configuration (Extended Cab or Crew Cab) does not directly impact the bed dimensions but is important when considering the overall look and proportions of the truck with the cap installed.
• Factory Options: Certain factory options, such as bed liners or tonneau covers, may need to be removed or modified to accommodate a truck cap.
• Year-to-Year Compatibility: While truck bed dimensions often remain consistent across several model years, it's essential to verify compatibility with the specific year of your Colorado. Minor changes in body styling or bed rail design can affect the fit.

Section 3: Determining Compatibility: Can a Leer 180 Fit Your 2019 Colorado?

The key to determining compatibility lies in matching the truck cap's dimensions to your Colorado's bed size. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Identify Your Bed Length: Measure the inside length of your truck bed, from the bulkhead (the front wall of the bed) to the inside of the tailgate. This will confirm whether you have a short bed or a long bed.
2. Consult Leer's Fit Guide: Visit the Leer website or consult a Leer dealer. Leer typically provides a fit guide that specifies which cap models are compatible with different truck models and bed lengths. Look for the 2019 Chevy Colorado section and identify the Leer 180 model(s) recommended for your bed length.
3. Verify Part Numbers: Even if a Leer 180 model is listed as compatible, confirm the part number with the dealer. Different part numbers may indicate variations in features or mounting hardware.
4. Measure Your Truck Bed (Precisely): While the listed bed lengths are a good starting point, it's wise to take your own measurements. Measure the inside width of the bed at several points (front, middle, and rear) to ensure consistency. Also, measure the height from the bed floor to the top of the bed rails.
5. Compare Measurements: Compare your measurements to the dimensions provided by Leer for the specific Leer 180 model you're considering. Pay close attention to the bed length, width, and height.
6. Consider Bed Rail Caps and Liners: If your truck has bed rail caps or a bed liner, these can affect the fit. Determine if they need to be removed or modified to accommodate the cap.
7. Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about compatibility, consult a Leer dealer or a truck accessory specialist. They can provide expert advice and ensure a proper fit.

Section 4: The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide (General Overview)

While professional installation is recommended, here's a general overview of the installation process for a truck cap:

1. Preparation: Clean the truck bed thoroughly. Remove any debris, dirt, or existing accessories that might interfere with the installation.
2. Positioning: Carefully lift the truck cap and position it onto the truck bed. Ensure it's centered and aligned properly.
3. Clamping: Use the provided clamps to secure the cap to the truck bed rails. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for clamp placement and tightening torque.
4. Wiring (if applicable): If the cap has interior lighting or other electrical features, connect the wiring to the truck's electrical system. This may require splicing into existing wires or using a wiring harness. Consult a professional if you're not comfortable with electrical work.
5. Sealing: Apply weather stripping or sealant along the edges of the cap to prevent water leaks.
6. Testing: Test all lights and features to ensure they're functioning correctly.
7. Final Adjustments: Make any necessary adjustments to the clamps or weather stripping to ensure a secure and watertight fit.

Section 5: Potential Challenges and Solutions

Even with careful planning, you might encounter challenges during the installation process:

• Incorrect Fit: If the cap doesn't fit properly, double-check the measurements and compatibility information. It's possible that you have the wrong cap model or that your truck has been modified in a way that affects the fit.
  • Solution: Return the cap if possible. If not, explore options for custom modifications, such as shimming or trimming. This should be done by a professional.
• Water Leaks: Water leaks can occur if the cap isn't properly sealed.
  • Solution: Apply additional weather stripping or sealant to the affected areas. Ensure that the cap is clamped securely to the bed rails.
• Electrical Issues: If the wiring isn't connected properly, the lights or other electrical features may not work.
  • Solution: Double-check the wiring connections and consult a wiring diagram. If you're not comfortable with electrical work, seek professional assistance.
• Clamp Problems: The clamps may not be strong enough to hold the cap securely, or they may damage the bed rails.
  • Solution: Use high-quality clamps specifically designed for truck caps. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for clamp placement and tightening torque.
• Bed Liner Interference: Some bed liners may interfere with the cap's fit.
  • Solution: Trim or modify the bed liner to create clearance for the cap.

Section 6: Alternatives to the Leer 180

If the Leer 180 doesn't perfectly suit your needs or budget, consider these alternatives:

• Leer 100R: A more traditional, flush-mounted truck cap.
• ARE Truck Caps: ARE is another reputable manufacturer of truck caps, offering a wide range of models and features.
• SnugTop Truck Caps: SnugTop is known for its high-quality and stylish truck caps.
• Soft Tonneau Covers: A more affordable and flexible alternative to a truck cap.
• Hard Tonneau Covers: Offer more security than soft tonneau covers but less storage space than a truck cap.

Section 7: Tips for a Successful Truck Cap Installation

• Read the Instructions: Carefully read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before starting the installation.
• Gather Your Tools: Assemble all the necessary tools before you begin. This will save you time and frustration.
• Enlist Help: Truck caps can be heavy and awkward to handle. Enlist the help of a friend or family member.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush the installation process. Take your time and ensure that everything is done correctly.
• Double-Check Everything: Before driving, double-check all clamps, wiring connections, and seals.

Section 8: Pricing of Leer 180 Caps and Installation

Item	Description	Estimated Price Range	Notes
Leer 180 Truck Cap	New Leer 180 cap for a 2019 Chevy Colorado (short bed)	$2,500 - $4,000	Price varies based on options (windows, lighting, etc.) and dealer.
Leer 180 Truck Cap	New Leer 180 cap for a 2019 Chevy Colorado (long bed)	$2,700 - $4,200	Price varies based on options (windows, lighting, etc.) and dealer. Generally slightly more expensive than short bed.
Used Leer 180 Truck Cap	Used Leer 180 cap for a 2019 Chevy Colorado (assuming correct fit)	$1,000 - $2,500	Price depends heavily on condition, age, and availability. Verify condition thoroughly.
Professional Installation	Installation of a new or used Leer 180 cap by a qualified technician	$200 - $500	Includes mounting, wiring, and sealing. Price varies based on complexity and shop rates.
DIY Installation Supplies	Clamps, weather stripping, wiring connectors, sealant, drill bits, etc.	$50 - $150	Cost depends on the specific supplies needed.
Bed Liner Modification	Cost to trim or modify a bed liner to accommodate the truck cap	$50 - $200	Price depends on the complexity of the modification.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Colorado

Ultimately, whether a Leer 180 truck cap will fit your 2019 Chevy Colorado depends on several factors, most importantly the bed length. By carefully measuring your truck bed, consulting Leer's fit guide, and considering potential challenges, you can make an informed decision and achieve a perfect fit. Remember, professional installation is highly recommended to ensure a secure and watertight seal. With the right cap, your Colorado will be even more versatile, secure, and ready for any adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will a Leer 180 from a different truck model fit my 2019 Colorado?

A: No. Truck caps are designed to fit specific truck models and bed lengths. A cap from a different model is unlikely to fit properly and may cause damage to your truck.

Q: Can I install a truck cap myself?

A: Yes, but professional installation is highly recommended. Installing a truck cap requires some mechanical skill and knowledge of wiring. If you're not comfortable with these tasks, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Q: How much does a Leer 180 truck cap cost?

A: The cost of a Leer 180 truck cap varies depending on the model, features, and dealer. Expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,500 for a new cap. Used caps may be available for less.

Q: Will a truck cap affect my fuel economy?

A: A truck cap can slightly reduce fuel economy due to increased aerodynamic drag. However, the impact is generally minimal.

Q: How do I prevent water leaks with a truck cap?

A: To prevent water leaks, ensure that the cap is properly sealed with weather stripping or sealant. Also, make sure the clamps are tightened securely.

Q: Can I finance a truck cap?

A: Many Leer dealers offer financing options for truck caps. Contact your local dealer for more information.