[Conops]

 

[208]

That is the exact route I am looking to go, I would be interested if you notice any impact on freeway efficiency. I would love to see somebody do an efficiency comparison between the Leer and a fastback topper.

 

[Conops]

That is the exact route I am looking to go, I would be interested if you notice any impact on freeway efficiency. I would love to see somebody do an efficiency comparison between the Leer and a fastback topper.

I'll have to report back on impact to range and efficiency. Thinking it should help aerodynamically, but that's probably offset by the added weight. None of that mattered to me, because I wanted the Lightning outfitted the way my 2011 F150 was. I also installed a BedRug on the bed floor, and it has a factory installed spray-in liner. Perfect for dogs that like to go for truck rides.
I've had my Lightning for 3 weeks and only put about 300 miles on it around town. Road trip coming next weekend, so I'll see if I notice any impact and report back.

 

[Nubkub]

Finally. I will be doing the same. Can’t live without a bed cap. Please for sure report back on highway efficiency. I hope it stays the same.

 

[Conops]

Back from the first road trip with the cap installed. I went from Northern Virginia up to Central NJ, about 230 miles each way. Averaged 2.3mi/kwh both ways. Left home with about 280 miles of range. Covered the 230 mile trip and arrived with 50 miles "left in the tank". Very close to the same on the return. Not towing anything or doing any heavy hauling. Weather was upper 70s to low 80s, dry and light winds. I didn't think that was too bad. It was I-95 all the way, keeping speed between 65-70mph. I got what I expected. Speed matters. If you're going to drive the Lightning over 70mph for long periods, you will notice a negative impact on your range. On the way home, I used Blue Cruise from Exit 9 southbound on the NJTPK to the bottom, Exit 1, (84miles) and rarely touched the steering wheel. I love it...it drives my wife nuts. lol
My only thing is I don't have any trips/data without the cap installed to gain a comparison. Efficiency didn't factor into me putting the cap or not. I wanted my Lightning outfitted the way I have it.
No regrets.
In possession of my Lightning for 5 weeks now, and currently have 1,150miles. Other than a few quirks within the Nav, I have no complaints. Still haven't paid for any DC charging, with 239kWh left of the 500kWh's that I got with the truck.

 

[scoobie]

That’s awesome to hear! I’m planning on installing an AT Habitat camper shell on mine when I get it, and was very curious about the range impact. The Habitat is going to be less aerodynamic than what you have but I’m hoping I can install some kind of wind fairing on it to help with that. We have kids so we usually stop every couple of hours anyway. Sounds like range won’t be an issue. Now just gotta hope charging stop availability isn’t an issue either.
Thanks for the post!

 

[Nubkub]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing. Will get my truck in a couple of weeks and a leer cap is the first thing I will add to the truck.

 

[Conops]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing. Will get my truck in a couple of weeks and a leer cap is the first thing I will add to the truck.

Just a suggestion...If you're expecting your truck in a couple weeks order your cap ASAP. I ordered mine April 23, 2022, with a Build Week for my Lightning of 5/16/2022. The cap came in in late June, about 5 weeks before the truck (July 5), but my Truck N America dealer was good enough to hold the cap until I needed it.

 

[gschom]

That looks great. I'm looking at a Leer cap as well for my Lightning. Which model cap is this, 100R? And do you know how the installer wired the third brake light?

 

[Conops]

That looks great. I'm looking at a Leer cap as well for my Lightning. Which model cap is this, 100R? And do you know how the installer wired the third brake light?

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with it.
It's a 100XR, with front sliding window, headliner/insulated roof, tinted glass, 50/50 side sliders and interior dome light. Exact same thing I had on my 2011 F150, just a foot shorter . And bought from the same dealer, Truck'n America in Purcellville, VA.
I went on faith that everything I read was that caps that fit the ICE F150s would fit the Lightning. It's true.
There were no specs/instructions that Leer had for installing these on the Lightning at the time. He showed me the connection that he used and where he made it, but I couldn't tell you anything technical about the install. I leave that stuff to the professionals.
He will have me bring it back because the plastic piece that runs along the bottom of the glass in the back is for the ICE F150. He said they don't make that piece for the Lightning yet. Looks fine, as is, but I'll let him switch it out when it comes in. A picture would help, and I'll try to remember to post one to illustrate what I'm referring to.
I bought it in mid-April as soon as I got my build week of May 20. Took 6 weeks to come in and he held it for me until I took delivery and brought it in for install on July 16. Took no more than 90mins.
Not cheap...$2400. Twice what I paid for a 6 1/2 ft. on my 2011.

 

[gschom]

Appreciate all of the info! I’m jealous .

I wasn’t looking for anything technical on the install, but was curious if they powered the third brake light by hooking it up to the stock Lightning third brake light, or if they tied it to one of the taillights or something.

Did they need to do anything to the truck itself besides splicing in the wire? (Holes, drilling, etc)

 

[Conops]

Appreciate all of the info! I’m jealous .

I wasn’t looking for anything technical on the install, but was curious if they powered the third brake light by hooking it up to the stock Lightning third brake light, or if they tied it to one of the taillights or something.

Did they need to do anything to the truck itself besides splicing in the wire? (Holes, drilling, etc)

They connected it, I believe, in the left rear taillight assembly. As far as I know they did no drilling of any kind. He showed me the device that he installed to make the connection. It's not something they need to use often but he said the install presented no issues. So far, so good.
I feel for you and everyone waiting for you Lightnings. It's agonizing, I know. But it is worth the wait. Hang in there.

 

[gschom]

Thanks, I was doing some research and that seemed like one of the spots they can tie into the electrical system on ICE F150s. Appreciate the info big time, and would love to see the pic you’re referring to of the trim.

I actually took delivery of my lightning 2 weeks ago! But I had no idea there was such a backlog for toppers like this. I was quoted at 12 weeks for A.R.E and 5 weeks for Leer . I wish I had seen this thread months ago…

 

[Conops]

OK, good, so you've got yours .
Here are a couple pics. It's the bottom trim piece that will ultimately be replaced.