RSI Smart Cap

Anyone heard of this company or used their products before? They just released or are releasing soon a neat looking cap for 3rd gen tacomas. Im considering ordering one, but remain hesitant due to the cost. It's expensive but IMO the best looking topper for our trucks. Some may disagree.
It's made out of steel, so its a little bit lighter than a fiberglass and somewhat more durable.

I live in CO and summer is coming to an end in a couple months and while my tonneau cover works great, the additional storage would be great since we do cross country trips yearly.
I also want to get an ARB bumper and lift kit but think the shell will be more worth my investment. It's kind of either or at this point.

Anyways, If I do order it, I will ship it to my house and try to install it myself.
Any thoughts? Are toppers worth it? Especially in a snowy climate and traveling with dogs?
Thanks

 

Looks pretty cool, pricey for sure. If you end up getting it let us know how it goes. And some pics.

 

Thanks, I sure will.

 

I’ve heard of them. No experience with them

 

Was about to order one last week but found out they will have a custom colour option early next year..... at no additional cost.

 

I really like it, and although it may seem a little pricy, it looks like it is well worth the money.

 

I pre-ordered mine back in June and its supposed to be here soon. Just talked to FedEx about the cross bars arriving this weekend.

 

Not sure how this is better than the stainless steel RLD canopies. Modular yes. But after you have it put together why would you ever need to take it apart? The RLD version only weighs around 160lbs so it’s easy to take on and off. Seems like having extra seams can only lead to more leaks and issues as it gets older. Plus a one piece design would seem to be more robust when bouncing around off road. Looks nice though.

 

Looks cool in matte black. But the modular aspect doesn’t appear to be a huge advantage. Besides having the storage on the side panels.

 

There’s also the shipping aspect. These can probably be ordered and shipped in a flat pack without having to deal with a local dealer and shipping via commercial freight or semi to dealer.

 

You can get an RLD canopy shipped to your door for basically the same price as what the Smart Cap is listed at without shipping (RLD- $3,300 RSI- $3,700).

 

That RLD for the long bed looks so ugly with the 4 doors

 

I like it right up to the point where I have to fork over C$5000!

 

It blew me away with the 3 year warranty.

 

Sarcasm?

 

Gotta love that exchange rate

 

I've been eyeing this cap as well. My biggest reservation are the modular panels. There are seals in there. Seals go bad. It's science.

The price is approximately the same as the RLD. And I'm not worried about shipping so much. Nearest freight depot is right down the street from me.

I have seen an RLD in person. It was nice for the most part. The vent on the top was unpainted. It made it look super cheap. The corners weren't a smooth bend. It was notchy (?). Everything else was very nice on it. There were fitment issues with this one, but it could have been because it was a first-run model. Supposedly, the owner fixed it easily.

The RSI won't be out for a few more weeks, but that could be pushed. It was supposed to be out by now, but COVID. Definitely curious to see one of these when they start showing up.


EDIT: RLD shipped to me is $3700; RSI will probably be around $3800

 

Are you referring to this?


I assume they're using a press break, which doesn't allow for smooth radii... so they have to make a bunch of individual bends.

As for the aesthetics between RLD and RSI, I think the RSI cap takes it... IMO. I feel like the RLD looks too much like a contractors cap, vs the "overland" look of the RSI. Very similar, but different in a few key ways. I appreciate the point about the RSI seals. I can see that being an eventual problem. However, I like the modular aspect of it. If a panel gets damaged, you can replace it easier, versus replacing the entire cap. Assuming RSI sells individual panels.

 

Alucab

 

For me, the SmartCap XL would be how I would want to go, love the modular design and the easy transition to a flat bed when needed.