RSI Smart Cap

You can clearly see a rubber seal at 2:46

 

Thanks for pointing that out as I didn’t see that.

This canopy looks interesting. I have an RLD but like what I’ve seen so far from the Smart Cap. I have an RLD half bin but the RSI version definitely looks nicer. The positive pressure vent on the RSI looks to be a better design than my RLD. And the window seals/gaskets also looks to be better on the RSI. Called my local dealer and they have one in the showroom on a F150. Going to go check it out later this week. Love my RLD but this SmartCap has me thinking...

 

@GladiatorNOT how is life with a SS canopy? Any regrets not going for a traditional fiberglass or AluCab?

 

No. Had an Alu Cab Explorer before the RLD and can say the overall quality and design of the RLD is better not to mention the higher load capacity. And have had numerous fiberglass canopies through the years and there is no comparison. I will never own another fiberglass canopy. If I was in the market for another canopy, an RLD or RSI would be the only two I would consider at this point for overlanding. If I used my Taco as just a road queen or for a job then I would also consider an A.R.E. aluminum canopy. But never another fiberglass canopy for numerous reasons.

 

Besides the load rating what else would deter you from fiberglass?

 

SS or aluminum makes sense if you’re gunna load up the top with heavy stuff. If not fiberglass has been great for me even wheeling. The problems start when you start adding heavy shit up top and the dynamic loads amplify. Basically got huge swinging weights up high on the thin fiberglass walls.

 

They are just fragile. For instance our daughter was unloading her mountain bike from our ARE MX canopy and the chainring caught the edge of the canopy and a decent size chunk of fiberglass broke off. If you wheel you will more than likely notice some stress cracks on it as time goes by. You can just feel the sides move and give (flexes) when moving a fiberglass canopy (fiberglass isn’t very strong and stable). They also weigh substantially more than aluminum and steel. Steel and aluminum on the other hand are lighter and stronger and give you the ability to drill into it wherever you want to mount anything. It’s also nice to be able to walk on top of the canopy to mount and unload things when needed and not feel the canopy move at all. I also don’t feel the need for bed stiffeners with the RLD or Alu Cab canopies as they actually hold everything together unlike the fiberglass ones I’ve owned.

For not a whole lot more money you can get a much better constructed steel or aluminum canopy that also weighs less.

 

Maybe my local fiberglass cap dealers are just charging more, but I've gotten quotes (after you add options) that are real close to what RLD and RSI charge. Something else to consider is that if you purchase a color-matched cap (most will) it takes longer to arrive. In comparison, and this could change drastically, RLD and RSI are shipping much sooner.

 

Are you sure they weigh less? Yes steel and aluminum are stronger so they require less thickness, but they are also denser. Usually fiberglass caps are 150-200lbs from manufacturer websites.

 

Yeah not a good idea to have a RTT and a fiberglass canopy. You don’t need another 60 or 70 pounds up high from a fiberglass canopy over a steel or aluminum one. Being top heavy is not idea when off roading. Anytime you can save weigh especially up high is always a plus.

 

Yes. My RLD weighs 58 pounds less than what my last A.R.E canopy weighed. If you look at the listed weighs the aluminum and steel ones are always lighter (it‘a a known fact fiberglass weighs more). And I believe the listed weights of the RLD and Alu Cabs are really close to the actual weights. I think fiberglass manufacturers stretch the truth on the actual weights a little because they know they are heavier. My RLD was only suppose to weigh right at 40 pounds less than what my A.R.E was suppose to weigh but there was actually a 58 pound difference. Obviously every cap and situation is going to be different but you will no doubt save weigh and add strength to your build by going to a steel or aluminum cap.

 

FYI- I emailed RSI to found out the actual weight of the Tacoma SB cap and was told it weighs 180 pounds. So a little heavier than a RLD or Alu Cab but a little less than the average fiberglass cap.

 

So it’s confirmed you’re not saving weight. You’re saving some space because it’s a thinner structure, but not enough to be noticeable.
I’m not arguing against metal, just arguing that you’re not saving weight by going that route.

 

For an RSI Smart Cap no, your not saving much. But going with an RLD or Alu Cab you will be.

 

We're an RSI SmartCap dealer and have been taking pre-orders on these caps for a few months now. For the 5ft beds, we just received the first batch and have shipped a ton of them out this week. The 6ft bed caps will start shipping mid next month.

If anyone is looking for an RSI SmartCaps or accessories, we're offering free shipping (within the lower 48 states) on absolutely all RSI parts right now during this initial product launch.

 

Need pictures of the 6 ft bed!

 

From what we know, only a very few caps were sent in advance for marketing and they were all for 5ft beds. Likely to be pictures available in mid to late September once the 6ft caps arrive and start shipping. We'll work on getting pictures of the 6ft ones if there are any in the interim.

 

I was told by their Instagram their rendering team was working on it.


Reason I ask is the RLD cap on the 6 ft bed has another pillar which splits the windows to keep the strength. Don’t like how it looks and wondering if RSI did the same.

 

@OffroadAlliance.com how long will you be running the free shipping? I’m already waiting for my smart cap to arrive but may be interested in a half bin or two

 

We'll see what we can do to obtain some real pictures. We've got quite a few pre-orders for the 6ft bed, so we'll have pictures soon enough.

Mid October