RSI Smart Cap

For ANYONE that is having issues with their cap, even if you did not purchase it from us, we'd be happy to assist or help point you in the right direction with RSI. It's unforunate to hear that a handful of folks are experiencing issues with their caps, but issues are far from the norm as there are a ton of these caps out there that are issue free.

Shoot me a PM or email me directly Chris@OffroadAlliance.com

 

Hey everyone, I wanted to share another update. I was just reading others have leaking windows as well now.
I emailed RSI and they sent me some black silicone to finish sealing the windows underneath the gaskets. When I was replacing the gaskets, I noticed silicone was applied but missing in some areas along where the gasket goes around it. I have not applied the silicone yet as I have been busy, but this is my next step. They also sent me the black silicone for free, just FYI, so you can request the same.

I have also had issues with the locks freezing. It's now winter in CO and I washed the truck the other day and had to wait a several days for the water the thaw and evaporate out of the locks. I've applied graphite to the locks now and it seems to help a bit. Its extremely dry where I live so natural water intrusion isnt too big of a deal other than the snow and car washes....I will also get some lock de-icer to see if that helps more/works better.

If the silicone works for the windows and they don't leak anymore I will be happy. It's extremely frustrating spending almost 4k on a cap and having to do all this work to make it right....

Anyways, I hope this update helps. Cheers

 

So if you are only primarily having the frozen lock issue when you introduce the moisture (washing etc), would that be solved by just hitting them with compressed air to blow out the water before it freezes?

My cap should be here later this month and frozen locks are my biggest concern.

Central Oregon high desert, outside of snow it’s dry here as well so likely similar climate as you in CO.

 

Interesting. I experimented with a thinned* version of Dap Seal and Peel (a type of removeable caulk) in the channels the gasket fits in. It seems to have worked. The Seal and Peel is able to be pulled back off if needed.
I was reluctant to use silicone in case it didn't work as it can be hard to remove and leaves a residue that often keeps anything else from sticking.

Assuming the Seal and Peel holds up that removes one of my big issues.

*Seal and Peel can be thinned with xylene and a naptha (Coleman Fuel). The Seal and Peel as it comes out of the tube is very hard to get down in the channels, just too thick. Thinned I just squirted it in with a syringe- if anyone tries that the syringe has to be polypropolene- polyethylene is attacked by the xylitol. I picked up a 2 pack of 60mL syringes at an ag supply for $5.

 

No offense but if it rains at night then drops below freezing in the morning I'm not getting up in the middle of the night to blow locks out

I'm in the southeast where we get a fair amount of rain. Hopefully their redesigned latches will work.

 

I haven't seen anything about redesigned latches. What's the info/time frame on that (if you know)? I read in another thread that they will offer color matching sometime this year as well, do you know if that's true?

I really think I'll buy this cap, but the latches, leaks, and the fact that you can't open the windoors/hatch from inside really make me hesitant. For nearly $4k, I think those issues are kinda mind blowing.

 

RSi told me in an email they were working on redesigned latches or perhaps covers for the existing latches.
I wouldn't hold my breath though- I bought my cap back on Nov 20, 2020. It was missing the 3rd brake light harness.
They have told me they are sending me one, I followed up once when I didn't receive it and they again said they were sending one.
Still don't have it after 7 weeks.

 

Yes, probably very similar. And yes, I just blew some air into them after I took it to the wash the other day after learning that I need to do that or they will freeze up. I also have a compressor so couldve used that.

Yea, rain isnt much of a thing where we are at. Otherwise it would be obnoxious with the latches....

Another heads up, I went to the wash the other day and its a manual pressure washer, and the cap started leaking through the TOP corner now...I emailed them and they said a pressure washer could make it leak but it shouldn't leak otherwise. I am going to test today maybe with some water in a cup to see....but this is getting ridiculous. Otherwise I do like the cap a lot. Its the best looking, and I love the functions of it. Just wish it was a little more finished than expected.

 

I never got a brake harness either. But I wired it straight into my Taillight and it works just fine.
EDIT: but thats not the point. spending 4k on a cap, you want everything that should be included for that price....

 

So, in summary, you love the cap except that it leaks, the locks freeze, and you can't open the latches from the inside? I guess I'm just a bit baffled at why a company wouldn't address these things. I understand this cap comes from another part of the world, one without much rain or freezing temps. Just seems like the cap costs about twice as much as it should considering all the issues, and that you are the one to assemble it.

 

I am not concerned about opening from the inside, but someone else in here was. The locks freeze if you don't blow out the water after taking it to the wash. If you live in a rainy and cold area, yes this will probably be an issue. But where I live is dry and cold so it has been ok so far with the locks and latches. I used graphite to make them useable though, before that the locks were extremely sticky and hard to use.
I was very disappointed to see the leak from the roof after taking it to the wash the other day. I will keep my eye on this and go from there. So yea, not a perfect cap at all, but I still think its a good option.
I didn't realize how leaky the tacoma beds are though and that needs to be addressed as well. I plant to seal mine up after winter I have a pulley system for the cap and will completely remove it and seal the bed up and then hopefully the cap will be what I intended it to be, water tight.

 

I'm not sorry I bought the RSi- yet. I started out trying to buy a fibreglass cap- their business must be booming- via Leer's site I sent request for quotes to the 2 nearest dealers. Never heard from either one.
The commercial truck supply company where my RSi was shipped handles ARE caps. They told me getting one is 6 months out. Didn't want to wait that long.
Stumbled across the RSi by accident and here we are.
Would I buy it again- good question- it was readily available when no others were. But it is high priced. Hmmm...
If I had a do over I might buy a 4WheelCamper Project M. But then I'd be back to the long wait....


Oh- regarding the seam leak- I figure that will happen eventually. When it does I'm going to disassemble mine, remove the thin foam gaskets and lay a bead of black polyurethane caulk on all mating surfaces and put it back together. That poly stuff is extremely tough. Won't be taking that cap apart again for sure.

 

In SoCal ARE caps are a ~3 month wait. Leer is like 6 weeks. It's due to the supply chain disruptions related to the pandemic (or so I was told). You think RSi is high priced but you would buy a 4WheelCamper Project M? Don't those start at like $9k? There is something appealing about getting the RSi shipped to your door, and that it's available now. Thanks for the info on your experience, it's helpful to hear from people who own them.

 

This is a great idea, taking it apart and sealing it up permanently. I don't want to take mine apart either, but maybe at some point....

 

I was thinking about just using clear silicone caulk on the exterior seams after I got mine.

 

I was also thinking this, but using it in between the seams seems like a cleaner final solution to me.

 

Happy Monday!

Third brake light harnesses - these should be included with all new cap shipments. If they are not, we're happy to assist in getting you one. Please shoot us a PM or send me an email (chris@offroadalliance.com)

Locks - RSI is working on updating the locking mechanisms. We do not have an ETA for when these will be available or the specifics on them but when do, we'll update everyone. Understand that folks are having issues, but there are a few work arounds to help minimize or reduce issues such as lubricants, etc as others have mentioned. UPDATE - new locks should be available late 2nd quarter or early 3rd quarter '21.

Water Leaks - We have sold a ton of these caps. Most have been free from issue, leaks, damage, etc. If you are having water leaks there are some work arounds some of which folks have already posted up. If you're still having issues, again we're happy to assist. Please shoot us a PM or send me an email (chris@offroadalliance.com)

Color Matching - It is possible that color matching will be offered very late 2021. No details yet on pricing, lead times, etc. If not late 2021, early 2022.

Inventory - the 5ft Tacoma caps will be back in stock and shipping late this month or early next. The 6ft caps are in stock now!

 

The only issue I’ve had with mine is the locks freezing once. I suspected that would be an issue the minute I saw them. The tolerances are very tight, and they don’t really lend themselves to prying of forcing open. My best friend bought one for his Tundra and had the same problem, although he’s at a higher elevation than I am. We’ve had 7.5” of rain so far since January 1 and on Monday night we also had 50mph winds, and water intrusion hasn’t been an issue, thankfully. I think under normal conditions that’s probably most folks’ experience, but when you blast it with a pressure washer it seems to me that could be one of the outcomes. You’re forcing water under the seams in a way that it’s not designed to deal with.

 

Are they lying in their marketing?

 

What do you mean @wrsa234321 ?