RSI vs RLD vs Alu-Cab guys. Please weigh in on your experiences

Honestly, it is awesome other than the paint. But now I'm scared I'll need parts or a replacement window at some point and I'll have no way to get it. They aren't going to help me. It just feels like a bad situation.

 

yeah, that's a big red flag. looks like RLD service is non-existent. buy a $4000 cap and best of luck to you.

 

Exactly! It comes with a 2 year warranty which is apparently worthless. I can't get anything from them. No offers of compensation or a suggested resolution. They won't take it back. They normally don't even reply. I've written dozens of emails.

They did ask me to get an estimate a while back and then ignored the estimate I sent them.

 

And the problem with the other two is that HQ is in South Africa if you have a problem I'm just kidding.

BTW, the last I checked, RSI had started manufacturing in the USA. That's a pretty nice development and should reduce lead times and build a more US-appropriate canopy (e.g. no freezing latches) in the future.

I have hardly any complaints with my Alu-Cab after I got the rubber sealing latch covers. The locks hardly freeze. They've held up so far for many months. The only things I can rant about are:
1. You have to keep re-tightening the mounting bolts (this isn't exactly a "problem" as much as it is part of the standard maintenance instructions, but I wonder if there could be something done to avoid having to do this)
2. No positive-pressure vent, so dust does get in while off-roading in sand etc.
3. The nut slots aren't very well-made: the tolerances aren't good enough and whether you can get a nut in there or not might depend on the ambient temperature.
4. I wish the front window opened like it does on the RSI

That's probably it. I like it, and probably will stick with it for a long while.

 

Just had an Alu-Cab and Frontrunner rack installed. Got the Alu load bars also, which are pretty close to level with the front rack, so I can strap down long lengths. Install was by Mule in Portland. I am initially very satisfied with the construction of the Alu.

 

RLD response to the paint falling off my shell: This is after almost 8 months of me begging for them to honor their warranty. They won't respond now. All dead-ends.

 

so who is Tom and what did he say?

 

Tom is the local rep. He's been the most responsive but insists their agreement is that the factory provides warranty repairs. I agree. Factory built it.

 

damn, that sucks out loud.

 

Yep. Tom is a nice enough guy and I believe he is holding up his end of the deal. He didn't paint it.

But, I still have nothing else to show. Paid full price for this shell that needs to be stripped and painted. Then I spent the last 8 months getting jacked around just for them to completely and 100% burn me.

How do you offer a warranty if you have no resources or logistics to provide support? Convenient for them I guess.

Just be honest and tell your customers they are F'd if something happens because they are far away.

 

All I can do is keep making videos of my shell coming apart.

 

Damn, looking at your experience and the response from the CEO i will not be going with RLD.

 

Thanks. They stopped responding to me without doing ish. Probably partially because I put them on blast here. I'm glad I was able to help someone make a better decision than I did!

The importer gave me a roof rack so I leave him alone. I'm going to haunt RLD for the rest of my trucks life though.

 

3 months into my order and waiting, I just got my order cancelled...
I called and asked the dealer wtf was going on and he told me RLD is in some kind of a huge lawsuit and seized all production.
I doubt that you are going to get any kind of answer soon..
I am moving onto look for a different cap...

 

well, that could explain quite a lot. it's a shame they've had all these issues, even more so for some of their customers. they seemed to be offering a good product within a burgeoning market.

meanwhile, Alu-cab has a new product line, the Contour:

https://ok4wd.com/brands/alucab/canopies/alu-cab-toyota-tacoma-gen3-lb-contour-aluc2-lb-tt16-b-w

and rumors of RSI's new open-from-the-inside latches/locks are circulating. neither of these new items are on the ground yet though, as far as i can tell.

 

Interesting.

I go back and forth every week on whether or not i want to go the cap route. If I do, I would think that sometimes I would question why I didn't just buy a 4runner lol.

 

i definitely don't want an suv. maybe if they were more like a 1st gen 4runner (or Bronco, or Pathfinder, etc), i would be. but modern suv's are just oversized cars in terms of their architecture & interiors. and you can't take the cap off an suv.

 

I'll never own a truck without a shell. I can lock up all my gear and keep it secure. I can pack the bed to the roof of the shell without worrying about anything falling out. I can sleep in it if necessary. I can throw ducks, deer, fish, wet muddy dogs/decoys in the bed and just hose it out when I get home.

Bonus is I don't have to help people move large items if they won't fit under the shell.

 

yeah, i carry camera and lighting gear for work. 95% of the time what i carry would fit in most suv's, but i really just want a 4wd vehicle with a box in back. and i live in an old house that needs a lot of work, blah blah.