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

Which one do you have? I didn't consider the hunting aspect, which i should have!

 

Watched a few videos on the Contour (very limited since its new) and it looks very promising! I kinda debate on the windows on each side, but if someone wanted to break in they would just break in through the back.

 

I've got the RSi. I love the side doors on it for packing and getting stuff out of the bed. I'll never go back to fiberglass or one without the side doors.

 

GFC got a topper coming out soon as well. I gave up on RLD and was considering just going all out on GFC camper, but I'm gonna wait for this update.
Signed up for a newsletter for an update on that one. When I messaged them yesterday, they made it sound like it'll be coming out very soon.

 

When the kids have left for college I'm planning on swapping out the RSi for a GFC. When it's just the wife and I camping a wedge camper makes sense.

 

Gonna go with Alu-Cab Contour once it comes out. From what I see is Q1 2023, but who knows on the availability. Not a in a huge rush so I can wait.

 

Emailed them about this last week. Hoping the price point isn't too high - it's likely to be this or a Leer 180 for me.

 

I decided not to go with RLD because of the information posted here. Seems they lack logic, losing tens of thousands of dollars in sales because they would not replace one clearly faulty cap for a customer.

 

RLD is most definitely off my list. Looks like I’m going with RSi. Reasonable pricing, good looks, and I still have to save up a bit so I have some time.

great thread and very informative. Thanks to all for your input and sharing your woes as well.

 

Been wanting the RSI EVOa for my 2nd Gen Long Bed for a while now. I've managed to get a line on a used one but I have to say I'm not a fan of how small the doors are on the LB version I really wish they were full length. However I do prefer the rest of it's lines compared to the Alu-Cab. Decisions, decisions???

 

I went with the Alu-Cab Explorer, and I love it. Super easy to get to all areas of the bed, only weighs around 125 lbs. I like the look of it, too

 

Update on my Alucab. Recently noticed a couple small cracks in the aluminum on the top rear corners of the shell. Contacted OK4WD who I originally purchased from and they took care of me real quick. Sent some pics, they got in contact with the mother ship in South Africa and approved a replacement. They got me hooked up with a local dealer who did the swap and all is well.

Talking to OK4Wd and the dealer they haven’t seen this issue before so maybe it’s a fluke or whatever, but Alucab and their dealers stand behind their stuff and will take care of you.

I read some horror stories from other brands recently so if you’re up in the air on which one to pick maybe consider customer service.

 

just found this video on the new alucab contour. looks similar to the other alucab in shape. i still think rsi looks the best, but its also about 100 lbs heavier than the alucab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spEUTxcll6U&ab_channel=ExpeditionOverland

 

I loved everything about my Alucab except the latches and and water leaks.

The build was top notch. Windows, dimensions, mounting gear options exactly what I wanted. The utility look, sitting up higher above the cab, loved it. It's just too bad the water came in everywhere. And I mean everywhere

Side windows leaked in through the "drain holes" that were supposed to let water drain out.

Leaked right behind cab where cap meets bed, no matter how I sealed it

Rear lift gate would create a channel for all the water blowing around back of canopy and dump it straight into the truck bed, inside the tailgate.

The latches would freeze in cold weather. Not good for activities above the snow line. I was carrying a butter knife around in the glove box to pry open the latches on a brand new 3,800$ canopy

I get it, for a cap, winter driving is more extreme environment than drier climates like South Africa. Asking a truck cap to be completely dry is a tall order, especially up here in the coastal mountains.

I went back to a Leer. Gave up sidewindows, added weight, but gained the overhang edge and better window seals

 

That GFC topper design seems pretty solid and looks cool doing it. It also seems to be the most expensive option as well.

I have been debating on what direction I want to go for bed storage. On the one hand, I could keep it super simple and opt for a tonneau cover. But they have their share of problems too. You can't put a ton of stuff back their either. depending on what tire size I go with, if it had to live in the bed of the truck, that kills a lot of your storage. But on the upside, you maintain a little of the truck capability, with the use of the bed when needed.

After reading all the posts and seeing some people's problems on youtube, I think my front runners for going with a canopy would be either and Alu-Cab Contour (no side windows), or a GFC (also seems the lightest). I think a huge advantage that GFC offers is that it is made in the USA and all the parts used are serviceable/replaceable here. That might be one of the main selling factors that would push me in the GFC direction. Even if it is a few hundred dollars more expensive, if you can save yourself some of the aggravation of having to deal with a business that is based halfway around the world and their lackluster interest in helping you sort through your issues, it might be totally worth it. Time to start saving my pennies. LOL.

 

i'm with you on this. the weight of the gfc is the lightest of the bunch, and strongest. they are opening new distribution centers/partnerships and one in denver is close enough to me. the only thing i want that gfc doesn't have is a window that opens near the cab. its not a huge deal, but its the little thing i'm leaning towards.

the alucab doesn't look as clean imo. if rsi was 50-70 lbs lighter, i'd go that route.

 

The cab window is a dealbreaker for me with the GFC as well. I take my offshore rods when I go fishing and need to be able to have them go from the bed to inside of the cab as most are 8-9'.

 

Homie! Hope your well!

Currently running a GFC v1 with all the upgrades. Love the product and the people that run it.
I also have a trailer built out with AluCab. The build quality is hard to beat with the AluCab, and I also really like their product support.

If I didn’t have the GFC I would go AluCab Canopy with the Expedition3 Tent (which I have on my trailer).
I can’t speak for the other manufacturers. But I love the options of all the accessories that the AluCab offers. Which made it a contender for me. I giess I am a sucker for organization and things being overbuilt.

A friend of mine just went from a GFC to a AluCab setup. Maybe he can give his opinion on the pros vs cons of it. @onequarteratatime