PSA: Don't buy an RSI Smartcap if you live in a cold climate - frozen locks

So does RSI.

 

Looks Like OP did not buy them.

 

There are covers available for the RSi also. I've heard that they don't help with this particular issue. There is word that frost-proof latches are on the way soon.

 

This sounds entirely like it's the owners responsibility to care for the equipment purchased, knowing the climate they live in, and knowing this is a common occurrence, or just a rash reaction to a personal mistake.

 

I spritz some WD-40 in exterior locks like these every so often and esp before winter. Never had one freeze up. I have bigger issues with the mag chloride they spray on our roads corroding locks.

 

I use moly chain lube on any lock - vehicles, padlocks, household doors, etc. It really is a useful "Jack of all trades" product, good for hinges, control cables on OPE, garage door parts, anywhere you want a product that will shed water, it is far superior in staying on the job than WD-40.

This Spray On brand is made by Krylon, I get it from a local industrial supplier, any quality name brand is probably just as good.

 

Lock covers are worse than no cover. Now you have a device to actually trap moisture next to a lock. Wow.

 

Chicken. Lol

 

The point is to keep the moisture out in the first place.

 

Lol condensation. My SIL bought a bunch of plastic clad locks for her outbuildings. They have keyhole covers too. I had to cut the locks off of two of her buildings. Rusted beyond using keys.

 

And be careful walking over to your frozen truck…

 

I just happened to come across a 1-year review of the SmartCap on YouTube last night. The guy complained about the same issue. He said that he contacted RSI and they sent him rubber lock covers, simliar to those Alu-Cab ones, free of charge. Looked like a really easy retrofit.

 

Where’d you buy it? I got quotes for an RSI from three different businesses last year and each one of them mentioned icing issues/latch covers without prompting.
Maybe because I’m in Alaska?
One of them was even nice enough to charge $100 for them in the quote.

 

I place gorilla tape flaps over the lock to help protect from this issue on my leer and snug top.

 

This whole week…this whole month has been nothing but bitching about nothing. My eyes hurt from all the complaining. Makes the stupid shit my teenagers complain about look worthy of complaint.

 

I can synpathize with OP. I sold my alucab because it leaked water everywhere on all 4 sides and the locks would freeze every time I went above the snow line. It wasnt just the lock cyl, the push button wouldn’t reliably release the latch when cold, plain and simple. Even when dry. Very annoying

For $3k plus, I shouldn't have to pry my shit open with a pocketknife in the ski resort parking lot. Unacceptable for winter use, I'm not carrying a heat gun around with me

I did really like it otherwise. Strength to weight was excellent, tons of options for mounting gear, the large side windows were awesome, despite leaking terribly

 

This is different from OPs complaint. You had issues with overall craftsmanship.

An exposed lock freezing in the winter is an environmental complaint. The lock design is something that should be considered when you travel in such an extreme climate.

 

Sure, but then what is the advantage of the flush lock over a low-profile T-handle?

I mean, they look cool. But the t-handle never sticks