RLD Shell - Paint Cracking, Falling Off

Hey guys,

I have to share my experience with the RLD shell and ask for some help. I bought the RLD shell and waited about 8 months for it to come in. After a couple weeks the paint on the top, right behind the cab cracked and started falling off.

I contacted RLD about it on Jan 2. They assured me they would make it right but it has now been 3 months with no resolution. I wait 1-3 weeks for a response from the local rep and I have never received a response from the owner or the factory. I was told by the RLD rep here the factory would need to provide a resolution because that is what they have negotiated. He had me get an estimate and brought the factory and the owner in on the emails but they don't respond.

The paint continues to crack toward the back of the truck now. I just started losing paint off the side and the top is cracked. I'll lose that next.

For what it's worth, I really like the shell other than the paint. It seems like it is constructed really well. The doors, windows, gas struts and the way it mounts to the truck are pretty incredible and have given me no issues. If I were able to get this resolved under warranty it wouldn't even be a deal breaker. It's starting to look like I'm SOL though.


A few questions:

- Has anyone else had this problem with their RLD Shell?
- If so, any luck getting it repaired or reimbursed?
- Has any else noticed if there is primer under their paint? As you can see, there is no primer on mine. RLD won't respond about if this is the design or a mistake.


- Also, I'm thinking about getting the whole shell repainted but leaving the black paint on the doors. I don't see any cracks there yet. Has anyone else had the paint on the doors crack?

 

Sucks you paid all that money just to end up with a peeling cap. That looks bad, I hope RLD takes care of this sooner than later.

Also curious if there are more people out there with the same issue. Seems like poor prep work leading to peeling paint.

 

I appreciate that. I am really curious about why it's happening.

 

RLD needs to take care of that pronto or I'd be pissed. I was considering a cap like this and have been saving up my $ for one. This issue will make me reconsider my purchase with them to be quite honest. If I'm going to shell out this kind of $, I'd like to know I'm covered for any issues within the warranty period. This will sway me towards a smartcap now as I'll keep an eye on how they handle this issue. This might be an isolated incident, but its how they handle the issue is what I'll be watching for.

Sorry that this has happened to you and you've been waiting for quite sometime. I wouldn't be surprise that they're in a rush to complete ordered, they outsourced the painting elsewhere to meet the demand.

Don't touch the shell as of yet, until they answer you back officially. If you try to fix it, they may try to get out of resolving it for you.

 

Thanks. The local rep replied today asking the factory to replace it. And, the factory finally replied and asked for the serial number on my shell.

I told them if they replace it I'd pay the difference for a color matched shell. I think that's the most cost effective option. The paint shop said it would be really expensive to repaint it if they fix the inside. Also, the windows will make the doors harder to paint. We'll see what happens.

It's a really cool shell. I even like the paint they use (where it didnt fall off). It would be worth it if I got a good one at the end of this I think.

 

^ You should allow them to repaint it again and ask that the paint be warrantied to avoid the same issue in the future.

 

RLD factory just emailed me saying they are building me a replacement shell. I'll keep the thread updated but It looks like they are taking care of it. I appreciate you guys.

 

that's great news. still a pain in the ass for you having to go through all this, but reassuring that they appear to be standing behind their product. please do keep us posted.

 

Thanks, Lengua. No updates since the factory said they'd build another one. They didn't give me a build date or ETA or anything. I'll update the thread as soon as I hear something.

 

Keeping the thread up to date.

I followed up with the local rep. He said they'll have a new frame on the way when a spot is open in a container.

 

I haven't heard anything from RLD since the last post, like 3 weeks ago. I started losing paint off the front pillars now though. (pictured). I have to be careful the paint comes off in big chips while I'm washing it. I know I'm going to scratch the truck one day with a paint chip off the shell.


I'm still having fun with it. I stuck some lights on the inside of the doors. Looks and works great with the doors open and closed. I just wish the paint wasn't completely F'd.

 

I washed the truck today. Lost some more paint. It gets worse every time I wash it. The truck still has only 5200 miles. This is happening while it is sitting in my driveway, not getting driven.

It's all cracked along the top now too (see photos). It's going to start looking real interesting the next few times I wash it. I'll be sure to update the thread. Still haven't heard anything else from RLD.

I'm seeing some rust where water has gotten under the paint. Doesn't look terrible. I think they use decent steel.


We'll see what happens I guess.

 

Now its been 7 months. The paint is still falling off. I can't get RLD to help me in any way with this.

Here's a video of the paint falling off.

 

I’m having issues with my RLD cap rusting. I’ve only had it for 4 months.

 

Damn! I read that somewhere else.

1. Where do you live? Not that it should be happening. I'm in CA thank God.
2. Where is it rusting?
3 Surface rust or structural?
4. Best prevention/solution I've ever come across is to keep it oiled. I don't live in the cold but I'm in the industry. I've seen some really well preserverd trucks. Guys spray motor oil on everything under the truck during winter. Maybe cut the oil with water or something to make it sprayable. Unless the other direction with thick oil or grease works better.

I'm letting the paint fall off but we should be careful of rust.

Sorry thats happening. I'll keep a closer eye on mine. Thanks for the heads up.

 

They shipping a whole new cap setup ?

 

They said that a while back but never sent anything and didn't respond about it.

Most recently they sent that email saying they won't help me. They haven't responded to any of my follow-up emails.

Today tom said he would send a rack. I'll call it good if I get it. He's been the most honest. I have high hopes. It's been 8 months now.

 

I live in San Francisco. It’s rusting on the panels, in the window seals, the panel latch, and the RLD Emblem. That’s all I’ve noticed so far. I’m going to give it a thorough look this weekend. I also had issues with water leaking through the windows. I paid 6k, and am really pissed off. I reached out to Rhino Adventure Gear in Fremont California and sent them photos. I’m going to contact my bank and see what I can do, and also contact RLD directly. Although, I’ve heard that’s a dead end. I’m going to advise anyone who asks to stay away from RLD. This is total bill shit.

 

move been search online “RLD rust” and its popped up several times.

 

All my windows leak too. I was disappointed but it wasn't the end of the world.

San Francisco isn't in the rust belt. No snow or salt. Just sea breeze. That's scary.

Oil it up and pester RLD. Youtube videos and pics. It's a dead end though.