RSI Smart Cap Review

[@zenithnomad7167]

If anyone is wondering about roof racks the Rhino Rack Roof Rack Heavy duty crossbars 65 inch for Thule and Yakima Tracks work perfectly on the cap. What I currently have and they lockable and quickly removable. I order the RSI brand and was disappointed. They cannot be quickly removed. You have to take the bolts out which is lame and they don’t have a key and lock on them. So I recommend the rhino rack ones. They are like 20 bucks more

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@jmor7707 No. Only if you leave it unlocked

[@coltonware5627]

Hey! I just got back to Florida from Deadhorse! Drove my 97 Ranger 2wd 2.3l there and back, what an awesome trip!!

[@zenithnomad7167]

Right on! Sounds like a fun trip. It is a trip of a life time. I already want to do it again. haha

[@coltonware5627]

@@zenithnomad7167 You and me both! I’m hoping to do it again next summer!! It’s one of those things pictures and stories don’t do it justice, being somewhere so spectacular and remote.

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@coltonware5627 O yeah. Defiantly remote! Good place to get away from everything.

[@sb11michael]

I wonder if that would fit a 09-14 f150?

[@lnchappo]

Does the cap leak at all?

[@russellwood8750]

I have the same canopy on my Toyota Tacoma and I really do like it . it’s a good quality product don’t you wish you were able to open it from the inside particularly when you sleep back there. I don’t know about you but I also find the locks to be a little finicky especially in the Canadian winters. And I’ve watched other peoples reviews on this product and everybody seems to have gotten more keys than me what the hell is that about I only got four.

[@zenithnomad7167]

I do wish could open it from the inside. Yeah my locks are finicky in general sometimes. I’ve bent up a few keys haha

[@fathertime209]

Thanks for the review of this, can you tell me what the opening of the front slider window measures when fully opened? Appreciate it...

[@zenithnomad7167]

I'll have to get the exact measurement but its the same size as the side ones. I have the back sliding window on my F-150 and the window on the cap is smaller then the sliding window on the truck.

[@fathertime209]

@@zenithnomad7167 Right on when you have the time I'd appreciate it if you could find an exact measurement? It's a shame they didn't make it the same size as the cab window. For those of us who do truck camping it's really convenient to go back and forth between those. Thanks for your time

[@josepheyre7761]

I have done a lot of research on this call and see one review where the guy had leaking issues and the seals were wrecked after a year. RSI sent him new seals but said he needs to maintain the bolts and keep tightening then as needed. Have you had those issues? Do you think blue loctite would fix that issue? That is really the only hold up I have otherwise I really like their design.

[@alexcrellin9488]

How do you secure the windows closed when you’re in it? I have one myself and can’t find a way since all the locking is done from the outside.

[@zenithnomad7167]

Crawl in through a side then lock just the one lock through the small window.

[@caleperu4999]

Any problems with the locks and their hinges freezing closed in the winter? All six of mine did the other day, was able to get 5 open with the aid of a screw driver but one is still frozen closed. Seems like their desert design isn't really optimized for a cooler climate.

[@zenithnomad7167]

I have not had that problem yet. I have noticed the small sliding windows on the sides leak water on mine though. I am curious to see how it holds up throughout the winter.

[@WinterOver1417]

@@zenithnomad7167 Any updates on leaks or freezing latches? I am moving to AK and am concerned about this.

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@WinterOver1417 it is a problem. Had them freeze on me a couple times. The leaking I haven’t had a problem with lately so the windows might have just finally settled in some.

[@WinterOver1417]

@@zenithnomad7167 Would you buy it again given the chance or go with something else next time?

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@WinterOver1417 I would buy it again. It's solid, versatile, looks good and it is going to hold up for many years. I am glad I bought it.

[@Big400t4ur4ace]

Considering for my 2012f150 but do you think the 5.5ft bed would be too short?, I’m 6ft

[@jakmove]

How do you open from the inside?

[@zenithnomad7167]

You can’t open it from inside

[@jacobryan2141]

I just bought this myself for my 2020 F-150. I Love it. The only thing that concerns me is that you cannot open it from the inside. So I guess I have to sleep with a door unlocked and pray that no one locks me in. Why didn’t they think that one through lol.

[@zenithnomad7167]

Yeah I know it is annoying. Don’t give anyone your keys and you’ll be good haha

[@betsylane4774]

I just read on their website that they're coming out with interior latches so the cap can be opened from the inside. These will be available for purchase to replace the existing latch once the design is finalized. Now if only I didn't have to wait 8-9 months to get the topper itself! waaah

[@Men-Of-Arms]

and they call it smartcap? 😂

[@skyerains2754]

I just ordered one last night, does it seem to keep most of the dust out? I assume it’s gotta be better than a fiberglass cap.

[@zenithnomad7167]

O yeah it keeps the dust out. The top vent works good for that.

[@sheepdog819]

How do you clean the back window of the cab between the shell?

[@zenithnomad7167]

I don't haha you can get a brush in there though if you want to clean it good.

[@kstarrmd]

How do you clean the front glass?

[@zenithnomad7167]

Good question haha I was asking myself how I was going to do that the other day. There’s enough space between the cab of the truck and the cap though that you can clean it.

[@johnwierman6053]

Thanks for the review! Do you find that inside the bed area gets hotter than the average fiberglass shell? I have two dogs as well and it gets pretty hot here in the summer.

[@zenithnomad7167]

I’ve never had a fiberglass one so can’t really say but I’d say it is probably about the same. But with the windows open and the vent on top it pushes through air while driving so I think that helps.

[@peteniemela9900]

Nice review I have watched several videos on RSI. I have 1 question . If your inside and you close all the doors to sleep or take a nap. Can you open from the inside ? I haven’t seen anybody say you can open from the inside. Thank you for your time

[@zenithnomad7167]

Thanks! Only way you can open is from the outside unfortunately. What I do though for when I sleep in the back is lock the back and a side then go in through the other side close it and then close and lock the latch through the little sliding window. Not the best option but it is A way haha

[@peteniemela9900]

@@zenithnomad7167 I was just curious. I see people buying it for overlanding. Some have RTT, and some don’t. The ones who don’t have a RTT. Say they sleep inside, but didn’t say they close the doors. Now I know why. Thanks for replying. I was leaning towards a fiberglass topper , but the RSI is growing on me

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@peteniemela9900 I love mine. I haven’t regret buying it.

[@peteniemela9900]

@@zenithnomad7167 did you assemble yours ? Or have a dealer assemble and install?

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@peteniemela9900 Dealer did it. I saved 300 bucks having it shipped to a dealer and they put it on for free haha it wouldn't be hard to do it yourself though. Very simple and straight forward.

[@johnneyish]

Do you think it can get too hot inside? I have a German Shepherd and I'm a little bit worried

[@zenithnomad7167]

Sitting it can. Unless you have it all open. Driving It doesn’t seem to be too bad. My dogs were in it one day it was hot and they weren’t having it

[@nonicborj]

Thanks for the video! Are you able to lock the cap from the inside? How do you lock yours when you sleep inside? Also why did you choose this one instead of the RLD cap? Thanks!

[@zenithnomad7167]

No you can't lock it from the inside unless you come in through the side you can lock one lock through the little window. I've just left mine unlocked while sleeping in the back. I chose RSI because I was able to get it shipped to Alaska for free and get it quick. Takes a while for caps to get up here if they even ship up to Alaska.

[@nonicborj]

@@zenithnomad7167 i appreciate the reply! I heard that RSI is actually working on a solution to be able to lock the cap from the inside. I think this is the one for me too. The static and dynamic weight limit on the RLD are attractive but I can't see myself putting that much weight on top of it. Love to see more content! Thanks!

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@nonicborj that be awesome if they came out with something. Yeah I mean the most I’ve had on the roof was myself sitting in a chair using my binos haha hope to get a rooftop tent or cargo rack down the road. I’d recommend it. I drove from Alaska to Georgia with it and never had one problem. So it’s been through a lot with me haha

[@nonicborj]

@@zenithnomad7167 I'm excited to get mine! And yea a roof top tent would be awesome in the future! Nice to hear that. the cap is holding up well with that long road trip!

[@georges4562]

How does that roof top air vent function ? I was wondering about water getting in somehow

[@zenithnomad7167]

It has a sponge like material in it. I’ve never had any water leak through it. It would be hard for any water to get in it with the way it’s designed. I’ve gotten some leave caught in it that’s all. Just unscrew it and clean it.

[@nyak63RUS]

Have you noticed any drop in fuel economy or the way the truck rides? It's a pretty heavy piece I assume, just wondering how it affects daily driving.

[@zenithnomad7167]

A little bit. I get between 15-17 right now daily driving. Truck rides smooth with it on.

[@nyak63RUS]

@@zenithnomad7167 Great, thanks! I'm trying to order one now but everywhere near me is sold out- good sign for a quality cap I guess.

[@EE0971]

Any leaks from heavy rain? Thanks!

[@zenithnomad7167]

Yeah sometimes it leaks a little bit. But nothing crazy.

[@SPACEBEARGUT]

Hey also wondering about the leaking. Where does it leak from? Does any water get in from underneath while driving?

[@betsylane4774]

Adding the screens was genius. How did you figure that out and do it? Was it entirely DIY? Thanks!

[@zenithnomad7167]

All DIY. Was sick of bugs flying in. It’s not the best but it gets the job done!

[@wayrachaki]

How easy would it be to take off? Just remove the clips and lift?

[@zenithnomad7167]

Yup just remove the clamps and lift it off. Guess you could take it off in the 5 parts too if you wanted.

[@HRTBRKD0G]

Since it's been some months were you able to get the leak fixed?

[@zenithnomad7167]

Never got it fixed but I haven’t had any problem with it lately. RSI did get ahold of me about fixing it but I forgot to call back haha

[@datpmf1]

@@zenithnomad7167 how was it through the winter? Did the locks freeze or any other cold climate issues?

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@datpmf1 had a few locks freeze a couple times. But other then that nothing. It’s solid.

[@datpmf1]

@@zenithnomad7167 how is the condensation inside? Did you carpet line it at all?

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@datpmf1 it is alright. If you crack the windows while sleeping in the back there is only a little. condensation. No I didn't carpet line it.

[@Christiananeriz235]

Is that a Bedliner inside?

[@zenithnomad7167]

Yeah it’s a drop in bed liner.

[@asherdog9248]

are you able to sit in a chair without your head hitting the top?

[@zenithnomad7167]

With the small collapsible chairs I can.

[@garyanderson4685]

Who did you order it from?

[@zenithnomad7167]

I ordered it through a shop but you can just order it straight from RSI website and ship it to your house.

[@Scruffers2011]

Is the Smartcap heavy enough to lower the rear end of your truck, to get it more level with the front?

[@zenithnomad7167]

No it’s not that heavy.

[@fathertime209]

Hey there, I had a follow-up question, were you able to measure that front window while it was opened? Also could you tell me how much clearance there is with the tailgate up and opening the rear hatch? Happy holidays...

[@zenithnomad7167]

18 inches for the back hatch open and tailgate closed. 10 inches for the window open. Happy New Year. Sorry about the late response.

[@fathertime209]

@@zenithnomad7167 No worries at all, thanks a bunch and I hope you're enjoying your camper shell on many adventures!

[@fathertime209]

@@zenithnomad7167 is the opening 10 in by 10 in? The reason I'm asking is I'm trying to find out if we could fit through the window to get to the cab... Thanks again!

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@fathertime209 the windows are small. 10x10. I can’t fit through it and I’m not a big dude haha

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@fathertime209 can easily reach through though to grab stuff.

[@jameslawson5177]

Any change in MPG? A ball park price? Looks good on your F150!

[@zenithnomad7167]

Not really. I get 15-18 MPG everyday. It cost $3895.00 plus shipping if you ship it to your house. Free shipping if you get it sent to a dealership. Can order to match your color if you want too. And thanks. I really like the build and the look!

[@jeffquigley9968]

Did your side window vent come with screens?

[@zenithnomad7167]

No it did not. I put some screens on myself.

[@konstantink7500]

The vertical video... It's so nice...

[@leadershipoutfitters5380]

Is this topper lined? How do you keep the roof from condensing with vapor when you sleep in the back?

[@zenithnomad7167]

No it is not lined. I keep the windows cracked to keep less condensation in the back.

[@leadershipoutfitters5380]

I’m about to pull the trigger on this topper, what are the downsides to the RSI? And would you buy it again?

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@leadershipoutfitters5380 Would buy it again. The only problem for me so far is that my small side windows leak a little bit if it is raining hard. Other then that it is solid. It will last you a long time if you get one, I drove from Alaska to Georgia with it and did not have any problems.

[@leadershipoutfitters5380]

@@zenithnomad7167 thanks I appreciate the reply.

[@zenithnomad7167]

@@leadershipoutfitters5380 no problem! Hope you enjoy it.

[@tacoma0824]

Do you had to remove after market Bedliner when you install the cap?

[@zenithnomad7167]

Nope. I still have my bedliner in my truck. Fits with no problem