RSI SmartCap Evo Sport - My Initial Thoughts - 2024

[@Pistolmike59]

I’m seriously considering getting one of these. I will probably get the Adventure model without the windows and the attached molle panel. Also plan on getting the full bin on one side as a place to securely mount rifles/ shotgun for hunting.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

It does look great. And I love the contrasted Smartcap to the deep, rich red of the truck so much more than trying to have the whole thing the same color. This way, you still see the clear outline of the underlying pickup as your first impression instead of first thinking its a wannabe suv. Wish I could get this deep red on the 2025 F150, but Ford's red seems brighter than this, less appealing.

[@NewDayOutdoors]

Easy fix ... buy a Chevy ... LOL.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

@@NewDayOutdoors Tell Chevy to offer that fold out flat work surface of the front center console found in the F150's and I might consider that.

[@deanmay338]

Just got a new 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71. Wanted the RSI SmartCap. Got estimates on the Leer and ARE ($4200 and $4500 out the door). Ordered RSI SmartCap for about $4,650 out the door installed for me. Expensive, but not that much more expensive than fiberglass shells. Also, 5 to 6 week wait for the fiberglass shells. The RSI SmartCap was shipped to the shop in 1 or 2 days! It is being installed tomorrow. I had to wait a week for an install time slot.

[@TheTruongVerse]

How's the smartcap? Any regrets?

[@deanmay338]

@@TheTruongVerse Thanks for touching base!!! Currently, 8 days into an 11 day camping trip with the new Colorado Z71 and the SmartCamp. Absolutely, love it!!! Exactly what I wanted and living up to my expectations!!! Just love the look and the functionality!

[@TheTruongVerse]

@@deanmay338 are you sleeping in it? If so, how is it? Do you need the windows open or is the positive air vent good?

[@deanmay338]

@@TheTruongVerse we are not sleeping in it. Nor, do we ever plan to carry animals in it. Therefore, I got the EVOa Adventure with solid side wings and no windows as opposed to the EVO Sport with windows. I only plan to haul camping gear. I love the side wings for accessing gear. I also installed a shelf on top of the bed rails that is 1/2 the length of the bed (2.5 ft depth). Wonderful. I can easily organize all of my camping gear and access it from the rear and/or sides. Love it!

[@kip.k]

Been thinking of getting one of these myself. I priced out a Leer or ARE cap and it was still a little over $4K. So the cost of the RSI isn't that much more...especially considering it is made out of steel and not fiberglass.

[@bkbowhunter1]

Looks sharp on your truck

[@nijel7327]

looks sick, can you open the gullwings or back window while inside the bed?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@nijel7327 no

[@nijel7327]

@@NewDayOutdoors even if the lockers are opened?

[@fongvang935]

I like it, only downside is you cant open from the inside. I sleep in my camper shell sometimes and thats a deal breaker

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@fongvang935 yeah that is definitely an issue if you camp in your truck bed.

[@Gendreau113]

You can open it from the inside with the newly released latches! They also prevent freezing up in the winter!! I heard people were contacting RSI and they are sending free replacement latches of the new style (all 6), no cost to you, as a "warranty" for the old ones freezing

[@Gendreau113]

You can open it from the inside with the newly released latches! They also prevent freezing up in the winter!! I heard people were contacting RSI and they are sending free replacement latches of the new style (all 6), no cost to you, as a "warranty" for the old ones freezing

[@oichtown]

just installed mine yesterday. Rain is getting in the same spot you said. the gaskets adhesive is not great and kept falling off everytime we lifted the thing. pain in the butt

[@NewDayOutdoors]

I have had mine in several pretty good rains and never a drop. The only water that has gotten in is when I use my power washer and hit the seal pretty good to get the soapy water out, which given the lateral pressure being applied by the water is understandable. I'd say if you have rain water getting in then something is not lined up properly.

[@Sarahhammond-l1l]

When you open the doors/back when it's raining, does rain just shoot in off the glass in the opening (like at the top line/hinges) or does water channel around the opening?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

The rainwater runs down the glass and enters along the hinges. However, there is an internal frame that then diverts the water to the outside edges of the window opening and discharges it outside of the bed. Will it eliminate 100% of the water? Not in a super heavy rain, but generally speaking it will divert the water during a normal rain pretty well.

[@Gendreau113]

Can you open the tailgate with out opening the top part?? Thanks!

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@Gendreau113 yes

[@tjyoung4211]

Been eyeing this cap...still like it after a few more months? Any issues with it?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@tjyoung4211 I personally love it. I have had zero issues with it. Rain has never gotten in it. I get a ton of compliments on it as well.

[@tjyoung4211]

@@NewDayOutdoors Heck yeah! Thanks for responding! I'm dying to see one in person before buying one.

[@Pistolmike59]

Can you remove the front smartcap window so you can clean your rear truck window?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@Pistolmike59 no

[@stevengonzalez9378]

How does it prevent water from getting in from the tailgate since it does completey cover the door?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@stevengonzalez9378 there is a seal between the cap door and tailgate.

[@keveburd]

Do you know how far apart and how long the roof rack rails are?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

You can space them as far apart as you want to when on top of the cap, as the side tracks are infinitely adjustable within the overall length of the tracks. My tracks allow for about 4-feet maximum spacing between the load bars. Each load bar is approximately 4 1/2 feet long by 3 inches wide.

[@keveburd]

@@NewDayOutdoors Thanks for the reply! I am going to have to build my own rack, I can’t find anything available that will work for what I need. I figured they would be able four feet long. Is the left to right spacing (distance between the two rails) about the same, four feet?

[@vern9093]

Can you open it from the inside?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@vern9093 no

[@vern9093]

@@NewDayOutdoors thanks for responding. That’s freaking stupid. How do someone plan on sleeping in it then?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

That would be tough. But it is a 5'-4" bed and I am 6' tall, so sleeping back there isn't really an option for me.

[@Jester0823]

You can now. They have retro fits to open from inside

[@nemo4evr]

When you might need financing, or to sell your first born to buy a cap for your truck . . .you might be doing it wrong , it looks nice but prices are seriously out of control. On a good note many people will be making their own rigs and posting the results and tutorials on line, like in the good old days.

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@@nemo4evr fiberglass caps are similar priced. Maybe only slightly less. Gotta pay to play.

[@cspoon123]

I agree. I paid $600 for a used commercial cap with tool boxes in the sides. Another $600 to paint match it. And that was for a couple year old 8 ft bed leer with thule rack on top. I think the fiberglass truck caps look better

[@jamestribol1434]

$4400 and no LED lights?

[@NewDayOutdoors]

@jamestribol1434 you can add anything you want for very little. Tons of options on Amazon. I will probably do strip LEDs.

[@jamestribol1434]

@@NewDayOutdoors I had a pricey topper and it came with carpet or sound deadening material and LED lights. surprised your doesn't come with lights already. I like the side 'wings' and window