RSI Smart Cap

[GRR95]

Does anyone run a RSI Smart Cap for their upland rig? I have seen some threads mentioning the smart cap but nothing in regards to upland and how it works when hauling dogs around in cold and warm conditions. My main concerns are;

1. Does it get excessively hot in the summer and with that does the small window help enough for air flow?
2. Has condensation been an issue?
3. Any issues with water intrusion or dust?
4. Any general comments on if the smart cap, is worth the money. (a new leer is $4,500+ when set up for upland and dogs so not to worried about that)

Thanks for the help!

 

[hoooogan]

Another option is OVS. My buddy has one and loves it. Didn't cost an arm and a leg either. Just a leg.

Expedition - Truck Cap W/Full Wing Doors, Front and Rear Windows & 3rd Brake Light

Find the perfect Truck Topper Camper Shell with Expedition - Truck Cap Full Wing Doors, Front & Rear Windows a 3rd brake light.

overlandvehiclesystems.com

I have some experience with shells and pop-up toppers, so here:
1) Yes, it is going to get hot. Its a black metal box. Cracking a window will help, but it'll still be considerably hotter than ambient due to the nature of the shell. I had a GFC which has plain metal panels. Cold and heat transfer was a problem. I lined the panels with Reflectix, which helped. Depending on your area, you might consider rigging up a fan of some sort for hot weather.
2) Condensation is inevitable unless you take drastic measures to vent or dry the air (forced air heater, diesel or propane). No good way around that. Be cold and drafty or get a heater. Fan will help too.
3) If the caps are assembled well, it won't leak or have much dust intrusion. You can always add a dab of silicone to trouble areas. BUT, you also need to take steps to seal the bed/tailgate/bed rail caps. I know my Colorado had a massive gap between bed and tailgate.
4) Worth is subjective, but I love having a secure place to store my things. Also, being a singular color, resell will be easier since you aren't dealing with paint matching.

 

[RunNGunSC]

I love my smart cap and think it would work well. It is very rigid. Mine does have the windows but they do look like they are relatively small.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

So far so good. No top tent and no dogs in the back yet. Slept a couple nights in it with all windows open and the back open.

I tested the water proof and dust proof abilities by parking it out in two VERY heavy monsoons. Blowing dust followed by very heavy downpours. It stayed dry and dust free. We shall see how it goes long term and through the fall and winter hunts.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Tagging in. Just bought a brand new F350. This RSI was the direction I was wanting to go. But......EVERY YT review video says they are NOT water tight. Like....at ALL.


And their Dust Mitigation mini vent or whatever....does not seem to work well per the video reviews I've watched. So I am very interested in what you obtain for feedback.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

From the vids I've watched it seems frozen window/panel locks are an issue also

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

From the vids I've watched it seems frozen window/panel locks are an issue also

Are these recent or old videos? They’ve made several production changes.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I'll go back and re-visit. Last 2 years???

 

[GRR95]

Are these recent or old videos? They’ve made several production changes.

I've seen some of the same videos I'm sure but I'm always a little leery of youtube boys who might have been given a discount to review the product or a similar product. Also watching some of the installation videos put up it makes sense why there would be water and dust leaks due to some sub par workmanship...

definitely things to consider though!

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I've seen some of the same videos I'm sure but I'm always a little leery of youtube boys who might have been given a discount to review the product or a similar product. Also watching some of the installation videos put up it makes sense why there would be water and dust leaks due to some sub par workmanship...

definitely things to consider though!

I had mine installed by a dealer for that reason. They know all the tips and tricks as they have done 100s of them.

He mentioned several changes they’ve made as well to make them more water and air tight. For me, we shall see with more use and how quickly the seals and weather stripping die from AZ summers.

So far so good in some absolute downpours and dust storms that look like the movie the mummy.

 

[ThorM465]

I'm watching this thread very closely. I'm looking at the Smart Cap EVO Sport, LEER 100XQ Sport, and the A.R.E. CX Revo for the 2025 Raptor I just bought my wife. This may just be a local problem, but I've been shocked at how disinterested these companies have been in my money. They tightly control their dealers, I've put in multiple requests for the LEER and ARE, with near zero communication back to me from the local dealers. The manufacturers had zero interest in helping me out.

The Smartcap is very interesting, but I'd prefer a near factory look (at least matching body line) and at a minimum I want it paint matched to my shelter green truck. Smartcap is already the most expensive and I would have to pay an additional bill to get the main frame repainted.