Definitely not an advertisement. Just a dude grateful for them working really hard to get the canopy installed as fast as possible so I could drive back to AZ.
Good to see something quality coming out of South Africa. I lived there for a bit and we would always stick to buying imported stuff because of the very low quality.
That looks like a great design. It also looks like when the doors are open and it's raining the water is directed around the opening by the inner door lip. On say a Jeep Wrangler when the rear hatch is open it sticks out from the body so all the water runs off the top of the window on to what you are doing in the back door.
these guys at cali raised, are just so you know phenomenal, they went above incredible beyond totally great , you know these guys, are just unbelievable beyond helpful.
I was just at Cali-Raised last weekend to have my rock sliders from Cali Raised installed. they are awesome. treated me right and I left with a smile! I'll probably be back.
Great choice, I went back and forth between this and the RSI, I actually live about 30 minutes from Cali Raised. You really can not go wrong with either cap. I ended up going a different direction entirely but staying away from fiberglass as I too had concerns around long range reliability.
Hi, since I saw your video, I make some recherche about canopy. And is definitely the best option for start to built Overland Vehicle. Like your great set up. I m living in Canada so I need to think about snow, and with canopy for Put the gear is the best and for protection off the gear to. So I built my Tacoma ( July 2022) like your set up, just not the same cie. I put Alu-Cab Explorer canopy with 3 cupboard . 2 on driver side and 1 passenger side. I like this product because you can add the cupboard to the canopy and they have T-Rail inside the canopy ( on top) like this with M8 bolt you can put some stuff on top but inside. And outside on the top they have 2 Rail for M8 bolt , so I put the load bars on and fix my RTT and Awning. Canopy are great gear , and Stainless or Aluminum like Alu-Cab, I m sure there are better thand fiberglass. 👍👍
All the way from South Africa 🇿🇦, my home country....WOW! Took my 2021 Taco this past weekend on some back country trails here in Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 and saw how the bed twisted....definitely need to get those bed brackets!
Good video, good review. I like everything about this cap except the looks. To me, it looks like the old time aluminum caps, square. I just cant get over the looks. But, that's what is great, we all have different tastes. If you're happy with it, that's all that matters. I have an A.R.E. on my 2018 Z71 Colorado. Overall I'm very pleased with it. Wish the rear window sealed better, but, it is what it is. I just ordered a 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro and will be getting a cap for it. Thanks for making the video and sharing it with us.
definitely needs sliding windows on the side with screens so you can vent it fully if you sleep in the back and the ability to have it keyless entry like most fiberglass toppers have an option for.
Three questions: 1) Did they touch up paint the drilled holes for bed stiffener? 2) Did they waterproof the wire tap inside the taillight for 3rd brake light? 3) How long did it take you to get use to lot less rear visibility?
I am interested in this but $6500 is rough. I have an ARE on my old second generation, But it getting to be time to add one to the third generation. Another great video!
I'll be honest with you, it doesn't look bad but it doesn't look that beautiful either. Looks like an acquired taste honestly. Hopefully this is serving you well. I am interested in this product as well.
It definitely is growing on me. I think the overall look it awesome. The gap annoyed me in the beginning but now I like it. I can wash behind the cab which has always been a pain.
The Tacoma is such a popular rigging platform, but it sucks that the gearing is so bad. People spend thousands and tens of thousands making an overland vehicle, but without re gearing, the trucks tranny is a nightmare. I owned one and sold it. I kept my 99 Lexus LX470 with the old 4 speed trans. and V8 grunt. I removed the 2nd and 3rd row seats and have TONS of room without having to spend a dime on "enclosing" the back. I think this is where folks really need to evaluate their needs. SUV vs. truck. I had a Cali Raised bedrack with a Tepui RTT. and ended up having camping gear stolen from the truck bed. I know the really sweet cap in this video solves that, but a 4Runner / GX / LX already has it covered. Plus, the GX/LX already has enough low end torque that re gearing isn't usually necessary. To each his own and that's what makes all this so fun! I gotta admit, I REALLY like the way this looks and I love the opening side doors on the cap. (PS - I installed the Emu Wing gull wing style rear windows on my LX so I have access similar to this one. I'm not sure I'd do it again, it was a pretty big pain in the butt.)
Looks good 👍 I have a lot of Cali Raised mods on my Tacoma but went with Leer XR and deck … from what I’m doing. This is a perfect setup for tent top. The looks aren’t near as nice as a Leer on Tacomas
Nice video and nice cap ... but i don’t really see the gain over this one that you had ... the fiberglass cap you had in my opinion matched your truck way better ... this looks like square dog box ? Obviously I’m happy you like it 👍... can’t wait to see your reviews of it down the road
Thanks man. I know it definitely isn’t everyone’s taste but I love it. At first I didn’t like the gap between the canopy and the cab but the gap is actually just big enough for me to reach my arm in to wash it. Way better. And the strength is ridiculous. I’m thinking I’m gonna like it.
Great video. I have an RLD cap on order for my long bed 2020 Tacoma, so really appreciate seeing your video as it gave me a great idea of what the RLD is going to look like on my Taco. I'm expecting the cap to arrive in June. Can't wait. I'm also adding the RLD cabinets to the side openings so I have a place for recovery gear, a battery/power system, etc. Thanks!
I hear you. You should definitely check out the Smartcap. It is stainless steel and doesn’t have the gap. I actually really like it for the ease of cleaning.
Nice! The black accents and the cement grey color go so well together. That rear is packing some weight now! Have you checked out SuperPacific’s Switchback X1?
I have the exact same truck and color. been looking for months for a shell. These are cool but that giant gap where it meets (or doesnt meet) the back of the cab is a boner killer for me. The fact the shell does not contour as the cab does makes it look cheap and like it was made for a different truck. They could have done a much better job. I like everything else about it but its a deal breaker for me.
It took me a while to get used to it but I really dig it. I get to wash the back windows without climbing into the bed. You should check out the RSI Cab.
I have an RSI Smart Cap. I live in Colorado and am having MAJOR problems with the locks. They freeze shut and snow gets into them when you open the hinges and they won't close. Today when I went backcountry skiing, I had to move all of the stuff in the bed into my back seat so it wouldn't get stolen because the lock would not close. If you live where it's cold or snowy, you might want to take this into consideration. The company is supposedly fixing this problem but the new locks won't be in until spring. That means all winter my stuff is unsecured. Has anyone else experienced this? I want to love this topper, but right now it's not working for me :(
Well that totally sucks. I would start talking to higher ups in the company. They should be sending you better locks now. I’ve only had my RLD Designs canopy in the snow once but the locks were totally fine. Maybe it’s time for you to swap over to the RLD Designs?
I’m my experience they are completely water tight. I have had more issues trying to seal up my bed then the canopy. The beds aren’t made to seal up so water can drain out and they leak everywhere. Drain plugs, large gaps against the cab wall and under the side rail cover.
Yea that is what I heard. Too bad. There is Smartcap and Tactical Cap. Smartcap is good and don’t know anything about Tactical Cap except what their website shows.
Wouldn't the cap itself act as a bed stiffener? I've always seen those bed stiffeners to be more of a gimmick. They're cool for tying things down tho. Love the truck man!
Unfortunately they are actually needed because the Tacoma beds are completely composite and are weak. The canopy actually push against the bedside by design near the tailgate. The RLD way less than my ProTop but better safe than sorry.
It’s funny I watch your channel and love the content and we seem to have very similar taste in what we wanna do to our trucks however a lot of the time you seem to beat me to getting the work done. But for once I seem to of put stuff on my truck before you did LOL. I went with a very similar set up as to what you have chosen I went with total chaos bed stiffeners in order to prevent I need problems for that down the road but they also act as an extra tiedown point which most people don’t consider. my canopy is very similar to yours I went with a stainless steel RSI EVO smart cap. And so far it’s standing up to the elements here in Canada. Do you love the new accessories you put on the truck. PS you have the same locks on your canopy as there is on mine it is the only thing about my canopy I’m not fond of. The thing about the locks is they do not open from the inside aunt the locks themselves where you put the keys in can be very finicky particularly in the cold Dust and dirt which is what we exposed them to. However talking to The North American rep of the company which I bought my canopy from he said they’ve had customer complaints about this and plan to address it by bringing out an updated lock system for the canopies it may be something you might want to consider for yours in the future as I find the locks on mine to be a little frustrating.
Thank you so much and that is too funny. Similar builds and polar opposite terrain. Shows the real diversity in these trucks. I really liked the RSI but when I saw the cement colored RLD I knew that was the one I was getting.
@@AdventureBuilt I can't talk to you for that it does look really nice on the truck. But just to let you know you can also get the RSI shipped in painted to the color of your vehicle too. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Enjoy the videos you guys make keep them coming it's better than what's on TV .
@@russellwood8750 are you sure about that. I thought the RSI only came in Solid Black or Solid White. If you want it color matched the dealer can do it for an extra charge or you can have it done.
@@AdventureBuilt I believe so if you're ordering it from any of the dealers here in North America it's only available in black and white however if you order it direct from the manufacturer and give them the paint code I believe they can give it to you and any color you request . When I was talking to one of the North American reps this is what he told me. It's just a bit more inconvenient and you have to wait for it to be shipped I guess.
Folks at Cali Raised where super nice to talk with but seem to have something against Ford. Would love to have a set of their 25 degree rock sliders for my 2018 F150, but they make nothing for Ford and weren't interested in developing a set to make a sale.
Yea there probably isn’t a huge market for Ford rock sliders. I bet you could find a custom shop to build you a set. Cali Raised only does mass production sliders not necessarily one offs. Best of luck.
At first I didn’t like it but it has grown on me. Especially since I can wash the back window without having to crawl in the back of the canopy and drop the window.
I had a fiberglass shell with glass windows and didn’t really notice a difference. I never looked through the side glass of the camper shell since my mirrors can see that part of the truck. The rear window is a bit smaller so there definitely is a slight loss of vision there. The rear facing camera helps out with that one.
Looks good and decent securing design, there hard to find decent looking ones I’m debating on getting something similar for my tundra or getting racks. What headlight n tail lights are you running, you should also do a video on wiring systems under hood with dual battery set up I wanna run duals with a charger in there so I don’t run out of juice possible alt upgrade maybe mechman
I’m a clean window fanatic and thus I love the gap between my cab and RLD for cleaning. I do care about “looks”, but “function” will always win the day.
Honestly it has only sprinkled here in the desert in the last couple months so I have no idea. I’m gonna assume that it’s gonna be water tight but that is only based off how dust free it is.
Great video! By far the best in my opinion on this canopy. I just installed one on my Tacoma. Curious to know did you use the RLD load bar to mount your tent or a different bar?
I’m pretty sure the technical term is hotter than hell. In the summer the internal temp of a car can get up to 180 degrees. I’m sure the canopy interior will be crazy hot but probably just as hot as the fiberglass with carpet liner. The carpet liner is more of a cover up of the unfinished fiberglass layer. Usually though I pack up the truck and head north to cooler temps when it gets that hot.
I have an ARE MX cap on my 2022 Ranger. It works pretty well, but I'd like to spend more time camping and having the truck bed still available for daily use. I notice GFC and super pasific have a setup similar to yours, except there's allows you to stand inside the truck bed. Any thoughts as to why I should stay away from a GFC set up and get your top plug a tent for the roof top? Thanks
Great video...Do you ever have to re tighten the bolts on the canopy after going on some trails? Does it ever shift around and you having to reset it? Thanks
Kinda curious now.. I got one from them for $3700. No color match just solid black. I wonder how you ended up paying almost the same with the color match paint price!
I wasn’t factoring in shipping costs and tax stuff. It was more of a general price. Looking at my receipt I paid $3899 for the canopy and color match and $198 for shipping. I still think it’s worth it.
@@AdventureBuilt : they charge you shipping even though it was already at the shop? I mean cause you made the drive down there and all. But yes either way I think it’s worth it. After taxes it came out to $3750 for me. Just black no side windows or color match. Just black.
I’ll never understand why there are no American manufacturers creating truck toppers like these. It seems silly that you have to import from Africa or Australia to get a quality stainless steel or aluminum truck topper. And when you compare something like this to the American fiberglass toppers, it is almost embarrassing. This really feels like an enormous hole in the American off-road manufacturing community.
Nice rig. Did you consider something like a GFC camper? What were your considerations going with the steely with a RTP vs the GFC where you can access RFT from inside?
Honestly I’m not a fan of the GFC. I don’t like the idea of having to climb into the bed of you truck to get into your tent. Plus opening and closing the back while inside. Not for me.
@@AdventureBuilt roger that. If I get a pick up next time I need to cover bed to store my mtb inside. I like the steel caps with rtt like you have and the gfc types. Trying to get peoples’ positives and negatives about them as ivd never had either and thus am sure im missing some things about them. Like to me I thought entering from the inside as a plus, but your comment has me thinking about how that would work with a bunch of stuff including my Mtb in the bed. Keep enjoying your rig! 🤙
The fender flares are RSI flares. I liked them but went back to stock shortly after. For my personal taste I’m willing to sacrifice the protection they offer. I went back to stock. I just liked the look better.
Basically the bedside stiffeners hod the bed at the correct angle and stop the bed from flexing when you load the bedsides with a bedrack or camper shell. The bed of the Tacoma’s is polymer not steel so it flexes a lot.
@@AdventureBuilt Thanks for getting back but you and everyone else says the same thing and no evidence shown for what your trying to accomplish. I would only think if you didn't have a tail gate you would need this. Otherwise the tailgate would suffice!...if any evidence you know of please let me know. Thanks.
Liked it, until I checked the price…….woooaaaa, that’s pricey, plus it only comes in basic colors, I would have to paint it match the truck…more $$$$. My truck is going to be used on the highway and maybe a dirt road every now and then….this top not for me…..if I had a Raptor and planned a lot of desert running and bumps and lots of flexing, it would definitely come into consideration.
The people I dealt with on Instagram from RLD Designs are arrogant , rude and unprofessional. Have they put the 3rd brake light on their caps yet ??? I would go with "Smart Cap" hands down. Far better and from the same country.
That sucks. I’m not sure who deals with their IG. They do have the 3rd brake light. They are both awesome. My buddy ordered the RSI. Maybe I’ll do a comparison video.
@@AdventureBuilt I would like to see that. I think that RLD would win out , only because they have more of a color offering to customers. Both are stainless steel and if I'm not mistaken RSI is new to the USA customer base. They also don't offer all models in the USA at the moment. I really want the EVOd , but can not order it for USA because they say demand is not high.
Do they make a version of your topper that has more height? I am thinking of another 2 / 3 feet of height that might enable sitting on the inside of the truck bed, or stacking gear a bit higher...I am a cyclist, so keeping my bikes inside on a bike mount.
Hey sir! I’ve been rocking an RSI smartcap for a year. Overall happy with it. Except for the water element. Surprising amount of water inside. How’s the fit and weather resistance?
The fit is amazing. Way less dust inside compared to my ProTop fiberglass shell. Although we have had a really dry spring so I haven’t had the canopy out in much rain at all. That desert life. I going to assume that because it keeps dust out better it should keep water out better. One thing I did that you might look at it at the front of the bed on the top of the rail there are big gaps. I filled those in with black spray foam. I also sealed up my tailgate the best I could with rubber gasket.
I had the same issue with water. it was the bed of the Tacoma. I took it back to Cali Raised thinking it was the cap and they showed me it was the truck itself and even sealed it for me with some black silicone. Thanks again Cali Raised!
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This was a great Cali Raised advertisement...I hope you got some great discounts from them.
Definitely not an advertisement. Just a dude grateful for them working really hard to get the canopy installed as fast as possible so I could drive back to AZ.
Good to see something quality coming out of South Africa. I lived there for a bit and we would always stick to buying imported stuff because of the very low quality.
As a 20 year old, i think the old man camper shells on those tacomas are badass. Especially on a build like this
Haha yea they definitely work and look good it’s just the fiberglass construction that sucks.
That looks like a great design. It also looks like when the doors are open and it's raining the water is directed around the opening by the inner door lip. On say a Jeep Wrangler when the rear hatch is open it sticks out from the body so all the water runs off the top of the window on to what you are doing in the back door.
these guys at cali raised, are just so you know phenomenal, they went above incredible beyond totally great , you know these guys, are just unbelievable beyond helpful.
I was just at Cali-Raised last weekend to have my rock sliders from Cali Raised installed. they are awesome. treated me right and I left with a smile! I'll probably be back.
Very cool. Customer service is definitely a dying art and those guys mail it every time.
Great choice, I went back and forth between this and the RSI, I actually live about 30 minutes from Cali Raised. You really can not go wrong with either cap. I ended up going a different direction entirely but staying away from fiberglass as I too had concerns around long range reliability.
Hi. Curious what direction you went with>?
I ended up going with a GFC
Thank you. That is the great thing about Overlanding. Almost limitless options.
@@AdventureBuilt 100% brother. Enjoy
Hi, since I saw your video, I make some recherche about canopy. And is definitely the best option for start to built Overland Vehicle. Like your great set up. I m living in Canada so I need to think about snow, and with canopy for Put the gear is the best and for protection off the gear to. So I built my Tacoma ( July 2022) like your set up, just not the same cie. I put Alu-Cab Explorer canopy with 3 cupboard . 2 on driver side and 1 passenger side. I like this product because you can add the cupboard to the canopy and they have T-Rail inside the canopy ( on top) like this with M8 bolt you can put some stuff on top but inside. And outside on the top they have 2 Rail for M8 bolt , so I put the load bars on and fix my RTT and Awning. Canopy are great gear , and Stainless or Aluminum like Alu-Cab, I m sure there are better thand fiberglass. 👍👍
All the way from South Africa 🇿🇦, my home country....WOW!
Took my 2021 Taco this past weekend on some back country trails here in Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 and saw how the bed twisted....definitely need to get those bed brackets!
Nice man. I’ve never been to South Africa but hopefully one day. Yea those bedside stiffeners are awesome.
Good video, good review. I like everything about this cap except the looks. To me, it looks like the old time aluminum caps, square. I just cant get over the looks. But, that's what is great, we all have different tastes. If you're happy with it, that's all that matters. I have an A.R.E. on my 2018 Z71 Colorado. Overall I'm very pleased with it. Wish the rear window sealed better, but, it is what it is. I just ordered a 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro and will be getting a cap for it. Thanks for making the video and sharing it with us.
Thank you. Check out the RSI Smartcap. It has a different look and still stainless steel.
definitely needs sliding windows on the side with screens so you can vent it fully if you sleep in the back and the ability to have it keyless entry like most fiberglass toppers have an option for.
Three questions: 1) Did they touch up paint the drilled holes for bed stiffener? 2) Did they waterproof the wire tap inside the taillight for 3rd brake light? 3) How long did it take you to get use to lot less rear visibility?
Yes they touched up the paint, the wire is waterproofed and I’m used to having limited visibility from my previous shell.
6:52 HOLY-GAP Batman!
Best video on the RLD I’ve seen yet. Thanks!
Thank you so much!!!
SnugTop GB Sport for the Tacoma is also a nice fiberglass option. Nice review 👍🏽
Thank you. They are nice but still fiberglass. You can’t beat the strength of steel.
@@AdventureBuilt Agreed. But, I think the SnugTop GB is the best option for folks who don't plan on putting tons of weight on their topper.
@@flexr642 Not only that you can get the Snugtop with 600lb reinforced roof...
I am interested in this but $6500 is rough. I have an ARE on my old second generation, But it getting to be time to add one to the third generation. Another great video!
I'll be honest with you, it doesn't look bad but it doesn't look that beautiful either. Looks like an acquired taste honestly. Hopefully this is serving you well. I am interested in this product as well.
It definitely is growing on me. I think the overall look it awesome. The gap annoyed me in the beginning but now I like it. I can wash behind the cab which has always been a pain.
The Tacoma is such a popular rigging platform, but it sucks that the gearing is so bad. People spend thousands and tens of thousands making an overland vehicle, but without re gearing, the trucks tranny is a nightmare. I owned one and sold it. I kept my 99 Lexus LX470 with the old 4 speed trans. and V8 grunt. I removed the 2nd and 3rd row seats and have TONS of room without having to spend a dime on "enclosing" the back. I think this is where folks really need to evaluate their needs. SUV vs. truck. I had a Cali Raised bedrack with a Tepui RTT. and ended up having camping gear stolen from the truck bed. I know the really sweet cap in this video solves that, but a 4Runner / GX / LX already has it covered. Plus, the GX/LX already has enough low end torque that re gearing isn't usually necessary. To each his own and that's what makes all this so fun! I gotta admit, I REALLY like the way this looks and I love the opening side doors on the cap. (PS - I installed the Emu Wing gull wing style rear windows on my LX so I have access similar to this one. I'm not sure I'd do it again, it was a pretty big pain in the butt.)
Legit argument!!!
Looks good 👍 I have a lot of Cali Raised mods on my Tacoma but went with Leer XR and deck … from what I’m doing. This is a perfect setup for tent top. The looks aren’t near as nice as a Leer on Tacomas
I really like the way the ARE caps are shaped with the trucks body. This one looks rather boxy. I do however like the idea of a stainless topper.
It’s all about the strength for me. 💪
Nice video and nice cap ... but i don’t really see the gain over this one that you had ... the fiberglass cap you had in my opinion matched your truck way better ... this looks like square dog box ? Obviously I’m happy you like it 👍... can’t wait to see your reviews of it down the road
Thanks man. I know it definitely isn’t everyone’s taste but I love it. At first I didn’t like the gap between the canopy and the cab but the gap is actually just big enough for me to reach my arm in to wash it. Way better. And the strength is ridiculous. I’m thinking I’m gonna like it.
Great video. Im guessing they have gone up quite a bit in couple years. 4,300$ now for Tacoma
Oh damn!!!
Great video. I have an RLD cap on order for my long bed 2020 Tacoma, so really appreciate seeing your video as it gave me a great idea of what the RLD is going to look like on my Taco. I'm expecting the cap to arrive in June. Can't wait. I'm also adding the RLD cabinets to the side openings so I have a place for recovery gear, a battery/power system, etc. Thanks!
Very cool. I looked at the cabinets but couldn’t swing the extra cash for them.
Looks good. Just not a fan of that big gap between the shell and the rear Windows
I hear you. You should definitely check out the Smartcap. It is stainless steel and doesn’t have the gap. I actually really like it for the ease of cleaning.
The gap between the shell and the truck seems kinda large compared to other similar shells like RSI
Yea but it’s great for cleaning the back window.
Everyone living in the rust prone regions of the world just cringed when you didn’t seal those drill holes.
I completely agree.
New game: Every time you say "Cali Raised," take a drink.
He’d be flat on his back before cap was even installed
Another enjoyable quality video. I like that shell. Lot lighter than my Snugtop.
Thank you very much...stronger also!!!
Robert Young, well, nice to see you too!
@@fishtacoma Likewise brother fish. 👍
Nice! The black accents and the cement grey color go so well together. That rear is packing some weight now!
Have you checked out SuperPacific’s Switchback X1?
Thank you very much. Yea I definitely have a lot of junk in the trunk. I have looked at the super pacific. It’s really cool.
I have the exact same truck and color. been looking for months for a shell. These are cool but that giant gap where it meets (or doesnt meet) the back of the cab is a boner killer for me. The fact the shell does not contour as the cab does makes it look cheap and like it was made for a different truck. They could have done a much better job. I like everything else about it but its a deal breaker for me.
It took me a while to get used to it but I really dig it. I get to wash the back windows without climbing into the bed. You should check out the RSI Cab.
I have an RSI Smart Cap. I live in Colorado and am having MAJOR problems with the locks. They freeze shut and snow gets into them when you open the hinges and they won't close. Today when I went backcountry skiing, I had to move all of the stuff in the bed into my back seat so it wouldn't get stolen because the lock would not close. If you live where it's cold or snowy, you might want to take this into consideration. The company is supposedly fixing this problem but the new locks won't be in until spring. That means all winter my stuff is unsecured. Has anyone else experienced this? I want to love this topper, but right now it's not working for me :(
Well that totally sucks. I would start talking to higher ups in the company. They should be sending you better locks now. I’ve only had my RLD Designs canopy in the snow once but the locks were totally fine. Maybe it’s time for you to swap over to the RLD Designs?
Alpha from Australia has best camper shells, very modern, not like ones in USA, and they also ship them to USA.
What is their website?
I've seen a lot of reviews that say they are not water tight. To me water tight is everything.
I’m my experience they are completely water tight. I have had more issues trying to seal up my bed then the canopy. The beds aren’t made to seal up so water can drain out and they leak everywhere. Drain plugs, large gaps against the cab wall and under the side rail cover.
Damn.. I'd be into that cap if it actually sealed up against the cab
Yea the gap is noticeable but the one advantage that I like is you can just fit my arm back there to wash the back window. Very convenient.
That indeed, is, a great looking shell.
Thank you very much!!!
I looked at the modular metal shells and they just don't look like they are made to fit the truck. Also $5000 compared to $2000...no brainer.
Unless you fiberglass shell cracks in a year then maybe not a no brainer. Maybe.
If only I could get one for my truck they are no longer available in the USA
Yea that is what I heard. Too bad. There is Smartcap and Tactical Cap. Smartcap is good and don’t know anything about Tactical Cap except what their website shows.
Wouldn't the cap itself act as a bed stiffener? I've always seen those bed stiffeners to be more of a gimmick. They're cool for tying things down tho. Love the truck man!
Unfortunately they are actually needed because the Tacoma beds are completely composite and are weak. The canopy actually push against the bedside by design near the tailgate. The RLD way less than my ProTop but better safe than sorry.
@@AdventureBuilt since you’re new camper weights less than your old fiber glass did you feel like you needed the stiffeners then?
It’s funny I watch your channel and love the content and we seem to have very similar taste in what we wanna do to our trucks however a lot of the time you seem to beat me to getting the work done. But for once I seem to of put stuff on my truck before you did LOL. I went with a very similar set up as to what you have chosen I went with total chaos bed stiffeners in order to prevent I need problems for that down the road but they also act as an extra tiedown point which most people don’t consider. my canopy is very similar to yours I went with a stainless steel RSI EVO smart cap. And so far it’s standing up to the elements here in Canada. Do you love the new accessories you put on the truck. PS you have the same locks on your canopy as there is on mine it is the only thing about my canopy I’m not fond of. The thing about the locks is they do not open from the inside aunt the locks themselves where you put the keys in can be very finicky particularly in the cold Dust and dirt which is what we exposed them to. However talking to The North American rep of the company which I bought my canopy from he said they’ve had customer complaints about this and plan to address it by bringing out an updated lock system for the canopies it may be something you might want to consider for yours in the future as I find the locks on mine to be a little frustrating.
Thank you so much and that is too funny. Similar builds and polar opposite terrain. Shows the real diversity in these trucks. I really liked the RSI but when I saw the cement colored RLD I knew that was the one I was getting.
@@AdventureBuilt I can't talk to you for that it does look really nice on the truck. But just to let you know you can also get the RSI shipped in painted to the color of your vehicle too. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Enjoy the videos you guys make keep them coming it's better than what's on TV .
@@russellwood8750 are you sure about that. I thought the RSI only came in Solid Black or Solid White. If you want it color matched the dealer can do it for an extra charge or you can have it done.
@@AdventureBuilt I believe so if you're ordering it from any of the dealers here in North America it's only available in black and white however if you order it direct from the manufacturer and give them the paint code I believe they can give it to you and any color you request . When I was talking to one of the North American reps this is what he told me. It's just a bit more inconvenient and you have to wait for it to be shipped I guess.
I would argue that my snugtop looks better. But that ss will last longer.
That gap behind the cab is ugly 🤣
Initially I didn’t like the gap but now I love it. I can fit my arm between to wash and dry both sides. Plus it’s different but in a good way. 😂😂😂
Ugly indeed
Folks at Cali Raised where super nice to talk with but seem to have something against Ford. Would love to have a set of their 25 degree rock sliders for my 2018 F150, but they make nothing for Ford and weren't interested in developing a set to make a sale.
Yea there probably isn’t a huge market for Ford rock sliders. I bet you could find a custom shop to build you a set. Cali Raised only does mass production sliders not necessarily one offs. Best of luck.
I don't like the gap between the cabin and the cap compared to RSI smartcap. What do you think?
At first I didn’t like it but it has grown on me. Especially since I can wash the back window without having to crawl in the back of the canopy and drop the window.
Gonna have huge blind spots with this shell. I prefer classic glass windows
I had a fiberglass shell with glass windows and didn’t really notice a difference. I never looked through the side glass of the camper shell since my mirrors can see that part of the truck. The rear window is a bit smaller so there definitely is a slight loss of vision there. The rear facing camera helps out with that one.
Fast forward to Dec '22 and a color matched 5' top will be $4700+. ouch. 700lb dynamic weight limit is nice though.
Looks good and decent securing design, there hard to find decent looking ones I’m debating on getting something similar for my tundra or getting racks. What headlight n tail lights are you running, you should also do a video on wiring systems under hood with dual battery set up I wanna run duals with a charger in there so I don’t run out of juice possible alt upgrade maybe mechman
Thank you very much!!! The headlights and taillights are stock and will be doing a video of a dual battery install very soon!
@@AdventureBuilt SDHQ makes a great system but it’s pricey I think I’ll order one on Black Friday
Cement gray slightly off in in color but dam that’s a nice top.
Thank you very much. Yes it’s just a shade off but it looks really close. Plus the black doors kinda hide the color match. I really like it.
Can you open it from the inside? 🤙
No you sure can’t. You would have to rig something if you wanted to sleep in the bed.
So you’ll be trap if you sleep inside 😂
Thanks for the reply have a great one 🤙
HOW did you mount the cross bars? rails on the cap top already or did you have to install them first? TIA
I actually bolted Yakima Aero cross bars right to the bad using the bar extrusion. Very tight to the cab.
Why does it look like it does not fit by the cab?
Just the design. Took me a minute to get used to it.
Thank you for posting
Thank you for watching!!!
I'm sure the quality is great, but it looks terrible. It looks out of place and doesn't flow well with the truck at all.
The quality is great and everyone has their thing.
I really like how this looks, but I prefer utilitarian to sleek, kind of like cargo pants vs trousers.
You are crazy! This looks a million times better than any fiberglass top ever would.
Gladiator from the rear
Very nice and I"ll check them out.
For sure!!!!
Wow awesome 👏 Camper
Thank you very much!!!
I don't like two things about it.
It sits higher than a cab, and that big gap between the cab.
It looks like its from some other track
I’m a clean window fanatic and thus I love the gap between my cab and RLD for cleaning. I do care about “looks”, but “function” will always win the day.
At the point where you are just pulling out of the bay.
How is the waterproof-ness?
Honestly it has only sprinkled here in the desert in the last couple months so I have no idea. I’m gonna assume that it’s gonna be water tight but that is only based off how dust free it is.
I like the look of “grandpa” camper shells more. My opinion though
Haha to each their own. I still have a ARE Shell on my 2013 Tacoma and I still think it looks good also.
thank you for letting everyone know how you feel
A Pappy Cap!
Need one for the 1794 lol...that cap is exactly want I'm saving up for.
Great video! By far the best in my opinion on this canopy. I just installed one on my Tacoma. Curious to know did you use the RLD load bar to mount your tent or a different bar?
It looks like he used a Yakima rack. This was my same question. Can you show the mounting of this rack and more specifically which rack did you use?
How are the daytime interior temps in the desert southwest, what with there being no insulation or surface covering on the inner surfaces?
I’m pretty sure the technical term is hotter than hell. In the summer the internal temp of a car can get up to 180 degrees. I’m sure the canopy interior will be crazy hot but probably just as hot as the fiberglass with carpet liner. The carpet liner is more of a cover up of the unfinished fiberglass layer. Usually though I pack up the truck and head north to cooler temps when it gets that hot.
muh buddy says so...great argument.
Did they water proof all the seams at the front of the bed
Yea I used black silicone and sealed it all up the best I could. I still get a bit of dust in.
2:33 Cement gray and black trim looks nice
Thank you very much!!!
Can you make a video about the tent?
Absolutely.
Your center stop light worked fine? Somehow my center stop light doesn't work and supposedly the Ram's have a wire to connect to.
Damn that is weird. Yea my third brake light works great.
Your shell is stronger & more functional than most. The fit against the back of the cab is poor.
Honestly I didn’t like it at first but it’s growing on me. Plus now I can wash the back of the cab.
I have an ARE MX cap on my 2022 Ranger. It works pretty well, but I'd like to spend more time camping and having the truck bed still available for daily use. I notice GFC and super pasific have a setup similar to yours, except there's allows you to stand inside the truck bed. Any thoughts as to why I should stay away from a GFC set up and get your top plug a tent for the roof top?
Thanks
It's gonna last pretty much inevitably
Completely agree!!!!
Great video...Do you ever have to re tighten the bolts on the canopy after going on some trails? Does it ever shift around and you having to reset it? Thanks
Thank you. Never had to retighten and no shifting. It’s rock solid!!!
Kinda curious now.. I got one from them for $3700. No color match just solid black. I wonder how you ended up paying almost the same with the color match paint price!
I wasn’t factoring in shipping costs and tax stuff. It was more of a general price. Looking at my receipt I paid $3899 for the canopy and color match and $198 for shipping. I still think it’s worth it.
@@AdventureBuilt : they charge you shipping even though it was already at the shop? I mean cause you made the drive down there and all. But yes either way I think it’s worth it. After taxes it came out to $3750 for me. Just black no side windows or color match. Just black.
if you can actiually get em - (they are sold out) They are $5000 bucks! pretty pricey
Super pricey. There are a lot of options that might be better out now.
Is your truck 3 inch fromt and 2 inch rear lifted ?
For the most part. It’s 3” front and the rear fluctuates with the weight of the trip. Daily it is sitting at 2.5” and loaded down 2”.
Nice vid… btw What brand and how’s your suspension set up?
Thx. Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 and it’s awesome.
This product is nowhere near worth the asking price!
Does the truck have protection against dust where the tailgate meets the top, and at the hinge of the tailgate? Thank you! Nice looking truck!!!
Thank you and Yes there is a nice gasket.
What the dry weight on that shell?
I’m not sure but two people can lift it on without difficulty.
Whoo, first again! 😎
Nailed it!!!!
off topic but how are the foam pro cells working out for your tacoma?
They are awesome. By far the best budget suspension out there.
I’ll never understand why there are no American manufacturers creating truck toppers like these. It seems silly that you have to import from Africa or Australia to get a quality stainless steel or aluminum truck topper. And when you compare something like this to the American fiberglass toppers, it is almost embarrassing. This really feels like an enormous hole in the American off-road manufacturing community.
I completely agree. I wish there was more of this being made here. Unfortunately with labor costs I don’t know if it will ever happen.
Are you able to open the rear window from the inside of the topper?
No you are not able to as far as I can tell. Maybe you could rig something up to secure it from the inside without closing the hinges.
Nice rig. Did you consider something like a GFC camper? What were your considerations going with the steely with a RTP vs the GFC where you can access RFT from inside?
Honestly I’m not a fan of the GFC. I don’t like the idea of having to climb into the bed of you truck to get into your tent. Plus opening and closing the back while inside. Not for me.
@@AdventureBuilt roger that. If I get a pick up next time I need to cover bed to store my mtb inside. I like the steel caps with rtt like you have and the gfc types. Trying to get peoples’ positives and negatives about them as ivd never had either and thus am sure im missing some things about them. Like to me I thought entering from the inside as a plus, but your comment has me thinking about how that would work with a bunch of stuff including my
Mtb in the bed. Keep enjoying your rig! 🤙
Do you know if they make it for a Ford F-150 super cab?
Sorry, no idea.
Is the RLD compatible with the Tacoma long bed (6ft)?
I’m pretty sure they make a long bed model!!!
What fender flares are those?
The fender flares are RSI flares. I liked them but went back to stock shortly after. For my personal taste I’m willing to sacrifice the protection they offer. I went back to stock. I just liked the look better.
Is it possible to open the latches from the inside?
No it is not possible.
Did you get the load bar kit or is this something I can get later? Hoping to get this later when I get a rtt.
I ended up using my Yakima bars on top. It works better with my setup.
Can someone show or tell me where I can find out what happens to your truck if you don't have these bedside stiffeners?
Basically the bedside stiffeners hod the bed at the correct angle and stop the bed from flexing when you load the bedsides with a bedrack or camper shell. The bed of the Tacoma’s is polymer not steel so it flexes a lot.
@@AdventureBuilt Thanks for getting back but you and everyone else says the same thing and no evidence shown for what your trying to accomplish. I would only think if you didn't have a tail gate you would need this. Otherwise the tailgate would suffice!...if any evidence you know of please let me know. Thanks.
Are you able to open the back window with the Ridgd tire mount?
No you have to open the tire swing to open the back window. I usually use the side windows for access.
Have you made a 1 year review?
Liked it, until I checked the price…….woooaaaa, that’s pricey, plus it only comes in basic colors, I would have to paint it match the truck…more $$$$. My truck is going to be used on the highway and maybe a dirt road every now and then….this top not for me…..if I had a Raptor and planned a lot of desert running and bumps and lots of flexing, it would definitely come into consideration.
Yea I don’t know if I would do it again, take a look at the Smartcap. It’s cool.
I’m thinking more along the lines of an ARE CX Revo. Thanks. My off-road days are behind me. My recent back surgery has put a stop to that lifestyle.
The people I dealt with on Instagram from RLD Designs are arrogant , rude and unprofessional. Have they put the 3rd brake light on their caps yet ???
I would go with "Smart Cap" hands down. Far better and from the same country.
That sucks. I’m not sure who deals with their IG. They do have the 3rd brake light. They are both awesome. My buddy ordered the RSI. Maybe I’ll do a comparison video.
@@AdventureBuilt I would like to see that. I think that RLD would win out , only because they have more of a color offering to customers. Both are stainless steel and if I'm not mistaken RSI is new to the USA customer base. They also don't offer all models in the USA at the moment. I really want the EVOd , but can not order it for USA because they say demand is not high.
Do they make a version of your topper that has more height? I am thinking of another 2 / 3 feet of height that might enable sitting on the inside of the truck bed, or stacking gear a bit higher...I am a cyclist, so keeping my bikes inside on a bike mount.
I don’t think so.
Hey sir! I’ve been rocking an RSI smartcap for a year. Overall happy with it. Except for the water element. Surprising amount of water inside. How’s the fit and weather resistance?
The fit is amazing. Way less dust inside compared to my ProTop fiberglass shell. Although we have had a really dry spring so I haven’t had the canopy out in much rain at all. That desert life. I going to assume that because it keeps dust out better it should keep water out better. One thing I did that you might look at it at the front of the bed on the top of the rail there are big gaps. I filled those in with black spray foam. I also sealed up my tailgate the best I could with rubber gasket.
I had the same issue with water. it was the bed of the Tacoma. I took it back to Cali Raised thinking it was the cap and they showed me it was the truck itself and even sealed it for me with some black silicone. Thanks again Cali Raised!
So approximately $10k for that set up and then the $50k truck?
What’s the price?
I think they are over 4K now. Not cheap.
So should I cancel smart cap order!!?? 4grand plus!!
Not if you like!!!!
@@AdventureBuilt bro, I love it!!!! Cant wait for my kitchen and its gonna take a while. The installer told me its gonna be till next year!??
Does this shell fit only on 2014+ tundras or will work on 2007-2013 too?
The one I got will only fit a 3rd Gen Tacoma. However they make other models!!!
Any issues with rust or paint cracking/falling off?
this or RSI smartcap which one is better?
They both have their places. Up to you decide. I obviously like mine.
Hey bud,
Where did you get your fender flares? Link?
In this video I’m back to the stock fender flares. Previously I ran the RDJ Trucks fender flares but recently switched back.
Sorry if asked before...is the color Cement on the canopy or is it their standard gray?
Color match cement on the canopy and the doors are black. Nice right.