I think I will purchase one for my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, I am also function over style but this cap seems to function very well with a great aesthetic. My Gladiator is also Red and seeing how good it looks in this video sold me.
Thanks! It's been a minute. Life has been crazy, as usual, and other things have taken priority. Man, that's a long time! It's worth the wait for sure, but I had no idea they were on that long of a delay. Hopefully it arrives soon!
@@dayforit1750 to the US. Most of the delays reported were a combination of port delays, customs as it went through Canada first before it came into the US. Then for me the shop who was doing the work was backed up a month. Had the cap for about two months now and was able to get out before it was too cold.
Awesome review man, thanks for spending the time to put this video together, it's one of the best RSI reviews on TH-cam. I ordered my RSI canopy 4 weeks ago for my VW Amarok and should receive it in a couple more weeks, can't wait!!
Appreciate the kind words man! Hopefully they've figured out some of the logistical issues that they used to have and that you get it quickly. I'd be curious to hear your impressions on how it works with the Amarok. I've always loved those trucks!
Thanks man! Certainly no regrets. I think it's the best all-around cap out there. The only thing I'd improve are the latches. They're sturdy, and have great action to them, but they suck (get stuck/jammed) in the cold.
Be glad you didn’t get the RLD! I have one on my Colorado. Not a bad canopy; however, they really don’t “exist” anymore. So, no more support if something happens.
Oh, dang, that sucks! I thought they were a relatively new company? I had my eye on those as well, but ultimately decided to go with the RSI for various reasons. No regrets!
@raheemdaya9055 Thanks! If you're talking about the red/amber marker lights, I have a whole video dedicated to those. Feel free to check that out for the details, and let me know if you have any questions.
Good to see you back with new content, looks like you ended up with a fixed solar panel up top? Didn't like the slide version? Really looking hard at caps for mine, but not fitting the truck into the garage with a cap/ikamper combo is still my hangup.
Thanks! I'm hoping to find time for more content soon-ish. I did like it. With the materials I had though, I couldn't get adequate exposure at full extension. Some cells were still shaded, which resulted in minimal output. The fixed solution is far better for what I need. I sat down, went over what I really needed, and realized that that front part of the rack likely would have gone unused anyway. I also didn't really need 200 watts, as the 100 watt single is sufficient for me. I may revisit it in the future to try to make a 100 watt solar slide, but for now I'm good with the fixed option. Similar boat here. My Jeep no longer fits, but I'm personally fine with it living outside until I move and can (hopefully) find a larger garage.
Please disregard my last message if you saw it. I somehow managed to completely miss the part number that you posted... I added the rack prior to Frontrunner coming out with a specific kit. I ordered the universal canopy tray, sized 1425mm(W) X 1358mm(L), part number RRSTJ07; a set of their RSI-specific track inserts, part number RRAC921; and a set of the 70-80mm feet, part number FASS013. It fits well, and I have had zero issues since install. If I did it again today, I would just fire and forget on the rack kit that you mentioned, since I imagine it is an all-in-one kit.
Any issues with it leaking. I just saw a video and the guy was showing how all the nuts and bolts came loose and his cab was full of dust and leaked in the rain.
No issues at all. I'll get a little dust around the tailgate if I'm hitting dusty trails at high speed, but that's more the tailgate than it is the cap. I've never had water leakage. His seal is either damaged/not seated properly or he didn't retighten hardware after installation. I retightened after my first 500 miles or so and found a *lot* of loose nuts. Then I did it again after maybe 5,000 miles and found a couple. I checked again a couple of months ago, and they were all still tight, so I don't expect any more issues.
I've never noticed an excessive amount of heat. It does have a built-in pressure vent up top, and windows on the sides, so maybe that helps. I wouldn't recommend leaving dogs in it while parked for an extended period of time or anything crazy like that, but I've never been concerned about anything back there melting or getting excessively hot where I live in TN.
Thanks man! I recall seeing an official weight listed somewhere, but I don't remember where. I don't see it on their site. I want to say it was around 150ish, depending on the configuration. That seems accurate from what I remember during the install. I was able to get it up on the bed solo like it was a turtle shell, so it's not terrible.
I've honestly never measured, and I'm currently out of town for a bit so I'm unable to check currently. Based off of what I was able to find online though, the smartcap sides are listed by RSI as 21.65" tall. Add that to whatever the box depth is and it should put you ballpark. A quick search on the forums yielded about 17.5", so I'd estimate around 38"-40". If you need exact, I can try to remember to measure when I get back home next week. My personal head room will be lower due to my bedslide, but I may be able to get a rough measurement from a corner.
I'm not sure I fully understand the question. Are you referring to the roof tracks on the SmartCap? If so, it was hassle free as the hardware simply slides right into the track. The feet of the Frontrunner rack mount to that, and then those feet bolt to the bottom of the Frontrunner rack. I have had no issues adding any components to the rack or the shell since installed. Does that answer your question? If not, let me know.
Thanks! I usually float between 15 to 16 mpg. Considering everything that I've added to it, I'm not upset about that at all. I have very relaxed driving habits though, and tend to cruise around 65-68 on the highway, so your mileage may vary.
Like I mentioned, the aesthetics definitely are subjective! I know caps aren't for everyone, but I personally love it on the Gladiator (and most trucks, to be honest). I think it gives it more of a rugged look. Regardless, it does add a ton of utility--that fact really isn't up for debate. Whether or not one *needs* that utility should be the deciding factor on whether or not they should run a cap, not just the appearance of it. Unless it's a pavement princess or show truck, consider function over form!
You're welcome to your own opinion, but I think you need to get your head checked. This cap looks epic on the gladiator, suites the lines and rugged look perfectly.
Good to see you back.
Hey Ed. Thanks! Still working on trying to be more regular with the content, but life hasn't provided me with much spare time recently.
I think I will purchase one for my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, I am also function over style but this cap seems to function very well with a great aesthetic. My Gladiator is also Red and seeing how good it looks in this video sold me.
I don't think you'll be disappointed! It's the best purchase that I've made for the Gladiator to date.
Welcome back! Waiting 11 months for my adventure cap. Will have it in a few weeks finally.
Thanks! It's been a minute. Life has been crazy, as usual, and other things have taken priority.
Man, that's a long time! It's worth the wait for sure, but I had no idea they were on that long of a delay. Hopefully it arrives soon!
11 months!!?? Where are you getting it shipped to? I ordered mine 4 weeks ago and it's due in 4 weeks time (8 weeks total) to Australia.
@@dayforit1750 to the US. Most of the delays reported were a combination of port delays, customs as it went through Canada first before it came into the US. Then for me the shop who was doing the work was backed up a month.
Had the cap for about two months now and was able to get out before it was too cold.
Awesome review man, thanks for spending the time to put this video together, it's one of the best RSI reviews on TH-cam. I ordered my RSI canopy 4 weeks ago for my VW Amarok and should receive it in a couple more weeks, can't wait!!
Appreciate the kind words man!
Hopefully they've figured out some of the logistical issues that they used to have and that you get it quickly. I'd be curious to hear your impressions on how it works with the Amarok. I've always loved those trucks!
I love how the cap looked. It's the perfect cap for the JT. I wanted one for my JT too. Your truck looks good bro.
Thanks man! Certainly no regrets.
I think it's the best all-around cap out there. The only thing I'd improve are the latches. They're sturdy, and have great action to them, but they suck (get stuck/jammed) in the cold.
Thank you for posting I've been eagerly awaiting your upload.
Appreciate it! Hope you're well!
Nice setup! Makes me want a gladiator
Thanks! I love this thing. The obsession hasn't slowed since the day I brought it home.
Be glad you didn’t get the RLD! I have one on my Colorado. Not a bad canopy; however, they really don’t “exist” anymore. So, no more support if something happens.
Oh, dang, that sucks! I thought they were a relatively new company? I had my eye on those as well, but ultimately decided to go with the RSI for various reasons. No regrets!
I love the lights on the load bars! Can you share any info, please? Thanks!
@raheemdaya9055 Thanks!
If you're talking about the red/amber marker lights, I have a whole video dedicated to those. Feel free to check that out for the details, and let me know if you have any questions.
I am in the market for a cap, thanks for sharing. I will definitely check this out.
Hope it helps! Personally, I wouldn't run my Gladiator without one. It just adds too much versatility.
Good to see you back with new content, looks like you ended up with a fixed solar panel up top? Didn't like the slide version? Really looking hard at caps for mine, but not fitting the truck into the garage with a cap/ikamper combo is still my hangup.
Thanks! I'm hoping to find time for more content soon-ish.
I did like it. With the materials I had though, I couldn't get adequate exposure at full extension. Some cells were still shaded, which resulted in minimal output. The fixed solution is far better for what I need. I sat down, went over what I really needed, and realized that that front part of the rack likely would have gone unused anyway. I also didn't really need 200 watts, as the 100 watt single is sufficient for me. I may revisit it in the future to try to make a 100 watt solar slide, but for now I'm good with the fixed option.
Similar boat here. My Jeep no longer fits, but I'm personally fine with it living outside until I move and can (hopefully) find a larger garage.
KRCA092T - is this the rack and mounts you have on the smartcap?
Please disregard my last message if you saw it. I somehow managed to completely miss the part number that you posted...
I added the rack prior to Frontrunner coming out with a specific kit. I ordered the universal canopy tray, sized 1425mm(W) X 1358mm(L), part number RRSTJ07; a set of their RSI-specific track inserts, part number RRAC921; and a set of the 70-80mm feet, part number FASS013. It fits well, and I have had zero issues since install.
If I did it again today, I would just fire and forget on the rack kit that you mentioned, since I imagine it is an all-in-one kit.
Any issues with it leaking. I just saw a video and the guy was showing how all the nuts and bolts came loose and his cab was full of dust and leaked in the rain.
No issues at all. I'll get a little dust around the tailgate if I'm hitting dusty trails at high speed, but that's more the tailgate than it is the cap. I've never had water leakage. His seal is either damaged/not seated properly or he didn't retighten hardware after installation.
I retightened after my first 500 miles or so and found a *lot* of loose nuts. Then I did it again after maybe 5,000 miles and found a couple. I checked again a couple of months ago, and they were all still tight, so I don't expect any more issues.
I noticed the lack of insulation so how hot those it get inside on the hottest day in the summer?…. 105 with tx gets often
I've never noticed an excessive amount of heat. It does have a built-in pressure vent up top, and windows on the sides, so maybe that helps.
I wouldn't recommend leaving dogs in it while parked for an extended period of time or anything crazy like that, but I've never been concerned about anything back there melting or getting excessively hot where I live in TN.
@@TerraOutdoors ok thanks …. Would you buy it again?
@carmas54 No problem!
Without a doubt. It has its flaws, but for me, it's still the only cap on the market I'd put on my Jeep.
How much did it cost? Would be nice to mention pricing as often the prices of these caps are only available with getting quotes, etc, can be a pain
Fair point, I hear you on that.
I was a very early pre-order, so I got a discount. I believe I paid just under $3,500 shipped.
Great review! Do you know what the weight is of the cap?
Thanks man!
I recall seeing an official weight listed somewhere, but I don't remember where. I don't see it on their site. I want to say it was around 150ish, depending on the configuration. That seems accurate from what I remember during the install. I was able to get it up on the bed solo like it was a turtle shell, so it's not terrible.
@@TerraOutdoors awesome! Thanks for the info.
@@blck04gt For sure! 🤙
How much head room do you have in the back from the bed up to the ceiling of the SmartCap? Thanks
I've honestly never measured, and I'm currently out of town for a bit so I'm unable to check currently.
Based off of what I was able to find online though, the smartcap sides are listed by RSI as 21.65" tall. Add that to whatever the box depth is and it should put you ballpark. A quick search on the forums yielded about 17.5", so I'd estimate around 38"-40".
If you need exact, I can try to remember to measure when I get back home next week. My personal head room will be lower due to my bedslide, but I may be able to get a rough measurement from a corner.
Did you have to take apart the roof tracks to add the rack platform. If so how do you get access to adding additional hardware for other components ?
I'm not sure I fully understand the question. Are you referring to the roof tracks on the SmartCap? If so, it was hassle free as the hardware simply slides right into the track. The feet of the Frontrunner rack mount to that, and then those feet bolt to the bottom of the Frontrunner rack. I have had no issues adding any components to the rack or the shell since installed.
Does that answer your question? If not, let me know.
Can you take off the hard top while the smart cap is on?
Yes, you can. It's a bit more awkward than just lifting it and carrying it off of the bed, but it's still absolutely doable.
Nice build! How yours mpg??? Really curious.
Thanks!
I usually float between 15 to 16 mpg. Considering everything that I've added to it, I'm not upset about that at all. I have very relaxed driving habits though, and tend to cruise around 65-68 on the highway, so your mileage may vary.
That cap makes the gladiator look like crap!
Like I mentioned, the aesthetics definitely are subjective! I know caps aren't for everyone, but I personally love it on the Gladiator (and most trucks, to be honest). I think it gives it more of a rugged look. Regardless, it does add a ton of utility--that fact really isn't up for debate. Whether or not one *needs* that utility should be the deciding factor on whether or not they should run a cap, not just the appearance of it. Unless it's a pavement princess or show truck, consider function over form!
You're welcome to your own opinion, but I think you need to get your head checked. This cap looks epic on the gladiator, suites the lines and rugged look perfectly.