Alu-Cab and RSI SmartCap

[Deleted member 6764]

I've been looking into bed caps, while I do like Leer, ARE, and Snugtop, I have been more interested in the Alu-Cab and RSI SmartCap. Any experience on here with either?

I'm leaning more towards the Alu-Cab Contour from the reviews I've gone through. Both claim to have a '24 Ranger version in the works. Besides debating traditional caps to these two metal versions, I have considered tonneau covers, but I am leaning towards a cap for my purposes.

https://ac.digininja.cloud/product/double-cab-contour-canopy/
https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/products/smartcap-evo-a

Honorable mention of Rhino, but I don't like it as much.
https://www.rhinoadventuregear.com/...-truck-cap-ford-ranger?variant=22697235251318

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[goalieThreeOne]

Between the three, the RSI is the only one that looks decent

 

[Deleted member 6764]

Between the three, the RSI is the only one that looks decent

I personally disagree, and everyone has different likes. That's why I'm asking for feedback from functional experience with either of them.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

I personally disagree, and everyone has different likes. That's why I'm asking for feedback from functional experience with either of them.

Every review of the SmartCap I’ve seen raves about them. There are lots on YouTube. Some
of the complaints I’ve seen are about seals that can be fixed with a kit from Amazon, and locks that can freeze (supposedly that has been fixed). My biggest complaint would be lack of central locking options.
Since these haven’t been released for this Gen ranger, you probably won’t find too many with experience here. But I bet if you look in the Ranger 5G forums or in some of the F150 or Tacoma forums, you’ll see people that actually have them who have some experiences to share.

 

[Deleted member 6764]

Every review of the SmartCap I’ve seen raves about them. There are lots on YouTube. Some
of the complaints I’ve seen are about seals that can be fixed with a kit from Amazon, and locks that can freeze (supposedly that has been fixed). My biggest complaint would be lack of central locking options.
Since these haven’t been released for this Gen ranger, you probably won’t find too many with experience here. But I bet if you look in the Ranger 5G forums or in some of the F150 or Tacoma forums, you’ll see people that actually have them who have some experiences to share.

Yes, I've done all that. All the reviews rave about the Alu-Cab as well, with no lock freezing complaints as they use a different design. RSi allegedly rectified recently with at least rubber caps, possibly a new lock.

So I figured I would start a thread in this forum as they are both making 6G versions. So if there are 6G enthusiasts that have hands on experience with either it would be here. And then production/availability updates could wind up here for the new versions.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

Yes, I've done all that. All the reviews rave about the Alu-Cab as well, with no lock freezing complaints as they use a different design. RSi allegedly rectified recently with at least rubber caps, possibly a new lock.

So I figured I would start a thread in this forum as they are both making 6G versions. So if there are 6G enthusiasts that have hands on experience with either it would be here. And then production/availability updates could wind up here for the new versions.

I’m seriously considering one. I need to cover my bed to transport my hockey gear. The SmartCap looks great and doesn’t look like those Old Man fiberglass caps from back in the 90’s. It’s expensive though.

I’m also considering a RazorTop which is basically a tonneau cover that rises into a canopy and uses motor actuators and convertible top material. Costs about $2500 and only takes about a minute to convert from a canopy to a tonneau to a completely open bed.

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I'm a big fan of the SmartCap. I also think this ARB cap looks great on the 2024 Ranger, i'm just not sure how easy it will be to get it shipped across the ocean.

https://www.arb.com.au/ford-ranger-next-generation-2022-present/canopies/

 

[goalieThreeOne]

I'm a big fan of the SmartCap. I also think this ARB cap looks great on the 2024 Ranger, i'm just not sure how easy it will be to get it shipped across the ocean.

https://www.arb.com.au/ford-ranger-next-generation-2022-present/canopies/

If I was to bet, I’d say once these start hitting lots in the States, they’ll start making those caps and bumpers available through US distributors.

 

[TDPD]

I’d be interested to see these Utemasters come to the US but it didn’t look like they are available from what I could find.

https://www.utemaster.com.au/ute-tub-canopy/ford-ranger-canopy/



Not cheap either, but does have an option for central locking. Looks to be a solid build.

I wish RSI or Utemaster made a pass thru canopy camper version along the lines of GFC or Super Pacific. That would be interesting if they were able to keep the weight in check.

 

[sjl136]

I've been looking into bed caps, while I do like Leer, ARE, and Snugtop, I have been more interested in the Alu-Cab and RSI SmartCap. Any experience on here with either?

I'm leaning more towards the Alu-Cab Contour from the reviews I've gone through. Both claim to have a '24 Ranger version in the works. Besides debating traditional caps to these two metal versions, I have considered tonneau covers, but I am leaning towards a cap for my purposes.

https://ac.digininja.cloud/product/double-cab-contour-canopy/
https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/products/smartcap-evo-a

Honorable mention of Rhino, but I don't like it as much.
https://www.rhinoadventuregear.com/...-truck-cap-ford-ranger?variant=22697235251318

While I don't have functional experience with either, one key differentiator is weight. Looks like the Alu-Cab will weigh about 75-85 pounds less than the RSI, aluminum vs steel. I was all in on the RSI EVOa for a 5th gen Ranger I had on order, but once the RSI Ranger 5ft inventory dried up, they were basically impossible to get for a long stretch. Now the RSI US plant is online, which is nice and will help with availability, but I'm leaning towards the Alu-Cab for the lower weight. I'd prefer if Super Pacific made a cap. I like their one latch per door approach and their structural design.

 

[Deleted member 6764]

While I don't have functional experience with either, one key differentiator is weight. Looks like the Alu-Cab will weigh about 75-85 pounds less than the RSI, aluminum vs steel. I was all in on the RSI EVOa for a 5th gen Ranger I had on order, but once the RSI Ranger 5ft inventory dried up, they were basically impossible to get for a long stretch. Now the RSI US plant is online, which is nice and will help with availability, but I'm leaning towards the Alu-Cab for the lower weight. I'd prefer if Super Pacific made a cap. I like their one latch per door approach and their structural design.

I agree on the Alu-Cab Contour being significantly lighter, and fully welded together rather than modular, are pros to me. Although I do like the RSi EVOa, and more availability like you said. So we'll see, still where I was. I will get the XLT in and use it some before I decide on the cap.

Both RSi and Alu-Cab anticipate availability later this year.

 

[Deleted member 6764]

I did see this note on RSi's website for the '24 Ranger: Ford requires all '24 Next Gen Rangers, with accessories extending above the bedrails in excess of 99lbs, to be fitted with their Load Box Reinforcement Brackets (aka J-Braces).

 

[MJE]

I’m seriously considering one. I need to cover my bed to transport my hockey gear. The SmartCap looks great and doesn’t look like those Old Man fiberglass caps from back in the 90’s. It’s expensive though.

I’m also considering a RazorTop which is basically a tonneau cover that rises into a canopy and uses motor actuators and convertible top material. Costs about $2500 and only takes about a minute to convert from a canopy to a tonneau to a completely open bed.

https://razortop.com/
One of these things? That actually looks like a really slick idea! I can see it being great for camping, though these new trucks have such short beds for sleeping in (when I’ve had trucks they’ve been full-size with 6-1/2’ boxes). Which I guess is why rooftop tents are a thing.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

https://razortop.com/
One of these things? That actually looks like a really slick idea! I can see it being great for camping, though these new trucks have such short beds for sleeping in (when I’ve had trucks they’ve been full-size with 6-1/2’ boxes). Which I guess is why rooftop tents are a thing.

Yep that’s the one. I only need a cap one day of the week. So it’s be nice to make it disappear for the other six. And also not be caught in a situation where you need a cap and don’t have it.

 

[JimS]

I'd go for the lightest option as those things can really soak up payload capacity, and are a huge pain to remove/put on. But a canopy of some sorts is very much worth it to me over an open bed, and tonneaus seem like the worst of both worlds.

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