Anyone w/a RSI Smartcap on a Raptor?

[Buellsox]

Looking for feedback & pics from anyone running the RSI Smartcap Evo Sport (the one with the windows) on the Raptor model. Other models great to hear back on as well.
Huge bonus if you’ve got it on a desert sand Raptor! As I cannot find a pic on-line of this canopy/topper on a tan Raptor.
It’s time to pull the trigger on a canopy but I’m leaning towards going with something different than a regular fiberglass unit like I’ve gotten used to over the past 30+ years. These new modular styles are kinda like a Swiss Army knife with what you can do to the canopy yourself to the interior roof, plus the added bonus of weight on top, side gull windows, and the fact that a lot of these canopies are around 175-200lbs means they can actually be taken on & off if so needed. I never took a fiberglass unit once installed, never!

The RSI units are catching my eye due to their stainless steel construction, light weight, features, and looks. Plus, it sounds like it’s a great company that stands behind their product. Granted it’s a South African company, but they’ve set up a manufacturing facility in Texas, so made in USA! I really looked at the Maxliner as well, but I’m a proud Union man and call it weird, but it’d be tough “for me” to put a Thailand canopy on a Union made Michigan truck, but that’s just my nervous tick - not preaching at all here. Enough said.

So please & thanks ahead to anyone willing to share any insight on their experience with the RSI Smartcap!

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[Mystic]

Here's one on a shelter green RR (from: https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...on-my-shelter-green-2024-ranger-raptor.10110/)

Looks kind of weird without a roof rack IMO.

Recommend looking into Alu Cab's Contour Canopy as well, pics in linked thread...another South African company.

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/alu-cab-contour-canopy-installed-on-ranger-raptor.15038/

Alu Cab is widely regarded as the gold standard for off road accessories

 

[Buellsox]

I definitely looked at the Alu Cab and do agree that it’s a great unit as well. But I like the idea of stainless steel construction and honestly just think the RSI has a better profile on the Ranger. Especially with the angle of the back glass. There’s something off putting to the more 90* upright styling of the Alu Cab. Plus, the glass window sides just look sleeker & cleaner on the RSI and I like the size of the portal slides. Just big enough that my Doberman can get his big long snout & head out the window, but nothing else.
But it’s all just an opinion…..

 

[Tuna]

Hi, I am really happy with the RSI Smartcap EVO - quality and look!
Already had the Evo Sports on my previous Volkswagen Truck (Amarok - not sold in the US) and went for the Smartcap Evo Adventure for my RR, as I do not need the windows and preferred the look w/o side windows in the canopy even better.
Sorry, no pics on a desert sand RR, as mine is colored Code Orange, even in a desert.

 

[WESTRESCUE77]

I like the concept of the Smartcap, but hate how the height is taller than the cab. Looks clunky IMO.

 

[superj]

Me too

 

[huskyfargo]

Not a Smartcap, but similar.
My old Nghtowl offroad, and my new Nghtowl offroad.
I’m sure they’re manufactured in China, but their shop is in Dripping Springs Texas.
The first topper was shipped to my door. I assembled and installed it myself.
The new topper was assembled by the guys at Nghtowl. I drove there and had it installed.

 

[Buellsox]

Damn! Built in deck & tent! Now that’s pretty slick. Not sure I’d want that for everyday use, but that is one nice compact & highly useful unit. Looks good as well. Somebody figured out how to do it up right
Night Owl……. Never heard of them. Another option to definitely look into. Thanks!

Yeah I think they all go high rise to get the trucks cab lights to shine through their little window at the top front of the canopy and into the bed. Plus they all sell the feature of storage options on the inside from the roof and the extra high rise accommodates that.

But yes I’d love to see a modular style that was Ranger roof line height. Then it’d be a done deal.

 

[huskyfargo]

It’s kinda hard to tell, but the first topper I had matched the roof height pretty well. I had a platform rack on top, so it looks a little higher.

 

[WESTRESCUE77]

That Nightowl is pretty damn close to cab-high. Looks so much better than the RSI.

 

[strowd]

Looking for feedback & pics from anyone running the RSI Smartcap Evo Sport (the one with the windows) on the Raptor model. Other models great to hear back on as well.
Huge bonus if you’ve got it on a desert sand Raptor! As I cannot find a pic on-line of this canopy/topper on a tan Raptor.
It’s time to pull the trigger on a canopy but I’m leaning towards going with something different than a regular fiberglass unit like I’ve gotten used to over the past 30+ years. These new modular styles are kinda like a Swiss Army knife with what you can do to the canopy yourself to the interior roof, plus the added bonus of weight on top, side gull windows, and the fact that a lot of these canopies are around 175-200lbs means they can actually be taken on & off if so needed. I never took a fiberglass unit once installed, never!

The RSI units are catching my eye due to their stainless steel construction, light weight, features, and looks. Plus, it sounds like it’s a great company that stands behind their product. Granted it’s a South African company, but they’ve set up a manufacturing facility in Texas, so made in USA! I really looked at the Maxliner as well, but I’m a proud Union man and call it weird, but it’d be tough “for me” to put a Thailand canopy on a Union made Michigan truck, but that’s just my nervous tick - not preaching at all here. Enough said.

So please & thanks ahead to anyone willing to share any insight on their experience with the RSI Smartcap!

Smart Cap Desert Sand…. I’m happy with it. I would at least take a look at the Alucab. It is lighter and has a higher roof weight rating. The 1500 payload can go fast.

 

[Buellsox]

Nice & much appreciated! That’s exactly what I was looking for! I think the Smartcap actually looks great on the desert tan. Now the Night Owl also has my attention as it appears to sit a bit lower, but I still like the exterior styling of the RSI the best especially with the windows, which is the direction I’ll go with my Dobie. And I don’t think you can go wrong with stainless.

I was unsure about the 2-tone as I’ve only ever had color matched, but I recently saw a Tacoma in tan with a matching canopy and man did it look military-ish with that much desert tan. The Raptor has so much more black trim & cladding that the black canopy “works” imo. Plus I’m running beyond illegal tinted windows including the windshield so I’ve got a lot of dark going on.

 

[Northislander]

Best pic of canopy I've got from last week. Will take a better Pic when its light out. DuraCover canopy from LAX truck in Ontario

 

[huskyfargo]

The Nghtowl can also be configured with windows however/wherever you want them.
I have a sliding window on the passenger side, sliding window at the cab, and solid window on the back.
I have the solid door on the driver side because it’s also a cabinet for my MTB gear.

 

[strowd]

You're welcome. I went through the same debate. My friends/family talked me into the black vs the paint matched fiberglass and I'm glad they did. I like the look too. Some of the other things I like about it...

I LOVE the "win-doors" when camping/hunting. I can reach almost any part of the bed from the side.

The steel is convenient for attaching magnets to. I have attached lights, hooks, a paper towel holder, flashlight, thermometer, Starlink mini and I'm sure I find other things.

Mine has been water proof enough. I need to address the top of the tailgate where there is a gap. It doesn't let in rain but it does let in car wash water.

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