Problems with our RSI SmartCap!
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- In this video we discuss a problem with the seals between the RSI SmartCap panels and what we had to go through to fix them.
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I was going to buy one of these because I love the versatility and we've been following the channel closely, but having second thoughts now. Thanks for putting this out there!
Still a great top but definitely something to consider
Was thinking about buying one but maybe will be looking into a RLD cap now
Since smartcap has sent the replacement parts. We have had no issues with the cap. I can honestly say we really like this cap.
Spend the money on a GFC topper
What about using a nylon nut
I just wanted to come back and say thanks. I watched your video before buying a one year old used RSI cap.
I looked, no gaskets out of place, yet, when I got home, I had to tighten all the bolts on the front and back seam. Your video saved me from living the same problem. Love the cap still.
So glad it helped.
I am the maintenance manager at smart cap , and all theses videos we seen and are making improvements.
@johngalletta9379 Yes, you did, and thank you very much. You have an awesome product and if we were to buy another cap, it would be be a SmartCap
You guys are undoubtedly some of the nicest folks on social media. Don't know that I could've remained so calm in dealing with the SmartCap issues that you did.
Thanks. It's very frustrating for sure.
Glad you all shared this info. I've had my SmartCap for over 2 years (30k miles) on my Ford Ranger and it has been stellar, no real issues. However, I haven't had my truck on such demanding trips, just the occasional wheeling adventure. Makes sense that bolts should be checked periodically like most aftermarket bolt on equipment.
Thanks! We love the cap and have had no other issues.
Thanks!
Thank you!!
I just purchased and installed a Smartcap Adventure. They are now supplied with locknuts. The assembly and installation was very easy! Although I haven’t used it expect for about 500 miles under highway conditions, I am very impressed with the quality!!
Thanks for the update
Smartcap should have had this figured out years ago. It is, after all "forged in Africa". Between my indoor locking issues, leakage issues and the issues you folks and others have had, it makes me question my purchase. I used to be a cheerleader for RSI, but I'm not so sure now. I guess I should have spent more and bought the Super Pacific pop-top, manufactured here in Oregon...😤
Since we redone ours, we have had no issues.
Bill-
First let us say that we are glad that you think so highly of SmartCap, and we appreciate you posting this info. The feedback we receive from our customers is the best source we have for improving our products, and helps us strive to provide the best quality truck bed products in the market.
With regards to the difficulties you had with the seals on your cap, in the thousands of caps that we’ve sold in North America over the past 3 years, we’ve only seen this issue arise with 2 or 3 other customers, and they had similar off-road experiences where the truck was torqued and twisted over an extended period of time. However, as with any product that is put through a demanding experience (ie, suspension bolts, lug nuts, etc.), a regular inspection and general maintenance is typically recommended. Something else worth noting, our overall warranty rate is less than 3% across all issues, and as an example of our effort to improve, we now include split washers in the assembly kits based on a similar previous issue, brought to our attention by customer feedback.
As for the difference between a SmartCap and other truck canopies you may have had previously, SmartCap was able to withstand the rigors of the off-road experience, remain intact and support the heavy load being carried. A fiberglass cap couldn’t support that weight and likely would have buckled or cracked. Then you would be replacing, rather than maintaining.
Some commenters have suggested using nyloc nuts, but there is not room in these assembly areas for their use. For those that are planning to put the SmartCap through the rigors that you experienced, we would suggest using a product like Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 to help prevent the Fastener Block assemblies from vibrating loose. This is probably not necessary for many of our customers, but visually inspecting, and periodically tightening is definitely a great idea.
For anyone who has issues with their cap, we recommend contacting the installing dealer, or completing a Warranty Request on our website. Either of these methods will alert us to the issue, get you some help, and help us continue to improve as we strive to build the best truck bed products on the market.
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Looks like normal double sided window sealant, that you can buy from Lowe's. I can't see myself do this every 5-10 thousand miles as a check up. Great video, keep posting!
Yea, we won't be replacing seals that often for sure
Thank You for making this video and Thank You for providing the updates on how RSI has rectified some of the issues along the way. I’m still on the fence about getting one, but this video is extremely helpful.
Understand. Since we put this video out, they have made great efforts at making their product better. We would not hesitate to buy it again.
thank you so much for taking the time to post this. I really appreciate it as it has simplified decision making for me. I could never have done what you have done to restore the functionality of the smartcap...back to ARB it is then...cheers from Australia.
Cheers
Great vid. To clarify for many-the “regular maintenance” does not entail replacing those seals. That’s only needed if you don’t do the regular maintenance, and the seals come loose. The normal maintenance is just to check & retighten the fasteners. Having seen this, I’ll be checking mine & blue-locktighting all of them. Still love my cap & wouldn’t hesitate to get it again.
Same here!
Agree with others about using locking nuts and maybe star washers, especially considering how much torsion is being applied during your adventures. Thanks for sharing your experience!
If they come loose again we will be adding star washers
@@CoddiwompleOverland May I ask why you didn't install locktite, star or locking washers with this repair? You may be aware of a downside to doing so that I'm not thinking of....it isn't a sarcastic question.
They initially told us not to. Since the video, they changed the design and added star washers and recommend locktight.
I got a SnugTop on the truck right now and was looking into an RSI Cap. Now I’ll need to reconsider the switch. RSI makes some strong camper shells but for $3k+ and all the add on, I’m scratching my head at RSI’s response.
Yes
Look at the ARE CX HD. It's great if you want a roof top tent. It's heavy duty, but it's fiberglass with internal skeleton.
@@SunnyWufor what it’s worth, those require maintenance as well. All the internal Skelton bolts would work loose on mine which would require once a year upkeep. Not nearly as drastic as this video, but still not fail proof. Obvious this is subjective to the amount you Offroad and gear loaded.
I initially ordered an RSI Smartcap, it didn't come in for a year so i got mymoney back and ordered a fiberglass cap, it fits well and looks good - so far no complaints.
Bless your heart! I hate having to redo something! Takes all the fun out especially when it’s hot outside
That's for sure!
Just put mine on a week ago. Good information to check for maintenance, thank you! I will say I was surprised they wanted all bolts torqued to the 4-4.4 ft/lbs range. I had to go ahead and raise that a little bit to have confidence in it personally.
Thanks.
Yikes, I was going to look into buying one of these. Glad I saw this video. Changed my mind with their quality control.
Thanks for watching.
They actually changed their gaskets and added lock washers after this video.
I found your post after googling this problem as the exact same thing happened to my cap.
I’ve got a Jeep Gladiator with the EVOa cap and after wheeling through Moab the exact same seal as yours came apart.
I’m super irritated by this as it is a tonne of work to pull the cap off and fix the seal, not to mention I can’t even get a replacement seal without dealing with their customer service; it isn’t an option to just order online.
For what they charge for these caps they should come with longer screw assemblies and lock washers…we’re talking about a $1 worth of hardware.
Agree!
When I got my Alu-Cab installed I was advised to periodically check and retighten the hold down bolts. All the off-road travel can certainly loosen up the fasteners.
How do you like your Alu-Cab? Was thinking of going with that brand.
I've recently ordered a Smartcap Evo sport. When I was doing research and looking at install videos by others and RCI and never did notice any seals on the ends. I just noticed on the bottom where it touches the truck bed rails. I'll have to keep an eye out on those that you had to replace. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching
Great video. I've had my EVO for 2 months and love it. I will add this to my maintenance list to periodically tighten the bolts.
Yes
This helped me a lot as well. Having second thoughts about purchasing this cap now. Hopefully RSI is working to resolve these issues.
They have since changed the hardware and seals
@@CoddiwompleOverlandcan you lock in from the inside now?
I use aircraft fasteners when I want to ensure something doesn't come loose. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks, and for adding input.
Thanks to share your experience with RSI, useful to take a proper decision about my next hardtop
You're welcome. Thanks for watching
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Your welcome!
Very fair and informative video. Unless we're talking about a hammer, everyone's product breaks or fails at some point. How the company handles these situations is what matters. RSI seems like they care.
Since this video, Smart Cap has upgraded its hardware and seals.
Good info. Im running the RLD cap. It seems to have some paint issues with the northern ohio salt in the winters. Also, the RLD locks tend to freeze up in the winter. Constant lubrication helps but darn. All the caps have one thing or another to watch apparently.
Apparently
I tell everyone alucab. All one piece. Lighter. Lots of accessories. I’ve had mine all over Moab and Colorado. Little to no dust. No water leaks. Love the accessories for it too. No clamps. It bolts to the rail system to help distribute weight.
Thanks for this video, this made me decide to redesign their little plastic clamps so I can have a legit nut on the opposite side. Ill use a lock nut with a cut out in the plastic so everything is replaceable without having to ask rsi for another one of their proprietary hardware.
Glad it helped
Couple things for you to consider other companies with bed side camper systems all tell you to check attachment bolts weekly/ monthly.
With that said you can take some other options, adding blue locker, adding lock washers, add nylock nuts, spring bolts like on exhaust systems. Or even going as far as adding aviation safety wire. I do believe they make special bolts with locking washers for headers
Thanks for your input
Looks like a nylock style nut would be a good solution. If you go the route of Locktite I would use the blue for this as it is easy enough to still remove the bolt/nut assembly without much work.
I agree with the blue Locktite. A lock washer may also be an option.
I agree, blue is probably the way to go. I have one on the way and after seeing this video will be using it.
Smart cap is now suggesting it.
Thank you so much for this video. I loved our rsi smartcap so fae on my 20 taco. I'm goingo to retorque thoss bolts now. It's been 6 months
Glad it was helpful.
Thank you! I have one of these toppers in my build plan. I really appreciate your sharing the maintenance requirements.
Your welcome.
HEYA just bought a Smart cap in the Philippines and I had it Painted White to match my Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and i found out they didn’t install the gaskets until my first trip with my quick pitch tent and 270 awning installed, im waiting for the gaskets to be shipped to the smart cap representative in Manila OUCH! But they are so awesome and will take everything apart and do it right even though didn’t do the install, I Have many praises for Premium Overland and there crew for helping me out on this. They say no charge they want there product to be right . And thank you for the advise on the maintenance issue good video on this RSI smart cap
Glad it all worked out.
That sure seems like a lot of money for a lot of user maintenance. I think that topper looks great, hopefully RSI can improve the design enough that maintenance isn't so demanding. Thanks for the video.
Since this video, Smart Cap has changed its hardware.
Thanks for the heads up. Always sorta figured the seals could be a weak point. Put this on my annual punch list.
For the price RSI gets for their canopies, I would expect a lot better. Their response seemed somewhat reasonable but goven the design it's nearly impossible to perform the recommended periodic mainten. Also, where I live on southern Arizona, I can totally see those seals lasting two years max before the heat and dryness ruins them.
Since this video, they have redesigned the seals and hardware.
Thank you for your purchase of our product! We understand you have had some “issues”. Well, we would like to let you know this is YOUR FAULT. Our design, build and parts are shit, but it was your responsibility to do maintenance. Yes, we know we hide these maintenance instructions from you, but it is your responsibility to look for these even know you did not know they exist. We know that other products have seals and do not come apart like this, but our product is a high end product with a high end price. You should know not to treat it to rough. So, with that in mind we wanted to thank you for your business and remind you once again this is your fault. Thank!!
😂
I had know idea and yes I have a Smart cap on my Gladiator and will go out and tighten all nuts on my unit....Thank you
Your welcome.
Yeah I’ve watched this channel and another channel that said they are having issues with them and they need on a regular maintenance. I’m bummed out. I really like the slide inside window. I’ve decided to go with the Alu Cap Explorer
There is also the RLD topper. Stainless steel and incredibly strong. I believe they are one piece. Pretty sure that is what I will be putting on my truck when it is time to order a topper.
Thanks for the info.
Just checked these out per your post. These look nice but a bit more $$. Looks strong and durable.
awesome job! I chose the RSI smart cap just b/c alu-cab and RLD ones look hideous but i do like how theirs is built tho. I'm making sure that I'll be doin maintenance every 3 to 4 months on the rsi smart cap i just got it installed today.
and those seal sucks from the box. I can see that those foams are not in line when torquing to right spec. it seems to seep out a little about 2 inches long.
Thanks for watching.
When I assembled mine i used blue loctite on each bolt. None have loosened. Its all good 3 years into it.
Thanks for the info
Thanks for the info, I’ll be checking those fasteners tomorrow
You are welcome
You guys should buy the alu cab contour canopy or a Gaia cap or a RLD canopy.
We really like the set up we have in our Smart Cap. Since we reached out to them, they have upgraded the seal and hardware. We have had no problems since. But we will be putting a Skinny Guy Camper on for awhile.
Thank you for sharing this! Something for me to keep an eye on with mine.. appreciate it 😊
Your welcome!
Huge thanks for sharing these details!
Your welcome.
For the price this should not be a problem. Definitely glad I saw this video.
We feel the same way.
Haha, your cleaning helper seems to think you should be paying them more attention, lol!! 🤣🤣 And tell Deb for me, us left handlers are the only ones in our right minds.
Glad you were able to get it fixed up. That's one seriously beefy top. Quite an interesting piece of kit, but that's what we make checklists for 🤣 I wouldn't know what to do without my checklists.
Yea Aspen is pretty needy! And Deb agreed with you on the left hand comment however I sometimes have reservations about that 🤣. This will definitely got on the Preventive Maintenance checklist.
@@CoddiwompleOverland 🤣🤣 hahaha y'all stay safe out there 🤣🤣
I just ordered this cap but in the commericial series. Hopefully the dealer installs it correctly. Im going to call them and ask them to use bkue lock tight. the install is 250 so ill see if they can add it for me. Thanks for the info and heads up.🎉
Let us know how it goes
no specific experience with RSi but in general my expletive with similar says assemble - torque - run for a few miles - re torque with blue loctite or nylock nuts
i would be real surprised if it would need to be tightened again unless the foam was failing
i intend to order an RSi cap and will def use your insights to avoid e similar trouble!
Thanks
Thanks for making this video, looks like real world issues that rarely get aired on UA-cam. I was considering an Alu-Cab just because it's one piece. Seems to me inherent in a multi-piece system that it will need maintenance throughout it's life. Don't really want to deal with that. My old Snug-Top had issues, but not like this.
Thanks!
So happy i bought the alu cab....
Alu cab is a great product
Great looking modular top. Looks to me like you could use some silicone during assembly and blue lock tight.
I agree
What I want is a low profile roof top rack with removable sides and ends. This way you can go wide open for summer trips and then seal it up for winter or when just parked to secure items in tue bed
👍
I was concerned about something like this happening when I saw this originally, still interested in one of these considering the alternative is a leer or ARE product that doesn’t have the modularity these do (imo)
I’ve had to tighten down the clamps for my tonneau cover twice in the past year.
Yes, even with this issue, it is still the best option for us...
ARE has the CX HD which is kind of similar. The roof rack has really heavy load, you can configure it with 2 tool boxes on the side.
Thanks for your input 👍
This video is great. Definitely get the lock nuts or washers. Thanks dude
You are welcome. RSI is now sending split washers with thier new units.
For what we pay for it up here in Canada you would have to be insane to get one. With any cap, box stiffeners are a great idea.
Thanks for your input.
I installed AluCab canopy on my wife's gladiator and it had warning stickers all over the place "retorque hardware frequently"
That's great!
If you have to redo it again you may want to try some safety wire lock washers. Would be a pain to set correctly but they would keep the bolts from rotating.
Looking forward to the rest of your Utah trip. I think our next trip out from NC will follow parts of your route.
As a side note, have you considered Big Bend area for a trip?
If I have to do it again, it will be done differently. New video is up today. Thanks for watching.
Well, I think that since RSI did not provide those instructions of "Periodic Maintenance" they should have paid the labor to the shop you had professionally install your cap. With that said I use blue thread locker, locknuts or lock washers on everything on my jeep.
👍
Thanks for sharing your experience. Very informative. Did you assemble the topper initially when you bought it or was it assembled by a dealership?
Dealership
About to go through the same process. How did you pull off just part of the shell without a lift?
I raised it up with a floor jack on the inside of the bed
You need to send this video to RSI so they can send you a replacement
We sent them emails, and they sent us the new seals.
So it's been over a year. How has it held up since the repair? I'm thinking of purchasing one.
We have had no issues since the repair. Smart Cap has also upgraded hardware and seals
@@CoddiwompleOverland that's is great to know. I guess I made my choice unless you have something else to recommend?
Only other one would be Alucab
@@CoddiwompleOverland I would if they weren't so expensive.
Understand.
I have an RSI Smartcap too and I'm noticing something similar but no where near as bad. How long have you had yours?
We had the cap about 4 months when it started coming out. After we fixed it, we have had no issues. We have had the cap 1 1/2 years.
As far as the dust goes, we have an issue with our tonneau cover. I've found fine dust is getting blown in through the drain holes at the front of the bed. The water is sealed out so I couldn't figure it out I recorded in the bed going down a dirt road and it was blowing in from below.
With the new seal we have had no issues.
Would it make sense to use a Sikkaflex bonding combined with self securing nuts instead of the this foam seal? Surely this would also improve the structural integrity of the whole hardtop?
They upgraded seals and hardware. We have had no more problems with ours.
Even the bed clams on fiberglass toppers work loose after time in Moab.
Since replacing we have not had an issue
Did you not put locking washers back on when resealing?
We did. Their new hardware come with locking washers.
Here is a thought: take the cap off and remove all of the sealant, then have an expert welder weld all of the seams, no more leaks! Then repaint or recoat the metal..
That is an option.
The dealer should have resealed it and assumed all the labor. Kinda shitty customer service it would appear to me. Thanks for pointing this stuff out.
👍
I was thinking of purchasing an overland vehicle systems Expedition truck cap for my 2019 Tacoma 5ft. bed. Is it similar to the RSI SmartCap? Have you any opinion on it either way?
I am not familiar with it. But everything we have got from them has been top-notch with excellent customer service.
Did you ever consider using black SikaFlex over the foam seals? I just assembled mine and looking at the seals, I don't have much confidence in them working well.
After we redone our the seals have held up. I feel the main issue was the hardware loosening up.
Good to hear it! Thank you for the response!@@CoddiwompleOverland
I don’t like that Smart Cap didn’t step up! Kind of a deal killer for me! I was close to laying out the cash for one until this. When you pay a super premium for a product, you deserve premium backup on that product. Thanks for the video! 🇺🇸
In @smartcap_n defense, since this video they have made some changes. They have upgraded their seals, added split washers for the bolts and suggest 242 @loctite for extreme use.
I'd be frustrated with the dealer that assembled and installed the topper. It seems that SmartCap informed of necessary maintenance in the manual, and the dealer didn't inform the customer or supply the manuals so the customer would know. To me, the dealer/installed should have taken care of the removal and repair of the seal, and added whatever other updates to the fastener system that the mfg has done like lock washers, etc.
Thanks!
Question? Did it come with nylock nuts or standard nuts?
It did not come with either. It is a proprietary securing fastener.
thank you for sharing this, i've been looking for a top but i don't want to do any "maintenance"
How many miles do you think you had on it before the seals started working loose?
Also, what about lock washers or lock nuts? would that help at all?
Since this video, Smart Cap has upgraded the seals and hardware. We have not had an issue since.
Thanks for this video.
Your welcome
thanks for this-what water tank is that? thx
Ironman
thanks@@CoddiwompleOverland
Your welcome!
Almost bought one for my tacoma....so glad i didnt....wish you luck.✌
Thanks!
Would defo build mine myself, do they not even come with locknuts?
They did not. The way they are designed, you can't put lock nuts on.
I was about to buy this but I will give another thought
We love the cap but the maintenance is an issue.
I'd put lock tight in those bolts and never worry about it again. Wouldn't worry about not being able to take it apart
Since this video, they have new hardware, seals and suggest using lock tight.
Why did you not add lock washers after all that??
We did
just saved me 4 grand. earned a subscriber
Thanks for subscribing
Thanks for the video. Will be adding some blue Loctite to mine.
I think that will work.
I would recommend putting a little silicone between each gasket and using nylon nuts.
Thanks for the input and watching.
Thank you for this video! I’m looking at a used one right now and after this video I unless I can get it for a lot less then what they are asking I will pass. My .02, they made these joints the Achilles of the whole system! You can see how much the pieces are flexing. These panels should be joining with overlapping J channels. I see the distorted flange at the fastening location in the video. I can’t believe they have the sections joined with open cell foam and then expect the customer to suck it up when it leaks. As an automotive designer this is a fail. At the very least with THIS cheap design there should be a thick silicone gasket like you would find on a valve cover gasket and like on a valve cover gasket that sees daily expansion and contraction there should be fasteners that limit the compression of the gasket and the fasteners should be placed every 100mm (approximately 4”) and definitely should be using blue locktight ,because this will need attention in the future, and a nylock nut. I would most definitely pull that foam seal out and make a wide, 1/8” thick bead with RTV gasket maker and let it fully cure on one side and then fasten like I mentioned above.
Thanks for your input 👍
Great video. Thank you for the heads up. After you point out your predicament, it makes sense with this product being shipped in a flat box, and needing assembled, it would require this type of maintenance. Who would have thought at the time of purchase though?
Checking bolts on suspensions and drivelines after hard use is essential too.
Will the rigors of off road be too much for nyloc nuts?
If you don’t plan on changing your configuration could you also use a panel bonding agent?
The problem is that it doesn't use nuts. The nut side is a proprietary fastener that is designed only for the smartcap. If it comes loose again, I will probably use star washers and/or blue locktite on the bolts.
If they have lock washer how do the bolts come lose ?
Ours did not come with lock washers.
Great information. Could you use lock nuts or is that some kind of special nutsert?
There isn't a nut. It bolts into a fastener. A lock washer will probably be my choice if they come loose again
That looks like a pain in the rear, I’m definitely not going to run this set up, I feel like these smart caps are relatively new and this is a major flaw. 4-5k for a cap that leaks or requires periodically maintenance sounds like a rip off. Now your gunna be looking very closely for water drops every time it rains or every car wash.
We had a response from RSI that they have changed the package to split washers and recommend blue lock tight. We will see how it does.
So why not just add lock washers when you install the topper?
Those are now included in the installation package
so why not add some silicone in between the gasket and the cap? I would think that it would add a little bit more flexibility so the seal stay intact.
Thanks for your input. Since we redone the cap, we have had no issues
I'd try nylon locking nuts. If that didn't work, maybe serrated flange nuts and bolts, also called whiz nuts and bolts. They might or probably will gall the stainless steel though, but they won't move.
Thanks for the input.
Well I hope the fix this problem.
Same here.
Well you just helped me make up my mind, not getting it. If the fact that it comes in pieces is just a shipping convenience why don't they make it so that assembly is more secure and/or permanent? If you plan on keeping the darn thing permanently why not use permanent attachments and sealer? My suggestions would solve those issues and make life easier for everyone, you are welcome. 😉. I'm back, I'll look around a bit more and if I don't find something compatible for the price I may just go ahead and get it and follow my own advice about making the connections better than manufacturer standards. thnx again.
After our review, they did upgrade the seals and added lock washers.
That's interesting.. They use a foam strip when there are synthetic rubbers that would last way longer...I guess RSI has never heard of Loctite!
They now suggest it.
Would make sense to use blue I would think and or some nylon bolts. Still a nice functional cap. I like my jl though 😀
We still like the cap. Just have to keep eye on the bolts till we figure out a solution.
A friend just told me he's considering buying one of these. I had never heard of them. I watched a 5-minute video from RSI showing how to assemble and install them. 30 seconds into the video, it became clear that these were inferior with the potential for tons of problems. Serious question: Why do people buy them? Are they way cheaper than fiberglass caps? I joked with my friend and called these TardCaps. Hope you have better luck with whatever you replace this with.
We kept the cap and have not had an issue since we redone it.