Tops! Canopy / covers / toppers / racks possibilities for Gladiator - Show me!

[bhbdvm]

I've sent an email to inquire about the grade of stainless steel and there take on how rust proof this canopy is going to be. I'll post when I hear back.

Spoke with RLD Design USA. Stated the stainless steel is structural stainless steel which is part of the reason it is so much stronger (dynamic wt. max is 700 pounds). When asked specifically if it is rust "proof" there was a little hem hawing and stated that nothing is corrosive proof including aluminum but stated it if the powder coating is scratched there could be some etching but no rusting? His words, not mine. Bottom line short of saying rust "proof" but felt very strongly that this canopy would stand the test of time. I guess i'd have to take his word for it but if I had some scratches, etc. I'd probably choose to touch up paint whether it was stainless steel or aluminum.

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[jurfie]

Ugh I hate to say this, but RLD might have a ton more room inside. We'll have to get some measurements.
Look at RLD left side there's probably a few more inches PER SIDE of space here. And this is the Gen1 RLD....

Compared to ALU CAB where the window frame looks like its sitting right on the rail......Damn I wish i could see these two side by side in person......

Definately need measurements.

I think it is deceiving; it looks to me that the RLD just has a ledge where the ALU CAB doesn't. Look at the cab side of your photo; see how the ledge lines up with the bolt? Now imagine where that bolt would be on the photo of the ALU CAB (using the fuel filler bumpout as a reference). Also, looking at your photo from the exterior, the ALU CAB looks wider.

 

[Gladius]

Spoke with RLD Design USA. Stated the stainless steel is structural stainless steel which is part of the reason it is so much stronger (dynamic wt. max is 700 pounds). When asked specifically if it is rust "proof" there was a little hem hawing and stated that nothing is corrosive proof including aluminum but stated it if the powder coating is scratched there could be some etching but no rusting? His words, not mine. Bottom line short of saying rust "proof" but felt very strongly that this canopy would stand the test of time. I guess i'd have to take his word for it but if I had some scratches, etc. I'd probably choose to touch up paint whether it was stainless steel or aluminum.

Structural Stainless, lol. Most likely it's 304. 316 would be better but it's cost more.

From https://arthurharris.com/news/304-vs-316-stainless-steel/

"Stainless 316 is more expensive because it provides a higher corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and chlorinated solutions. This makes stainless 316 more desirable in applications where salt exposure is an issue. If you have an application with powerful corrosives or chlorides, the extra cost of stainless 316 is highly recommended. In such applications, 316 stainless will last longer than 304, providing you with extra years of life and usage. If your application uses milder acids or does not contain salt exposure, stainless 304 is perfect. Below we list some common applications for both grades of steel."

From a hardware supplier: for outdoor applications use 316 for indoor use 304.

 

[bhbdvm]

Spoke with RLD Design USA. Stated the stainless steel is structural stainless steel which is part of the reason it is so much stronger (dynamic wt. max is 700 pounds). When asked specifically if it is rust "proof" there was a little hem hawing and stated that nothing is corrosive proof including aluminum but stated it if the powder coating is scratched there could be some etching but no rusting? His words, not mine. Bottom line short of saying rust "proof" but felt very strongly that this canopy would stand the test of time. I guess i'd have to take his word for it but if I had some scratches, etc. I'd probably choose to touch up paint whether it was stainless steel or aluminum.

Just to clarify, when I mentioned "much stronger", I meant supporting weight and not as in stronger against corrosives. When I read it again it didn't seem quite clear enough.

 

[Gladius]

Just to clarify, when I mentioned "much stronger", I meant supporting weight and not as in stronger against corrosives. When I read it again it didn't seem quite clear enough.

Using the term structural steel is incorrect as stainless isn't structural steel.
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-...etween-steel-and-stainless-steel-1518080822-1

I don't have an issue with their use of 304 if that's what they used. It'll hold up better than regular steel, but it's not stronger.

 

[steffen707]

I think it is deceiving; it looks to me that the RLD just has a ledge where the ALU CAB doesn't. Look at the cab side of your photo; see how the ledge lines up with the bolt? Now imagine where that bolt would be on the photo of the ALU CAB (using the fuel filler bumpout as a reference). Also, looking at your photo from the exterior, the ALU CAB looks wider.

you mean this bolt?

 

[steffen707]

I think it is deceiving; it looks to me that the RLD just has a ledge where the ALU CAB doesn't. Look at the cab side of your photo; see how the ledge lines up with the bolt? Now imagine where that bolt would be on the photo of the ALU CAB (using the fuel filler bumpout as a reference). Also, looking at your photo from the exterior, the ALU CAB looks wider.

okay, even though your hate caused the packers to lose, i think you have revived my fate in Alu-Cab, lol........just need a few measurements and if its close i'm going that route I think.

plus i like the roof design of the alu-cab and also the ceiling rails, picture of an rld I saw on another thread doesn't look like there are any mounting rails on the inside of the cap.

 

[steffen707]

Using the term structural steel is incorrect as stainless isn't structural steel.
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-...etween-steel-and-stainless-steel-1518080822-1

I don't have an issue with their use of 304 if that's what they used. It'll hold up better than regular steel, but it's not stronger.

what are your thoughts on aluminum Vs 304 stainless?

 

[Gladius]

what are your thoughts on aluminum Vs 304 stainless?

Apples and oranges. Aluminum: lighter, cheaper, softer, easier to work with. Does corrode. Coat the aluminum and use galvanized fasteners.

Stainless: heavier stronger etc. more resistance to corrosion.

Pick your material for the application and budget.

I think the RLD camper will outlast the truck. Like putting a Cummins in a Ram.

 

[steffen707]

a couple more of the Alu-Cab

 

[G8R]

Does RLD list what grade stainless they use? I couldn't find any mention on their website.

RLD is a ferromagnetic stainless. Exactly which one I do not know (most likely not one sourced in the US either). When sticking my rare earth magnet on it the force is indistinguishable from my iron tool box so it is not one of the weak ferromagnetic alloys.

As for the shelf mount on the RLD, at first I thought that was taking up too much room and could have fit better. But now that I have had this for a while I really like this feature as it will enable me to make some extensions and connections that do not appear to be as easy to do with the Alu Cab. From photos shared above I can't say I prefer the Alu Cab even compared to my Gen 1. But I am liking the looks of the RLD Gen 2 the best so far. Like @steffen707 said having a direct side by side would be great.

If anyone in the Denver area wants a direct view at an RLD Gen1 I would be glad to assist.

 

[G8R]

One area of interest I have not seen discussed so far is the hinges. RLD has small exterior hinges. May not be that secure. But anyone can smash a window way easier than removing the hinges. What may be different is water shedding when doors are open in the rain. It looks as if the Alu Cab will shed water whereas the RLD will just drip right through that gap between the door and top. As you can see in this photo with the door open water will hit it and run right into that opening and into the bed. Have to keep the doors closed in rain or add a tarp (which I frequently do anyway).

 

[G8R]

As to the gap on the rear door. It is significant. But way less overall area than that of the Gladiators tail gate. At some point I will add some weather stripping. Maybe not...

 

[G8R]

As to the gap on the rear door. It is significant. But way less overall area than that of the Gladiators tail gate. At some point I will add some weather stripping. Maybe not...

Edit, sorry, have not washed off the elk blood yet...

 

[Gladius]

RLD is a ferromagnetic stainless. Exactly which one I do not know (most likely not one sourced in the US either). When sticking my rare earth magnet on it the force is indistinguishable from my iron tool box so it is not one of the weak ferromagnetic alloys.

As for the shelf mount on the RLD, at first I thought that was taking up too much room and could have fit better. But now that I have had this for a while I really like this feature as it will enable me to make some extensions and connections that do not appear to be as easy to do with the Alu Cab. From photos shared above I can't say I prefer the Alu Cab even compared to my Gen 1. But I am liking the looks of the RLD Gen 2 the best so far. Like @steffen707 said having a direct side by side would be great.

If anyone in the Denver area wants a direct view at an RLD Gen1 I would be glad to assist.

It may be a 400 series stainless. Watch for rust down the road.

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