Bed cap ideas

[Mr._Bill]

Good plan, I could cook on my topper, what helps on the hardtop is I've got 2 100w panel mounted on roof bars with few inches of air gap. I might need to do something similar on topper. I darn sure know 3m cable tabs keep coming off inside due to heating and cooling cycles.

I have the same problem with heat in the cap here. I put a set of the under rail LED lights on the ceiling of my RSI cap. It got hot enough over the summer that it eventually separated the 3M adhesive tape from the lights. The 3M cable tabs I used to zip tie the wires also all fell off.

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[Oilburner]

I’m still not convinced a 4-dr 1st gen Taco or Colorado won’t do the trick. Has anyone had a chance to lay a tape on one?

 

[Batlou]

I went with the Alu-Cab over the RSI. The Alu-Cab is all aluminum vs steel, weighs about 40lbs less and 1 piece vs modular. Watched a few videos of the RSI that had leaking issues or the entire cab had to be disassembled and removed to replace all of the gaskets as part of regular maintenance. That was a no go for me.

 

[TexasOverlander]

I went with the RLD Steel one piece top. I too was concerned about the multi piece.

Have had the RLD on my 21 Mojave since last summer and have been very happy. Lined the inside of top with Reflectix attached with small bolts in the interior channels, and a few strategically placed magnets. Three cargo rails on top that can hold gear/tarps up top and also block sun have been added since the below photo.. Also bought two solar panels to mount on top which will shield sun. But I really like the film installed by "dcmdon," and may add that.

I like the steel top, as I am able to use magnets to attach gear. I have a tent enclosure for the rear that mounts on my cargo slide and attaches around rear of canopy with magnets. Works great for an easy set-up/take down.

I also use magnets to hold mosquito net to cover inside of hatches when I want to open for fresh air.

 

[NotSo Bright White]

Another vote for Harker Outdoor EDC. I did upgrade with solar, windows, and a bike rack but the best upgrade was the Bed Rug. My knees were very appreciative!

 

[dcmdon]

One other suggestion for those looking to reduce inside temps.

The RSI has a screw holes running down each side of the ceiling intended to be used with the picnic table. I plan to use those holes to hold insulation up in the ceiling.

First I'll cut some pieces of 1" foam that fit tight between ceiling crossmembers.
Then I'll glue a large sheet to a piece of luan or other thin kind of fiber board.
Then I'll apply some white contact paper on the Luan to brighten up the inside.
Then I'll bolt the assembly to the ceiling to provide further insulation against heat.

This has the added benefit of keeping the inside of the truck warmer in the winter and preventing condensation on the ceiling if you keep a dog in there or sleep inside overnight.

 

[MattK]

Depends on your intended use?

I like to camp but I’m not out every weekend so I went with an ARE CX Classic mostly to protect the gear. I still use a ground tent.

It’s organized chaos but it works…mostly with minimal hassle…for what I can afford.

 

[TexasOverlander]

"Then I'll apply some white contact paper on the Luan to brighten up the inside.
Then I'll bolt the assembly to the ceiling to provide further insulation against heat.

This has the added benefit of keeping the inside of the truck warmer in the winter and preventing condensation on the ceiling if you keep a dog in there or sleep inside overnight."



Agree. Anything light colored helps. Installed reflectix after a couple trips,, and it really brightened up my interior. It did keep the condensation off on cold nights over the winter when I camped without the tent and kept rear hatch closed. I also have a piece rolled ( about 24"x96") that I tuck between side hatch and my bed frame and wrap end around head area that helps insulate. Before my roof rails were installed, in sunny areas, I placed a couple of bags on top and draped a tarp to shade the black canopy top ( helped a lot on trips to Death Valley, the Mojave Desert and AZ over the last year !)

 

[Blade1668]

I have the same problem with heat in the cap here. I put a set of the under rail LED lights on the ceiling of my RSI cap. It got hot enough over the summer that it eventually separated the 3M adhesive tape from the lights. The 3M cable tabs I used to zip tie the wires also all fell off.

The LED lights haven't came loose yet on mine but the tabs I used to hold the wiring is and does.
I've got the RLD topper and "made" roof bars and track with U-strut, so if I have the RTT on the heats not as bad..... but I live in the south too. black topper not a top color choice.

 

[Krash1642]

I’m still not convinced a 4-dr 1st gen Taco or Colorado won’t do the trick. Has anyone had a chance to lay a tape on one?

I don't have a topper yet, but my tonneau cover is one for a colorado and it fits perfect, the back bed corners are a slight different shape but it was available at the time and ended up being cheaper. I agree it would work.

 

[Oilburner]

Bumping this thread, has anyone been able to figure out what existing (aluminum) shell would work? I only need a cap part-time & Refuse to pay what they are asking for the pretty ones.

 

[Joey_espo]

so many nice ones but now I am more hesitant, the rsi was my fav but I don't like the multiple pieces aspect. the are painted might be my top so far....

 

[ckgjt]

 

[Rick Fremaux]

I have the tri fold hard cover but now want a cap. Looks like rsi is having a giveaway but won’t hold my breadth on that lol… don’t like the racks and want a hard cover, I haven’t seen many direct for options …and I don’t want to be that guy like the one I saw below…

https://swee.ps/cdJTRN_gJCPnlm

Be informed that the switch from. cover to “bed cap” seriously impairs driver vision in multiple directions. I hated mine, and took it off.

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