Bed cap ideas

[TMGladOverHighAlt]

I just cannot afford more than $3000 for a fiberglass cap.

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[Gringo&Gun]

That shovel may become a real problem in the event of a head-on collision.

Conversion to a head-off collision?

 

[21Moja]

I agree, a cap with side opening doors/windows is the way to go.
The ones made for Toyota Tacoma crew cabs with 5 foot beds fit pretty well. I didn't want to spend the money and wait for the higher cost south African models. I found an ARE contractor cap for a 6 foot bed Taco and shortened it 13 inches. All in cost about $450.

Do you have a thread on making this fit?? OP, if you have the capacity to do make this work it really is the best option for saving money...Well done!!

 

[Alaskantinbender]

Do you have a thread on making this fit?? OP, if you have the capacity to do make this work it really is the best option for saving money...Well done!!

Not really a build thread but some pictures. The width and height are pretty good. I shortened the topper and doors 13 inches.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/shortened-are-aluminum-topper.60361/

 

[Blade1668]

I have the tri fold hard cover but now want a cap. Looks like rsi is having a giveaway

I sent a few emails to find out more details on the metal toppers, I got no response from anyone. Then I called the stateside distributor(s) I wasn't planning on buying right away and seriously thinking about RSI later. But when had someone to answer phone that had a stock of RDL toppers that made me a offer I couldn't beat I jumped on it. Mine is Gen 1 though not exact match for JT but turned out better for me. I'm sure that topper was designed for a different truck original but fits a JT too.

Then I broke down and got a RTT too. The RTT clears the 2 100w solar panels due to being few inches above hardtop. Not ideal, I'm still not fond of the tapered in topper and not matching the lines of hardtop but I'll live with it. It's heavy-duty and worth while, I will have to replace a few gas struts before long two are not quite fully opening the side panel but it will push rest of way up and stay. Part of reason for good deal was panels was white now Line-X'ed.
I've had aluminum and fiberglass one's in past. Not a fan of fiberglass one's as much.

 

[Fouts]

I really like my Alu Cab. I originally wanted the RSI but did not want to wait, was able to find the Alu Cab at a dealer not far from me. It is aluminum and one piece so very easy install and crazy light. The styling grows on you after a while and would now choose it over the RSI or Rld even if price and availability the same.

 

[CJ-ING-RJ]

I got the ARE CX HD a few years back. I really like the way it looks. I can't contest to the long term durability, It's only been on the truck for 6-7 months. It sits in the shed most of the year due to my summer set up.

 

[SquirrelNuts]

Another vote for the ARE CX. The Matte Black finish matches the "non color matched" hardtops pretty well.

I was really close to ordering a LEER cap for mine as I think it looks the most factory (frameless windows and the finish is spot on compared to an unpainted hardtop). But... LEER didn't have an option for flip up side windows and it was more expensive... so A.R.E. won.

 

[Christoferweld]

Not for everyone, but I always enjoyed making things. This took some time (especially teaching myself how to sew!), and is still a work in progress, but it works fantastic and was considerably cheaper than anything on the market comparably equipped (plus I think it looks cool - I know, subjective….?)

The slide kitchen comes out easily and still allows bed use (albeit reduced somewhat with the side cabinets and 30 gallon water tank). Larger items and materials can be hauled with utility trailer if needed, which fits my needs well.

This could’ve been simplified quite a bit without tent/electrics/water, propane etc., but I wanted a ready to roll platform that still allowed for some degree of utility.

Strongly encourage DIY if so inclined, it’s really not that difficult, and can be very rewarding in the end. ?

 

[Alaskantinbender]

Not for everyone, but I always enjoyed making things. This took some time (especially teaching myself how to sew!), and is still a work in progress, but it works fantastic and was considerably cheaper than anything on the market comparably equipped (plus I think it looks cool - I know, subjective….?)

The slide kitchen comes out easily and still allows bed use (albeit reduced somewhat with the side cabinets and 30 gallon water tank). Larger items and materials can be hauled with utility trailer if needed, which fits my needs well.

This could’ve been simplified quite a bit without tent/electrics/water, propane etc., but I wanted a ready to roll platform that still allowed for some degree of utility.

Strongly encourage DIY if so inclined, it’s really not that difficult, and can be very rewarding in the end. ?

Very impressive work. I toyed around with the idea and did shorten a Toyota cap to fit my truck. But took the easy way out when I found a RTT for a ridiculous price. Way cheaper than the cost of materials.

 

[Christoferweld]

Thank you! I was really close to getting an industrial style cap, but I had this vision I couldn’t shake. I really dig the way yours looks and functions ?

Very impressive work. I toyed around with the idea and did shorten a Toyota cap to fit my truck. But took the easy way out when I found a RTT for a ridiculous price. Way cheaper than the cost of materials.

 

[chorky]

Not for everyone, but I always enjoyed making things. This took some time (especially teaching myself how to sew!), and is still a work in progress, but it works fantastic and was considerably cheaper than anything on the market comparably equipped (plus I think it looks cool - I know, subjective….?)

The slide kitchen comes out easily and still allows bed use (albeit reduced somewhat with the side cabinets and 30 gallon water tank). Larger items and materials can be hauled with utility trailer if needed, which fits my needs well.

This could’ve been simplified quite a bit without tent/electrics/water, propane etc., but I wanted a ready to roll platform that still allowed for some degree of utility.

Strongly encourage DIY if so inclined, it’s really not that difficult, and can be very rewarding in the end. ?

Everything about this is awesome. That topper looks like it should have been included on the jeep factory... Nice work!!

Wish I had the skills to pull something like that off.

 

[Christoferweld]

Don’t sell yourself short, nothing magic about metal fab, just patience, practice, and desire… hell only reason I ever wanted to learn how to weld was to make Jeep parts for my old CJ5… back then the aftermarket was primarily focused on all the ‘new’ Jeeps… the CJ7 and YJ’s! ?

Seriously though, appreciate the kind words, thank you ?

Everything about this is awesome. That topper looks like it should have been included on the jeep factory... Nice work!!

Wish I had the skills to pull something like that off.

 

[Joey_espo]

I agree, a cap with side opening doors/windows is the way to go.
The ones made for Toyota Tacoma crew cabs with 5 foot beds fit pretty well. I didn't want to spend the money and wait for the higher cost south African models. I found an ARE contractor cap for a 6 foot bed Taco and shortened it 13 inches. All in cost about $450.

Can’t beat the price ! Looks to fit well

 

[Joey_espo]

Is the latest hyperlink, linked to you for extra entries? Pretty smart.

? It’s supposed to be a picture of the rsi cap

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