Recommendation for Topper?

[iDeacon]

I’m considering a hard topper for the bed and wanted opinions on fiberglass vs stainless. I’m quite sure I don’t want a soft topper, as I need two side windows for my two English Mastiffs.

The RSI SmartCap looks amazing, but not sure I want to drop $4200. I don’t need all the accessories it offers. The ARE CX Classic looks good at a significantly lower price ($2750). Any other suggestions?

Sponsored

 

[ckgjt]

I love my ARE CX Classic..I think it follows the lines of the Gladiator overall real well.

 

[1JeepFamily]

I have the fiberglass ARE Classic HD with the outdoorsman windows—but I also think this cap only looks good when color matched to the rest of the body (incl. the roof).

The outdoorsman windows are vented, which will make going from a rooftop tent to a truck-bed setup a little more comfortable, like this:

I got the HD to support a rooftop tent, but it'll still make me feel more secure about boondocking in national forests during storms. I'll feel better protected from falling limbs inside a bed cap reinforced by an all-metal frame. And the interior metal supports will allow me to hang either a hammock or DIY canvas cot for my son while I take the bed.

 

[iDeacon]

I love my ARE CX Classic..I think it follows the lines of the Gladiator overall real well.

Nice! Yes it looks great. Nice Shepherd too! Roof rack looks good too.

 

[iDeacon]

I have the fiberglass ARE Classic HD with the outdoorsman windows—but I also think this cap only looks good when color matched to the rest of the body (incl. the roof).

The outdoorsman windows are vented, which will make going from a rooftop tent to a truck-bed setup a little more comfortable, like this:

I got the HD to support a rooftop tent, but it'll still make me feel more secure about boondocking in national forests during storms. I'll feel better protected from falling limbs inside a bed cap reinforced by an all-metal frame. And the interior metal supports will allow me to hang either a hammock or DIY canvas cot for my son while I take the bed.

Wow! Nice setup. I haven't seen the Outdoorsman windows...thanks!

It's important that the boss has a nice place to sleep. We love our two Chihuahuas.

 

[ckgjt]

Nice! Yes it looks great. Nice Shepherd too! Roof rack looks good too.

thanks,,,I also sleep in the back of my Gladiator...I am OLD and I like to drink while camping...a Roof top tent, alcohol and gravity just dont work for me very well

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I have a century/leer…. 2700 is a good price. We picked ours up a year and a half ago at $3,500. Wish I would have went rsi smartcap though. The fiberglass flex is annoying…. If you drive in paved roads there are no issues…. Spirited driving on dirt/washboard roads and the fiberglass clamp style get loose. Have tried 3 different clamp styles- they all do it. Alucab and rsi guys don’t seem to have this issue, and I think it’s because of the reduced flex in construction.

Topper is worth it for sure. Dry storage and function are awesome. Keeping the topper put off road is annoying. Will likely drill the bed rails and through bolt this spring in conjunction with the clamps.


Another complaint…. Side bed access…. Having doors on the sides of the topper is a MUST unless you are 21, nimble, and enjoy climbing over the crap you pack in the back….

 

[iDeacon]

I have a century/leer…. 2700 is a good price. We picked ours up a year and a half ago at $3,500. Wish I would have went rsi smartcap though. The fiberglass flex is annoying…. If you drive in paved roads there are no issues…. Spirited driving on dirt/washboard roads and the fiberglass clamp style get loose. Have tried 3 different clamp styles- they all do it. Alucab and rsi guys don’t seem to have this issue, and I think it’s because of the reduced flex in construction.

Topper is worth it for sure. Dry storage and function are awesome. Keeping the topper put off road is annoying. Will likely drill the bed rails and through bolt this spring in conjunction with the clamps.


Another complaint…. Side bed access…. Having doors on the sides of the topper is a MUST unless you are 21, nimble, and enjoy climbing over the crap you pack in the back….

Yeah, I really like the looks of the SmartCap too. It's pricy, but you generally get what you pay for. Hadn't thought about fiberglass flex, but that makes sense. I'm an old fart and agree that side windows are a must, not only for the dogs but also for me. Thanks!

 

[1JeepFamily]

Wow! Nice setup. I haven't seen the Outdoorsman windows...thanks!

It's important that the boss has a nice place to sleep. We love our two Chihuahuas.

Oh that's not my setup (yet), or my doggo, lol. It's some bass fisherman's I found on YouTube who camps outta his shortbed tacoma. I just needed some inspiration—so I'mma use his design to build my own identical shortbed setup.

 

[iDeacon]

thanks,,,I also sleep in the back of my Gladiator...I am OLD and I like to drink while camping...a Roof top tent, alcohol and gravity just dont work for me very well

No rooftop tents for me either! My wife's idea of camping is a hotel room. Nice shelter.

 

[iDeacon]

Oh that's not my setup (yet), or my doggo, lol. It's some bass fisherman's I found on YouTube who camps outta his shortbed tacoma. I just needed some inspiration—so I'mma use his design to build my own identical shortbed setup.

Ha! Well, it's a great design. I didn't even notice it wasn't a Gladiator...too busy looking at the Chihuahua.

 

[BennieD]

Love my ARE topper. I got the tool box on drivers side for quick access to stuff on the trail

 

[iDeacon]

Looks great. Any issues with the clamps loosening on the trail like Escape.idiocracy has?

 

[ckgjt]

in regards to clamps...I use 3 on each side and no issues coming loose after 3 years of pretty rough wheeling....your mileage may vary

 

[BennieD]

Looks great. Any issues with the clamps loosening on the trail like Escape.idiocracy has?

not yet!

Sponsored