Recommendation for Topper?

[Guns_N_Rosaries]

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

I really like this one, do you happen to know the exact specifics for it? Did it already come in that color and material or was that an addon? I looked at their website and it seems to me messing around in the builder app that they just come in smooth white.

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[ckgjt]

I really like this one, do you happen to know the exact specifics for it? Did it already come in that color and material or was that an addon? I looked at their website and it seems to me messing around in the builder app that they just come in smooth white.

so my topper is basically fully loaded minus the overpriced electrical stuff... yakima rack, two side windoors,, front sliding fold down window(must have for cleaning) The OTR option which is a rhino lined type of coating that is BULLET proof. Very happy with this set up

 

[Forum Crawler]

Alu-Cab Contour canopy. All welded aluminum. Light. Stronger than RSI. Positive pressure vent. Extremely well sealed.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I wheeled with a fiberglas cap on my old Tacoma for years. Didn't have any issues until I put a roof rack on it just to carry my road shower, kayak and fishing rods. Loaded up the flex was BAD on the highway. I had to travel with the road shower empty because of it and fill on site. Wind resistance made the drive unpleasant and anxious, going off road on it was nerve racking even on deep soft sand. When I just slung the kayak on foam blocks on top before the rack I had no issues/concerns at all. After this I would not trust a non-heavy duty reinforced fiberglass cap as is, so that puts the lower end ARE and Leer units out if you intend on carrying anything on a rack.

That being said, the aluminum caps from Go Fast and Alu-Cab are a little lighter than the fiberglass caps and more durable by a mile. The RSI is twice the weight of the Alu-Cab and GFC canopies but it is modular and can be shipped to your house for self-assembly. Can't do that with any other manufacturer I'm aware of so consider your travel and install time and costs in the equation, too.

With the metal caps from RSI and GFC and Alu-Cab start around $4k and go up while an ARE HD starts around $3400 before options... I'd recommend spending the extra money for the Alu-Cab and cry once.

 

[whysoserious]

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?

Another option...

Ozark Cab-High Truck Top - Venturous Truck Tops

 

[chorky]

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?

The most important consideration here is what you "NEED" not just what looks good. The smart cap I think has a higher load capacity. From my recollection the ARE is only 150-200 pounds which is not much at all if you ever get a tent. If not then no big deal. The start cap I am sure is aluminum not stainless. the only stainless cap I know of is the one I have, RLD - but pretty sure they went out of business 2 years ago.

So make a list of what you NEED. And find the cap that fits that list before looking at other thing.

 

[iDeacon]

I really like this one, do you happen to know the exact specifics for it? Did it already come in that color and material or was that an addon? I looked at their website and it seems to me messing around in the builder app that they just come in smooth white.

That’s the matte black they produce specifically for the Gladiator. Adds $573 to the price. Color matched paint is included in the standard price.

BTW, love your handle! I’m a gun carrying Catholic deacon.

 

[iDeacon]

The most important consideration here is what you "NEED" not just what looks good. The smart cap I think has a higher load capacity. From my recollection the ARE is only 150-200 pounds which is not much at all if you ever get a tent. If not then no big deal. The start cap I am sure is aluminum not stainless. the only stainless cap I know of is the one I have, RLD - but pretty sure they went out of business 2 years ago.

So make a list of what you NEED. And find the cap that fits that list before looking at other thing.

Good advice. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos showing that the RSI can develop leaks. That seems crazy considering the price. According to their website it is stainless. https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/

 

[chorky]

Good advice. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos showing that the RSI can develop leaks. That seems crazy considering the price. According to their website it is stainless. https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/

Theres a few here who have had issues with them for sure. I think a lot of that comes down to how it is put together. Maybe give alucap canopy a consideration as well. They are about the same price I think, all aluminum, and have really good reviews from what I have read.

 

[iDeacon]

Theres a few here who have had issues with them for sure. I think a lot of that comes down to how it is put together. Maybe give alucap canopy a consideration as well. They are about the same price I think, all aluminum, and have really good reviews from what I have read.

Thanks for the info. Closest dealer is in Asheville. I just may take a ride over to check it out.

 

[Jclayc]

I know you said a softopper may not work but my Agricover is great. Side windows that zip unlike the Bestop, only drawback is it's not lockable.

 

[iDeacon]

I know you said a softopper may not work but my Agricover is great. Side windows that zip unlike the Bestop, only drawback is it's not lockable.

I'm sure it's much more affordable than the hard tops. How is it in regards to noise going down the highway? Any leaks?

 

[Jclayc]

I'm sure it's much more affordable than the hard tops. How is it in regards to noise going down the highway?

I think mine was right at $1000, shipped directly from Agricover. Honestly, no noise whatsoever, the fit is tight and no flapping in the wind. For the price and functionality, you can't beat it. And no leaks, ran it through the car wash the day i put it on the make sure of that.

 

[Mtpisgah]

I have an AluCab contour canopy. I wanted aluminum, and I felt that the fiberglass models made it look too much like a big SUV instead of a truck with a topper.

 

[Jaxmax]

I run an RSI cap , it is stainless looks great three years later , RSI and Aluma Cab are rated the same about 330lbs on the racks dynamic and over seven hundred static, or in other words two people sleeping in a Roof top tent. Alumac Cab is 140 lbs, RSI Evo with windows is 193lbs. Weird thing it in the very beginning they were saying it was 175 lbs. , then it was 220lbs, I don't have my shipping ticket that was on the box but want to say it was 230 lbs. we haa pretty spirited conversation about two of us picking it up and walking it onto truck with fingers under it, daughter helped us with 2X4s on the bed and she balanced the rear as we walked it on, we had figured some where around 175lbs. but who know Specs should be correct . Specs say it's fifty pounds heavier then Aluma Cab.
All this doesn't matter too much get what you want and stay under $3,000, it will be fine.
Advice to give....... HAVE TO GET the pop up side windows that is huge, you can reach in from side and touch floor of bed. Get roof racks that can carry some weight, I've had Kayaks, Surf Rods, lumber, extension ladders, bikes, conduit and so on and so on.
Some caps like RDI, RSI and Aluma Cab come with roof rack tracks included and pop up windows on sides., don't need metal supports inside. All the options like kitchens tables rack and stuff is not cheap. My cap is dry, but when I go surf fishing with an ocean breeze, the next day or so after I am pressure washing the inside from the salt spray, no rust, no leaks, positive pressure vent, excellent fit and latching, cleans up great. What the fiberglass caps have is better smooth profile, not a box, the RSI is next sloped more on the back. I think it is just great that you have options!.....Jack

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