RSI Adventure Cap

[baz0157]

Anyone have the RSI Adventure cap on their JT?? Just ordered one and it'll be here Thursday. Wondering how difficult or easy the install went? Also, how heavy is the cap? I'm scheduled for cervical spine surgery and not sure I'll be able to lift it for install. Appreciate any feedback.

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[Thunderspud]

All the specs are on the RSI site. Weight, dimensions, install manuals/videos, etc....

https://na.smartcap.com/

The few we have had were easy enough to assemble, but you're gonna want an extra set of hands to lift it onto the truck. My best piece of advice is to take your time, follow the directions, and avoid over-torquing anything.

 

[baz0157]

All the specs are on the RSI site. Weight, dimensions, install manuals/videos, etc....

https://na.smartcap.com/

The few we have had were easy enough to assemble, but you're gonna want an extra set of hands to lift it onto the truck. My best piece of advice is to take your time, follow the directions, and avoid over-torquing anything.

Thank you, i just watched an install video. Seems pretty straight forward.

 

[Thunderspud]

Thank you, i just watched an install video. Seems pretty straight forward.

It is. The newer versions of some caps (at least in Gladiator-specific models manufactured in South Africa) have three roof panels, compared to the single panel they used to have. I am not sure if they have updated the instructions yet. The assembly process is mostly the same regardless, but proper torque is probably even more important if you end up with one of those.

The Defender on my Gladiator apparently shipped with incorrect (aka: not strong enough) gas struts. To be clear, I had zero issues with them, but the RSI folks proactively replaced them under warranty with the correct 250N versions anyway. They noticed them in images I had provided when asking about something related to the molle panels on the doors and just shipped out 6 new struts. So that was pretty cool. Can't be mad at that. You may not have that issue since you won't have the molle panels on the doors with the Adventure.

 

[CKayaks]

I put on a RSI Defender (model with no windows) last summer. Love mine. It has been a great addition. Assembled it in my garage solo. A second set of hands definitely would have helped! And definitely needed help putting it on the bed. I could get under it and lift, but maneuvering it onto the bed cleanly, no way. You want a clean placement of the seal. Two people for sure, four would be wonderful.

You will see a lot of rants about leaks, paint peeling, and fit if you search about SmartCaps. The problems are typically with the North American builds (NA in part number) or someone not torquing the bolts properly. Seldom will you find issues with the SA built products, which include the tops for Gladiators. Really pay attention to the torque specs. Follow-up after a couple hundred miles or so after install with a torque check helps as well. Then maybe once a year? Don't know, have not gotten there yet with mine.

Suggestions:
Besides the sealant tape that comes on the seams, I put a bead of Lexal down each outside seam as insurance. RV sealant would have been better for long term maintenance.

Make sure they sent you the lock covers. Usually do, but sometimes a miss. Their customer service is great on getting those to you. When you install them, the instructions are a little confusing. Toss the gasket that is around the locks on the topper. Use the covers as the new gasket when you install them. Instructions seem to imply to keep both, but that don't work.

The roof vent is marketed as a plus. Positive air pressure to keep the dust out. I live on dirt roads. Kind of works. The bigger problem is our Gladiator beds leak dust like crazy. Before putting the topper on, go through all the openings and bolt holes in the bed and seal them. I used clear Gorilla tap. You will be amazed how many openings there are to the outside! Bolt holes for the rails (if you do not have them installed), around the tie downs, random holes that must mount some accessory that I don't have.

Along those lines, get a gasket for around the tailgate itself. Search the forums here. There are several good suggestions. Search for "ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal 10ft" on Amazon. That was one of the recommendations. Works well.

Enjoy the topper!

 

[baz0157]

Not too bad. Heavy, thankful to have some help lifting this onto the jeep. Now to figure our what accessories I'll need for it.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

You need big honking crossbars that stick out way past the edges of the cap!!!!!

Just kidding. Mine had those when I bought it and I absolutely hate them. Probably going for some that are same width as the cap.

 

[Jaxmax]

Get Yakima removable mounts and cross bars, I have two sets for mine one with a awning on it hanging above jeep in garage and a set of round bars with two boat loaders in them to load kayaks and also I extend the loaders out when I carry two fat kayaks. Congrats on your top , I've had mine since they first came out, very pleased, original versions had aluminum hinges which corroded , and a phone call on Monday that my rear hatch broke and I'm heading out surf fishing Saturday, whole set was at my house Friday morning! When I see the knockoffs coming out dirt cheap with various metals and they look a lot like Smartcaps says a lot. Even people complaing about the sides that slope in believe me you will appreciate that when wheeling in the woods!....Jack
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SURGERY!

 

[Thunderspud]

Not too bad. Heavy, thankful to have some help lifting this onto the jeep. Now to figure our what accessories I'll need for it.

Looking good! I have fully embraced magnets as a method to attach things to the Defender on my current truck.

• Rock lights with some custom 3d printed mounting plates with magnets make for easy, no-drill interior lights. Reed switches so the lights are tied into the doors opening and closing.
• Starlink Mini mounted to the top with another 3d printed thing I designed. Low profile mount........and magnets. 90mph and the spray wash after a weekend of snow/mud hasn't bothered it, so I am calling it a win
• The molle panels on the doors are great for consumable type things I would normally chuck in a milk crate. Roll of paper towels, box of gloves, extra flares, fire extinguisher bracket, etc......I even mounted a Bluetooth speaker and tablet for the days I work solely from the tailgate. I did have to design and print some threaded insert backing plates for the molle due to their odd size and lack of access from the rear.
• Also, if you didn't opt for the stainless table that RSI sells, don't forget about the threaded M8x1.25 attachment points in the ceiling. I grabbed some stainless eye bolts and hung a motorcycle cargo net up there. It's currently holding a small folding table, but it has also held work gloves, boots, and recovery gear this winter as well.

 

[CKayaks]

 

[baz0157]

Nice set up! did you install the decked system yourself? I have one getting delivered tomorrow. if the weather permits, I'll hopefully get it in on Sunday

 

[CKayaks]

Nice set up! did you install the decked system yourself? I have one getting delivered tomorrow. if the weather permits, I'll hopefully get it in on Sunday

Thanks!
Yes, I assembled the Deck system myself. Easy install. Another set of hands would have helped but easy to leverage it up into the bed by myself. Putting it in before I put on the SmartCap would have been a whole lot easier! Had to crawl in to get to the corner turnbuckles.

 

[baz0157]

I was thinking the same thing, I should have waited to put the cap on.

Thanks!
Yes, I assembled the Deck system myself. Easy install. Another set of hands would have helped but easy to leverage it up into the bed by myself. Putting it in before I put on the SmartCap would have been a whole lot easier! Had to crawl in to get to the corner turnbuckles.

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