RSI and ARE

[MarkO]

I’m looking hard at both the RSI Smartcap and the ARE CX Classic to replace my Rebel Off Road full rack. I like the rack, but I want to go a different direction and not have an open bed to keep my stuff secure. On form vs function, and I’m more function than form, but I do like the lines of the ARE, but I see a bit more function out of the RSI

Regarding the A.R.E., I took a look at one yesterday. This thing was a mess. The side windows wouldn’t stay flush in the frames even when locked, the bad panel would rub against the sides when closing it (fiberglass against fiberglass), and window seals were gummed up and/or pulling out. It was brand new and built this year.

For the ARE owners, is this a fluke? Or did you need to break in the windows and clean it up a lot when you got it? I’d hate to order one and see it come in like this.

Thanks a lot for any thoughts and guidance.

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[aFatBird]

Why not get the rebel panels to enclose the rack? Seems simpler than swapping to a topper IMO.

 

[MarkO]

Why not get the rebel panels to enclose the rack? Seems simpler than swapping to a topper IMO.

Yea, I thought about it. The main reason is that I want protection from rain, snow, mud. Rebel’s offering doesn’t provide that. At least I thought it doesn’t.

 

[shawnebell]

I have now had two toppers on my Gladiator. The first was a Softopper - which was awesome, watertight, and a fantastic overall unit.

The latest is the ARE CX and I'm THRILLED with this! It has the LED lights inside, the rails on the top for crossbar mounts, the sliding tinted side windows with screens, the tilt-down front window (so I can get all the pesky dirt off the back window of the Jeep and the front window of the ARE), and the interior carpet. I’ve slept in the back on several overlanding trips and it is watertight and reasonably quiet (compared to the Softopper). I opted for the black ruggedized finish, and it kinda matches the Jeep hard top … although - being that it’s bedliner paint - it’ll never quite match the finish.

I really have no complaints about the ARE CX, and think that you may have seen something that is an anomaly based on your description of the top.

You mentioned the RSI topper, so allow me to regale you with my epic tale of woe: I ordered the RSI almost as soon as I’d picked up my latest Gladiator (don’t ask; the four I ordered is a tale for another time and a full bottle of mead). I got (from the forum) a Mopar roll-up tonneau cover to cover the bed while I waited.

…and waited…

…and waited…

Now, because I like to go wander around in the wilderness, I found that it was a PITA to keep unpacking and packing all my gear all the time. I wanted to unpack the necessary equipment, but not have to build a tent and stuff every night (I was a Y-Indian Guide, not a Boy Scout). So - while I waited - I picked up a softopper and the Bedrug (which I can’t rate highly enough; it’s a great product!). Now, at least, I had a pre-rigged tent to sleep in, and only had to unpack kitchen and chairs. The softopper is great. If you’re looking for a good budget-friendly topper this is DEFINITELY the way to go. but, about that RSI topper.

…and waited…

…and waited…

And then I found a fantastic deal on an in-stock ARE CX top near me. It came with everything I wanted, had a great warranty, and was installed! So I picked this up, and I couldn’t be happier with it. One of the things my OCD self likes is that the front corners match the curve of the stock Jeep hardtop. The straight front of the RSI doesn’t bother me, but it looks funny to my eye. Not saying it’s a bad design choice, but … well, it’s like the first forest pinstripe on the side of your Gladiator; you’ll always remember the first one and your eye will be drawn to it over and over and over again. But back to the RSI topper:

…and waited…

…and waited…

Yknow, it’s been over a year and a half. I still don’t have my RSI. It was on backorder … they were building a factory in Texas … they were catching up on orders … they lost my paperwork (okay, this was the authorized dealer, but still they’re an AUTHORIZED dealer, so blame flows uphill), they found it, the topper is still on backorder but it might come in after the first of the year…

Maybe it’s time to cancel my RSI order.

 

[MarkO]

I have now had two toppers on my Gladiator. The first was a Softopper - which was awesome, watertight, and a fantastic overall unit.

The latest is the ARE CX and I'm THRILLED with this! It has the LED lights inside, the rails on the top for crossbar mounts, the sliding tinted side windows with screens, the tilt-down front window (so I can get all the pesky dirt off the back window of the Jeep and the front window of the ARE), and the interior carpet. I’ve slept in the back on several overlanding trips and it is watertight and reasonably quiet (compared to the Softopper). I opted for the black ruggedized finish, and it kinda matches the Jeep hard top … although - being that it’s bedliner paint - it’ll never quite match the finish.

I really have no complaints about the ARE CX, and think that you may have seen something that is an anomaly based on your description of the top.

You mentioned the RSI topper, so allow me to regale you with my epic tale of woe: I ordered the RSI almost as soon as I’d picked up my latest Gladiator (don’t ask; the four I ordered is a tale for another time and a full bottle of mead). I got (from the forum) a Mopar roll-up tonneau cover to cover the bed while I waited.

…and waited…

…and waited…

Now, because I like to go wander around in the wilderness, I found that it was a PITA to keep unpacking and packing all my gear all the time. I wanted to unpack the necessary equipment, but not have to build a tent and stuff every night (I was a Y-Indian Guide, not a Boy Scout). So - while I waited - I picked up a softopper and the Bedrug (which I can’t rate highly enough; it’s a great product!). Now, at least, I had a pre-rigged tent to sleep in, and only had to unpack kitchen and chairs. The softopper is great. If you’re looking for a good budget-friendly topper this is DEFINITELY the way to go. but, about that RSI topper.

…and waited…

…and waited…

And then I found a fantastic deal on an in-stock ARE CX top near me. It came with everything I wanted, had a great warranty, and was installed! So I picked this up, and I couldn’t be happier with it. One of the things my OCD self likes is that the front corners match the curve of the stock Jeep hardtop. The straight front of the RSI doesn’t bother me, but it looks funny to my eye. Not saying it’s a bad design choice, but … well, it’s like the first forest pinstripe on the side of your Gladiator; you’ll always remember the first one and your eye will be drawn to it over and over and over again. But back to the RSI topper:

…and waited…

…and waited…

Yknow, it’s been over a year and a half. I still don’t have my RSI. It was on backorder … they were building a factory in Texas … they were catching up on orders … they lost my paperwork (okay, this was the authorized dealer, but still they’re an AUTHORIZED dealer, so blame flows uphill), they found it, the topper is still on backorder but it might come in after the first of the year…

Maybe it’s time to cancel my RSI order.

Thanks for the reply. You're probably right. My guess is, someone ordered the ARE and rejected it, so the store is selling it at a discount to get it out of inventory. Too bad on the RSI ordering issues. I found a store that has them in stock and has a few of them, so any delays aren't going to happen. I'm going to call around to see if any topper shops have the ARE in stock so I can see another one.

 

[shawnebell]

Thanks for the reply. You're probably right. My guess is, someone ordered the ARE and rejected it, so the store is selling it at a discount to get it out of inventory. Too bad on the RSI ordering issues. I found a store that has them in stock and has a few of them, so any delays aren't going to happen. I'm going to call around to see if any topper shops have the ARE in stock so I can see another one.

If you’re in So Cal, check with G & W Truck Accessories in Oceanside, they usually have the AREs in stock … and they can get the RSIs, too.

 

[MarkO]

If you’re in So Cal, check with G & W Truck Accessories in Oceanside, they usually have the AREs in stock … and they can get the RSIs, too.

Yup. They have the RSI in stock but were closed this weekend when I called about the AREs.
I appreciate the help and comments. Thanks again.

 

[MojaveLawyer]

Hey @MarkO,

Figured I'd share some of my insights about the RSI Smartcap if you are considering. At one point I had considered both, but decided to go with the RSI (Sport) due to having two German Shepherds, and a tiny human on the way.

To be completely honest with you, it took me a while to get used to the Smartcap, but there is not a single day that I regret it. It has truly been such a great investment!

Just like the good, there has been some complaints.

• During my elk hunt, the locks were frozen (Snow and 12 Degree weather), so I had to take a heat gun to try to melt the ice :/
• Living in AZ, it can get extremely toasty in that thing with it being 100 degrees+.

Other than that, I cannot tell you how impressed I have been with this product. It is definitely worth it if you want to keep your stuff secure, however, I would probably consider the steel door model. I posted some pics to help give a lil more insight. (Excuse my mess lol, and you will see that in one of the pics regarding lining up the Cap with the tailgate, this is preference but I placed mine on the edge as I want snow and water to brush off easily. Others will place it with the tailgate sticking out more. Also, with the clamps, they are pretty solid, however, I bought some more from harbor freight that I will be putting on in the future, just for fun.)

Hopefully this helps! Can't go wrong with either one

- X

 

[MarkO]

Hey @MarkO,

Figured I'd share some of my insights about the RSI Smartcap if you are considering. At one point I had considered both, but decided to go with the RSI (Sport) due to having two German Shepherds, and a tiny human on the way.

To be completely honest with you, it took me a while to get used to the Smartcap, but there is not a single day that I regret it. It has truly been such a great investment!

Just like the good, there has been some complaints.

• During my elk hunt, the locks were frozen (Snow and 12 Degree weather), so I had to take a heat gun to try to melt the ice :/
• Living in AZ, it can get extremely toasty in that thing with it being 100 degrees+.

Other than that, I cannot tell you how impressed I have been with this product. It is definitely worth it if you want to keep your stuff secure, however, I would probably consider the steel door model. I posted some pics to help give a lil more insight. (Excuse my mess lol, and you will see that in one of the pics regarding lining up the Cap with the tailgate, this is preference but I placed mine on the edge as I want snow and water to brush off easily. Others will place it with the tailgate sticking out more. Also, with the clamps, they are pretty solid, however, I bought some more from harbor freight that I will be putting on in the future, just for fun.)

Hopefully this helps! Can't go wrong with either one

- X

Thanks a lot for the post. I'm definitely going with the EVOa Adventure. As for the locks, I understand they are about to release newer versions that are backwards compatible. They also have rubber covers available. Colorado is a destination, so I'll keep that in mind.

Your JT looks great. I recall seeing a pic or two in a different thread.

 

[Sigz]

I think you should forget both of those and check out the OZARK Cab made by Venturous.

https://venturoustrucktops.com/products/ozark-truck-cap/

The type of material they use (PolyFus Technology) makes the cap way lighter and much stronger than both offerings above.

 

[shawnebell]

I think you should forget both of those and check out the OZARK Cab made by Venturous.

https://venturoustrucktops.com/products/ozark-truck-cap/

The type of material they use (PolyFus Technology) makes the cap way lighter and much stronger than both offerings above.

Wait ... you're seriously saying that a fiberglass - sorry, "PolyFuse" - topper is stronger than a steel topper?

Pretty sure you're incorrect in that statement.

 

[Sigz]

Wait ... you're seriously saying that a fiberglass - sorry, "PolyFuse" - topper is stronger than a steel topper?

Pretty sure you're incorrect in that statement.

Well - I didn't know an ARE cap or RSI smartcap were made out of steel. Aren't they made out of fiberglass/aluminum?

But honestly, you should read up and talk to a local Venturous truck top supplier. I went in the other day because I've been interested in a cap and this has tickled my interest.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I have a century- which is the leer, rebadged…..

(Yes neither of which you are looking at…)

Love it for protected storage, dog storage, bs on road trips etc….

Ahate not having sides that can flip up to access things over the bedsides….

From a day to day accessibility/usability standpoint this is a MUST.

Only other thing to check out or look into is how the top is secured to the bed… I tried the factory two clamps per side, added another clamp on each side….. ended up drilling and bolting through the bed rails. I like to drive spirited down washboard roads…… bolting down is a must. Clamps are nice for the streets but miles and miles of dirt roads will vibrate loose/shift loose- whatever. Crap comes loose…

Maybe someone with an RSI who is humble enough to admit they have fun in back roads can attest to its connecting situation…. But definitely explore if you still drive like your 16 every now and then.

 

[MarkO]

Well - I didn't know an ARE cap or RSI smartcap were made out of steel. Aren't they made out of fiberglass/aluminum?

But honestly, you should read up and talk to a local Venturous truck top supplier. I went in the other day because I've been interested in a cap and this has tickled my interest.

I think you should forget both of those and check out the OZARK Cab made by Venturous.

https://venturoustrucktops.com/products/ozark-truck-cap/

The type of material they use (PolyFus Technology) makes the cap way lighter and much stronger than both offerings above.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I started taking a look. The static and dynamic weights look interesting.

 

[smlobx]

Why not consider an AluCab?
Made out of aluminum and super strong…

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