SmartCap goes on new Jeep Gladiator Build

[SmartCap]

@RSI North America Inc Quick question before I get a pre-order going. Are pre-orders just for the black finish or can we pre-order in OEM colors to match the vehicle? I saw mention of a custom color program being stood up late this year or early next so I wanted to make sure I can get it in Bright White before I send a deposit to the local dealer who has been in contact.

That is correct. For the time being the SmartCap EVO comes in matte black only and the EVOc is color-matched to OEM white only. We do not know when we will be able to offer a custom color program, though we are hoping it will be in early to mid-2021. With that said, that is our hope, not a guarantee. Given the impact COVID 19 has had on global business (shipping, sourcing parts, government regulations in both South Africa and North America) we simply can't determine when it will be feasible for us to launch that program.

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[nikoli]

Having a tough time wrapping my head around only offering the EVOc in white. A white JT would be the only demographic where this color would logically match. Offering the EVOc in matte black would be a match for all JT's with black tops or even black fenders.

The glass side doors on the standard EVO are deal breakers.
1. Security weakness and easy access for smash and grab thieves
2. Lose the ability to mount items on the outside of the doors such as a set of MaxTrax/Treds, assuming the gas struts of the doors can handle the weight. ( I personally can't mount them on the roof due to a low clearance parking situation )

 

[takeitsleazy]

Having a tough time wrapping my head around only offering the EVOc in white. A white JT would be the only demographic where this color would logically match. Offering the EVOc in matte black would be a match for all JT's with black tops or even black fenders.

The glass side doors on the standard EVO are deal breakers.
1. Security weakness and easy access for smash and grab thieves
2. Lose the ability to mount items on the outside of the doors such as a set of MaxTrax/Treds, assuming the gas struts of the doors can handle the weight. ( I personally can't mount them on the roof due to a low clearance parking situation )

EVOc is the commercial version. A vast majority of fleet vehicles are white.

 

[steelponycowboy]

SEMA show cancelled, was hoping to see what you have in person before making up my mind

 

[steelponycowboy]

Having a tough time wrapping my head around only offering the EVOc in white. A white JT would be the only demographic where this color would logically match. Offering the EVOc in matte black would be a match for all JT's with black tops or even black fenders.

The glass side doors on the standard EVO are deal breakers.
1. Security weakness and easy access for smash and grab thieves
2. Lose the ability to mount items on the outside of the doors such as a set of MaxTrax/Treds, assuming the gas struts of the doors can handle the weight. ( I personally can't mount them on the roof due to a low clearance parking situation )

Black is so hard to keep clean when off roading and out in the AZ desert, black is the kiss of death. Black absorbs the heat and everything inside gets really hot. Makes the fridge/freezer work all that much harder to try to keep things cold or frozen. Having said that, the EVO with the side glass windows as already stated make the EVOc the best option.

 

[radioinstl]

EVOc is the commercial version. A vast majority of fleet vehicles are white.

Seeing as FCA does not make a Fleet version of the Gladiator and has no plans to and I would guess that 1% or less of Gladiators are Fleet vehicles, this make zero business sense. While they call the EVOc a commercial version, it is really just the same thing with out glass and the majority sold for the Gladiator will not go to commercial service.

A prime example of not understanding/knowing your market.

 

[nikoli]

Totally agree, drop the commercial verbiage and just offer door options with finish in black or white.

 

[Jaxmax]

Well there is this ,as of 2021 the only standard not extra cost color is white, everything else is $245 extra. So in reality they just hit a home run as the number of white Glaiators will be rising. I am still amazed with the apparent money grab, my Hydro Blue was extra cost in 2020 so no change, I ordered a black Evo looking for it in October. Am planning on insulating the roof.....Jack

 

[SmartCap]

Having a tough time wrapping my head around only offering the EVOc in white. A white JT would be the only demographic where this color would logically match. Offering the EVOc in matte black would be a match for all JT's with black tops or even black fenders.

The glass side doors on the standard EVO are deal breakers.
1. Security weakness and easy access for smash and grab thieves
2. Lose the ability to mount items on the outside of the doors such as a set of MaxTrax/Treds, assuming the gas struts of the doors can handle the weight. ( I personally can't mount them on the roof due to a low clearance parking situation )

I wish I had better news for you. While this is in consideration, at this time the EVOc is only available in white. We designed the EVOc to primarily be used for commercial truck use, thus the white paint. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to join our email list as we will be communicating updates to our product launch plans.

 

[takeitsleazy]

Seeing as FCA does not make a Fleet version of the Gladiator and has no plans to and I would guess that 1% or less of Gladiators are Fleet vehicles, this make zero business sense. While they call the EVOc a commercial version, it is really just the same thing with out glass and the majority sold for the Gladiator will not go to commercial service.

A prime example of not understanding/knowing your market.

You’re misunderstanding. Im willing to bet EVOc sales for the gladiator are minuscule compared to other trucks they make the EVOc for. Why would they change their production lines, a very costly operation, just to cater to this market? They would not.

 

[PhantomChameleon]

You’re misunderstanding. Im willing to bet EVOc sales for the gladiator are minuscule compared to other trucks they make the EVOc for. Why would they change their production lines, a very costly operation, just to cater to this market? They would not.

Exactly. Love how people think that because they have a preference, a company is making a horrible business decision by not catering to it.

I'm willing to bet that RSI knows more about making toppers and what works for their business than anyone commenting here.

Personally, I love the normal EVO, and that is what the majority of JT owners who are interested in the RSI brand will buy. The windows are very dark and hard to see into, I am confused by people who think having glass will make it a cinch to break into.

Anyone who wants a windowless metal box that isn't white can order one of the other brands.

 

[SmartCap]

Seeing as FCA does not make a Fleet version of the Gladiator and has no plans to and I would guess that 1% or less of Gladiators are Fleet vehicles, this make zero business sense. While they call the EVOc a commercial version, it is really just the same thing with out glass and the majority sold for the Gladiator will not go to commercial service.

A prime example of not understanding/knowing your market.

As you guys have mentioned, we have two lines of caps; the EVO Sport (matte black with the Gullwing door windows) and the EVO C (white with the Stainless Steel Gullwing doors). These lines of caps are custom designed to complement each make and model they go on, meaning if you look at the EVO design for the Gladiator versus the F150, they are quite a bit different. However, they are still entire lines of products that are built for 18 different late-model trucks for a total of 36 different applications. While it may seem like an easy thing to just offer up the EVOc's in matte black (which very well may happen down the road) the implementation of that decision must be agreed to by both our factory and our distribution partner. We also have to take into account our retail partners to ensure we are not handling things in a way that creates confusion and assumptions in the marketplace.

We understand that not a ton of Jeeps are white--we get it! But as stated, we developed the EVOc for commercial use--which primarily is based around white trucks. Our team is in the discussion of potentially offering the EVOc in matte black. but no decision has yet been made.

Also note, the EVO and EVOc are different products in more ways than just one has Gullwing Glass doors and the other has stainless steel. The EVOc has double-wall steel doors to add an extra layer of protection from cargo shifting in transit and denting the cap. It also has different window configurations on the front and back glass and has a SmartScreen which can be purchased to add another layer of protection to the rear window.

 

[beelzebot]

@RSI North America Inc sorry to keep bugging. Normally I would assume I can order a cap regardless of color and then paint the exterior how I want it without too much trouble. However, given the modular nature of this cap I wanted to ask your opinion. Would painting the exterior of an EVO myself or at a local shop be a bad idea? The fact that it arrives disassembled seems to lend some credibility to the thought that I could just paint it before installing.

 

[SmartCap]

@RSI North America Inc sorry to keep bugging. Normally I would assume I can order a cap regardless of color and then paint the exterior how I want it without too much trouble. However, given the modular nature of this cap I wanted to ask your opinion. Would painting the exterior of an EVO myself or at a local shop be a bad idea? The fact that it arrives disassembled seems to lend some credibility to the though that I could just paint it before installing.

You are not bugging us whatsoever and you absolutely can have it painted. It is built just like your Jeep is--made from automotive-grade stainless steel, primed and painted. Thanks for the question and your interest in our product. If you move forward with this, please post pictures!!

 

[SmartCap]

@RSI North America Inc Quick question before I get a pre-order going. Are pre-orders just for the black finish or can we pre-order in OEM colors to match the vehicle? I saw mention of a custom color program being stood up late this year or early next so I wanted to make sure I can get it in Bright White before I send a deposit to the local dealer who has been in contact.

Unfortunately, we do not know when we are going to bring our custom color program to North America. While it will likely be in 2021, we do not have a date for when that might begin. Since our caps are essentially built, primed, and painted like trucks are, you can totally take it to a body shop and have it painted or they can be wrapped. Wish we had better news for you on this and greatly appreciate your question.

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