SmartCap Questions

[LadyLightning]

I’ve been leaning towards ordering a SmartCap, but I have a few questions.

First, can this be used as a camper top? In other words, can it be opened & closed from the inside? I do a lot of camping, and may sleep in the back when weather gets rough.

Second, I’m looking at the EVO Sport. Can I hear some pros and cons to this topper? Thank you!

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[Batterycap]

Just an errant thought - have you checked out Alu-Cab?

 

[Mountains to Sea - JT]

Had the evo c on a 2019 Ranger. The cap can not be opened from the inside. Camped in the back a few times and experienced alot of condensation with me and my wife. The latches will freeze in winter and you can not access them until unthawed. Also if camping and it rains I figured with the gullwing design I would be able to crack the side or rear doors open to allow airflow but the water drains directly down into the bed of the truck.

Pro's are static/dynamic weight loads, security, and ease of install and accessory options.

I would look at the Westin EXP if I went that route again as it can be accessed from the inside and locks with the factory key fob. They use the turn handle style latches that I feel offer more convenient access.

That being said just ordered the Alibaba truck topper similar to the Smartcap for the Gladiator. about $1200 including shipping. We will see how it turns out lol

 

[LadyLightning]

Just an errant thought - have you checked out Alu-Cab?

I haven’t checked into those yet. Do they have side windows?

 

[LadyLightning]

Had the evo c on a 2019 Ranger. The cap can not be opened from the inside. Camped in the back a few times and experienced alot of condensation with me and my wife. The latches will freeze in winter and you can not access them until unthawed. Also if camping and it rains I figured with the gullwing design I would be able to crack the side or rear doors open to allow airflow but the water drains directly down into the bed of the truck.

Pro's are static/dynamic weight loads, security, and ease of install and accessory options.

I would look at the Westin EXP if I went that route again as it can be accessed from the inside and locks with the factory key fob. They use the turn handle style latches that I feel offer more convenient access.

That being said just ordered the Alibaba truck topper similar to the Smartcap for the Gladiator. about $1200 including shipping. We will see how it turns out lol

Thank you! I definitely want something that can be opened from the inside.

 

[Lost1wing]

I’ve been leaning towards ordering a SmartCap, but I have a few questions.

First, can this be used as a camper top? In other words, can it be opened & closed from the inside? I do a lot of camping, and may sleep in the back when weather gets rough.

Second, I’m looking at the EVO Sport. Can I hear some pros and cons to this topper? Thank you!

I have an Evo sport. RSI now makes a Dual open latch. It also incorporates seals on the outside that prevents water intrusion into the lock assy. I believe you need to order the latches separately. Maybe when placing your order you can request the dual open latches. IDK.

 

[SmartCap]

Thank you! I definitely want something that can be opened from the inside.

Just thought we would jump in here.
With regard to your question about opening the cap from inside. Our current lock/latch mechanism is not designed to be able to open it from inside. That said, there is a DIY workaround that we can show you that will make that possible. More importantly, we are in the testing phase of a new latch that will be able to be opened from the inside, as well as come with weather protection. They will be retrofittable to all EVO series SmartCaps.
Feel free to shoot us a Direct Message if we can help further.

 

[CKayaks]

Just a side note. From following the SmartCap forums on FB, get one made in South Africa. (SA at the end of the part number) North America builds have been having major quality issues: paint, latches, fit, etc. That said, given what I see overall on the forums, SmartCap customer service is very responsive. Like the note above from them.

I have a Defender, SA build. I did not want or need windows. Being 6'1" and with the passenger side bin installed plus a Deck drawer system, I am not sleeping in the back unless it is an emergency! Condensation issues are going to be true for just about any tent or cap you put on unless it has screen windows and/or a way to vent air out. That is just the mechanics of your breathing. That has been true of the dozen tents I have owned over the years and the four or five caps on different rigs.

I am liking the SmartCap very much. Solid build on the SA Defender. I have not seen any leaks but recently added RV sealant tape over the seams on the roof just as a preventive measure. I am getting some dust through the back tailgate seam, but that is on me. I cut the seal tape about a half inch too short in one corner.

 

[Aleph]

Just an errant thought - have you checked out Alu-Cab?

you can’t open the contour canopy panels or rear door from the inside. Just something to know before anyone traps themselves inside forever.

 

[SRFRAT67]

The Defender is made in SA, Actually, I believe all the Gladiator products are made there. I have one and love it with a full passenger bin and ordering a driver half bin. Build quality is fantastick. I went with the Defender as the price difference for a couple of glass windows is not worth IMO. I have no issues not seeing around the Jeep and dont really miss being blinded at nigh by lights from behind me, also, the extra security is just peace of mind. When I built mine I used black exterior waterproof RTV sealant on all seams. I also added an extra seal in front of the D-rubber on the front portion that goes against the cab that I Got from Amazon as it is thicker than the one they supplied. I sealed each corner of the cap from the inside between the cap and bedrail as I was getting small, and I mean small dribbles in very heavy rain, after that, not a drop leaked inside. Also, and this is just me, the Chinese knock offs are ugly and have exposed hinges on the outside. It's your money, lots of choices out there, best of luck with whatever you get.

EDIT: If you ever decide on a RTT, no issues with the weight. I am running a 170 pound aluminum hard shell tent, 270 deg. awning and shower awning on their cross bars. I am not a small guy and its a solid platform with the wife and I in the tent

 

[LadyLightning]

I have an Evo sport. RSI now makes a Dual open latch. It also incorporates seals on the outside that prevents water intrusion into the lock assy. I believe you need to order the latches separately. Maybe when placing your order you can request the dual open latches. IDK.

Thanks for the info!

Just thought we would jump in here.
With regard to your question about opening the cap from inside. Our current lock/latch mechanism is not designed to be able to open it from inside. That said, there is a DIY workaround that we can show you that will make that possible. More importantly, we are in the testing phase of a new latch that will be able to be opened from the inside, as well as come with weather protection. They will be retrofittable to all EVO series SmartCaps.
Feel free to shoot us a Direct Message if we can help further.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Thunderspud]

I went with the Defender as the price difference for a couple of glass windows is not worth IMO.

This was my reasoning as well. I also seem to prefer the all matte-black look of the 4 stainless panels over the much shinier glass. All the caps match the lines of the truck so well that the fancier EVO Sport almost makes it look like an SUV.

 

[Anthracite Hooligan]

I ordered a SmartCap last week, and will have it on the JT this weekend.

 

[Anthracite Hooligan]

 

[FL Robert]

Looks great!

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