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I think if I had the 5.5' bed, and in your situation, my first choice would be the ARE CX HD. It is cab-height, and is a very popular cap for overland campers. Easily holds a rooftop tent, and the internal extrusions make installing accessories super easy.
That said, it is definitely among the more expensive caps, but it would probably outlast the truck even with a good amount of abuse.
I really want the MX HD (same cap with 4" rise) but unfortunately the 8' bed is the last on their list of caps to design.
I have the ARE cap shown on the Race Red truck. I like it.. That being said, I get a fair amount of dust infiltrating around the hatch door. That's a bit annoying. I'd advise you to get the fold down front window in your cap so you can clean both your rear truck cab glass and your front cap glass.
My major concern about the RSI smart cap is that its an import from South Africa and I have no sense whether the importer or manufacturer will be able to supply spares long term. Its a very solidly built unit, but its lack of integration into the lines of the vehicle suggest a higher level of wind noise than the fibreglass units from leer/ARE/Century etc.
I'm on the fence to about caps. Initially at least I've gone with a Truxedo roll up cover. But the initial plan was to get a cap, so I could put the dogs in the kennels in the back. For right now, the roll up is working out well.
They actually opened and are starting to manufacture them in Dallas for the US Market
I do plan on going to a couple places to try to check the different ones out in person before buying just to be sure
Originally Posted by henfield
My major concern about the RSI smart cap is that its an import from South Africa and I have no sense whether the importer or manufacturer will be able to supply spares long term. Its a very solidly built unit, but its lack of integration into the lines of the vehicle suggest a higher level of wind noise than the fibreglass units from leer/ARE/Century etc.
I'm on the fence to about caps. Initially at least I've gone with a Truxedo roll up cover. But the initial plan was to get a cap, so I could put the dogs in the kennels in the back. For right now, the roll up is working out well.
It’s a framed soft top built just like a jeep soft top to go over the bed. It installs and removes quickly, and could be quite useful for light to
medium duty applications.
Disadvantages would be the lack of ability to install a rack (an external bed-mounted rack would still work), a small amount of extra noise (when installed properly they’re not very loud), and limited snow load (probably 8-12” or so max).
Bestop is actually the manufacturer of OEM jeep soft tops, as well as aftermarket tops. I have used their soft top products on my TJ for years and would absolutely trust that brand. I’ve had at least 12” of snow on their soft top with no issues, and the new jeep soft top was actually quieter than my factory hardtop.
As to how good this individual product is, I really have no input. I’d be tempted to give it a try if I wasn’t already buying a cap.
yea I was looking at the best tops (I currently have a Gladiator that I hate and have had JKs in the past) as an option but when I showed the wife she wasn’t a fan.
Originally Posted by Steel City 07
One other less permanent and expensive option is made by Bestop.
It’s a framed soft top built just like a jeep soft top to go over the bed. It installs and removes quickly, and could be quite useful for light to
medium duty applications.
Disadvantages would be the lack of ability to install a rack (an external bed-mounted rack would still work), a small amount of extra noise (when installed properly they’re not very loud), and limited snow load (probably 8-12” or so max).
Bestop is actually the manufacturer of OEM jeep soft tops, as well as aftermarket tops. I have used their soft top products on my TJ for years and would absolutely trust that brand. I’ve had at least 12” of snow on their soft top with no issues, and the new jeep soft top was actually quieter than my factory hardtop.
As to how good this individual product is, I really have no input. I’d be tempted to give it a try if I wasn’t already buying a cap.
I do think the Smart Cap has a pretty cool look. (And I'm an older guy.)
yea aesthetically I like it more than most, but the price is also painful. But I do like the additional options like the camp kitchen module and the ability to put a rack and tent on top if you wanted
yea aesthetically I like it more than most, but the price is also painful. But I do like the additional options like the camp kitchen module and the ability to put a rack and tent on top if you wanted
With all your wants and needs, it looks like a slam dunk to get one.
I had a dog once and I tied the" open up the truck back window into the topper to keep the dog cool thing" . It didn't work. It let to much noise into the truck and didn't work as well as I had hoped.
You also need one with a rubber seal between the topper and the cab of the truck.
