Hello all, I'm hoping to pick up a new '22 F250 in the next few months (hopefully sooner) and I am seriously considering an RSI SmartCap. As with so many other things right now, supply chain issues, high demand, etc have made them hard to come by.

I've been searching and have found only a few reviews online, some YouTube videos and a few comments on another forum, but only 1 YouTube vid was on a 2017+ Superduty. Otherwise, info from Ford Superduty installs and owners is nearly non-existent. I'm looking for any feedback from someone with any of the SmartCap models on a 2017+ Superduty. If you have one, please share your thoughts and experiences on it, what you like and dislike, and if you would buy one again.

Several posts on another forum and some users have reported leaks at the side windows and at the top vent. Supposedly, there is a remedy for both issues,, but I'd like to hear from someone with hands-on experience as to whether or not the solutions were successful. Another issue was with the locks freezing with ice and freezing rain and another one is the inability to open them from inside. Just curious if there have been any changes or fixes for these identified issues. Anyone have any experienced insights or opinions on them?

Thanks!

 

Never seen one or heard of them before. A quick Google search... not a fan.

I'd stick to ARE, Leer, Century.

 

I'm not sure what other forum you are referring to but there is a Tremor forum with multiple members that have them & vendors that sell them. I would suggest looking there for feedback.

 

reaserach is your freind.

I bought a 2019 AER Z series in 2019 when I bought my 2019 f-450. the only thing I did not like about the Z series was at the time, the flimsy side window track systems which looked like glass cutter wheels on a thin aluminum track. the wheels pop off often and very sticky operation. well as luck would have it..in 2020...they changed the design to a very rugged lever system that works amazingly...and of course...you cant retro fit the 2019 side windows to use the 2020 mechanisums.

I would say to think your use case thru carefully...some of my guiding principals used to make my decision has evolved over a short time and were no longer valid which basically disqualified some models early in the game.

what are you key requirements
what are your must have features
what models provide whats needed
how will you get support and service.

 

Yep. Here is a link for one thread with pictures: RSI Smartcap | Ford Tremor Forum | Ford Super Duty

Search results | Ford Tremor Forum | Ford Super Duty

 

That RSI cap looks pretty industrial for my taste. Would be a good match with a truck painted with bed liner paint.

 

I never seriously considered a cap for my Super Duty, but when I first discovered the SmartCap it had me considering one. The style, although subjective, looks good to me on the Super Duty. I have seen one on the road locally, and I like it. Also, some of the accessories look interesting.

The inside is pretty basic, utilitarian, not as nice as the carpeted fiberglass shells. Leaks seem to be an ongoing complaint from the reviews I have read. To me, the modular design, cap in a box requiring assembly, would seem like a way to provide a lower cost alternative to a fiberglass shell. Instead, they are actually more expensive.

 

Thanks njburn and msudenga for the suggestions and links. I don't have and haven't ordered a tremor, so I haven't seen that forum before and nothing from that forum showed up in my search results. I only came up with a couple of hits on ford-trucks.com.

Thanks to everyone else for sharing your opinions. I get that something like a truck cap is a very subjective accessory, and many of us will have different opinions. Many of the comments are still helpful. I'm looking for real world experience from people who have or have had the RSI SmartCap. I will follow up with whatever decision I come up with. I don't expect to have a new truck too soon, so at least I'm not rushed.

 

I don't have a Tremor either but that forum came up for something I was searching for before. Lots of good info there, especially if you are into offroading with your truck. The members are also very friendly, even with non-Tremor members like me. Between these two forums, I don't think I need to go anywhere else for help & suggestions.

 

Just saw the first one for me on a Super Duty and it looked really good.

 

while not a smart cap, i outfitted my last work truck with a are deluxe commercial unit, color matched to truck and a bedslide with a custom aluminum box with 4 dividers about 10 x 11 inches and a cutout for my water keg.
it worked well for a survey vehicle, kept shovels, tripods, wood lath, prism poles organized.
only wasted space was by wheel wells

 

I decided the RSI SmartCap was what I wanted and would likely be the best suited cap for what I want, need, and expect. It arrived a couple weeks ago and I was able to get it installed today. Normally, I'm a "do-it-yourself" kind of guy, but with time constraints, work, etc. it was faster and easier to have the dealer install it, and of course, I can take it right to them if anything isn't right. The prices have gone up, but the local dealer really took care of me and I am really glad I chose the one I did.

We had a good thunderstorm with blowing rain and the only moisture inside came from the side gap of the tailgate. I still need to put in a tailgate seal. I am really happy with the appearance and function of the cap. I know liking the appearance is a personal choice and some aren't fans of it. I like the look. The thing is solid and fits well. So far, I'm glad I chose the RSI SmartCap and I will follow up with any future opinions or experiences.

 

That cap isn't as bad looking as some of the comments in the thread made it out to be. Different, yes. Bad looking, no.

I had a Leer 100XQ on my prior truck. It was a great looking cap that followed the lines of the truck well. The lid hardware (locks) left a lot to be desired. They always needed adjustment.

 

I have one on an F150…I love it! I’m putting a Leer 100xq on this new F250. Can’t go wrong with either