Help me decide RSi or ?

[Chattownranger]

So a little over 2 weeks ago I placed a deposit at my local RSi dealer for a SmartCap Evo Sport. He had one installed there on a Taco of course and I checked it out pretty well and decided I needed it in my life. The dealer was to call or text me later that day to give me an ETA of shipment. I didn't hear anything for a week so called to check and he said the earliest they foresee it shipping is late July and that they have a Leer 100XR that I can borrow in the meantime. I haven't went and got it yet but plan to tomorrow or Tuesday but that got me thinking..

I know this is a lot of personal preference but now I am thinking I may just grab the Leer and cancel my order for the SmartCap. I couldn't find a ton of reviews on the SmartCap so had to skim the Taco forums and some folks had some pretty significant issues for a $5000 topper in my opinion. I know a few folks on here have them also so any input would be appreciated.

On the other hand, Leer, ARE, etc don't seem to have any negative reviews from their users and everyone seems to really enjoy them. They come pretty well loaded and still cost less than the SmartCap. With the deposit I paid already I would get the Leer for free essentially. Or put that towards a different cap at a different location. Just the Leer was presented to me so that's what I am hung up on for now.

My main reason for wanting the RSi over the Leer is the gullwing side openings as I use the crap out of the bed of my truck and know how aggravating it can be to have to crawl to the front with a top on to get something in the front of the bed. Also, I really like the little port windows in the sides of the RSi. And it's something different and utilitarian that I am attracted to. But is that worth the extra coin? Plus having to deal with the door latches not opening from the inside or freezing up in cold weather or leaks that others have experienced?

I guess I am just looking for praise or complaints for both a fiberglass topper and a SmartCap from real world experience. My main use is going to be storing things with out fear of theft and camping in the back of my truck. More so that latter as I am trying to somewhat get a camping bed build of sorts slowly underway.

Any info good, bad or indifferent is much appreciated!

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[Frenchy]

I wont argue that the RSI is nice for obvious reasons. If money wasnt an object(and I still had my Ranger) I probably would have gotten one. Unfortunately everywhere you are going to see delays so it really comes down to what you want to do.

 

[Chattownranger]

This is true. There is a wait on everything which is terrible for me. I am admittedly the most impatient person in the history of the world perhaps. Which is also another plus for the Leer I assume as it is there and ready. I appreciate the feedback!

 

[AutobotXJ]

I love my RSI. Super strong and sturdy. The reason why I chose RSI over others was the looks and utility. And all of the fiberglass shells I’ve used cracked and leaked within a couple of years (used hard).
I’ve had mine for about a year now and only had two issues which were both taken care of. My window had a leak from a torn gasket (probably from factory). They sent a new one and it no longer leaks. The other was waiting so long for a revised brake light, which has since been installed and works great.
I like the gullwings and windows for the same reason as you- getting to the back of the bed is as easy as if there were no shell. Things are nice and dry (though you will need to plug the gaping holes in the bed bulkhead side and tailgate). I can use magnets to hook things up (must not be high grade SS). And of course, it is strong and durable. I hope they come out with molle attachments in the future.

 

[Chattownranger]

That is another reason I like the RSi for the ability to use magnets. Even if that does mean it’s a lesser grade stainless. But in all honesty what major manufacturer of consumer goods uses high quality stainless. All those fridges with magnets all over them.. you’re not fooling anyone haha.

It does seem as if their customer service is on point for the most part also. Which is a big plus.

Been cruising the net looking for other options and am now even thinking of a soft top of some sort and a decked system. Could build it out for less than an RSi although it wouldn’t be nearly as rugged or secure.

Hi, my name is James and I am the most indecisive person in the world

 

[AutobotXJ]

Btw, the price for me (Hawaii) was similar to Fiberglass toppers and this shipped in boxes so it was also easier. I did not pay 5k, but it is by far my favorite, and most useful, addition to this truck!

 

[Chattownranger]

I actually looked at your thread about the topper when you installed it. It looks fantastic with your color too!

Well it wasn’t quite 5k. But not far.

Great pics! I had no idea there was any snow in Hawaii!

 

[Flowgod]

I kinda think the RSI looks a bit ugly compared to just regular toppers, but that is totally my opinion. I have a ARE overland shell with a rhino rack on top and really love it. I had to wait around 5-6 months for my shell to be made and delivered. That was the thing that I didnt like about the whole experience. 4.5k is quite a bit for a shell and you can do a lot with that extra dough if you go the normal shell/topper route. Whatever route you go I think you will be happy though!

 

[Chattownranger]

Yea I think that is what I’m going to do. Tomorrow I will go to the shop and see what they say about a refund. I will check out the Leer they have there. They also sale decked units so may snag one of those and a less expensive topper and call it a day.

Keep the info coming though as I’m still trying to form a decision. I will post results of my visit with them tomorrow.

 

[bRaptor]

I would check out a guy on YouTube who has one with his ranger. He seems to like it a lot. Get Busy Living channel https://m.youtube.com/user/boomboxsteve

If I were able to afford a topper, that's what I'd get. I always choose function over form if I have to.

 

[Chattownranger]

Shoot yea! I will check him out. Thanks for the link!

 

[Chattownranger]

Well they gave me no hassle at the shop for a refund on the RSi. I went ahead and got a decked system while I was there too. The Leer was quoted at 3005 out the door with installation. The owner said he would let me have the Leer out the door for 1995 and if I wasn’t happy he would give me that back towards an RSi if I changed my mind again lol. I mean that’s a steal of a deal but the Leer just doesn’t have the features I want and even though they can be added it’s an extra 800 bucks or so. I’ve pretty much got my heart set on a besttop supertopper 2.

I will be going back Friday for the decked instal for sure however.

 

[Chattownranger]

So I got the decked system installed yesterday. Pretty sweet really. Took the stuff out from under the rear seats like tree saver straps, winch controller and random ratcheting straps along with my receiver and lock and put in the drawers along with some tools, my roadhouse tarp and my bike tire pump. Overall I’m pretty happy with it. I also slapped my Super top on yesterday as well as I figured for a grand I will try it out and if it’s terrible I will switch to a hard topper. So far I really like it too! No flappy noises when driving and seems awesome as far as the different ways it can be set up.

 

[Ronbo]

So I got the decked system installed yesterday. Pretty sweet really. Took the stuff out from under the rear seats like tree saver straps, winch controller and random ratcheting straps along with my receiver and lock and put in the drawers along with some tools, my roadhouse tarp and my bike tire pump. Overall I’m pretty happy with it. I also slapped my Super top on yesterday as well as I figured for a grand I will try it out and if it’s terrible I will switch to a hard topper. So far I really like it too! No flappy noises when driving and seems awesome as far as the different ways it can be set up.

I’m a fan of the color-matched fiberglass toppers, ARE, Leer, etc.., but your set up with the Super Top and Decked system is really sharp and looks really good on your truck. You get the best of both worlds, a secure place to keep valuables, and a weather resistant canopy that can be easily removed for carrying bulky items. I think you made a good choice.

 

[Chattownranger]

Hey thanks Ronbo! I think so too. As much as I wanted the RSi I had ordered I am so impatient. I think this will work great for me. Maybe not for everyone but I’m thinking it will meet my needs very well. Plus I really like the looks and so far the functionality of this set up.

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