2019 Truck cap/topper/camper shell thread

[UglyViking]

I just found a local dealer that had a new RSI cap for the 2500s, so I put a deposit and they are shipping to my local dealer so I can pick it up and install it myself. I was initially pretty back and forth between the RSI and a standard fiberglass cap. I don't have a strong preference between the two on looks alone and the combination of things I wanted wasn't really available either way. I previously had a Leer cap with the windoors and while I liked the functionality there was def much to be desired on overall quality. The two big things I really wanted are actually both not available on the RSI (a drop front window for cleaning between the glass and a remote lock/unlock). That said, I liked the reviews I've seen on the durability of the RSI overall, the fact that it offers a bit more security were the two big selling points.

My plan is to just leave the cap unlocked except when I've got additional storage items that I want to be protected. I got the "sport" model with the windows mainly because I wanted the sliders for dogs/sleeping in the bed. I figure it also gives me additional visibility and if I want the security I can always wrap the windows and keep the functionality of the slider.

My next step will be to either buy or build some sort of storage bin for the stuff I always keep in the truck toolbox and have some more organization. I like that I would install a decked and be done with it, but the loss of space may be a bit much. I like the additional storage area and lower profile of the truck vault, but boy is the price high for what you get. I may end up building something. I'd love to have the flat back so I can toss an inflatable mattress and such in the back.

I am also very hopeful that someone in the forums does the digital rearview mirror mod so I can copy that. Once that happens my plan is to add a camera to the back of the cap to gain the additional visibility, and maybe look at an additional option so I can get a camera inside the cap, however with the little RSI window the rear bed cam may work for my needs.

Excited about the cap, I'm just hopeful that the lock/unlock doesn't become a major pain point. Hopefully that is something RSI is actively working on as a lock replacement module. I know they are actively working on upgrading the latches for better winter performance in harsh climates, and the ability to close and lock the cap from inside. Fingers crossed that isn't years out.

 

[jadmt]

I just found a local dealer that had a new RSI cap for the 2500s, so I put a deposit and they are shipping to my local dealer so I can pick it up and install it myself. I was initially pretty back and forth between the RSI and a standard fiberglass cap. I don't have a strong preference between the two on looks alone and the combination of things I wanted wasn't really available either way. I previously had a Leer cap with the windoors and while I liked the functionality there was def much to be desired on overall quality. The two big things I really wanted are actually both not available on the RSI (a drop front window for cleaning between the glass and a remote lock/unlock). That said, I liked the reviews I've seen on the durability of the RSI overall, the fact that it offers a bit more security were the two big selling points.

My plan is to just leave the cap unlocked except when I've got additional storage items that I want to be protected. I got the "sport" model with the windows mainly because I wanted the sliders for dogs/sleeping in the bed. I figure it also gives me additional visibility and if I want the security I can always wrap the windows and keep the functionality of the slider.

My next step will be to either buy or build some sort of storage bin for the stuff I always keep in the truck toolbox and have some more organization. I like that I would install a decked and be done with it, but the loss of space may be a bit much. I like the additional storage area and lower profile of the truck vault, but boy is the price high for what you get. I may end up building something. I'd love to have the flat back so I can toss an inflatable mattress and such in the back.

I am also very hopeful that someone in the forums does the digital rearview mirror mod so I can copy that. Once that happens my plan is to add a camera to the back of the cap to gain the additional visibility, and maybe look at an additional option so I can get a camera inside the cap, however with the little RSI window the rear bed cam may work for my needs.

Excited about the cap, I'm just hopeful that the lock/unlock doesn't become a major pain point. Hopefully that is something RSI is actively working on as a lock replacement module. I know they are actively working on upgrading the latches for better winter performance in harsh climates, and the ability to close and lock the cap from inside. Fingers crossed that isn't years out.

you sux.....seriously nice stroke of luck finding one. I have been looking and nada for my ram. Where did you find it at? My buddy had one and he sold his truck to a used car dealer and left the RSI on. If I had known he was going to sell his truck which he did on a whim I would have bought his RSI and decked system drawers. They are very cool toppers.

 

[UglyViking]

you sux.....seriously nice stroke of luck finding one. I have been looking and nada for my ram. Where did you find it at? My buddy had one and he sold his truck to a used car dealer and left the RSI on. If I had known he was going to sell his truck which he did on a whim I would have bought his RSI and decked system drawers. They are very cool toppers.

I purchased at a local dealer in NH. It was a total stroke of luck as I saw and ad, gave a call and got lucky. I went back and forth between a ton of models, but felt like this was the best option all things considered. I've heard nothing but positive things about RSI and the caps. The only issues seems to be the latches freezing, which I hear they are working on, and the fact you can't lock them from inside. Both of which they seem to be working on.

I figured if I try it out and really dislike it, I can prob sell it for 90% of what I paid considering the demand. So If I love it, awesome, if I hate it, well then I'll be in a tricky place for one, but for two I can at least get the majority of my cash back. Eager to see how it fits in person, I'll be honest some of the pics seem to look a little odd from an angle, right where the cap meets the cab. It seems as if there was a change, or that maybe people were buying the 1500 model? I'm unsure but I'm hoping the one I get doesn't have that issue.

 

[jadmt]

I purchased at a local dealer in NH. It was a total stroke of luck as I saw and ad, gave a call and got lucky. I went back and forth between a ton of models, but felt like this was the best option all things considered. I've heard nothing but positive things about RSI and the caps. The only issues seems to be the latches freezing, which I hear they are working on, and the fact you can't lock them from inside. Both of which they seem to be working on.

I figured if I try it out and really dislike it, I can prob sell it for 90% of what I paid considering the demand. So If I love it, awesome, if I hate it, well then I'll be in a tricky place for one, but for two I can at least get the majority of my cash back. Eager to see how it fits in person, I'll be honest some of the pics seem to look a little odd from an angle, right where the cap meets the cab. It seems as if there was a change, or that maybe people were buying the 1500 model? I'm unsure but I'm hoping the one I get doesn't have that issue.

I am in Montana and my buddy hits the car wash every day as he bought an unlimited wash card and he drives by it on his way to and from work and he never complained about the locks freezing. the angle is a little different but not terrible by any stretch.

 

[RockaRhyme]

I was able to see an RSI cap in person the other day and was very very impressed with the quality and thoughtful design. I’m not a fan of their looks at all, but if you like the design or can overlook it, these caps are miles better than any fiberglass cap out there.

I’ve got a Leer on my 2500 and it looks nice as hell.… from a distance

 

[UglyViking]

I had a leer for a few months before selling it. I'll be honest part of the reason was that I had a hard time with the grandpa vibes it gave off. That said, I almost instantly regretted it as the functionality of a cap is beyond anything else. I prefer the looks of the fiberglass over the RSI for sure, but the RSI does have a certain aesthetic that goes well with a nice offroad bumper and winch, so maybe it will tie together nicely?

Either way, I think that as long as it's a solid unit I'll be able to overlook the flaws. At some point what I'm really looking for is an SUV, and you can only get your truck so close, no matter what.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

I had a leer for a few months before selling it. I'll be honest part of the reason was that I had a hard time with the grandpa vibes it gave off. That said, I almost instantly regretted it as the functionality of a cap is beyond anything else. I prefer the looks of the fiberglass over the RSI for sure, but the RSI does have a certain aesthetic that goes well with a nice offroad bumper and winch, so maybe it will tie together nicely?

Either way, I think that as long as it's a solid unit I'll be able to overlook the flaws. At some point what I'm really looking for is an SUV, and you can only get your truck so close, no matter what.

Too bad nobody makes a 3/4 ton suv anymore.

3/4 ton suburban 8.1L was my dream rig for a long time. Excursions are cool but they only came as fords lol

 

[Grateful Dad]

Too bad nobody makes a 3/4 ton suv anymore.

3/4 ton suburban 8.1L was my dream rig for a long time. Excursions are cool but they only came as fords lol

Ram 2500 platform as a SUV, bring back the Ramcharger nameplate!

Ram, if you listening, your welcome……….

 

[jetrinka]

Too bad nobody makes a 3/4 ton suv anymore.

3/4 ton suburban 8.1L was my dream rig for a long time. Excursions are cool but they only came as fords lol

I totally agree. I had the option a couple year ago of purchasing a clean 8.1 Suburban from a customer at work and passed…. I wish I hadn’t…. They are so sexy.

 

[1651Naismith]

I had a leer for a few months before selling it. I'll be honest part of the reason was that I had a hard time with the grandpa vibes it gave off. That said, I almost instantly regretted it as the functionality of a cap is beyond anything else. I prefer the looks of the fiberglass over the RSI for sure, but the RSI does have a certain aesthetic that goes well with a nice offroad bumper and winch, so maybe it will tie together nicely?

Either way, I think that as long as it's a solid unit I'll be able to overlook the flaws. At some point what I'm really looking for is an SUV, and you can only get your truck so close, no matter what.

I’ve had my RSI for a couple of months now. Extremely impressed in the build quality. No issues so far with the locks in winter. I’ve grown to like the color contrast between body color and black. Visibility into the bed via the mirror is ok, not great…but a lot better than you can do elsewhere!

For the record, I’ve had Leer toppers on previous trucks. They were ok, not great. I don’t see ever going back to fiberglass as this is a definite step up.

 

[dm6]

I had a leer for a few months before selling it. I'll be honest part of the reason was that I had a hard time with the grandpa vibes it gave off. That said, I almost instantly regretted it as the functionality of a cap is beyond anything else. I prefer the looks of the fiberglass over the RSI for sure, but the RSI does have a certain aesthetic that goes well with a nice offroad bumper and winch, so maybe it will tie together nicely?

Either way, I think that as long as it's a solid unit I'll be able to overlook the flaws. At some point what I'm really looking for is an SUV, and you can only get your truck so close, no matter what.

I hear you. I think that is why I am dragging my feet too because the truck look so cool now and I am afraid it is going to have the grandpa look! But, I need to get over that because an open bed and even a tonneau will be useless to me come summer time when I go camping and stuff and when my puppy is grown so I better just pull the trigger on this soon so I have it in time. I guess it is really more of those higher canopies that have the grandpa look anyways. I don't think some of these cab high ones look too bad. I am with you too that I don't like the look of the RSI but I can see where many people would. Besides, I shouldn't care what it looks like because I can't see what it looks like anyways when I am driving the truck!

 

[UglyViking]

I hear you. I think that is why I am dragging my feet too because the truck look so cool now and I am afraid it is going to have the grandpa look! But, I need to get over that because an open bed and even a tonneau will be useless to me come summer time when I go camping and stuff and when my puppy is grown so I better just pull the trigger on this soon so I have it in time. I guess it is really more of those higher canopies that have the grandpa look anyways. I don't think some of these cab high ones look too bad. I am with you too that I don't like the look of the RSI but I can see where many people would. Besides, I shouldn't care what it looks like because I can't see what it looks like anyways when I am driving the truck!

I basically went through the same back and forth. At this point, I just have too much crap to drag around with the mrs, little dude, 2 dogs and (hopefully) a second little guy at some point. As much as I prefer the look of the truck, the functionality is just too important. I can't use a tonneau with dog crates either, so the minute I need to bring the dogs I've now gotta have no cover on the bed, which is fine during the summer but basically impossible the rest of the year (not to mention temp concerns with the dogs).

Maybe one day when everyone is older and the dogs aren't a concern I'll get a single cab and live the dream, until then I'll prob keep this cap and build it up to my needs.

 

[dm6]

I basically went through the same back and forth. At this point, I just have too much crap to drag around with the mrs, little dude, 2 dogs and (hopefully) a second little guy at some point. As much as I prefer the look of the truck, the functionality is just too important. I can't use a tonneau with dog crates either, so the minute I need to bring the dogs I've now gotta have no cover on the bed, which is fine during the summer but basically impossible the rest of the year (not to mention temp concerns with the dogs).

Maybe one day when everyone is older and the dogs aren't a concern I'll get a single cab and live the dream, until then I'll prob keep this cap and build it up to my needs.

That's right man, we had our time. We are dads now But hey, we still have bad ass trucks!

 

[Kerrram]

I think any cap/topper from 2009 1500 or 2010 2500/3500 to present will work excluding 2019 new body 1500. I borrowed my buddies cap from his 2017 Ram 2500 for a trip and it fit perfect with no issues.

What year ram is yours?

 

[woody284]

Just curious, are you able to put a bike in there without removing the front wheel? One of the kids bikes I have is a 26" wheel but the front wheel doesn't have the quick disconnect so it would be great to not take it off.

You can. I have put my wife’s 26” wheeled trek an 18” and 20” kids bike. The problem is they all have to pretty much lay on top of each other.

 

[MEZZ2006]

What year ram is yours?

Mine is a 2019 3500.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

[woody284]

So my used topper is getting painted today and I should be able to pick up on Monday. Question for you guys. Did you or do you disconnect the trucks third brake/ bed light before you put the topper on. I have watched a few videos and some mention doing so and other don’t.

 

[John Jensen]

I see no reason to disconnect or remove the third brake light, so I never have.

 

[dm6]

I see no reason to disconnect or remove the third brake light, so I never have.

Hey John, a little bit of a different subject, but I remember you have the XR like I am getting. Do you know where they tapped into your wires? I asked the installer, and he said they run power directly to the battery but everything else goes into the wire bundle above the spare tire. I was glad to hear that he knew about that, because I have read other posts here where they didn't do that. I didn't think about it until now, but I wonder if the power door locks can be tapped into that bundle too.

 

[John Jensen]

Hey John, a little bit of a different subject, but I remember you have the XR like I am getting. Do you know where they tapped into your wires? I asked the installer, and he said they run power directly to the battery but everything else goes into the wire bundle above the spare tire. I was glad to hear that he knew about that, because I have read other posts here where they didn't do that. I didn't think about it until now, but I wonder if the power door locks can be tapped into that bundle too.

They tapped into the harness in the lower driver door pillar for my power door lock wiring.