RSI Smart cap and RLD design are great storage options, but their differences come down to sizes, window options, truck compatibility, and availability.
Truck toppers, also known as caps, are widely used to provide safe storage in the back of your truck. However, among hundreds of options, new truck owners often get confused about the best suit for their trucks.
Comparing the RSI Smart cap and the RLD design will help you decide on truck toppers.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | RSI Smart Cap | RLD Design |
| Sizing options | Fewer options | More options |
| Color and design | Decent | Better |
| Window options | No | Yes |
| Truck compatibility | Better | Decent |
| Weight capacity | 770 lbs. | 700 lbs. |
| Availability | Less available | More available |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Key Differences Between RSI Smart Cap And RLD Design
- Sizing Options
Every truck is different in size, and so is the requirement of every user.
So, having various sizing options allow users to pick one that suits their need and truck size.
In that regard, RLD Design seems to offer more options.
Almost every single cap from their side has three-bed sizes available, making it easy for customers to find the right fit. On the other hand, RSI Smart cap options are pretty much limited comparatively.
Also Read: Differences Between Fas-Top And Softopper Cover and Topper.
- Color And Design
Next up, we are going to compare the color and design options. Though it doesn’t affect the performance directly, many people like matching color and sound design at the back of their trucks.
In this segment, RLD Design offers more color options like black, white, and gray with a better overall design. On the other hand, the RSI Smart cap has limited design and color, and only black is available as a color.
- Window Options
Windows can be crucial depending on what you will carry in the back of your truck. There are a lot of people who carry stuff that needs ventilation, and some might choose the carry pets even.
In those cases, windows are a must. Unfortunately, while RLD design offers truck caps with windows, RSI Smart Cap lacks that option entirely.
- Truck Compatibility
Compatibility with your truck is one of the preconditions of using a cap.
Each truck cap we are talking about here is compatible with different truck brands.
While RLD Design is only compatible with a handful of ruck manufacturers, RSI Smart cap offers broader compatibility with some lesser-known truck companies too.
So, if you own anything other than a Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, or GMC, you should look into RSI Smart caps.
- Weight Capacity
This is probably one of the most crucial things to watch. The fundamental purpose of a truck cap is to carry and hold stuff at the back of your truck.
So, you must ensure the cap has enough carrying capacity to withstand your load. The RLD design and RSI Smart cap in this department offer similar weight capacity. However, while RLD Design caps can carry up to 700 lbs., RSI Smart caps can carry a bit more with 770 lbs.
- Availability
Availability has been a significant concern for users since it’s almost impossible to immediately get your hands on an RLD Design or RSI Smart cap. Bot brands are extremely popular in the off-roading community, and with the high demand and material shortage, there have always been issues with stocks.
Though both brands have existing problems with availability, the RLD design seems to handle it better than the RSI Smart cap. Instead of RSI Smart cap’s long lead times, RLD designs tend to have many models available on their website.
- Cost
Price is one of the most influential aspects of any purchase, and truck caps are no different. As a massive long-term investment for a truck attachment, you need to get the best value out of the caps.
In this department, RSI Smart caps are cheaper compared to RLD design. While RSI Smart caps are priced at $4000, RLD design caps cost more, between $4300 to $5000. So, regarding value purchase, RSI Smart cap has the lead.
- Warranty
Warranty plays a crucial role in purchase decisions since it ensures customers about the quality of a [product. Since truck caps are no small investments, customers often look for an extended warranty to ensure the longevity of the caps.
RSI Smart cap has a slight lead over RLD design in this department. While the RSI Smart cap has a warranty period of 3 years, RLD Design offers a warranty of 2 years. However, RLD Design claims they have a warranty claim of less than 1%, which makes it a safe choice.
Which One Is Better For You?
At the end of the comparison, it’s tricky to say which one will best fit you. The purchase decision will be completely subjective because both RSI Smart caps and RLD Design have pros and cons.
If you are after value, warranty, and truck compatibility, RSI smart cap is the way forward. On the other hand, RLD design offers more structural benefits like sizing options, windows, design, and availability. Here is a virtual walkthrough of it for you.
Also Read: Differences Between Softopper And Bestop Topper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Considering the stainless steel construction, you might wonder how much an RSI Smart cap adds to your truck. An RSI Smart Cap usually weighs around 180 lbs depending on the particular model and size.
Previously, RSI Smart caps didn’t open from the inside, a complaint of many users. RSI listen to their customers; now, the latches have been re-designed to open from the inside.
Final Words
That’s a wrap for today. I hope my comparison of the RSI Smart Cap and RLD Design will help you get a deeper insight into these truck caps. As two of the most in-demand truck caps one that market, you might have a hard time purchasing one because of availability.
Moreover, both products have pros and cons, which can be a bit confusing too. So, you must determine your priorities and get the truck cap that suits your preferences.
