New Alu-Cab Canopy Install

[AstoriaTaco]

Looks like the back door on the bed cap overhangs the tail gate. I am guessing you need to open that door each time you need to access the tailgate?

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[Mtnbikes]

Looks like the back door on the bed cap overhangs the tail gate. I am guessing you need to open that door each time you need to access the tailgate?

Yes, but prevents no water intrusion. It’s a gasket that presses against tailgate.

 

[Neal Hughes]

I ran into a problem with the back hatch not closing because of the bump on top of the tailgate. Did you have that issue? Might be I need shims changed. Could you tell me how many shims you used in front, middle and back? Thanks! Your truck looks great!

 

[Mtnbikes]

I ran into a problem with the back hatch not closing because of the bump on top of the tailgate. Did you have that issue? Might be I need shims changed. Could you tell me how many shims you used in front, middle and back? Thanks! Your truck looks great!

I think I used, from front to back, 5,4,4. Also, did you remove the inner rubber gasket that goes over the horn on the tailgate?

 

[Neal Hughes]

Thanks for your reply. Are you able to close the hatch when the tailgate is already closed? That bump prevents me from doing that. I had it installed by a local company. Not sure if they removed the inner rubber gasket that goes over the horn on the tailgate. I will find out. Thanks again!

 

[Mtnbikes]

Thanks for your reply. Are you able to close the hatch when the tailgate is already closed? That bump prevents me from doing that. I had it installed by a local company. Not sure if they removed the inner rubber gasket that goes over the horn on the tailgate. I will find out. Thanks again!

Yes, I can close my hatch. It’s snug, but you want the inner gasket to press against the lip of the tailgate rail.

Maybe your canopy sits too far toward? That would cause the hatch to not close well.

I installed mine myself. I don’t always trust other people’s work to get it right.

 

[Neal Hughes]

I spoke to the guys at ok 4wd and they said they just remove the inner gasket which is what you mentioned so that's what I will do. The place where I had it installed had never done one of these so they weren't sure and did not remove it. Thanks again for the info and good luck with your truck.

 

[justintseale]

Just finished installing my Alu-Cab canopy. Coming from an RSI Smartcap on my previous truck this cap is much lighter and easier to install. For those on the fence about getting a canopy then this is a great option.

Are you able to show the clearance you have with your garage opening? Or how many inches/cm of clearance do you have for your RTT when driving out?

I'm trying to plan for an Alu-cab topper, and maybe one day a RTT but taking my time - I've been backpacking for over 30 years so it's a slow transition. I know I want the topper, but don't think I can make the clearance for a RTT with my garage door work. Just thinking it through.

Do you bolt directly to the topper or did you use a low profile crossbar ???

I've thought through a simple hand "crane" (long pole with counter balance) that should work to install a RTT by myself if I can't make the garage door clearance work out, but then it starts sounding like a bit of a hassle to put a RTT on before a trip.

Love the idea of lower direct to truck topper, bolt on, and go. I don't love the idea of assemble the "crane", lower RTT from garage ceiling, raise on crane, move onto driveway, lift onto truck, bolt on, and go. It doesn't seem like a lot of extra work, but I've learned that every extra step makes it that much more likely that something doesn't get used. I've already explored the whole mid-hight bed rack system for garage door clearance, but I think I'd just prefer to camp in my ground tent gear since a truck topper would be so useful for my day to day work.

Thanks for any feedback.

Also, I have the same truck, same color - love it. This definitely looks like the best topper for performance, and the more boxy look is growing on me. Saw the other photos of your leveling kit and black rims. Looks so good.

 

[Mtnbikes]

Are you able to show the clearance you have with your garage opening? Or how many inches/cm of clearance do you have for your RTT when driving out?

I'm trying to plan for an Alu-cab topper, and maybe one day a RTT but taking my time - I've been backpacking for over 30 years so it's a slow transition. I know I want the topper, but don't think I can make the clearance for a RTT with my garage door work. Just thinking it through.

Do you bolt directly to the topper or did you use a low profile crossbar ???

I've thought through a simple hand "crane" (long pole with counter balance) that should work to install a RTT by myself if I can't make the garage door clearance work out, but then it starts sounding like a bit of a hassle to put a RTT on before a trip.

Love the idea of lower direct to truck topper, bolt on, and go. I don't love the idea of assemble the "crane", lower RTT from garage ceiling, raise on crane, move onto driveway, lift onto truck, bolt on, and go. It doesn't seem like a lot of extra work, but I've learned that every extra step makes it that much more likely that something doesn't get used. I've already explored the whole mid-hight bed rack system for garage door clearance, but I think I'd just prefer to camp in my ground tent gear since a truck topper would be so useful for my day to day work.

Thanks for any feedback.

Also, I have the same truck, same color - love it. This definitely looks like the best topper for performance, and the more boxy look is growing on me. Saw the other photos of your leveling kit and black rims. Looks so good.

I have the standard 7’ clearance that most newer homes have. Not ideal for having a RTT on any canopy style other than a midheight rack system. I mainly have the topper to keep my belongings dry and safe.

My main mode of camping is my Bean trailer. When the kids were smaller I used the RTT for them, but not much since. I can place the RTT on top of the Bean or on crossbars on top of my Alucab. However, it’s a PTA to get it on and off. I used to use a jeep topper crane system to get it on and off, but that was a PTA too. The way it’s set up in my garage is for storage only. It would work really well if you could put the RTT on and off with that pulley system and drive in and out.

I would definitely get the Alucab. I’ve been very happy with it on many fronts. In my opinion it’s better than a RSI Smartcap, which I have also owned in the past.

Thank for the compliment! If you have other questions feel free to ask. Here’s my Bean! You should considered this instead of a RTT.

 

[justintseale]

I have the standard 7’ clearance that most newer homes have. Not ideal for having a RTT on any canopy style other than a midheight rack system. I mainly have the topper to keep my belongings dry and safe.

My main mode of camping is my Bean trailer. When the kids were smaller I used the RTT for them, but not much since. I can place the RTT on top of the Bean or on crossbars on top of my Alucab. However, it’s a PTA to get it on and off. I used to use a jeep topper crane system to get it on and off, but that was a PTA too. The way it’s set up in my garage is for storage only. It would work really well if you could put the RTT on and off with that pulley system and drive in and out.

I would definitely get the Alucab. I’ve been very happy with it on many fronts. In my opinion it’s better than a RSI Smartcap, which I have also owned in the past.

Thank for the compliment! If you have other questions feel free to ask. Here’s my Bean! You should considered this instead of a RTT.

Love it. This is definitely my long term goal since it provides the best options and quick set up. Been dreaming of a Patriot X1 or X3 lately. Maybe a Bruder trailer in retirement if I happen to come into a bunch of money. lol.

Good to know about the difficult process of setting up. Hearing some guys say it was “easy” online to install/uninstall an RTT was hard to believe when I started comparing it to other similar types of gear prep. Felt like an annoying process honestly. A smallish trailer is where I ultimately landed as the best plan but it’s a bigger investment. Glad to know that is actually the best plan you've already done - great set up.

Currently for solo stuff I’m personally very happy with my backpacking hammock set up, probably as comfortable or more so than any RTT could provide. Got a really nice portable stand if trees aren’t an option. Super comfy, warm, etc.. But I need to get a working solution for family trips soon.

Thanks again for feedback.

 

[Mtnbikes]

Love it. This is definitely my long term goal since it provides the best options and quick set up. Been dreaming of a Patriot X1 or X3 lately. Maybe a Bruder trailer in retirement if I happen to come into a bunch of money. lol.

Good to know about the difficult process of setting up. Hearing some guys say it was “easy” online to install/uninstall an RTT was hard to believe when I started comparing it to other similar types of gear prep. Felt like an annoying process honestly. A smallish trailer is where I ultimately landed as the best plan but it’s a bigger investment. Glad to know that is actually the best plan you've already done - great set up.

Currently for solo stuff I’m personally very happy with my backpacking hammock set up, probably as comfortable or more so than any RTT could provide. Got a really nice portable stand if trees aren’t an option. Super comfy, warm, etc.. But I need to get a working solution for family trips soon.

Thanks again for feedback.

There are so many options for camping. Personally, I try to keep it simple and low key. We used to haul around a 30’ travel trailer when the kids were really small. No fun there either…too much work.

In my opinion the only benefits with a RTT are easy open and close once set up on your vehicle and your up off the ground. I road out a thunderstorm with heavy downpours one night and woke up with not a drop of water in the tent. However, too much work on and off. Best of luck whatever you decide.

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