Those with SMARTCAPS

[Devil's Advocate]

That bolt does not look to be torqued correctly. Either it is binding in the threads or it is too long. It looks like there is a gap between the bolt head and the washer so it can't torque anything.

That said leaks on these are pretty darn common. I had one on my Power Wagon and that is the number 1 reason this is not an option for this truck.

A quick scroll through any of the Facebook owners groups will confirm the amount of people that chase leaks constantly.

Hmmm. Not surprising i suppose. I have not had a leak yet in the year I've owned the Smartcap. It will leak at the roof vent when washing it with powerwasher of course.

DA

 

[MarshFly]

Hmmm. Not surprising i suppose. I have not had a leak yet in the year I've owned the Smartcap. It will leak at the roof vent when washing it with powerwasher of course.

DA

I think it might be manageable if you are willing to "maintain" your topper by making a habit of torquing the bolts. But with so many other options that don't require that it seems silly to me. I had mine for about 3 years and it just got worse and worse. An all night soak would get water all over the interior.

It got old quickly when the two Leer's I had before that were bone dry.

I really liked the design overall but the leaks are just not something I'm willing to put up with and a dry interior is the single largest consideration as I choose a topper with an integrated tent for this truck. It seems a ton of those have water issues also unfortunately.

 

[NightForceFan]

I think it might be manageable if you are willing to "maintain" your topper by making a habit of torquing the bolts. But with so many other options that don't require that it seems silly to me. I had mine for about 3 years and it just got worse and worse. An all night soak would get water all over the interior.

It got old quickly when the two Leer's I had before that were bone dry.

I really liked the design overall but the leaks are just not something I'm willing to put up with and a dry interior is the single largest consideration as I choose a topper with an integrated tent for this truck. It seems a ton of those have water issues also unfortunately.

Wondering if running a bead of RV sealant on the seams would take care of the issue. Leaning towards buying one, but only if it is semi-sealed from dust and water.

 

[os1r1s]

Wondering if running a bead of RV sealant on the seams would take care of the issue. Leaning towards buying one, but only if it is semi-sealed from dust and water.

One of the youtubers used clear silicone and said it made a difference. For what its worth, I've had mine since August with no leaks. I'd also note that the pressurization from the top vent keeps almost all dust out. I've driven a bunch of gravel and dirt roads and the bed looks almost identical to when I put the top on.

 

[MarshFly]

One of the youtubers used clear silicone and said it made a difference. For what its worth, I've had mine since August with no leaks. I'd also note that the pressurization from the top vent keeps almost all dust out. I've driven a bunch of gravel and dirt roads and the bed looks almost identical to when I put the top on.

The only issue with silicone is that you can never get anything to stick to it again if you need to reseal. That's why it's never used on RVs.

There are very active FB groups for these and these issues have been hashed out repeatedly. Lots of good info there on sealing them if that's the route someone wants to take.

These are great for dust. It's the long soaking all day/night rains that get them over time.

 

[NightForceFan]

The only issue with silicone is that you can never get anything to stick to it again if you need to reseal. That's why it's never used on RVs.

There are very active FB groups for these and these issues have been hashed out repeatedly. Lots of good info there on sealing them if that's the route someone wants to take.

These are great for dust. It's the long soaking all day/night rains that get them over time.

I don't Facebook so was not aware.

 

[MarshFly]

I don't Facebook so was not aware.

I wouldn't either if not for the groups and marketplace. Lol.

 

[OffroadAlliance]

While we have certainly seen the Facebook groups, as the largest Smartcap dealer in the country it's our experience that those that have issues are very vocal and those who don't, typically don't say anything. We can assure you, the vast majority of caps out there have no issues whatsoever. Are there those with issues (leaks, paint, etc), yes absolutely. But that's where Smartcap's warranty comes into play and we've always seen them take care of whatever issue or issues may arise.

If anyone is wanting a Smartcap or needing help with their Smartcap (even if you didn't purchase it through us), please shoot us a message. We're happy to help.

 

[Skyguy]

You know SmartCap will send you winter latch covers free of charge, right? They did for me and my latches are great in the snow. Had 6 degree temps and snow a week ago and no issues with the latches.

I didn’t know, thanks for the heads up! That will make a huge difference

 

[Silver-Bolt]

I didn’t know, thanks for the heads up! That will make a huge difference

They work very well.

 

[prioinv]

Any one else lose the red screw cap of the 3rd brakelight?

 

[ShockGobble]

Anyone experience any leaks with the weld around the pressure vent? Mine started leaking in the last few days randomly.

 

[OffroadAlliance]

@ShockGobble

Is this from rain? Car wash? When are you experiencing this?

 

[ShockGobble]

@ShockGobble

Is this from rain? Car wash? When are you experiencing this?

When it rains

 

[boisefly]

When it rains

I had the exact same leak (mine was way worse than yours looks). Basically, the weld around my pressure vent was cracked and there was a 1/4" gap that ran about 8 inches along the vent. I used some black polyurethane roof and flashing sealant in that crack. Been a year with zero leaks.

 

[ShockGobble]

I had the exact same leak (mine was way worse than yours looks). Basically, the weld around my pressure vent was cracked and there was a 1/4" gap that ran about 8 inches along the vent. I used some black polyurethane roof and flashing sealant in that crack. Been a year with zero leaks.

Thanks. I did by some Butyl tape and some JB Weld black silcon RTV sealant with the hopes that fixes it. I have no idea why the weld would crack. Seems cheap.

 

[Guest14285]

Harken hoister in the garage and a couple of boards underneath. Jeep folks use something like this all the time.

https://www.harken.com/en/shop/garage-storage/hoister-storage-systems-75-200-lb-load10/?srsltid=AfmBOoo4gpFGb5YHEGUhwPyrp6TJtVpcuGiqeIk9Wslp9Qf9-0-a4WKL