SmartCap EVO Bed Cap installed on 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road

[evlfred]

I put mine together yesterday. Picked up a 20-200 inch-pound torque wrench from O'Reily's Auto Parts because my existing in-lb wrench didn't go low enough. (Am now the proud owner of 5 torque wrenches).

Today's tasks are to get the gasket on and mount it on the truck.
Unfortunately, they were out of wiring harnesses, so I have to wait to hook up the top brake light.

you ever get the third brake light wiring harness? If so how long did it take, mine shipped without it too

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[soupy1234]

you ever get the third brake light wiring harness? If so how long did it take, mine shipped without it too

Took about 3 weeks. https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/smartcap-adventure-topper-installed.6821/page-2#post-96220
I recommend that you use a step drill for the hole, I used a standard 3/4" bit and it wanted to twist the sheet metal.

 

[Mini2nut]

Has anyone purchased the marine grade 304 stainless steel competition, the Expedition brand bed cap?

It’s priced at $2500 vs. $4400. It doesn’t offer side windows like the SmartCap however. It appears that the Expedition cap for 2024 + Tacoma’s is currently on back order.

https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/Expedition---Truck-Cap-W/Full-Wing-Doors

 

[raven’s_yota]

Do you have the powered open/close tailgate? Wanting to know if the powered tailgate operates with the Smartcap?

 

[scythanith]

It doesn't like to open or close with the topper rear panel down. Need to crack that open. and then it mostly works. Tailgate usually opens no problem but has issues when closing it due to the increased friction from the RSI gasket. I give mine a little push at the end to get it to pull in tight.

 

[scythanith]

@soupy1234 I'm getting rust dust along the inside bottom pinch welds/rivet areas on both side panels. Are you seeing anything like that? I checked the stainless and its 3CR12, which is not as corrosion-resistant as the typical 304 stainless steel most folks are familiar with. But based on my google-Fu, the rust should only be superficial. Other that, tops are awesome!

 

[soupy1234]

@soupy1234 I'm getting rust dust along the inside bottom pinch welds/rivet areas on both side panels. Are you seeing anything like that? I checked the stainless and its 3CR12, which is not as corrosion-resistant as the typical 304 stainless steel most folks are familiar with. But based on my google-Fu, the rust should only be superficial. Other that, tops are awesome!

I haven't noticed any, but I keep my truck in the garage, and we've had a very dry winter this year.
They probably went with 3CR12 for cost and workability. It is handy that it's magnetic for doing temporary mounts.

 

[scythanith]

I haven't noticed any, but I keep my truck in the garage, and we've had a very dry winter this year.
They probably went with 3CR12 for cost and workability. It is handy that it's magnetic for doing temporary mounts.

Agreed on the material choice reasoning. I have a couple very small usc-c rechargeable unilite k-550’s in the truck and love sticking them inside the topper.

I’m sure mine was from overzealous pressure washing at the car wash but I didn’t expect rust.

 

[DeadSetMonkey]

Do you have the powered open/close tailgate? Wanting to know if the powered tailgate operates with the Smartcap?

Great looking install. I just got mine put on today. I have a couple of questions. Do you have any issue with the seal at the bottom of the rear hatch catching on the tailgate lip when you open the hatch up? Mine rubs pretty hard when I open or close it. In time, I'm concerned it will wear itself out.

Also, can you operate (open and close) the power tailgate while the rear hatch is open? Mine won't do it because that seal is so tight getting past the little kick-up on the tailgate.

Does anyone have any suggestions to overcome these issues?

How have you found your smart cap? I have had mine ~4weeks. And it leaks. One rain storm. One snow storm. Even just parked, and water in the bed (few cups worth).

 

[vanhuette]

Can anyone help me out - wondering about the vertical height of the smart cap door opening on a 4th gen tacoma (trying to see whether it will be tall enough for me coming from a mid-rise cap).

Smart cap sent me their diagram which shows 38cm door opening, and Im measuring the new tacoma beds somewhere around 51cm high ... but im not sure if that includes the seals sitting on the bed rails. Would love to have the measurement from someone who has it installed

 

[rainstorm]

Great looking install. I just got mine put on today. I have a couple of questions. Do you have any issue with the seal at the bottom of the rear hatch catching on the tailgate lip when you open the hatch up? Mine rubs pretty hard when I open or close it. In time, I'm concerned it will wear itself out.

Also, can you operate (open and close) the power tailgate while the rear hatch is open? Mine won't do it because that seal is so tight getting past the little kick-up on the tailgate.

Does anyone have any suggestions to overcome these issues?

I just installed the EVO A smart cap on my 2025 Tacoma Sport. I get the same rubbing from the weatherstrip on the rear hatch of the cab and the lip of the tailgate. It seems like over time it will damage or peel off the weather stripping. Has this created problems for anyone, or is it a non issue?

I'm trying to figure out if its better to try and open the tailgate first, then the rear hatch, or if its better to open the topper first. Both create some rubbing.....maybe I'm overthinking this.

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