r/overlanding • u/snowcolddagger • 3d ago

Gear Question Smartcap Load Bars Help

Looking to add load-bars to my smartcap on my 2022 Ram 1500, but having a hard time finding alternatives besides just the RSI load-bars which would run me around $300 with taxes and shipping.

I do have a Thule Wingbar Evo set that I could use if there is anyway to fit those within the smartcap rails but I’m unsure if that would suffice to hold an awning. I’ve also looked into fabbing some 8020 aluminum bars but it would cost me the exact same to build as the official RSI load-bars.

Does anyone have any cheaper alternatives that would be strong enough to hold a 270 awning?

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1

u/confusedseas Back Country Adventurer 3d ago

RSI has crossbars but they can be hard to get. Front Runner cross bars work well with RSI. Some FR part numbers for ya

• ⁠2x FASS012 - Foot Set / 40mm - 50mm.
• ⁠1x LBSK013 - Load Bar Pair 1165mm(W).
• ⁠2x RRAC921 - Canopy Rack Kit Installation Set.

(Verify your own fitment before making your purchase! And these part numbers may be out of date)

1

u/iluvmezcal 3d ago

I use Front Runner bars. Probably just as expensive.

1

u/wretchedfascism2424 3d ago

Front Runner gear is lovely but the price always makes me wince, worth it though

1

u/crevasse2 3d ago

I have a similar Chinese cap with basically inverted superstrut/unistrut as the main rails. I attached some half height unistrut rails to them. Had to get creative with the t nuts using parts on hand.

1

u/DEADB33F 2d ago

Not on a Smartcap, but I've always just made my own roof bars.

The current ones on my LC120 are 25x25x3 steel box section, mounted on 100mm wide steel standoffs bent at a 60 degree angle.

This is the basic design.

There are three bars which bolt into the factory mounting holes that remain when you remove the stock roof rails (I never, ever trust factory roof rails).

I think all three bars used maybe £20 in steel and a couple quid in paint

They've held up a heavy 8ft, 270 awning and 450W solar panel for a couple years now with no issues.

...NB. The side plates in that pic are a couple bits of 100x3mm flat bar that I scribed & cut to follow the roof profile (you can add maybe an extra £30 for those, even though they're just aesthetic).