Westin EXP Truck Cap/Topper

[Chuck44]

Westin EXP Truck Topper | #16-14705 | Westin Automotive Products, Inc.

www.westinautomotive.com

Does anyone have one of these...or have any experience with one? If so interested in the fitment, quality and leak-resistance.
It is an Aluminum Cap with Gullwing side doors and auto lock/unlock rear door access.
I am considering it as an alternative to the SmartCap as the SmartCap is a bit taller an not going to fit in my garage. It would not hurt either that this is over $1,000 less expensive and has the auto lock/unlock..

 

[Chuck44]

Well, I took a chance and bought one. Quality is better than expected…very solid…satisfied so far but only had a few days…and it does fit in the garage

 

[robrevilo]

Well, I took a chance and bought one. Quality is better than expected…very solid…satisfied so far but only had a few days…and it does fit in the

Well, I took a chance and bought one. Quality is better than expected…very solid…satisfied so far but only had a few days…and it does fit in the garage

Did you wire the lock? I can't find anything about it

 

[Chuck44]

I did not personally wire it but the place that installed it for me (Discount Hitch and Truck Accessories) did and it works great. They did not initially know how to wire it so I had to make a second trip back for them to do so. I ended up doing some research on it and sending them a link from another thread on this forum (below ) and a YouTube video (below) that helped them do it. The tech who installed it said he basically followed the YouTube video...but the wires were not the same colors.

Tailgate Wiring Lock/Unlock--Need some help

 

[WarlockADV]

Chuck, how you liking the cap so far? Im very interested in picking one up for truck camping purposes.... I assume you can activate the latches from the inside to get out? A picture of the latches would be a huge help too, if it's not too much trouble.

 

[Chuck44]

Chuck, how you liking the cap so far? Im very interested in picking one up for truck camping purposes.... I assume you can activate the latches from the inside to get out? A picture of the latches would be a huge help too, if it's not too much trouble.

I am really liking it so far...have had no issues and have used it to pack to the roof on a few trips. I will take a picture of the latches in the daylight tomorrow. All 3 of the latches have a protective rubber cover on them but the Driver's side specifically has a lever extending out of the cover to allow activating from the inside. I believe the other two could also be opened from the inside if the rubber covers were removed (screwed on).
For truck camping, you would likely need to rig up a bug screen on at least one of the hatches.

 

[Chuck44]

1:28 in to this video shows the interior latch

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[WarlockADV]

Good to hear... iv heard mixed things about Westin, but it's mainly with their steel running boards. Thanks for finding that video, that helps a lot. It's interesting that you can't actuate the latch on the tailgate from the inside.. that seems like a no brainer to me. Shouldn't be too hard to modify the latch to have that capability. Have you noticed anywhere where the powder coat doesn't seem to be holding up, or the latch quality isn't great? Also, I have a Discount Hitch and Truck Accessories somewhat local... what dealer did you use? I may use the same since they will have had experience with the install.

 

[Chuck44]

No issues with the powder coat. I did have a minor issue with the passenger side latch binding up but I just lubed the sticking latch and no issues since.
I used Discount Hitch on the Katy Freeway in Houston…Hector is the manager and my contact there.
I have attached some pictures of the rear latch with cover on and removed. I was able to operate the latch by hand with the cover removed. I agree that it should be relatively easy to modify an interior handle for this latch like the one on the Drivers side hatch.

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[K_Hub]

I can second Chuck’s sentiments on the Westin Exp. I ordered one as soon as they released it as Westin has been one of our vendors in our shop for years. I’m still impressed with the fit and quality. I got this to replace my Truck Covers USA roll top so I could put my two big dogs in the back for family road trips (cheaper than buying the wife a suburban). I’m currently converting an old Adventure 1 truck tent to connect to the Exp for camping in the back of. Chuck is right though, you need some way to cool it or at least ventilation. I made some screens for the side doors and for traveling with my dogs during the summer I drilled two 5” holes and installed marine ports that I duct an 12v 8,000 btu under bench air conditioner to. I also added some insulation to the top as well as removable pieces for the front and back glass to keep sun out if needed. The dogs get to ride in a nice climate controlled space and it greatly extends the camping season if you have shore power or a generator.

 

[spaguy]

can either of you guys measure the side posts with the window open? also the window width. I'm considering doing a conversion to cut the bottom door brace and use one with my RamBoxs, I'll build a frame back to the bed rail frame on my inside bed

 

[Chuck44]

can either of you guys measure the side posts with the window open? also the window width. I'm considering doing a conversion to cut the bottom door brace and use one with my RamBoxs, I'll build a frame back to the bed rail frame on my inside bed

DM sent

 

[spaguy]

Thanks again Chuck...you really came through!

 

[K_Hub]

can either of you guys measure the side posts with the window open? also the window width. I'm considering doing a conversion to cut the bottom door brace and use one with my RamBoxs, I'll build a frame back to the bed rail frame on my inside bed

I’ve thought about this with my next truck. You might look into the topperezlift. If you ever need to access the ram boxes you can lift the whole cap to open the ram boxes.


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[spaguy]

I’ve thought about this with my next truck. You might look into the topperezlift. If you ever need to access the ram boxes you can lift the whole cap to open the ram boxes.


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I thought about these but they set pretty far inside the rails and really narrow you bed width. I couldn't haul plywood or sheetrock