Ali Baba Cap
Posted by Murky-Metal-6099@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 85 comments
Here’s another honest review of an Ali Baba overland cap. In short, I’m quite pleased with the installation and quality of the product. Although it took about 3.5 months to arrive, the person I spoke to was incredibly transparent throughout the entire process. They helped me design the cap and provided regular updates on the order’s status and delivery. After shipping and taxes, I paid just under $1800, which is significantly less than what some other companies charge for similar products (like the Smart Cap or Alu Cab). The installation was relatively straightforward, except for one minor issue. I had trouble getting the cubby in the door because some of the holes didn’t align properly, and the bolts that hold the unit to the bed rails were too high, preventing the cubby from sitting securely. To fix this, I used a sawzall to trim the holes down a couple of inches and was able to secure the cubby. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the product and can’t wait to use it on future adventures. If you have been on the fence about getting one of these from overseas, I say go for it. I’d be happy to direct you to the company I went through and the person who helped coordinate it.
1mma_Pr0bl3m@reddit
I may need to look into these
Mr-Guy5@reddit
Also got myself an alibaba cap. Definitely worth it, especially since they let you customize it to exactly how you want it, while also being at more than half the price of American brands.
I’d definitely give into the conspiracy that companies here just order these in bulk and slap their logo on it, selling them for 2x the price.
Nearby_Donut_8976@reddit
It’s the same with roof top tents and other popular items. Almost always comes from China
VanillaCreative1680@reddit
I got the big down vote when I brought this up about wheels in another sub.. Literally heald a set of te37xt's next to a set of tehe37xt's from alibaba. 1:1 except on weight and obviously cost. The alibaba wheels were a little heavier but cost 1/4 the price of a set of real te's. Both will probably hold up just the same for average user.
Aphael@reddit
The alibaba wheels will be heavier and probably less strength per mass. Also aren’t tested so probably not road legal. That’s the trade off with going with Chinese forged wheels. It’ll be more than fine for most people though
NoteFuture7522@reddit
The factories and raw materials are all the same. The big names do more QC, stand by their products offer warranties, generous return policies, product support, etc. All that requires a lot of employees stateside and is what drive the markup. But if you’re a handy, resourceful diy type (likely given the sub) you can likely forgo all that.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
That's not a conspiracy. That's literally white labeling. Just look at Amazon.
Swimming-Necessary23@reddit
Yeah, I got roasted on the RTT sub for suggesting that there is very little difference in quality, if any, between super expensive RTTs and Chinese knock offs. People were trying to say that mildew insides tent after being immediately sealed after a trip was because it was a cheap Chinese brand that they won’t even allow named in the sub. Truth was, the person using it didn’t know how yo take care of it and the seals did their job. I’m all for American made stuff (live in the US), but screw companies that are just branded up.
AloneDoughnut@reddit
It's not really a conspiracy. Most of the quick pop up overlanding brands are using Alibaba bought equipment. Tents, RTTs, these canopies. I've ever started to see other camping gear, like portable stoves and stuff pop up front here too.
itsmyfirstday2@reddit
Nice, that looks slick
deweylikedonuts@reddit
I did the same and would swear it’s the same manufacturer Rough Country uses. 10/10 would recommend.
El_Entrenador@reddit
I wanted the Rough Country one for my 2nd gen Tundra but they dont offer one. Found the supplier on alibaba and they custom made one for my application for just over half the price shipped, currently clearing customs as I write this.
deweylikedonuts@reddit
Same experience for me, except they do offer one, but I was too cheap to buy it.
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
How long have you had yours/how has it held up?
deweylikedonuts@reddit
Installed in February. No leaks and held up well so far.
-BSQ-@reddit
As someone who installs these, SmartCaps, and AluCabs, I'm pretty impressed with their construction. They seem pretty decently built, assemble far easier than any SmartCap, and look/seal better than the AluCabs. I've only had them coming in for a few months so time will tell about durability but I'm optimistic about 'em
Kiriesh@reddit
What’s your opinion on smartcap vs alucabs? I’m in between those two for my Colorado right now
-BSQ-@reddit
If you're an avid off roader, AluCabs are lighter by like 60lbs so you could save weight or use that for more supplies/gear. And it's cheaper usually, here in Canada.
My biggest gripe about the AluCab is the way they're mounted to the bed, uses some convoluted clamp system that just kind of holds it there vs regular clamps that pinch it tight to the bed rails to better keep out the dust and stuff. But it's also a single solid piece of canopy versus SmartCaps multiple panels bolted together so there's less potential leaking points with the AluCab.
SmartCap looks way better imo, and being stainless steel instead of aluminum, you can use magnetic mounts for various items tho. Both have plenty of extra items to customize for storage/camping set ups.
Either are decent options but I think AluCab wins out by a bit!
PonyThug@reddit
They don’t through bolt? My snugtop has 6 bolts into the bed raisin
-BSQ-@reddit
The only ones I've bolted through are the boat loader+ canopy combos. Everything else uses some sort of c-clamp, works totally fine and doesn't put any unnecessary holes into the truck. Then there's AluCabs wonky clamps.
Come to to think of it though, I've only put AluCabs on Jeeps and Toyotas so far which have that cargo tie down rail the clamps use. I'm not sure how it changes for the trucks without it lol
i__hate__you__people@reddit
Funny, I love the SmartCap because of the extra weight — it means it’s magnetic! I have magnet straps holding everything to the sides and top of the cap, including a shovel, a table, paper towel roll, toilet paper roll, traction boards, 8 sets of lights (magnetic under cabinet lights that turn on when they sense movement), magnetic cable straps (to cleanly run usb cables to the lights, so they always stay charged), 2 bike helmets, tire hole plug kit, firepit, bike lock, bike pump, and folding camp saw. Plus 2 cup holders on the outside so I always have a place to put my drink while I’m opening up the cap.
All that is taking up no storage space because it’s hanging from the walls and ceiling of the cap via magnets. THAT is awesome, and makes SmartCap (Defender) the better option for me.
Resident-Cockroach88@reddit
I am interested in if you have seen the Qian TP07B hard shell camper that’s been going around. What are your thoughts if you have seen it?
Dear-Nebula6291@reddit
Care to share any pictures? I’m interested to see this
pottedmeatpony@reddit
Love mine. Got it before all the wonderful tariffs. Total was 762.00 delivered to my door.
r4bbl3d4bbl3@reddit
For anyone following this post: I just placed an order for one of these from the same supplier. I mentioned the issues OP had with the screws interfering with the cubby door installation as well as the window issues another person mentioned below, and they told me both of those issues were known and have been resolved.
malirris304@reddit
Have had one for 3 years now and absolutely love it. However, here's some things to watch out for. Being in Canada the finish on these absolutely HATES salt. Mine oxidized after the first winter. Had to get it line x sprayed and honestly should have done it from the start. The windows are poorly sealed. Had my front and rear replaced and properly reinstalled by local window techs. Lastly, undo EVERY bolt and loc tite if you didn't already. Learned that part the hard way. Oh, keep those locks properly lubricated with some graphite or they will seize up after a while and pop open while driving down the highway.
Honestly even with these minor issues it is still very much worth it. Cap is solid and after adding some sealant around every edge that sits against the bed mine is now water tight.
r4bbl3d4bbl3@reddit
I am placing an order with them now and I mentioned the window issue you had. They told me they have since changed the way the windows are installed to address that issue. I guess this was a known issue and they listened to the feedback from customers.
Sid79@reddit
Hi do you have link for the seller. Looking to order one.. How much duties you paid in Canada. I am in BC
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Great info, thank you
xpkranger@reddit
Looks great. Do they have any models that would allow ingress/egress into a RTT directly from the roof? Maybe even an expansion top?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
I believe they do
xpkranger@reddit
Now all I need to do is change out my entire rig for a truck! ;-)
SonOfLaGun@reddit
I have the “Overland Vehicle Systems” version of this, I knew I was paying 2x the price of the Alibaba version but I needed it for a trip and couldn’t wait 4 months.
I have loved it so far, my biggest gripe is chasing the constant leaky seals. The way that the roof piece on mine mounts to the walls really seems wonky at best, the screws have a plastic ring seal that doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop any water. The front of my GMC 1500 bed is also lower that the side rails for whatever reason so there’s no easy way to get a seal and the cap definitely doesn’t account for.
I would honestly recommend these caps for anyone looking at them as an option.
Resident-Cockroach88@reddit
I’m seeing more of these and I’m kinda liking it.
jeepwillikers@reddit
My brother got one of these a little while ago. I was super impressed with the quality and he seems to be loving it so far
na8thegr8est@reddit
I don't understand how Alibaba works
pnwgoatherd@reddit
Here is an AI slop explanation for you good sir:
Alibaba Marketplace (Alibaba.com) is a leading global B2B (business-to-business) wholesale platform. It connects buyers (like businesses, retailers, and importers) with manufacturers, suppliers, and wholesalers — mostly from China but also worldwide — to buy products in bulk.
How it works (simple steps):
Search & Browse — Buyers search for products across thousands of categories (electronics, clothing, machinery, etc.).
Contact Suppliers — Message suppliers directly, request quotes (RFQ), samples, or custom manufacturing.
Negotiate & Order — Discuss prices, MOQ (minimum order quantity), customization, and terms.
Pay & Ship — Use secure payment options (like Trade Assurance for protection). Suppliers handle production and shipping; buyers manage import/customs. It’s like a giant online trade show for wholesale — not for small personal purchases (that’s more AliExpress). Great for sourcing affordable goods but always verify suppliers.
xrelaht@reddit
Drop a link to the one you bought?
jimmythebottle@reddit
I’d be very interested in the contact details for the company you used.
Inevitable_Win8763@reddit
Mine should be coming in a few weeks. It's landing in the US tomorrow
MrEatYourBunz@reddit
Worth the Buy? I was looking but didn’t wanna Risk the $1200-1500 if they are Ass
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
I just threw it on today so I haven’t been able to truly field test it yet, but I am very happy with the quality of the build and am sure it will be solid for years to come
MrEatYourBunz@reddit
That’s what I was mostly worried about cheap thin weak steel. The quality of its solid seems durable?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Also I won’t expose who, but my supplier sent a pic of my unit and a couple others ready to ship out and I saw one was going to a small off road company based in the US. I looked at their website and they claim it is fully American made and were charging $3000+ for the same unit🤷♂️
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
NGHTOWL
AteTooManyPotatoes@reddit
Looks like their website doesn't say as much.
" NGHTOWL designs and engineers products in the United States.
Manufacturing and components do involve domestic and international production partners to ensure quality and consistency."
smashnmashbruh@reddit
Duh.
2-wheels@reddit
The rule here is for something to be legally fully “American made” “all or virtually all” of the thing must originate in the U.S. This is a very tough standard. Someone selling complex RTT products as domestic production when they’re really alibaba will get caught.
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Ok after looking at their website they say they design and engineer the product in the US but some other manufacturing and components involve overseas companies
762_54r@reddit
Knowing absolutely nothing about that company I wonder who actually designed it
ApolloAtlas@reddit
They don't deserve anonymity.
TheSlipperySnausage@reddit
Why would you hide this information
Alternative_Ad4265@reddit
Come on please just say who. People are getting ripped off thinking they are paying more for a USA made product when it's really off Alibaba but you won't drop the company's name because it's.... unethical??
DepartmentNatural@reddit
you have to say who!
ImAnIdeaMan@reddit
Just say who.
biking4jesus@reddit
what is the weight of the cap?
What is the weight rating for static and dynamic on the cap?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
The weight of the cap is like 100-150 i think. Static load 600, dynamic 300
Qwell41@reddit
I have one of these in transit from the same supplier that should arrive hopefully in the next week or two. Your post makes me excited. Mine is configured a bit differently but from the same sales rep and same company and thus far the same experience as you. I also paid right about $1800 after the canopy, shipping, import fees, cc fee, etc.
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Love to hear it🤙
Qwell41@reddit
Did you add any sealant when putting it together or put any seal down on the bed rails of the truck for it to sit on?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
So each panel already had a rubber gasket sealer around it. They send you a long strip gasket with 3m backing that you put around the bottom perimeter to fully seal it. I can’t speak of how truly water tight it is yet since I haven’t seen rain but it seems pretty good to me. If I find that I’m taking on a bunch of water I’ll probably just crawl back there and add some silicon where the panels meet
Smart-Bag-719@reddit
Curious and sorry to jump in, but was it 3m adhesive?
Qwell41@reddit
Good to hear. I bought some extra seals so that I’d have them for install if needed
you_know_i_be_poopin@reddit
I got this exact same one a year ago and I fuckin love that thing. Fit beautifully. No leaks (though I did add black rtv to the gaskets during assembly) and it looks badass. Mine was $1600 delivered.
ShibbolethMegadeth@reddit
Beats paying for a smart cap
crevasse2@reddit
In another post I bought a GTD Sport cap from a Maryland based distributor off marketplace for $1600. Good get it today option for mid Atlantic residents. Shockingly similar/exact to an overland company's offering.
Hell-Yea-Brother@reddit
If you haven't already, be sure to use loktite on all nuts to prevent them from rattling lose on 27 miles of washboards heading to The Racetrack in Death Valley resulting in a 3" crack in the top rear. (true story)
Love mine, it's gone on many adventures.
brainhack3r@reddit
Did you have to take your own measurements? I watched a video of a guy who bought an Alibaba camper with a rooftop tent integrated. He said it took six months, and he had to measure his bed. The part about measuring the bed scared me because I was worried about small corner issues and weirdness on different trucks.
What you're paying for when you're going with someone like SmartCap is they have the inventory, they know it works with your truck, and you can get it immediately.
That's what your $3,000 went to.
Did you have to pay import duties?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
I did not have to take any measurements. Once you find a supplier you like, you start messaging them right in the app and all I had to tell them was that I drive a 2019 Tacoma 5 foot bed and they took care of the rest. I opted to add the bed rails and storage cubby so you gotta voice that if you want anything extra, but if you just want the standard cap all you gotta tell them is what vehicle you have and they will know the measurements.
desertSkateRatt@reddit
Curious how you paid. Did you use PayPal or straight give them your CC info.
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Once you get your order finalized, they send you a secured checkout thing directly in the chat. I paid with my credit card
desertSkateRatt@reddit
Ah, got it. So like an online invoice/payment portal. I've used those before when I used to have batches of patches made by a supplier overseas.
Thanks for the info. Is there room for future mods with it?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Yes. There are plenty of empty bolt holes on the inside roof and wing doors so if I wanted more panels or figure out my own things I have options
desertSkateRatt@reddit
Thats awesome! Good for you.
One of the reason why people buy from companies that have "in stock" options is they dont have to wait 4-6 months to get what they want. Its part of consumer culture these days.
Sasquatch-Pacific@reddit
I have a very similar canopy in production now on its way to me in Australia. Looking forward to getting it.
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Hell yea
TripWire111@reddit
I’m curious as well. Would you like me to message you directly to get the details?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Sure send me a message and I’d be happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction
The_Ghetto_Favorite@reddit
Do they make it for full size beds?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Yes they do
Competitive-Hat5479@reddit
Who the company on Ali?
Murky-Metal-6099@reddit (OP)
Hainan Xinyi Industry Co., Ltd. The person I was in contact with to get it all together was Ciya
Comfortable-Story-53@reddit
Looks AWESOME 👍👍👍
MutedRelation2639@reddit
Congrats. That’s a good looking topper
Alternative_Ad4265@reddit
Come on please just say who. People are getting ripped off thinking they are paying more for a USA made product when it's really off Alibaba but you won't drop the company's name because it's.... unethical??