Westin EXP modular aluminum topper

https://www.westinautomotive.com/product-detail/16-11065/aluminum-bed-topper

I’ve been researching toppers of all types (soft, fiberglass, and the newer to market styles like the Smartcap) and came across this new topper from Westin. Looks similar to the RSI and all the china knockoffs but looking at the videos it seems to have internal hinges like the RSI. The external hinges was the biggest downside I saw to the cheaper ones like OVS and the like.

Didn’t see any mention of this on the forum through search or otherwise, probably because it’s fairly new.

So here it is and we can all dissect it and decide if we may love it or shit all over it. There is an assembly/install vid on Westin’s yootoob page.

 

I know it looks odd and looks weak with the external hinges but you can just fill the bolt head cavity up with epoxy.

Worried about someone with a crowbar? Every canopy can be pried open

 

Yeah, I’m not so sure that I’m worried about it too much. My truck stays garaged and I live in the sticks where crime isn’t really an issue, but it still kind of irks me and I’m sure it’s a concern for anyone living in a more urban area.

 

I sleep in my shell so I like having windows with screens.
My ARE has side windows called windoors and they also lift up like the shell your looking at.
Love that feature.

 

Yeah I like the windoors for access but the sliding windows with screens like the ARE and Leer are nice for bed camping.

Also like the security screen on the Smartcap rear glass. Nothing will stop a determined thief but it likely deters the smash and grabbers.

Also another note…makes me wonder if Westin will eventually release some add-on inserts like the ones RSI offers. The kitchen is spendy but the MOLLE inserts look useful, except the amount of interior space they take up.