Real Answers: An Interview with the Mind Behind the RealTruck FGC-4500 Ascend Cap

Here at RealTruck, we're constantly striving to push the boundaries of what's possible for truck enthusiasts and accessorizers. To celebrate our designers, we created a new product design question and answer series called “Real Answers” to pull back the curtain on new product development and design. Today, I'm incredibly excited to sit down with John Kohler, the brilliant mind responsible for the creation and production of our revolutionary new FGC-4500 Ascend Cap. This isn't just another truck cap; it's a game-changer.

Frank Bisciotti: John Kohler, welcome to Real Answers on RealSource™!

John Kohler: Thanks for having me, Frank! I’m thrilled to talk about Ascend because this cap is all about breaking boundaries—just like the people who use it. We set out to build something rugged, versatile, and ready for real-world adventure, and I think we nailed it. Let’s dive in!

Frank Bisciotti: Let's dive right in. The tagline for the Ascend Cap is "The World's Strongest and Most Versatile Cap." That's a bold claim. What went into making that a reality?

John Kohler: We built Ascend FGC-4500 for people who push limits. It starts with a 14-gauge steel skeleton that laughs at heavy loads, whether that be rooftop tents, recovery gear, or you name it. Then we added our MultiShield™ coated panels that offer exceptional weather, scratch, and ding resistance. Finally, we designed the QuickMount™ panel technology for ultimate flexibility.  Want to run the rack only for your next expedition?  Grab a socket wrench and pop the panels off in minutes.  That’s why we call Ascend FGC-4500 the strongest, most versatile cap on the market.

Frank Bisciotti: That's impressive. And the "most versatile" aspect? How did you achieve that level of adaptability?

John Kohler: Versatility was non-negotiable.  Traditional caps can be a hassle—hard to install, harder to remove, and nearly impossible to store. Plus, they only do one job. Our goal was to change that. Ascend’s modular design makes it easy to take off, stash in the garage, or switch to rack-only mode in minutes. Haul gear one day, go minimalist the next. It’s DIY-friendly and basically like having two products in one.

Frank Bisciotti: You also introduced something truly unique to the market: the world's only color-match modular cap. What was the thinking behind that?

John Kohler: We know overlanders love gear that works hard and looks good doing it. We paint truck caps every day, so bringing that customization to this space was a no-brainer. With paint-matched panels, you can create a bold two-tone finish that turns heads at the trailhead. It’s modular style at its best—rugged performance with a premium aesthetic that looks and feels factory-built.

Frank Bisciotti: Let's talk about installation. "Simple install. One friend. One hour." That sounds almost too good to be true for a product of this caliber.

John Kohler: We wanted to crush the myth that caps are a pain to install and feel permanent once they’re on your truck. Ascend ships as a modular kit, so you’re not wrestling a giant topper into place. Grab a buddy, a few basic tools, and you’ll be adventure-ready in about an hour with no drilling required. Trust me—I’m no pro, and I put one together. If I can do it, you can too!

Frank Bisciotti: The exclusive full-glass hatch and QuickMount™ all-glass windoors really stand out. What was the inspiration there?

John Kohler: We wanted a cap that looked as good as it performs. The all-glass hatch and windoors give Ascend a sleek, modern vibe while making gear access effortless. The lockable single-button rear hatch and twist handles on the windoors aren’t just stylish—they’re intuitive and easy to use. It’s form meets function, because your truck should look sharp whether it’s on the trail or in the driveway.

Frank Bisciotti: You're also claiming 60% more space with the cap-only configuration. How did you achieve such a substantial increase in cargo capacity?

John Kohler: Compared to a tonneau cover, Ascend gives you way more space—and way more options. The full cap delivers enclosed security and weather protection, while rack-only mode lets you stack gear sky-high for your next adventure. Thanks to the steel skeleton and integrated roof tracks, you can haul heavy loads without sacrificing strength or style. It’s built for overlanders who want flexibility without compromise.

Frank Bisciotti: What about durability and ease of use in the long run? You mention a "Fast one-touch handle" and "Multi-Shield™."

John Kohler: Durability was non-negotiable. MultiShield™  coating shrugs off rain, snow, trail rash, you name it, while the one-touch handle makes opening the hatch quick and easy—even with gloves on. It’s built for real life, not just showroom shine.  And to back it up, we include a 5-year warranty for peace of mind on every adventure.

Frank Bisciotti: And finally, how did you ensure "all-season weather protection"?

John Kohler: We engineered Ascend to laugh in the face of bad weather. MultiShield™ panels resist dings and scratches from anything Mother Nature throws at them, and the sealed design helps keep your gear dry through rain, sleet, and snow. Whether you’re chasing summer trails or winter hunts, Ascend’s got you covered.

Frank Bisciotti: John, thank you so much for giving us this incredible insight into the design and production of the RealTruck FGC-4500 Ascend Cap. It's clear that an immense amount of thought, innovation, and passion went into creating what truly is "The World's Strongest and Most Versatile Cap."

John Kohler: Thanks, Frank. We’re proud of what we’ve built because the Ascend FGC-4500 isn’t just another truck cap—it’s a game-changer for people who live for the trail. Every detail, from the steel skeleton to the QuickMount™ panels, was designed with real-world adventure in mind. We can’t wait to see where Ascend takes people next.

This has been truly eye-opening to learn what went into building the strongest, most versatile truck cap on the market. I have to thank John again for taking time out of his day to participate in Real Answers on RealSource™ and for sharing the passion and engineering brilliance behind the RealTruck FGC-4500 Ascend Cap. We look forward to seeing this revolutionary cap redefine how truck owners bring their trucks to life.