Soft Topper

sorry to dig up this old thread, but Im looking to get one of these for a LONG road trip and then of course keep it for a long time. How does it handle with interstate driving? Is it sturdy enough for constant 70 mph travel? Looks like just what I need as far as the elements go and the quick install and taking it off when not needed. Thanks for any more info.

 

thought I would chime in on this thread. I just bought a softopper used for my tundra and love this thing! although I have a few bugs to work out. mine leaked quite a bit the first rain. My buddy also has a brand new softopper on his 08 f250 and his also leaked from the get go.

since mine was used I had some leaking coming from under the side rail, but most likely this was due to the already used (compressed to the shape of the previous truck) weather striping. So I will replace the weather stripiing and see how it seals. the clamps work good but the ends of the track tend to pull up a little. bolting would cure that but I don't like the thought of drilling my brand new bed rails.....

both of us used the provided seam sealer and still had leaks at the seams on the very first rain. I can't speak for his, but mine where leaking at the front and rear where it wraps around the bar and snaps. I will have to try and seal these seams a little better and see how it goes.

I got mine used for $400 (including shipping) so I can't complain at all about doing a little work to get her right.

for me the softopper was the only option since bestop does not make a top for a longbed tundra and hard shells where out of the question since I could not remove them by myself and would need a place to store it as well.

I'm using mine for sleeping in at dirt bike races. when I get there I can take the bike out and have my tent up in 2 minutes!

 

Great info on this thread. Are the current users still happy with this product?

 

I've had my Softopper for 8 months now. I live in Washington state and it rains pretty often. I find that after driving I do find some water has been "sucked" in through the small gaps at the corners. This water gets "sucked" in with the air passing through the gaps, so the faster I drive the more water I find although it's not too much. However when the truck is not moving, no water gets in, ABSOLUTELY none ! I use the Softopper to sleep in since it's much easier than setting up a tent in the rain.

Because I sleep in mine, I prefer the canvas sides of the Softopper instead of the side windows of the Bestop. If you're using it to camp in I also recommend getting the screen rear window to keep moisture from developing inside. The Softopper takes only minutes to set up and take down. It's one of my favorite upgrades to my truck !

 

SO the verdict is soft topper and bestop are both great products and everyone is satisfied overall? Drive.n.surf- Is that the Toyota rack on the top of your truck?

 

Does the Soft Topper have to be removed completely or does it fold like the Supertop?

Thanks

 

i like these and next summer ima gonna get one so that i can bring my great dane around with me he loves riding in the car lol.

 

I have owned my soft topper for over two years now, it has made a 4,000 mile cross country trip, survive two winters in Alaska, and has been taken down, and put up countless times and still functions flawlessly.

The only thing I can say is when you clean the plastic windows, make sure you hose off all the dirt first, and very gently wipe off any remaining dirt before using windex or whatever you want to use. That will keep the plastic from scratching and keep it nice and clear

 

so im looking at getting either the soft topper or the bestop right now im leaning towards the soft topper cause it dosnt have the side windows which seem to get in the way when you fold it down also the reviews just seem better for the soft topper. But i was wondering how easly the soft topper comes off the truck, since i would only have it on when i go surfing and camping?

 

I can take my Soft topper off in less than ten minutes. The video on the website show's the guy doing it in around 2. I think that it is incredibly easy to take off, and to put back on. There are two pins that the collapsible frame fits into, and once each side is in, the top unfolds like an accordion.

I've had my Topper now for almost two years. I am extremely happy with it. It is much easier to handle than a traditional truck cap (lighter, much more compact to store). Some have made mention about having issues with waterproofness, but I've not had any issues (except when I powerwash my truck).

hope this helps

 

I've had my softopper for a year now its been great and liked that it came in tan.

 

Mine is OK, but not what I was expecting. It's up for sale, if you're local.

I'm still mixed - I like the versatility and ease of use, don't like the flapping on the highway and lack of security. If it's not sold, I'll probably upgrade the weatherstripping and figure a way to keep the front anchored better.

 

Is the softopper pictured here the gray or black model?

 

(To clarify, I mean Roughnready's truck.)

 

My Soft topper is black.

And it still works just as awesome as it did the first day I got it!

 

Thanks Roughnready!

Anyone have any experience putting a exo-type roof rack around their softopper or bestop, and if so, pictures?

 

does this flap in the wind really bad?

 

How you sleeping in your bed? just scruntching up and dealing with it?

 

I am 5ft 6in tall, and I can lie diagonally in the short bed of a double cab. I am able to completely stretch out this way so there isn't any discomfort for me. I can see how this might be a problem for taller folks. I figure 5ft 9in or taller might have problems doing this.

Also because of the uneven shape of the bed floor I recommend getting a REALLY good sleeping pad!

 

I'd love the option to sleep in a truck bed - unfortunately at 6' 2" That is not a comfortable option

Just to chime in - I love the look of these soft tops. And I generally dont like bed tops at all. However being from rainy Oregon I doubt I'll bother with one when I get my truck.