Soft Topper

zul · 06-30-2011, 09:48 PM

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.

drive.n.surf · 07-01-2011, 09:01 PM

If you use the Soft Topper to sleep in like a tent, I would recommend getting the optional screen window. The ventilation inside the Soft Topper is not like a tent and eventually moisture will develop if you use the standard vinyl windows. The screen window is great and no moisture develops when I use it. However when it is raining I had problems with water entering from outside. I made an awning out of nylon tarp and PVC pipe and problem solved.

spranger85 · 07-08-2011, 02:56 AM

No one has answered if you can open the "front" window on the topper for access to the cab.

Piratefish · 07-08-2011, 01:23 PM

NO it doesn't open. Its kind of a bummer but I really like my softopper.

Note mine does leak ever so slightly even after sealing the seams.

spranger85 · 07-08-2011, 01:49 PM

That sux, I need something that opens for dog in the summe. Thanks

Piratefish · 07-09-2011, 01:10 PM

You can however remove the entire front panel. I have never done this though. I think it might balloon up with air when driving.

DisasterReliefTac · 07-18-2011, 10:31 AM

I ordered my Softopper today with a "doggy door" in the front panel, for only $10 more. I also ordered it in black, but with a gray roof panel. If you call the manufacturer, they can sometimes do some minor changes like that for you.

My truck is dark red and the interior is gray. I did a rough Photoshop mockup, and am still not too sure what it will look like in person, but I wanted to try something different. Fingers crossed.

jrb737 · 07-22-2011, 08:29 PM

Hello all, new to the forum and wanted to say I have had my Softopper for several months now. I am very happy w/ it even though it leaked at the seams when I first got it. The company sent me 2 tubes of "Seam Grip" (not the "Seam Sealer" they initially give you) and I put this stuff on every seam and it has not leaked since! http://www.mcnett.com/Seam-Grip-Seam...pair-P133.aspx

The topper is great. I can fold it forward and get my atv in the bed, take it off and load firewood in the bed, or leave it up and camp in it. It also keeps all of the dust off of your things in the bed when going camping.

I have no problem with the topper flapping while driving 80mph down the highway. It is a very snug fit.

I've attached a few pics.

Jeff

blatant · 07-30-2011, 04:46 PM

3yr report. I have the 6ft bed. Two long mile trips, 70-80mps, no problems at all.

DisasterReliefTac · 08-06-2011, 06:36 PM

Installed mine the other day. Wanted a 2-tone just for something different. The black looks nice on the sides, but the white will keep the contents cooler in the South. Softopper did this for no additional cost.

Am satisfied by the quality for the most part, though some of the hardware is way too flimsy for a product designed to go on the back of an otherwise very "abusable" truck.

Will go to the metal shop on Monday to have some of the plastic hardware replaced by metal parts instead. Even some of the metal parts need an upgrade.

This is not a waterproof design. Sure, it will keep the rain off, but unless you elevate your cargo off the bed floor, it will probably not stay dry.

Also, get those convex side-view mirrors to help with the lack of visibility. (I used these anyway to get rid of blind spots. Having driven a moving truck for years, this is no issue for me.)

All that said, I am happy I went with Softopper over Bestop, for the reasons mentioned by previous posters. The lines of this top look really good in person, and it will take very little work to upgrade the weaker components to expedition quality. The versatility Softopper provides over a hard top, a naked bed, a tonneau cover, or even Bestop (which no longer offers mesh windows), is well worth it.

blatant · 08-06-2011, 07:35 PM

great stuff

donanoyus · 08-07-2011, 05:13 AM

This is a great thread.. I looked at the softtopper awhile back and didn't get one because I couldn't tell if you have to take the whole contraption off the truck when you collapse it.

blatant · 08-07-2011, 06:03 AM

you don't need to take it off when collapsed. You can leave it at the back of the cab folded down. They even provided a bag to slip around it if so desired. Or you can remove the whole thing by removing two cotter pins.

DisasterReliefTac · 08-07-2011, 02:20 PM

Hi blatant, I will let "isn't working right" and "shitty" remain your words. I didn't use them.

I did, however, use the word "abusable": a virtue I want universally applicable to every part of my truck. The plastic retainers that secure the bar at the bottom of the rear flap could easily be broken with heavy use and abuse, or loading/unloading heavy equipment from the bed or the contractor's rack soon to be installed over this topper.

I am also going to replace the metal clips that fasten into those retainers with beefier ones from the hardware store, because I can't tell you how many of those I have overloaded and bent or broken on luggage.

As I said, I am satisfied with my purchase of the Softopper. I think it's a great product. I wholly recommend a Softopper to anyone who needs versatility, and I would buy one again. But I RARELY leave anything unmodified, and the Softopper is not an exception. My truck is being purpose-built for disaster relief, and I don't want anything breaking and slowing me down in the middle of a disaster zone.

blatant · 08-07-2011, 07:28 PM

post up pics of your adjustments/mod's when you're done. If it betters the product i would certainly add it to mine as well! Good luck!

bboynowee · 08-07-2011, 09:03 PM

Me likey!

drive.n.surf · 08-07-2011, 09:57 PM

Softoppers are the best!

Okkine · 09-20-2011, 12:56 PM

Wow, glad I found this thread. I've been wanting to get a Bestop, but it's looking like the Softoppers could be better suited to my needs. One question: The company website says that you can drive with the side/rear panels rolled up. Anyone have any experience with this? I assume it would be fine for city speeds, but how about highway speeds?

EDIT: Another question. According the the product video, the sides snap onto the rail. How does the back flap attach the top of the tail gate?

Piratefish · 09-21-2011, 11:12 AM

^ They supply you with Velcro. I didnt use it and was considering sewing magnets into the back flap...but never did. It dosent flat or anything like that but it may leave wear marks on the paint if you leave it on for a long time. I love mine.

Okkine · 09-26-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piratefish

^ They supply you with Velcro. I didnt use it and was considering sewing magnets into the back flap...but never did. It dosent flat or anything like that but it may leave wear marks on the paint if you leave it on for a long time. I love mine.

Good to know! Thanks.

07-22-2011, 08:29 PM	#48
jrb737 Junior Member Name: Jeff Joined: Jul 2011, #60365 Location: Colorado Gender: Male Posts: 5	Hello all, new to the forum and wanted to say I have had my Softopper for several months now. I am very happy w/ it even though it leaked at the seams when I first got it. The company sent me 2 tubes of "Seam Grip" (not the "Seam Sealer" they initially give you) and I put this stuff on every seam and it has not leaked since! http://www.mcnett.com/Seam-Grip-Seam...pair-P133.aspx The topper is great. I can fold it forward and get my atv in the bed, take it off and load firewood in the bed, or leave it up and camp in it. It also keeps all of the dust off of your things in the bed when going camping. I have no problem with the topper flapping while driving 80mph down the highway. It is a very snug fit. I've attached a few pics. Jeff Attached Thumbnails

08-07-2011, 09:03 PM	#56
bboynowee Senior Member Joined: Jun 2009, #18859 Location: South LA/Hawthorne Age: 29 Gender: Male Posts: 425 05 Tacoma Prerunner 2005 Regular Cab Manual 5100's (front and rear)	Me likey! __________________ Taco Time!

08-07-2011, 09:57 PM	#57
drive.n.surf Member Joined: Jan 2010, #28958 Location: Seattle, WA Gender: Male Posts: 46 2007 DCSB 4x4 OR 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L K&N air drop-in, Bilstein 5100's all around, front @1.75", rear AAL 1.5", TRD CAT-back exhaust, Pop n' Lock, Smittybilt nerfs, Toyota roof racks, Spyder LED tail lights, LED third brake light, Undercover Classic tonneau, color-matched grill, debadged and replaced with Sockmonkey decals	Softoppers are the best! __________________ Life is better with access to good, clean water.

09-20-2011, 12:56 PM	#58
Okkine Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7590 Location: Vancouver, BC Age: 31 Gender: Male Posts: 771 2009 Magnetic Grey Access Cab - 2.7L I4 - 4x2 2009 Access Cab Manual 2.7L - 4 Cylinder	Wow, glad I found this thread. I've been wanting to get a Bestop, but it's looking like the Softoppers could be better suited to my needs. One question: The company website says that you can drive with the side/rear panels rolled up. Anyone have any experience with this? I assume it would be fine for city speeds, but how about highway speeds? EDIT: Another question. According the the product video, the sides snap onto the rail. How does the back flap attach the top of the tail gate? __________________ "You could set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill, and I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe DeVille" - Joe Diffie

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06-30-2011, 09:48 PM	#41
zul Professional Goofball Joined: Jun 2011, #58083 Location: Oregon Territory Gender: Male Posts: 766 '12 Pyrite Mica DCSB SR5 4WD V6 AT 2012 Double Cab Automatic V6 STOCK: DRL, Tow Package, All Weather Mats HAVE: Bed mat, Tailgate Lock, WANT: Rear Plate Bumper, Color-matched Grille, Heated Wet Okoles, Weathertech Floor Liners, Avid Step Rails	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.

07-01-2011, 09:01 PM	#42
drive.n.surf Member Joined: Jan 2010, #28958 Location: Seattle, WA Gender: Male Posts: 46 2007 DCSB 4x4 OR 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L K&N air drop-in, Bilstein 5100's all around, front @1.75", rear AAL 1.5", TRD CAT-back exhaust, Pop n' Lock, Smittybilt nerfs, Toyota roof racks, Spyder LED tail lights, LED third brake light, Undercover Classic tonneau, color-matched grill, debadged and replaced with Sockmonkey decals	If you use the Soft Topper to sleep in like a tent, I would recommend getting the optional screen window. The ventilation inside the Soft Topper is not like a tent and eventually moisture will develop if you use the standard vinyl windows. The screen window is great and no moisture develops when I use it. However when it is raining I had problems with water entering from outside. I made an awning out of nylon tarp and PVC pipe and problem solved.

07-08-2011, 02:56 AM	#43
spranger85 Junior Member Name: Chris Joined: Jul 2011, #59508 Location: Iowa Gender: Male Posts: 6 TRD sport 4x4 2011 Double Cab Automatic	No one has answered if you can open the "front" window on the topper for access to the cab.

07-08-2011, 01:23 PM	#44
Piratefish Senior Member Joined: Jul 2011, #59484 Location: Sebastopol Gender: Male Posts: 198 2011 Tacoma Off Road 2011 Double Cab Automatic Sadly None	NO it doesn't open. Its kind of a bummer but I really like my softopper. Note mine does leak ever so slightly even after sealing the seams.

07-08-2011, 01:49 PM	#45
spranger85 Junior Member Name: Chris Joined: Jul 2011, #59508 Location: Iowa Gender: Male Posts: 6 TRD sport 4x4 2011 Double Cab Automatic	That sux, I need something that opens for dog in the summe. Thanks

07-09-2011, 01:10 PM	#46
Piratefish Senior Member Joined: Jul 2011, #59484 Location: Sebastopol Gender: Male Posts: 198 2011 Tacoma Off Road 2011 Double Cab Automatic Sadly None	You can however remove the entire front panel. I have never done this though. I think it might balloon up with air when driving.

07-18-2011, 10:31 AM	#47
DisasterReliefTac Junior Member Joined: Jun 2011, #58798 Location: Little Rock Gender: Male Posts: 7 2000 4x4 I-4 manual SR5 Xtra Cab	I ordered my Softopper today with a "doggy door" in the front panel, for only $10 more. I also ordered it in black, but with a gray roof panel. If you call the manufacturer, they can sometimes do some minor changes like that for you. My truck is dark red and the interior is gray. I did a rough Photoshop mockup, and am still not too sure what it will look like in person, but I wanted to try something different. Fingers crossed.

07-30-2011, 04:46 PM	#49
blatant Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5699 Gender: Male Posts: 115	3yr report. I have the 6ft bed. Two long mile trips, 70-80mps, no problems at all.

08-06-2011, 06:36 PM	#50
DisasterReliefTac Junior Member Joined: Jun 2011, #58798 Location: Little Rock Gender: Male Posts: 7 2000 4x4 I-4 manual SR5 Xtra Cab	Installed mine the other day. Wanted a 2-tone just for something different. The black looks nice on the sides, but the white will keep the contents cooler in the South. Softopper did this for no additional cost. Am satisfied by the quality for the most part, though some of the hardware is way too flimsy for a product designed to go on the back of an otherwise very "abusable" truck. Will go to the metal shop on Monday to have some of the plastic hardware replaced by metal parts instead. Even some of the metal parts need an upgrade. This is not a waterproof design. Sure, it will keep the rain off, but unless you elevate your cargo off the bed floor, it will probably not stay dry. Also, get those convex side-view mirrors to help with the lack of visibility. (I used these anyway to get rid of blind spots. Having driven a moving truck for years, this is no issue for me.) All that said, I am happy I went with Softopper over Bestop, for the reasons mentioned by previous posters. The lines of this top look really good in person, and it will take very little work to upgrade the weaker components to expedition quality. The versatility Softopper provides over a hard top, a naked bed, a tonneau cover, or even Bestop (which no longer offers mesh windows), is well worth it.

08-06-2011, 07:35 PM	#51
blatant Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5699 Gender: Male Posts: 115	great stuff

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08-07-2011, 05:13 AM	#52
donanoyus Junior Member Name: Scott Joined: Aug 2011, #61275 Location: De Pere, Wi Gender: Dude Posts: 4 08 Blue TRD Sport 2008 Double Cab Automatic v6	This is a great thread.. I looked at the softtopper awhile back and didn't get one because I couldn't tell if you have to take the whole contraption off the truck when you collapse it.

08-07-2011, 06:03 AM	#53
blatant Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5699 Gender: Male Posts: 115	you don't need to take it off when collapsed. You can leave it at the back of the cab folded down. They even provided a bag to slip around it if so desired. Or you can remove the whole thing by removing two cotter pins.

08-07-2011, 02:20 PM	#54
DisasterReliefTac Junior Member Joined: Jun 2011, #58798 Location: Little Rock Gender: Male Posts: 7 2000 4x4 I-4 manual SR5 Xtra Cab	Hi blatant, I will let "isn't working right" and "shitty" remain your words. I didn't use them. I did, however, use the word "abusable": a virtue I want universally applicable to every part of my truck. The plastic retainers that secure the bar at the bottom of the rear flap could easily be broken with heavy use and abuse, or loading/unloading heavy equipment from the bed or the contractor's rack soon to be installed over this topper. I am also going to replace the metal clips that fasten into those retainers with beefier ones from the hardware store, because I can't tell you how many of those I have overloaded and bent or broken on luggage. As I said, I am satisfied with my purchase of the Softopper. I think it's a great product. I wholly recommend a Softopper to anyone who needs versatility, and I would buy one again. But I RARELY leave anything unmodified, and the Softopper is not an exception. My truck is being purpose-built for disaster relief, and I don't want anything breaking and slowing me down in the middle of a disaster zone.

08-07-2011, 07:28 PM	#55
blatant Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5699 Gender: Male Posts: 115	post up pics of your adjustments/mod's when you're done. If it betters the product i would certainly add it to mine as well! Good luck!

09-21-2011, 11:12 AM	#59
Piratefish Senior Member Joined: Jul 2011, #59484 Location: Sebastopol Gender: Male Posts: 198 2011 Tacoma Off Road 2011 Double Cab Automatic Sadly None	^ They supply you with Velcro. I didnt use it and was considering sewing magnets into the back flap...but never did. It dosent flat or anything like that but it may leave wear marks on the paint if you leave it on for a long time. I love mine.