Let's See Some Softoppers

The roll and lock rolls up to the front of the bed. I would have to fabricate something that raises the softopper side rails and use a different clamp. Maybe even using a c-channel bar on the side rails bolted to the trucks side rail, then weld the softopper side rails to the c-channel bar.

It would basically kinda be like a layered cake: Truck bed rail, roll n lock rail, c-channel, then softopper rail.

Trying to figure out how much I would need to raise the side rails to accomodate the softopper bars at close without it dipping into the bed. If it's something more than 6 inches I wouldn't want to attempt this but if we're looking at a couple inches it might not be a bad idea for me.

The reason I'm considering this is I sometimes transport large pelican cases full of electronic equipment and don't need it ripped off if I go in to the gas station to take a piss. I would like to keep the utility of having the open top also for moving around larger item and keep a softopper for those camping or road trip weekends where we pack everything in the back.

Something similar to below when not in use.



Then like this when locked.

 

My Softtopper in Sedona..Broken Arrow Trail



My issues were is not being water tight in the corners and had to use weather stripping, see photos.
also had to put baggies around the straps inside to collect teh water that was being wicked in. I didn't use the seam sealer right away after installing, big mistake.

 

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I love that shit.
I'm an ex trail runner that find wheeling to be boring as hell. So the beginning of that video summed up how I feel about off-roading.

Love it.

 

I contacted softopper about the straps wicking water, and they said to put the sealant on really thick around where the straps come through on the inside, and come down the strap about an inch as well. hasn't rained since, so don't know if it worked.

 

Should. I sealed mine first day and haven't had a water issue yet.

 

I waited about a month, because it got really cold after the install. Waited for a few warmer dry days to unsnap everything. Should still be ok, huh?

 

Small update: I've had the Softopper for about 2.5 years now. Bought both the clear and mesh rear windows when I purchased the topper. Just recently decided to swap the clear one out for the mesh and fully expected to have some noticeable discoloration between the topper and the new mesh widow due to fading. When it put it on they matched up perfectly. I was really surprised! Just be careful with the mesh window and don't back into branches

Nice photos! Where is that camp site? Looks familiar.

 

Alabama Hills (CA) by the Ghosts climbing spot. Super fun but friggin' cold!

 

Nice truck! What kind of lift do you have on there?

 

Just put my softopper on about 2 months ago. Really happy with the outcome, and I think it looks great!

 

here's a photoshop...ha

thinking of getting a softopper. i love the look.
but im a little conflicted, because i like my extang tonneau quite a bit.
it would be nice to have that extra space back there for camping.

 

Why oh why hasn't softopper been made with the capability of having locking tonneau - now THAT would be ideal!!

 

I know this is a 2nd gen thread, but thought I'd share a pic of my truck with the softopper I picked up about a month ago

 

^^^^Looks great

 

How do they stand up to Heavy Wind & Rain? How secure are they? Like if I were to go to the store would I need to empty my bed or can I leave it as is?

 

they are sturdy as F**K at 80-90 on highway or blasted by no touch autowash drying mode
(when sides are buttoned down)


about as secure as wet tissue paper

I love mine

you want secure get a hardtop.

you want ease of use and 35 lbs to remove (or simple collapse usually is sufficient for any load) then get the softopper

 

Anyone take a swing at tinting the rear window ? I just put mine on a few days ago. Needs adjusting but it is entirely too cold to mess with it. I'd love a tinted back window . Thinking about incorporating a black pillow case into the window.

 

It looks like there are people out there that tint Eisenglass/vinyl windows for boats. Seeing out the back at night would pretty much suck though. But I like the idea of having something to keep the prying eyes of scumbags from seeing what is in the bed on those occasions where I carry something more valuable than a jack, chains, and traction boards. Maybe velcro above and below the window, a black drape, and and some cordage to keep it rolled up when unneeded.

 

Picked up my softopper today and got it installed. I'll probably have to mess with fitment a little because I don't see how it could possibly keep water out the way it sits currently. There are some gaps at the corners that I'll have to minimize through trial and error.

 

How long did the set up take? I was under the impression that this is a quick set up/tear down option vs a cap?