Soft Topper

I agree, it compares more to a hard topper. I seem to remember that was what killed them in the first place.

 

yep. Much cheaper to buy a softopper and invest in a bed rack that goes over. How much do those cost?

 

Does anyone know if a softopper from a 2nd gen will fit on a 1st gen? Both 6ft beds... Just not sure how different the mounting hardware is

 

Short answer is no. It has been asked before and the width is different IIRC.

 

I picked up an additional softopper that fit my 09 and then ended up selling it to a buddy with a 1st gen, seemed to fit both trucks just fine.

 

http://www.softopper.com/accessories-parts/us-truck-cap-tackle

now you have a can back for way cheaper

 

I thought they fit both gen's too. My 1st gen was fitted to the outside of the bedsides nicely. My 2nd gen rides about 1 1/2" in from the rail edge. They are the same width for both.

 

Perfect description of the fit, best guess is it's all the same top and frame but the clamps are different because of the generations.

 

Good. The 1st gen is about 2.4 inches narrower so the flexible softopper frame may be ok with that.

 

oops. the link earlier didn't work. here we go: www.softopper.com/accessories-parts/us-truck-cap-rack

 

love it

 

5 years of sun exposure have taken its toll on the buckles, everything still works but they are getting brittle. This the only one that has cracked

So I found these replacements that have a removable pin

I got 2 because I plan to add an awning on one side, using @mountain mike idea.

But you need to replace both ends for the softopper, and threading the webbing is not easy. I will have to wait, its 102 right now.

 

mountainmike idea?

 

So I've had a few questions on my ST that may be helpful to others.

- how did you secure the cab panel? I didn't. The moment I put the Prinsu rack on, I had no flapping problems whatsoever! Win!

- how do you secure the tailgate panel? I tried many ideas (no offense to anyone here). I found that the magnetic strip stuck to the Velcro strip failed after about 3 months/hotter temps here in SoCal. I ended up with a "pocket" sewn into the top line of the Velcro on the panel itself. This pocket holds the magnetic strip and it works very well. I won't be needing anything else to fuss with. Win!

The following pics were taken just after installation so they are a bit unprofessional looking. I still need to trim up some of the pocket material (tarp like material) that is very weather resistant and seal in the magnetic strip.
It works very well and I have not had any flapping of the tailgate side even though the pocket isn't sewn on top and bottom. You can still see the adhesive left over on the tailgate that needs to be cleaned up (so over it!)

Also, I did notice that the mesh panel has a bit more of a sloppy look where it connects to the tailgate, a wavy pattern of sorts due to the material vs the vinyl window "tightness".

I have had the ST on the freeway without a tailgate panel without any problems.
Can run storage and sleeping platform without any issue as well.
I LOVE THIS THING!!!
Any questions, let me know!








@Paul631 here ya go!

 

@mountain mike came up with the idea, I am helping develop it.

 

Here's my soft topper. I love it! Sorry the picture is a little small.

 

thread?

 

We've been talking about it in the 50s thread. I will post updates here as I go.

 

Curious?, did you ever end up painting the frame rails?

 

Thanks for posting this. So I just bought a used softopper and most of these buckles are cracked and broken. I was going to see if softopper sold replacements but these seem to work well? Where could I get these from as well? Thanks