Let's See Some Softoppers

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Since I'm apparently incapable of reading, I have gone through automatic washes with the top on at least 3 times (no damage so far). Is it OK to just collapse it, put the protective cover on, and then go through a wash?

Yeah, I know it is easy to take off but I'm lazy. I also know that I can wash it myself but the place I normally use is really good.

 

I haven't bought a soft topper yet but I plan on using touch free automatic car washes when I finally pull the trigger. @buffedout

 

I know people asked for more photos of my light set up. I found a new switch that mounts right on the frame of the Softopper. Its made 7/8" motorcycle handle bars, which is perfect because the frame is 7/8".



I drilled a small hole under the bed rail where the topper pivots. I ran the wires up the frame so it will still collapse.

 

Don't have my softopper anymore but..

 

Bought my white OR brand new but it was an an impulse buy and that was the only color on the lot at the time. Wasn't sure I liked it at first but didn't really care because to me a vehicle is pretty much a tool. A really fancy multitool but still just a tool. But the white with satin black trim has really grown on me. I seriously like the combo now.

 

thanks for posting this article- it was new to me and I have been using the recommended mirror positioning for over a month- really much better. Curious why this is not common knowledge- should be reposted in its own thread IMO

 

@boynoyce
I learned it as a pup almost 40 years ago taking basic drivers ed. But it's obvious that a whole lot of folks have no clue. On the commute home in traffic this evening check the other drivers out. Way over half of them will be looking at you with all three mirrors as you sit right behind them. And they are probably aggravated about their car's blind spots not realizing they created them themselves.

 

How do these soft tops do in colder climates and in wind/rain? Just got a Tacoma today with hopes of turning it into a beach buggy for fishing out of. I fish in the northeast into November where temps can hit below 40 and am usually out in noreasters and some pretty heavy winds. Would like to be able to spend a few days out of the truck during that. Had plans of finding a used fiberglass cap, but these soft tops would be a nice alternative.

 

Ive had my Softopper for a few years now.. from CA summers to CO winters.. temps of +100 to -30.. sun, rain, snow.. highway and hurricane force winds... this thing is tough and i love it ... easy up.. easy down.. and doesnt take an entire garage to store it when not in use... I occasionally take the whole thing off and scrub it with some dish soap and water then armorall and the topper still looks brand new...

Ive spent many a cozy night in the back... First thing i did when i bought mine was seam sealed every single stitch to keep the drips off... I normally just throw a coleman cot back there.. fits perfect.. off the ground so i stay dry.. comfy.. and i have storage underneath... also light weight and easy to remove when not in use

As much as i love mine and as great as it is for my needs.. I normally camp out in the summers but i did just experience some extreme cold nights and if i were you I would go for a hard shell... the softopper can get drafty and rain does get in from the corners some... it IS hard to get them snaps on in the cold.. gloves are useless so frigid hands and tight canvas is no fun.. i also cracked the rear window when i opened it too fast in the sub zero temps..

 

So I stumbled onto one last week. I had been thinking about one, but when I saw a guy selling his truck with it. I said what the hell. Shot him a text and swapped to my truck the next day. Love it so far. I was concerned with getting it clean again after my 5 year old talked crap to me until I went thru some mud. Cleaned right up though. Anyway....pics. my son was very proud of himself lol

 

Do any of you fellas know if they make something similar to the Jeep "HOSS" window storage duffle bags that would fit the longer side windows of the Supertop? I can't seem to find anything that size, and it would be nice to have when I take the windows out.

 

Being thick canvas means it's only slightly warmer than a tent, although it's pretty much wind proof. Definitely not on the same level as a fiberglass shell if you're only looking at withstanding inclement weather. These soft tops really shine when you need versatility, be it dropping the top for an unexpected bulky item haul or just throwing it in the garage. The cold is easy to combat: layers to sleep under & maybe a propane heater (with oxygen sensor!). If you're talking about rain, that will take a bit more prep to get a soft topper ready for. It's not impossible, and the extra work to rain-proof it is offset by how versatile they are. It's all about compromises. I wash and remove mine after each camping trip, then pack it back in the box it came in, up into the garage rafters out of my way. My friend has a fiberglass shell on his Chevy: it takes 3 of us to help him install/remove it and then it takes up a whole parking space in his garage. Is he warmer and dryer? Yes, if only by a hair.

 

I went full stalker on a guy at a local hotel / casino, I was driving through the lot and he had a gray soft topper on a silver AC, so I stopped and made him talk to me. He was cool and was actually quite proud of it. Said people ask him about it all the time, and his lady friend was laughing about it as well. I really only wanted to evaluate the color more closely, but I got a full walking tour of it including him telling me the name brand about 16 times so I could order the correct one. I wanted to be like: "I fucking know it's a Softopper, that's why I'm talking to you!", but I politely just thanked him repeatedly.

After all the color considerations, and seeing gray and black in person on a silver truck... I'm going with black.

 

its true... happens all the time... and you do sort of go into a sales pitch... how fast and easy it is to get up/down... lightweight... sturdy.. etc... ive even had people post notes on my windshield to get more info about it..

 

Thanks for the info. I think after reading what you guys wrote that I might as well keep searching for a fiberglass shell. The cap will be a more permanent fixture on the truck. When surfcasting the wind can change quick and give you little to no prep time to have to hit a tide at a certain spot. And since im usually getting somewhat wet when going to fish, it would be nice to have something to lay down in thats waterproof and dry.

 

Saw this guy not too far from my house, pretty sweet looking truck.

 

Had the topper for about six months and love it! I camp in the bed on a memory foam mattress and have stayed warm and dry all winter!

 

What is everyone doing for bed racks over the top of their soft topper? I've been looking at softtopper's bed racks and they aren't what I am looking for styling and clearance wise.

I either need to sort out the over-softtopper bed rack or get a bajarack/prinsu style roof rack for my DC. I'm mounting a hard shell RTT to it.

Thanks in advance.