Let's See Some Softoppers

LOL.

Yup. I resorted to a fresh razor blade and isopropyl alcohol to take the adhesive off without removing the paint.



Has any one else attempted to make their soft topper completely weather/dust proof? Im in the middle of it. Ive sealed the bed rail caps, tail gate cap, tailgate bottom and sides so far. I need to do the cubbies and bed pockets next.

What have the rest of you guys done?

 

3rd brake light / CHMSL is a DOT requirement for manufacturers to equip vehicles with. It is not - barring a state whose laws I am unfamiliar with - a legal requirement for the end user.

If you read most state's lighting laws, they require 2 brake lights. There is nothing said - again, barring a state I'm unfamiliar with - about the CHMSL working.

 

In Washington State if the vehicle came with a CHMSL it must be working and visible. Obviously temporary things like hauling a refrigerator would probably be a field enforcement exception. That's what I will try to claim, that my top is retractable so it's temporary. But I don't like giving LE any excuse to stop me, have a look at me and the contents of my vehicle, and cause me both hassle and delay. So I'm going to install one even though I've never been stopped either in my previous truck with a hard top that had a fried CHMSL for over a decade and now my Softopper for over a year. Better safe than hassled.

 

Hmmm. I see. Did not know that. Certainly a good idea to install it so as to keep those pig's snouts out of your ST!

 

I browsed the California and Maryland vehicle codes and didn't see anything similar. Really surprised me considering how often California is referred to as the model nanny state. And Maryland code was cool because the entire code is so...short. Common sense based,.

 

Yeah, CA has no such requirement. 2 brake lights. If you have a CHMSL then you basically have a "spare" so to speak. One of you rlights can be defective and you are still in compliance with the other two.

 

Thanks all for the 3rd brake light input! Installing Super top this Saturday with temps predicted over 70 degrees, will post pictures when complete.

 

California effectively has few car and light-truck (and motorcycle) safety equipment regulations, or at least most are at the discretion of field enforcement, since there's no annual inspection. I'm amazed at what I see on the roads; some of it is creative and some frankly terrifying.

 

But by god they gotta smog you

 

I added a 28" x 28" bungee to the ceiling to hold light stuff while camping - a jacket or a roll of paper towels or what have you. Handy to stick clothes up there if you are sleeping in the back. Pretty simple deal, just zip tied it up there. If it works out okay I will probably add a few more zip ties to tighten it up a little.

Should still fold down with no issues but I guess you could cut the zip ties if there was some sort of interference.

If you use zip ties make sure the cut ends aren't poking the canvas material!

 

Awesome idea, where did you score the bungee netting?

 

I got it at Cabela's for $10 but any motorcycle store /ATV place should have it.

 

New hardware and weatherstripping. It's supposed to be 60s and sunny tomorrow, I should be able to put it back on finally

 

Couldn't get two of the side zippers fully closed as it was only 55 yesterday, but I'm hoping it'll stretch out in the sun today/tomorrow.

Advice for anybody putting one together; don't be afraid to go off book when it comes to their less than clear directions and use your own horse sense. Also side windows side in easier if you use a little windex to lube up the j hook tracks.

 

Those with Softoppers, is there anyway to get a deal on these, or is the only way to buy one is directly from Softopper? Any chance they offer TW members a % discount?

 

It seems your options are pretty much used, or new from ST. There appear to be a few vendors that sell them but a review of this thread shows that the prices are pretty consistent.

Personally, I'd buy from ST because if you have any issues you'll save a step by contacting them directly instead of having to go through a third party vendor. Plus ST staff is awesome to deal with.

I understand wanting to save a few bucks but honestly, these things are a great deal at the MSRP.

 

Yeah, kind of what I was gathering, just didn't want to pay full retail and then find out you could get a deal somewhere, somehow and I missed it.
Thanks for the response

 

What bar is that and how is it locked in?

 

What he said

 

Interesting perspective. What do you use yours for and why don't you want the hard top anymore? I was looking at hard tops and now I want to skip that and get a soft top. I'm very interested in hearing your perspective as I don't actually plan on sleeping in mine much.