Soft top or hard shell??

I need some help on making a decision here, I'm torn between getting a BesTop canvas shell, and a hard top (probably ARE, but haven't decided yet).

I really like the security/ability to lock a hard shell, as well as the option to mount a rack on the top. I can't say I will be buying a RTT but I do like the idea of being able to strap down some kayaks or other gear as needed. However, the few turnoffs I see with these are 1. I won't be able to load my truck like a truck anymore, 2. difficult to remove/put on as well as the space they take up when off the truck and 3. price

The canvas ones seem nice and versatile. I could remove or just collapse them as needed. Downside is that you can't mount racks on em or lock them up. Plus it sounds like they have a tendency to leak when it rains (or so I've read). Their price makes them mighty attractive though!

If I could get some weigh-ins on here from people who have had one or both options at some point, that would be awesome.

Thanks!

 

I have a hard shell, and I would definitely recommend it over a soft top. Like you mentioned, they're lockable (huge perk) and you can mount stuff on top. Another perk is that they're quiet, whereas the soft tops can be noisy on the highway. As far as not being able to fit large stuff in your bed, how often do you REALLY need to do that? If a couple times a year like me, you can just rent a trailer from home depot for pretty cheap. With storing it, just leave it on the whole time unless there's some reason you really want it off. For price, you can always get used on craigslist. If you're patient, you can find a color matched one for less than $1,000. I got mine for $280!

 

Soft topp, as best top hasn't made design change for the 3rd gen. Get a rack that goes over the the top. I had a hard top on my 09, never took it off. Got softtop on the 17, been off a few times.

 

No difference in noise with my softopper. Best purchase I made. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. It's just super.

 

The point of a soft topper is to be able to put it up and down as needed, but having the rack above completely negates that. Doesn't make too much sense to me.

 

When I went through this I asked myself a few things:

• How important is security?
• How important is carrying tall objects in the bed?
• How important is the space *above* the truck bed?

I ended up with the Softopper (which I would strongly recommend over a bestop) because I liked the versatility and didn't want to constantly remove/store a shell if I had to. There's no noticeable increase in noise and it folds into a small space near the back window when I don't need it. Also keep in mind, pretty much all of the beds leak with a shell/softopper on; folks take the extra step of sealing the corners with the "camper" shells as they tend to be more permanent.

OA

 

Hard shells are definitely the jam for all the reasons listed above, however, one thing to think about is the added weight. Depending on your rear suspension set up you might want to shave the lbs of a hard cap for a soft top to allow for the weight of a rear bumper and tire carrier plus gear weight. Im in the same debate now. That being said, i sure do love the looks of a hard shell!!

 

The only advantage of a softtopper is if you have a need to put large items in the bed regularly. Dirt bike, atv, etc.

 

$280???? used?

 

Of course! It needed a little love (screens for the windows, new door struts) but those parts came out to about $50. It's not perfect, but it's structurally sound and all the glass is intact. Anyone buying a third gen cap will expect to pay more, but it'll be in nicer condition because they're only a year or two old.

 

I got a used leer color matched $800 . Love it . I build a stand and a jack to take it on and off because I thought I would want a truck sometimes but now that it's on I'll probably never take it off it's just too great .

 

Do you own your own home with a garage? It's pretty easy to rig up a hoist system, hanging from your ceiling, to easily remove and store the topper. I've always used a couple of 2x4's with eye bolts at each end, some extra-strength nylon cord, and a few pulleys, less than $25 at the Depot.

 

Well, option 1, get a rack that comes off easy. Option 2, if tall item stand up inside rack, extra security to hold in place. Option 3, get rack for the cab.

All that being said, I really liked my hard shell, bit wanted more versatility. Soft topper with rack in spring thru fall, and tonneau cover and roof rack for the colder months. Which brings me to my only real concern, how brittle are the soft top or best top windows in the cold?

 

You need to clarify that was $280 for a Gen 2 topper. No way you'll find a Gen 3 that cheap for at least another 3-5 years.

 

Can't speak to bestop but my softopper windows aren't brittle. Stiff may be the best word (I know what I said). I leave it "deployed" for most of winter but if I fold it down a crease I might get in the window takes about a day in the sun before it settles out.

That said Richmond winters only get but so cold.

OA

 

@uhplifted i thought I read you might sell your bestop 3rd gen lb .. this guy seems to be in the market for just that

 

Ya, think Maine might be a little colder. Mid west and our friends to the north, well that's probably cold.

 

Same difference. I've seen gen 3 ones go for $600, which is still very cheap. Plus if you'd look at my profile, you see I have a gen 2.

 

$600 is a steal. If I saw a local one going for $600, I would buy it to resell.

Sorry, not everyone looks at profiles in context. I only knew you had a gen2 from reading your build thread earlier in the year.

 

Yeah they pop up from time to time! The point I was trying to make to OP is that if he's patient and checks local and surrounding craigslists regularly, they pop up much cheaper than new.