Let's See Some Softoppers

Getting back on topic, sir!




So, this past week I did a thing.

 

That's exactly how it went haha

 

I think i asked before but cant remember if anyone has done this.

Has anyone installed a third brake light with a quick disconnect when you fold the topper?

 

It's a really great idea and surprised Softopper doesn't have this as an option.

I've been spinning the idea around in my head for a bit since you posted the question, and I think figured out a way to make one work.
The quick disconnect should be the easy part, just tap into the rear tail lights and install a plug inside the bed near one of the tail lights.
Read up on this thread on options for the wiring and lights available. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-do-you-wire-a-3rd-brake-light.522770/
I'm sure there are many other options, but a good place to start.

From there, I suppose you could take a thin, lightweight LED third brake light and securely mount it to a piece of thin steel with screws, glue, etc. Prior to installing, give the thin piece of steel several good coats of Plasti-Dip to keep it from rusting, and to give it a bit of grip against the ST fabric. Use some strong rare earth magnets from inside to hold the brake light in place. Run the brake light wire up through velcro of the rear window and along the rear aluminum frame down to the plug behind the tail light.

 

Thanks for the link. I've actually had the red version of that light in the link saved in my Amazon wish list for a while.

$13 Partsam 1PC Red 15" 11 LED Light Bar Stop Turn Tail 3rd Brake Light Truck Trailer Identification ID Bar Waterproof DOT Compliant

Partsam 1PC Red 15" 11 LED Light Bar Stop Turn Tail 3rd Brake Light Truck Trailer Identification ID Bar Waterproof

I've been looking a some quick connect/disconnect harness. I've spent more time on this I probably should. Which do you think would be better?

$10 TOMALL Deutsch DT DTP 2 pin Male Female Wiring Harness for Work Light Bar Retrofit Replacement Connectors

TOMALL Deutsch DT DTP 2 pin Male Female Wiring Harness for LED Work Light/LED Work Light Bar Replacement Connectors

$7 2 Wire Connector, MUYI 5 Kit Electric Connector 18 AWG Connectors Waterproof Electrical Connector 1.0mm² Wire Harness 1.5mm Series Terminal

MUYI 5 Kit 2 Pin Way 16 AWG Waterproof Connector Wire 1.5mm Series Terminal Connector Black

$13 BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pin Electrical Connector 18AWG IP65 Male Female Connector 7.87in/20cm Extension Cable for Car,Truck,Boat,Indoor/Outdoor LED Strip Lights/String 22mm Nut Big Size 5 Pairs

BTF-LIGHTING 5pairs 2 Core 2pin Black Pigtail Plastics Waterproof IP65 led connctor for Strip Light Male Female 40cm/Pair Applicable 0.75mm² 22mm nut

 

Any one of those should work. I use something similar to the BTF connectors you listed there on my kayaks for connecting up the battery to my fish finder.
I put a healthy dab of dielectric grease on the terminals before closing them up. They have been spot on and corrosion free after nearly 8 years of fishing in the ocean and all the salt water they see in a kayak. I put a healthy dab of dielectric grease on the terminals.

 

Those were the ones I was leaning towards. Wires are pretty well sealed near the connectors. Thanks for the feedback!!

 

Or using something like this would be kind of cool and clean.

Trolling Motor Plug and Receptacle - iGreely 2Pack Weatherproof SAE Socket Sidewall Port, SAE Quick Cable Connect Solar Panel Mount for Motorcycle RV Marine Boat Car DIY and More 12AWG 1ft/30cm

SAE Plug - iGreely Solar Weatherproof SAE Socket Sidewall Port, SAE Quick Cable Connect Solar Panel Mount for Motorcycle Generator Battery Charger and More

 

ohhh I like that for some LED strips I wanna put on the frame inside for ambient lights.

Like! Is that stainless or loominum?

 

Alum-num-num.

 

Ok. Let me know how that goes.

Btw you mean this $20 option?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/softopper-front-window-with-doggie-door-cutout.427862/

 

Thinking of looping some Christmas lights on the bars of the topper.

 

FYI... I removed the Softopper logo from one side. It's hideous with the phone number. Once I removed it I dabbed the thread areas with seam seal. Looks good. You can only notice if you're looking for it

 

Wait is this where I start telling you that’s a dumb idea, which is my right to respond to your internet post. Then someone will come on and tell me I have no right to tell someone what I think about what they think. Then I argue back that I do, they argue back that I’m an asshole, I tell them they are a stupid dumb ass, etc... we get banned.

So I saved all those posts, and everyone else could as well if they just realized this. If someone puts something on an Internet forum, they need to expect some will say the like and some will say they don’t, that’s what happens on the internet, in fact if people were truthful in person, it would happen then to.

Ok, I’m done.

 

@bulalo Just added the insulation. However, it made mine really tight to snap the sides and tighten it. I actually dropped the hinge pins down the lowest hole. Did you have the same issue? Im worried about pulling the side snaps out.

 

Not problem with mine. Just tighten the rear straps

 

Go back a couple posts buddy lol