Soft Topper or Hard Top

Looking to see if anyone regretted buying a Soft Topper? I am trying to figure out what I want to do, I like the idea of a soft topper, however I am hesitant that I will eventually say, "should have got a cap"

Basically need it for more space. Its hard to transport a German Shepard (and family) to meet all outdoor needs with my truck without having a covered storage for the bed of the truck. Price really is not much of a factor, obviously like the idea of getting something for 700-800 vs 2000-3000. Just do not want to invest twice. I do like the flexibility with what a soft topper has to offer.

Anybody out there buy a soft top and then turn around and go buy a hard shell? What were you reasons for doing so?

 

I went from tonneau to ST after hoping for a wedge camper, then adjusting my goal to a hard canopy, only to understand that I really have no space for either off the truck. There have been a few occasions now when I needed to fold or take the ST off to carry something. Doing either in a matter of moments is pretty amazing.

I would say that the only nuisance is being extra gentle with the need to clean the rear window often.


As far as security, this post is making the rounds and sums it up nicely for me:

No matter what, if someone wants something, nothing is going to stop them.

 

Thanks for the info. I just looked at your build and it looks nice. I do like that flexibility of being able to go from covered to uncovered. Do you find leaking to be a problem? or wind noise?

 

Happy with the ST for the last few years. Easy to take off,versatile, light, and still protects very well in bad weather. As long as you don't mind the lower security value and taking the time to protect the fabric every few months, its a good option and cheaper.

 

You're welcome!

For leaking, I prepped under the bed rails with foil tape and silicone as well as sealing the front corners with silicone. The only time that I have seen more that a couple drops in the back was when I hit some standing water pretty hard. I believe it pumped up through the bed to fender joint.

For noise (and shuddering), I wasn't expecting much at all from other folks that I talked to. Still, I was even surprised how stiff it is on the freeway. The only noise increase is if I have the slider open, which is my favorite window to open. Of course, that problem would be the same with a hard canopy.

 

Aw fuck! @Shellshock said that he painted the rail mounts. Now, you go and post that sexiness. Damn, that looks freaking great.

 

Oh god dammit

 

I see you like it also.

 

Hahaha, yeah took a bit of time but the bedliner coat is holding up well. More black the better, delete that chrome!

 

should have got a cap

 

Truck looks great. It seems like most people say as I do research, If someone wants something they will take it. I guess security is slightly better with a ST as I have nothing for security on my open bed at the moment.

PS, if anyone knows of a used ST on the New Hampshire region, message me.

 

Very nice!

My sentiments exactly. I try to not look at my headlights, which is just about the only chrome left other than the ST bits.

 

If I wouldn’t have found a good deal on a used hard shell I would have started with a Soft Topper. A hard shell is a bit of a PITA to put on and off on a regular basis. If that’s something you plan on, then definitely consider another route. If you get a soft topper and don’t like it you can generally get a good chunk of your money back. With a hard shell if you don’t like it, your going to take a much bigger hit.

 

There was a ST WTB thread in the BST section, but I am having problems finding it.

I have a rolling storage box in my bed. I painted the wheels and handles black and use a black ratchet strap. It is pretty hard to see.

 

softopper because

-light, almost no impact to MPG hauling it around (35 lbs is nothing vs 200+ for hard cap)
-goes down easy peasy when you suddenly need to haul something big or make a dump run
-keeps bed dry just fine....some little leaking at gap edges and whatnot but that can be taken care of

if you want super tight dog-proof 100% weather proof maybe a hard cap is better for you. for me no ragrets on softopper at all

 

Thanks man. Out of sight, out of mind helps, but yeah caps are just as easy to break into. People on my street broke my roommates car window for some change in the center console. I've been good so far, but who knows if someone has opened my tailgate to check inside. One reason why I haven't purchased a lock for the tailgate. Came from a jeep wrangler, using the same practices when I would leave it with the top off.

 

Honestly, yes, I ran a bestop for 4 years and Im ready for a fiberglass cap

 

I love my bestop 2 (soft topper) the only thing I wish I could do that you can do with some caps is make a pass through from the back window into the topper, one of those would be nice if you have a dog.

 

@Yorkcb7

I built a hybrid...I'm just south of you in CT

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ynamic-bed-cage-tonnaue-cover-version.582736/

 

Well shit.... Nice dude.