Let's See Some Softoppers

I'm having a hard time weighing the pros/cons of both the Softopper and Bestop 2. The new Bestop 2 has a lot of pros (black hardware, secure front and rear panels without adding snaps/velco to the truck, and comes with the boot cover and tail light). But it does look like a PITA when it comes to quickly accessing the bed. But many of you seem to run it without the back window anyways, so I'm not sure how big of a concern this is. Softopper is a lot cheaper right now and I think it looks sleeker.

I'm thinking of finally pulling the trigger for a cross-country road trip. Would be taking 80 from Chicago->Sacramento. My main concern is the Softopper blowing apart since I do not plan on adding the velco or drilling into my bed before I really test it out and see how I want to handle the flaps.

Thoughts?

 

You’ll be fine without the snaps/Velcro. A lot of people don’t run the extra snaps up front and have no issues. I tuck the whole flap between the bed and the cab and it stays put. The rear panel has a crossbar that holds it in place and the Velcro just keep the last two inches from flapping in the wind. Not a huge deal but the “flashing” of daylight peeking through the flap may or may not be a distraction to you. Also, the extra material flapping in the wind can and will eventually cause minor scuffing of the upper edge of your tailgate. It’s a minor hazing but your level of the care of your truck may make it a big deal or not. Others have tucked that little flap into the bed (over the tailgate) and had no issues.

 

The flap even stays put at 75/80mph when tucked between the bed and cab? I suppose I can tuck it all into the bed since I'll have gear to keep it snug. And any idea if tucking the rear flap into the tailgate keeps it put at high speeds? Saw someone earlier in the thread say that he didn't have it velcro'd and his rails bent. Hoping tucking it in would solve that but wondering if it will pull out at high speeds.

 

My front flap stays put even at high speeds with or without the sides rolled up. Some people have different experiences though.

I can’t help with the rear panel since I never used the Velcro and didn’t tuck it in. The tip of my tailgate got a little scratched from it flapping when it was loose but now I have magnets holding in place against my relentless tailgate reinforcement.

 

Mine is really old, and the design has changed since it was made. But I have to run bungees down to the frame to keep that flap from flailing against the back window. Keeps it nice and snug.

 

Softopper on my 6' bed has stayed put in 50+mph cross winds while driving 75-80mp down the highway. Had a harder time keeping the truck in its lane than anything. These toppers are built to be streamline behind the cab so you shouldn't have any worries about straight ahead speed. Our trucks aren't racecars I doubt they can go fast enough to rip a topper off from straight ahead wind. Cant speak for the bestop but softopper cross wind ratings are pretty high as well. I recall reading somewhere when doing research on them before buying that crosswind strength is like 60-70mph gusts or something. I don't recall the actual number but it was surprisingly high for essentially canvas, aluminum, and plastic.

I have only read of person recently having issues with their softopper ripping off while driving and I think most people came to the realization that the user had their clamps too close together.

 

That's good info. Are the two extra clamps overkill? Figured they're cheap $12 insurance.

 

I did I80/I90 from Colorado to Vermont and back this past fall with killer rain and wind with no issue. I did consider getting the extra clamps but never got around to it before the trip. Looking back I would say they are worth the $12 but didn't have any issue either. Did get a little water in the front corners but we went through a thunderstorm where I had to pull over because I just couldn't see anything anymore. I was very happy with how it preformed for the trip.

 

Order the 12 dollar extra two clamps with your original purchase, the shipping will make it closer to 20. I learned that the hard way

 

it won’t hurt. I put mine right in the middle, on the seam where the two rails come together. there is no interference with the hinge either.

 

Like these guys said the extra clamps for $12 is piece of mind insurance. cannot hurt to throw an extra clamp in the middle of the bars which will allow you to spread the end clamps a bit further apart to get the full thing completely secured. I only run the original 4 clamps and have had zero issues. If I was driving through semi tipping winds though I'm sure the extra 2 clamps would put my mind at ease.

 

is the boot cover/storage bag worth it? easy to use? is it a separate piece or do they sew it in?

 

It’s a separate piece, I ordered one with mine this month, have never used it but it’s high quality and for the price it’s worth it in case you ever take it down, so far I feel like I’ll be keeping it on all the time, but you never know when you need to move a couch or tv. Plus chicks dig the Softtopper man

 

I’m loving this thing! I previously had an old camper shell on, which was great for keeping things dry, but was a pain in the ass to take off if you had to haul stuff. I put the SofTopper on Sunday and had to move some furniture this afternoon. Fold it right up until the furniture is delivered, and pop it back into place as soon as the bed is empty again.

 

Thanks for the info. Just ordered. WOOP WOOP!!

 

The extra clamps are especially needed for the long bed versions. Short beds its not as bad.

 

bought the softopper

 

Bestop supertop

 

I run my softopper during the winter and I always miss it when I swap it out for the summer tent setup..


DSC00706 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00026 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00092 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr