Softopper vs Bestop

DIY was super easy
1- order some heavy duty pressstuds with color matched heads
2- figure out placement I did 10” apart
3- drill holes that work with the self tapping press stud button and install onto the gate
4- with a hole punch - punch slightly less diameter holes in soft topper rear panel to match up with the studs installed on tail gate
5 - RTV and install studs on gate
6- with an awl center punch and compress the retainer on each press stud button
Voila your done. I put mine over the Velcro that was supplied with the soft top you can do either - I prefer the extra adhesion of the two combined

 

I’ve been rocking the soft topper for 3 years. No issues...

 

I’ve been thinking about either a Softopper or the Bestop Supertop 2. I prefer the all canvas look and I think Bestop made a good decision when they got rid of the windows. I sort of prefer the simplicity of the Softopper without the zip out side panels though. Looks cleaner and I’m sure that helps keep it tighter. BUT... that flap situation in the back is just a mess in my opinion. I certainly don’t want to put a Velcro strip on my tailgate. Might be fine with the top on, but with it off it is going to look pretty homespun. I know there are other solutions like tucking it in and using magnets, but the way all that comes together in the back needs some work.

Hard to find much information on there on the Bestop 2.0. But it does seem like an improvement over the previous version in looks and probably functionality. That said, I’ve never used either of them.

 

I agree with you. I was tucking for a while, then just let it hang out. No velcro. I did put some clear vinyl on the very top of the paint just in case. I will occasionally see it flap if I'm passing someone on the highway, but it is totally fine.

For the look with it off, I painted the rails. They should come that way, IMHO.

 

Yes! They should come that way. That looks really nice. They practically disappear in that picture.

 

Are you running the bed stiffeners for the Softopper? Or do you load other stuff on there too? I’m still trying to get a grasp on whether or not I need them. Thanks.

 

Thanks!

They really do from the side:



I also wiped off the logos with acetone.

 

I got them on sale when I was initially debating between a canopy or a wedge camper. The wedge camper prices skyrocketed and I just couldn't see the worth in a canopy after that. That settled me back to the Softopper which I should have just grabbed in the first place.

Still, the stiffeners are very handy. IMO, I would recommend them for anything on the bed rails heavier than a soft topper.

 

Softopper FTW.

Seconds to roll up the sides.
Less than one minute to fold.
Less than two minutes to remove completely.

The bestop design can't beat that.

 

I just grabbed some on sale too because I might do a tent on bed rails. But if I just stick with a soft top (either Softopper or Bestop 2), I may not worry with them.

 

Nice. That sounds reasonable.

Camping out of the Softopper is really nice.

 

Softopper is also made in the USA in Boulder, CO!

 

And super nice folks. They were great to work with on a GB last year.

 

Or do this ... keeps ST nice and tight and is waterproof over tailgate

 

I didn't do anything w my flap

 

There is without a doubt no argument here. SOFT TOPPER is FAR SUPERIOR, in every way to best top. I’m not saying best top is bad. I was hesitant about spending the amount I did for a soft topper. But when I purchased it I realized why. It is the most useful mod I have added to my truck and any truck after will have a soft topper. End of story. It is amazing. I camp in mine and I love not having windows on the sides for privacy. As well as when I drive or when when I have stuff in the back. Plus you can always roll up the sides of the soft topper if you want a view. You never have to worry about storing windows or breaking them. Never have a hard time putting on the topper either.

 

Only problem is you can’t take it off after cause it looks odd hahaha. And you drilled into the metal and if you try and sell your truck, might lower the value. But this is smart tbh.

 

Agreed

 

My flap never flaps. Also, my soft topper is entirely water proof.

However I wash is with soap, let it dry, and spray it with 303 waterproofing fabric spray, and I seal the seems 2x a year

 

blows the best top out of the water. So functional and useful. Pops up and down so easily and be stored extremely easily as well. No water OR dirt leaks in either.