Softopper vs Bestop

That's a good idea

 

Not affiliated with the company but I recommend Govee strips. I use their LED light bulbs and strips in my room. I’m going to be shooting them an email to see if they have a particular strip that’s 16.4ft, RGB, Bluetooth controlled, that I can run off of 12V power. Forgot to look for the factory wiring for the bedlight because supposedly all 2020+ are pre-wired which means I just need the factory switch and to tap into the harness in the bed.

 

If you only plan to use red or white, what are you going to do with the remaining 16 million colors? Just curious as I have been sucked into the RGB thing a few times, and each time I show off all the cool colors, then only use 1 or 2 of them. My kids want me to get RGB in the bed of my truck, but I cant see how rainbow flashing lights will help me see whats in the bed.
To add to this, having a remote control or phone app might actually make using your lights less useful, Think about how you need to get out your phone, turn on the app, just to turn on the lights each time. Or you need to grab the remote to turn them on. 99% of the time I would assume you would turn on the lights while in the bed of the truck, so a simple cheap rocker switch would be best... its always in the same spot, you dont have to turn on a app to use it, anyone can flip the switch without needing your phone, it doesnt need to connect with bluetooth.

I will admit that I keep looking at some RGB light strips that have a dial adjuster to control them, It seems like a simple easy way to do RGB, but again I keep going back to how I dont need all the colors.

 

Fair point!

 

Softtopper for sure. Few months with mine and zero regrets. I keep tools, air compressor, etc in the bed all inside a plano sportsman. Haven't had any issues with someone trying to get in. All is double locked anyways. Several roadtrips and haven't had any leaking issues after the first week, put in clear silicone up front in corners.

 

Based on my experiences with Bestop and my Jeep Wrangler I’d definitely go with Softopper.

 

If you sleep in the bed ever being able to have red light at night for trips to the bathroom is nice, plus some candle flicker styled action for when you camp with a partner

Seriously though, different lighting modes and adjustable brightness levels are super useful. And you can use the switch to turn them off and on still, just need the app or remote to change colors. Since I would mostly use white light on brightest setting that’s what I’d leave it to. Use the switch for on off, then if I ever need to switch colors or brightness I can.

 

I didn't care for the Velcro for the rear flap so I installed regular snaps, holds everything tight. My Softopper has gone thru three northwest winters and it cleans up like new with some 303. Rear windows is still very clear, I'm careful when cleaning, I did buy the Best top care kit and some zipper lube. Only thing that gave me a headache was the zippers and the lube solved that.

 

I love 303 on the topper. Still looks brand new! What's this zipper lube eh? Mine has been giving me fits

 

I use this occasionally if I have issues with the zippers. Beeswax or even chapstick would work in a pinch.

$7 GEAR AID Zipper Cleaner & Lubricant with Zipper Teeth Brush Gear Repair Kit, Clear, 2 oz, 29117

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HATSKPG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_4Yt5FbE9F5F54

 

I've had both and the softopper is the way to go!

 

I'm way late here, but I have to agree. I originally bought a bestop for my 2nd gen several years ago and was extremely unimpressed with how it fit and with the quality of the mounting system. I went with the Softopper back then, and ordered a new one for my 3rd gen before I even signed the paperwork for it.

Search my posts for pictures and info. The bestop is trash compared to the Softopper. The new design doesn't look any better either.

 

Sweet!

 

It's also good on tent zippers and soft sided coolers.

 

I bought GearAid zipper lube off Amazon, made the zippers glass smooth.

$7 GEAR AID Zipper Cleaner & Lubricant with Zipper Teeth Brush Gear Repair Kit, Clear, 2 oz, 29117

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HATSKPG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Softopper for the win!

 

Got some lights in today. Gotta button up wiring tomorrow.

 

Did you do the bed mounted switch? Or is the switch in the cab?

 

This is where the switch lives for now. We'll see how I end up liking it.

 

Thanks everyone. Just ordered a Softopper for my new 2021 Taco TRD OR. Was agonizing over which way to go: hard/soft, tonneau/topper. This is just the lightest, and best all around option for me. Less money spent on Overland crap means more money for trips, suspension mods, tires, and re-gearing or tuning. Sure beats spending $3k-$7k on a rooftop tent, and racks, and way easier to remove, and store if I need to move something big.