Softopper vs Bestop

Hi,

Anyone here running a newer Softopper (NOT bestop) with a Decked storage system on a 3rd gen Tacoma?

I have a Decked system and would like to add a Softopper. However, I am getting mixed information whether or not not it will work. Specifically at the Softopper open/close frame pivot point in reference to the Decked height.

If anyone is using this, can you please take some picks of the interior frame pivot point and confirm whether or not it clears the Decked height.

Thanks in advance!

 

Doesn't the Decked system only go to just above the wheel wells? From their pictures it looks like there is at least 6" between the top and the OEM tiedown rails. The Softopper pivot doesn't go more than 1" or so below that, so I don't see why it would be a problem. If you need a picture I can grab you one tomorrow.

This picture sortof shows where it sits.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/media/softopper.346540/

 

Hi @lapoltba,

Thanks for responding. In pictures I have seen, it looks like the pivot point of the Softopper frame may be too long to clear the height of the Decked system when the Softopper is being opened/closed. Please include some pictures, it would be a huge help!

Thanks

 

I’ve got a decked system and a Softopper. I haven’t had any issues with my setup.

 

We’re you able to fold the softopper flat down out of the way?

 

Had my softopper for nearly 10 years, still love it. Bought it for my 07, and just moved it over to my 17. I replaced the plastic clips and the weather-stripping, and painted the rails black before remounting, I think it looks better on the orange.

A friend split the rear window once early on while getting ready for skiing one morning, but the replacement has held up with proper care. It was still under warranty at the time, and they let me swing by their shop in Boulder for a swap.

 

@El_rojo_grande,

So, you're able to fold the Softopper (not bestop) back to the the cab without the softopper frame hitting the decked system at the pivot point connection?

Can you post some pics?



Thanks

 

I’ve never folded mine since I’ve had the decked system in, but I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t. The lowest it’s going to be at the pivot point is where it is in the upright position. So there should be no clearance issues when folding it.

 

It will drop down a bit further when you go to fold it since that hoop rotates forward through vertical.

 

Black rails and mounts are thee way to go. I need to get around to painting the frame also.

 

Good day folks,
Before reading this thread I purchased a Bestop truck 2 (2nd version) for my 2021 OR, does anyone have any comments on if its much improved over the first version or did I just buy something I will regret?
I'm worried about running it with the side panels/back off and it coming off or bending the frame at highway speeds.
I went with the Bestop because I dont like how the softopper hangs over the tailgate. Thanks to anyone with any experience they may share, havent put mine on yet.

UPDATE: works great at HWY speeds with the panels rolled up. Set up was done by myself, zipping the panels in place was the most difficult part. Would recommend

 

Can anybody confirm that a softopper will mount with these in place? Or would I have to loose the bed stiffies?

 

Shouldn't be a problem, just get the softopper clamps as close to them as you can.

 

Appreciate it. Those were a covid buy.

But hey, I do use them to tie to.

 

Anyone here try to fabricate a way to make their soft topper or bestop more secure from being opened by someone? I understand that these aren't designed with security in mind, but I'm not quite ready to buy a fiberglass shell or those newer metal shells. I'm leaning more towards the bestop right now because it looks like maybe I could fabricate a small plate with a hole and attach it to the rails. Then thrown on a lock to prevent the zipper from being opened. Yeah anyone with a knife can just cut it, but at least having it locked is a little better.

 

On the ST side, you can get a solid back panel. Out of sight, out of mind.

Adding any kind of lock, esp a visible one, is going to invite attention. The lock being there is going to stop no one. Kindly, they'll unsnap the sides and get what they want. The really bad person will easily slash the material.


My level of security with the clear vinyl rear window is locking the TG and to only store black items back there long term. I have a black 108qt Plano case, a black ratchet strap, and black traction boards. They hide well enough. I would weep if it was stolen.


If you have security concerns larger than that, then you might want a hard shell tonneau or canopy.

 

So on the besttop, there are zipper pulls on the inside and outside of the topper, so one could easy put locks on the inside of the topper and they would not be seen(but you would need 9 locks to get all 9 zippers). But yes, any sort of visible lock is just going to invite people to come take a look at what needs locks.

 

Same on the ST. Just two zippers though. Seeing someone trying to lock / unlock those would be attention grabbing for the opportunist also, as it wouldn't be fun to do.

 

Hmm, what are those. Besides the obvious. Never seen those before.

 

I think you would be okay with the rails and mount, but it might interfere with the front window flap?