Let's See Some Softoppers

Alright here we go, lotta pictures. Topper is currently off of the truck to enjoy the rare PNW sun, so sorry if the photos aren’t super helpful.

Also, if you want photos of how I did the wiring I can dig around for them. But I didn’t want to take my tail light off right when I got home from work.



First up is where it sits on the topper.


Second is how I ran the wire. It is just sandwiched between the Velcro, and i have not noticed any leaking from this spot.


Next is the backside of the wire running through the “Velcro sandwich”.


Hard to show this part, but I ran the wire along the top in between the topper and the frame.


Then wire down the frame, and ends in a waterproof disconnect (essential for PNW if you want to take your topper on&off).


Now the wire in the truck bed. It’s the other end of the waterproof connector.


I ran the wire between the metal and the bedside cap. Super easy to pop the cap off, and there are some large rectangular holes under the bed cap. I ran the wire through one of those, and between the bed composite&fender metal. There’s an opening behind the tail light, and I ran the wire through the opening and tapped into the passenger brake light for power.


Now for the magnets. This is the finished product obviously. I used what Velcro I had laying around, a roll of magnet strip (that had 3m tape on the backside of it), and then covered it in clear vinyl. The point of the clear vinyl was to hopefully prevent scratches. So far no scratches.
The magnet/Velcro combo works great, keeps the window taught even at highway speeds, and is incredibly easy to open/close.


Edit: And no, no cutting (aside from wire) required!

Edit#2: And as always, all credit for this idea goes to @EatSleepTacos

 

No need to twist my arm.
magnets on inside of topper.

little bit of rust on the bar, but you get the idea.

I attached velcro to the back of a roll of magnet to attach to flap. Magnet holds it down and so far no damage to the tailgate. I may run a strip of clear vinyl across the top to be safe.

 

BRILLIANT! Thank you for the details...

 

what cargo netting do you have up top?

 

Just ordered my first softopper, super helpful thread! Some great ideas for the rear flap as well as 3rd tail light options! Excited to keep digging through this thread!

 

$18 TOOLUXE 50969L Adjustable Cargo Net | 3’ x 5’ | 36’ x 60’ | Bungee Net | 16 Sturdy Nylon Hooks | Ideal for Load Hauling, Moving and Camping | Tailgate, Bike Racks, Load Securing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CAVUL0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Anyone have pictures of a grey softtopper on quicksand?

 

Anyone here with "softopper" brand do the snap install on front of bed for the inside flap? Three screw in snaps required... Alternative is Velcro option, but the channel that runs across front of the bed is in the way it would appear. There are four snaps included w/ the topper for this purpose including one extra.
Just wondering if there is anything beyond the instructions to know before proceeding to minimize surprises

 

It does the job.

 

These worked out perfect. Thanks for the ideas guys @RangerComa

 

subbing to the thread b/c I am considering a soft topper instead of an RTT for quick jaunts to the woods

 

PS. I went with the 30" adhesive too. I like it better than the short bar.

 

Any concerns about longevity of the adhesive strip on the topper?
I'm looking at this option as well...

 

That strip was adhered in 2016, and it's still holding strong.

 

Thank you!

 

I put the velcro on the top of the bed. Holds great, no issues.

 

Well I couldn't wait. I just ordered one. Now I've got to start digging through this thread to see how everybody else installed their brake light. Anybody know how long it usually takes for shipping? I used Fedex.

 

I ordered one on the 2nd. Then got an email for shipping delay due to demand of the Black fabric. The tan and gray tops ship immediately. Im pretty sure mine will be arriving in the next few days.

 

Gonna order one real soon. Can't wait. Knowing what you know now, what would you buy alongside it on day 1 to be prepared? Things like extra buckles or snaps, third brake lights, etc. Already got some 303 to clean it and will get some magnets and film for the flap. Hoping to buy everything and install in one go and not have to touch it until the inevitable itch to mod/tinker returns.

 

I ordered mine Monday night. Got an email today saying it should be delivered by this Friday. It's tan.