Softtopper owner mods/must haves...

Hey I know there is a thread with pics of softtopper Tacoma owners but it’s extremely long and I was hoping to get a list and info thread started of some cool mods such as lights, led strips and any other cool mods that you more creative owners do in the interior of these. I ordered one for my 2017 DCSB TRD Sport yesterday and should have it in by next Tuesday per email. Look forward to seeing what all you have done

 

Below is my summary post with tips and mods. The biggies for me are the 3rd brake light, sealing the bed rails, and painting the ST mounts and frame.

A bunch of stuff in this closed GB thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/closed-any-softopper-model-gb-and-bs-thread.635923/

 

Thanks!

 

if you’re looking at doing a third brake light, look for the thread by @Puppypunter for plug and play brake light taps. I think there’s a waiting list for the next batch.

 

I paid for mine this morning from him

 

You're welcome!

 

awesome! I got mine in the mail a week or two ago... just waiting for some warmer weather to wire mine up.

 

I’m really thinking about trying to install my second battery in the back of the truck possibly underneath the bed beside my redarc bcdc 1225 charger I’ve had for a few months now.. I’m really itching to get it done. I have no room underneath the hood in my truck and they’re supposed to be able to stand up very well to the elements. Of coarse I’d build a sealed box for the battery I use. Right now I have an odyssey extreme group 31 started battery and thinking of going lithium for 2nd but I do have a PC680 Odyssey extreme that’s mounted already just haven’t decided on where to put it. I have no room in the cab to mount behind rear seats as my audio system amps dsp amp rack and enclosure has that space occupied now

 

Thanks! I’ve gotten a few request for the LED strip lights as well. Just FYI for anyone looking to add a strip light with turn signal and running light options (also can do an added reverse), I can make taps for those as well. I am going to hone in a design that can incorporate a plug in the bed as well using a deutsch flanged connector. Those are available in different sizes (2 pin for just brake, 4 pin if you are doing brake and turns, and a 6 pin option if you are doing turns/brake/running/reverse for example) and also available in black so they blend in real well. They can be plugged with a blank or covered with a dust cap as well. I think they would make a great option. The only down side to it is you need to be able to add a deutsch connector to the light strip itself. So I could offer a small whip that could be soldered, or people could send me the light and I terminate them and send them back? Just kicking around some ideas. Anyway, feel free to hit me up if you need anything.

That wrapped up this batch! I have more coming, but it will be 3-4 weeks most likely before I sit down and whip them out for the next batch.

 

That's pretty friggin' cool!

 

I’d be interested in one of those. Ive got several neutrik speakon connectors that i bought for subwoofer designs before going a different route. They’re waterproof connectors too and i actually thought about flush mounting one into the bed back near the storage bins or even inside the driver side bin for something similar

 

No doubt

 

Here is an idea of what the deutsch looks like. I think a hole 1 1/8”- 1 1/4” would be fine. Then this could be mounted relatively easily.

 

Third brake light and inside lights. Damn they're handy.


Also, not a mod but 303 and the vinyl cleaner is a heaven send.

 

+303 on the 303.


It's almost like Toyota should have partnered with Softopper for the Trail Edition instead of making those stupid bed storage boxes.

 

I never really thought about an inside cargo type light. I have a rigid topper (seems like a good opposite to a soft topper ) and I love the lights in it. Deutsch also makes a 8 and 12 pin flanged connectors, so maybe that is another option? You’d need to run a 12V+ back to it, or if you have OEM bed lights (or just a 20-21 with the option for them) we could tie into those as well. I like where this is going.....

 

Just ordered the aerospace 303

 

Mood Lighting is what the fam calls it.

I'm half tempted to go RGB.


Soooo, what happens where a rigid topper and a soft topper get together?

 

Sumner Laboratories (23304) 210...

$22 Sumner Laboratories (23304) 210 Plastic Cleaner/Polish - 14 fl. oz. Aerosol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00144ASC6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


ETA: when I said vynly cleaner, I meant for the back window. This stuff works great.

 

A flacid topper.