Let's See Some Softoppers

My order went to "Backorder" because the Black color was sold out. But they were very accommodating and offered faster turnaround with a different color. I opted to wait for the Black and it was about 4 weeks.

 

Thanks for the heads up. You think this will do the trick?

$15 VViViD 3M Clear Paint Surface Protection Vinyl Wrap 2" Wide Tape Roll (2" x 60")

https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Clear...95248&sprefix=3m+clear+vi,aps,208&sr=8-8&th=1

 

I don't see why not

 

Nice setup... How did you attach the mesh here? Did you also mesh the side windows?

 

Debating a Softopper vs Bestop for a summer sleeping setup in a DCSB.

Love to see any pics of mesh windows, factory or custom! Need ideas of how people are sealing off the sleeping area WITH mesh airflow.

Softopper - Anyone running the mesh front and rear window kit from Softopper?
Bestop - Sounds like any mesh windows will be a full custom job.

Shortbed so I will be screening in the tailgate area under the rear window where my feet stick out, not really stoked on that bungie tent thing.

Any pics are much appreciated!

 

Picked up a used grey topper today. Was looking for black, but it was hard to argue with the price given how long the wait time is right now for new ones.

 

Just curious can i see pics of you looking out the back of your truck through the softopper windows. I know there plastic nut was wonder how bad the hinder the view.

 

I will try to snag a picture for you. It isn't bad if you have ever had a regular fiberglass shell. The clarity is less of the issue in my opinion. To me, not automatically focusing on the back window instead of what you see through the window is the biggest change if that makes sense.

 

3/4 inch grommet works great to keep the rear window bar in position. Black, neoprene, and looks nice. They should include with the package but easy fix.

 

so curious what are the different techniques you are using other than putting the velcro on the tailgate.

 

I use a strip of velcro/3m adhesive stuck to a strip of magnet on the bottom side of the window. Works excellent. Some on here mentioned the magnet messes with the paint after awhile. I typically run summer with the back window removed but I haven't noticed any issues with the paint.

 

Parts are available from McMaster Carr.
Part no. Marine Grade Hook. 1" 8200K331
Flexable Magnetic Strip 1" 5759K29

 

Smart

 

If you're in/near San Diego my Softopper is for sale. Check the sig. Thanks!

 

I dont think it hinders the view at all. Sure, it is a little blurrier than glass, but it is not bad at all view-wise. Even with it being full of dirt and pollen. But honestly, i dont think these pictures are a good reflection of what it really looks like to the human eye, these make it seem WAY blurrier than it really is. Thats my $0.02

 

Replaced the velcro strip holding the flap down with magnets.

The soft velcro protects the tailgate and there are no scratches so far. The magnets are strong and keep the flap anchored much better than the velcro did, which doesn't loosen, capture dirt or snag. For instance, my winter silk liner gloves don't tear anymore when lowering or raising the tailgate to get skis. Lowering the tailgate without flipping up the flap isn't an issue as the soft finish slides right off.

How to:
1) take off the rear soft topper 'door', sit comfortably by your campfire and open a beer.
2) cut a small slit in the middle of the soft velcro side and move the magnets into position. Used 7 in total, one centered and the others distributed evenly.
3) using the black wax thread sew up pockets to hold the magnets diagonally between the outside canvas and the soft interior velcro material.

Sewing kit:

SIMPZIA 20 Pieces Leather Craft Tools with Hand Sewing Needles Drilling Awl Waxed Thread and Thimble for Leather Upholstery Carpet Canvas DIY Sewing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07435VDPD
Magnets:

$9 DIYMAG Powerful Neodymium Bar Magnets,Heavy Duty Magnets with Double-Sided Adhesive,Rare Earth Magnet Perfect for Fridge,DIY,Garage,Kitchen, Science,Craft,Office-60x10x3mm,10 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCBDPMJ

 

Hey, I got rid of the bestop a while ago so I cant send any pictures. I pretty much cut a mosquito net to fit the profile of the back window and attached the top of the net to the bestop frame with zipties. When not using it, the net rolled up and was secured to the frame using velcro straps - pretty similar to how the softopper sides roll up and secure out of the way. When in use, it would attach to the velcro patches on the bestop topper that was used to keep the window and sides of the bestop from flapping around.

If I had to do it again, I'd lay a strip of velcro across the tailgate cap or inside of the tailgate and have the mesh window secure along the entire tailgate. Would work to have a better seal.

Doing the side windows would have required a different approach, due to the fact that there is no frame that runs fore-aft of the topper. Hope this helps!

 

came across this $300 long version PNW

https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/d/auburn-toyota-tacoma-long-bed-soft/7316871328.html

 

I've been thoroughly enjoying the softopper.

Glad I have a longbed, quite comfy to sleep in. with a dog and 2 humans kept it nice and toasty in low 40 degree nights without any heater




Kept everything in the bed dry through puddles and such and some light drizzle over the trip


but plenty of dust got it, tailgate seal is on order already.

plus it just looks good!


maxtrax, shovel, hilift all fit nicely without taking up much room too.


mood lighting was nice at night

 

yep...this is pretty much how i imagine my retirement being!!!

Set up pretty much the same. Not too much stuff...all right there in the truck.