Let's See Some Softoppers

A

thats pretty slick man

 

very cool! Simple DIY mini awning. And keeps the flap out of your way.

 

That's a creative way to solve that problem. I don't like putting the clear plastic up top. I made a 3d printed adapter for some 3/4 dowel rods that works pretty well, but of course requires owning a 3d printer or paying a beer tax to someone who does.

 

I don't mind putting it up top for short use, but all it takes is a nudge and it comes down. Definitely not ideal if I'm cooking on the tailgate. That being said, this is definitely mostly for winter use - when it's warmer and the plastic's more pliable, I'll just roll it up like always.

 

I have yet to roll up the window. I'm too afraid to add more scratches. Already stupid dusty here.

 

I roll mine up and often just entirely fold the whole topper down in summer. 210 is your friend.

$18 Camco Plastic Cleaner and Polish | Protect Isinglass, PLEXIGLAS, and Vinyl | Spray | 14oz (40934)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWRFAHY

 

Anybody ever try the 210+scratch remover? Curious if it can help with scratches on the rear window.

 

ive given up on the rear window. mines scratched and ripped lol. going to buy the mesh insert for summer

 

I didn't bother with the scratch remover. The 210 absolutely helps, though. Went from "I might as well have a solid window, even after repeated normal washes" to "wow, I can actually see through both windows well enough that... I still need the backup cam, because the car behind me in my parking lot is a lowered Miata."

 

I must try this 210 out.

Also, on the topic of cameras, anyone running rear-facing dashcams?

 

That's not a bad idea.

 

works great in the summer for camping honestly. kinda wish i would have bought that originally

 

Any issues with dust getting in, or does the airflow while you're driving help with that? I have a fabric panel, screen panel, and tinted panel for the rear, but I've never used the screen one since it's always either dusty or rainy here.

 

Not really been an issue honestly. I just expect dust getting back there anyways

 

I just did this today. Got some 2 inch wide polyurethane film from Amazon. 3M brand. Here's a link to the one I used. Easy!

$16 3M Clear Bra Paint Protection Bulk Film Roll 2"-by-72"-inches

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CLIODRA?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

After having the Softopper for a couple weeks, I decided to post a review on Softopper's site telling them how I like it and the one thing I've noticed that I don't like.

"I love the versatility it offers me, it looks amazing on my Tacoma (Cement with a black Softopper) and the installation was a breeze. I knew I would be waiting a while when I ordered it, but I wasn't in a rush. Ordered on November 24 and received it on January 12. With all the issues the pandemic has caused, I'm happy to wait for a quality product.
Now for the one negative thing I've noticed about my Softopper. On page 5 of the included instructions, they show connecting the two halves of the bedrails together. The pic shows a square tube inside the square bedrail that connects them together. The inner tubes on my bedrails are round not square. This allows the rear half of the bedrail to twist inward from the weight of the topper and the stress of the stretched material.
I've heard of people having these tops for years with no issues, but I'm curious how long they have been using the round tubing inside the bedrails. I'll probably buy an extra set of the rail clamps to attach close to where the two pieces of bedrail connect. If you have the long bed tacoma, they come with a third set of clamps and you should be all good. Seeing the bedrails roll inward on the short bed like I have, these should come with three sets of clamps too. For or a product that costs $800, I shouldn't have to order anything else to make sure it's mounted correctly.
Overall, I'm still very happy with it and I hope it lasts for years to come."

Can anyone else on TW that has a Softopper, tell me if the inner tube that connects the bedrails is round or square on yours? And if it's doing the same thing as mine? Anyone running a third clamp close to where the two pieces connect and does it help?

 

I need to do this and put the magnets inside the rear flap.

 

Mine is square. Does not twist. And it sits level with bed rail (NO lean inwards). I bought in 2017.
You made a good observation and I hope Softopper remedies it.

Will try for a better photo after sunrise...

 

I have the tinted panel and that window has been completely obscured by the dust which stuck to it after 15 miles of dirt road. Couldn't see light through it. {None of that dust got inside though! I was very impressed. (Just as impressed that no rain has ever intruded inside either.)}

That screen window would have to be very tight mesh to not let the dust get in! And it may be that tight, I don't own one so I don't know.

What I do in the summer is hang a military pup-tent mosquito bar (net) from the inside ceiling and let it drape down on all sides for full enclosure. Then I simply roll up the topper in "safari mode" and get nice air circulation. If it rains, I drop all the rolled-up canvas --- btw, wouldn't the screen window panel let rain in at the rear?

Also, that mosquito bar stores in the bed side cubby when not deployed. Always handy, but never in the way.

 

Interesting. My guess is supply chain issue. Mine has square tubes. Purchased 2-3 years ago. Short box.