Let's See Some Softoppers

Yeah, you can definitely buy them. IIRC, 3rd gens don't even come standard with it.

 

Different bar. You're thinking the one similar to the bed side bars that has adjustable cleats that was on 2nd gens. The one he's referring to, which 3rd gens do come with, is like a square tube that has 2 threaded inserts for the tonneau cover. AFAIK all third gens have it.

Not a great pic but the bar is what the fork mount for the bicycle is attached to in this pic:

 

Lift is the newish TRD OEM lift. I was able to order only the shocks (instead of the grill and extra crap) so I got it for ~$340. Gives around 2" and is pretty decent (although its basically just 5100s). In the rear I used Deaver AAL from Headstrong and also have Firestone Ride Rite Airbags.

Tires are Falken Wildpeak AT3/W 255/80/17

 

I have a similar setup on my Taco, the ride with the TRD lift (5100s) is nice. The OEM lift uses a 1" block in the back, did you use a block and the AAL or just the AAL? I'm debating on doing the AAL and wondering how much stiffer it'll make the ride with an empty bed. Mine is a daily driver so I don't keep much in the back.

 

Nice! No block for me, just the AAL. Is definitely stiffer but I always have a drawer system in my bed that is 160# so that helps.

 

I'm using 5100s AAL and 1" block. No difference in ride quality. Empty bed most of the time. 23 1/4" hub to fender

 

Good to know. I installed RSG sliders a couple weeks ago, they’re about 150-160#, and they got me thinking about overall weight when I have gear in the bed.

 

Who’s AAL are you using? Thanks for the measurement. I’ll measure mine and see how it compares. I wouldn’t mind having the back a little higher.

 

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Replaced the weather strip for the topper rails with 1" thick to expand around the bed bar plates on the top of the bed rails, and added an extra clamp on each side.

Fab'd the mounts to attach my x-bull traction boards to my new to me bed bars using stainless threaded rod, with aluminum spacers.



Also took the ideas from this thread and made these rear flap posts with slightly different hardware than used in the thread to make it a little more solid.

 

Solid.

 

Had to take another look at this picture. How the heck do you keep your window so darn clear??? I swear the vinyl they use is such a dirt magnet. I can't keep that thing clear no matter what I did to it.

 

Have you tried Camco 210?

 

Simplest explanation, it's still new. Just put it on a few weeks ago. I've been using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe it down when it starts getting dirty but that's all so far. As @jackn7 asked about the 210, I've heard it's good stuff too.

 

Loving this topper

 

Function and form all rolled into one. Looks great!

 

I just switched out the old (left) to the new (right) for the straps. Anybody have any info on the older ones? I bought my topper secondhand so no clue on whether or not they came standard or if the guy I bought it off replaced the buckles.

 

I seem to remember somebody posting a link to some really nice replacements a while back.

 

If it's softopper brand, those older ones were replacements. They are similar to these linked below. The original clips are sewn in so you need one of the slotted types for replacements.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07YY9GV8C?_encoding=UTF8

 

Just put mine on… pain in the a** but super exciting! I waited an ungodly amount of time for this to ship. Im hoping to make a camper out of it. I also installed aftermarket headlights, taillights, and TRD Pro Grill. Personally, I think the Softopper proportions looks best on the regular cab.