Softopper / Bestop

Looking for a top (kind of) and am confused about the 3rd brake light situation. Is there an option that doesn’t block my oem one or does either company also have a 3rd break light kit you can install easily? I don’t really care that much about the light itself but don’t want to be getting pulled over all the time because of it.

 

I doubt you would ever get pulled because it was blocked. Out of sight, out of mind

 

Haha you would imagine my mom and sister also drove around with no front plate for years. I know the second I did I’d be getting pulled over

 

I installed mine from Softopper and it's great. Very functional and looks cool. Blocks the 3rd light but not a problem for me

 

Bestop either came with one or was an option. Softopper does not have one. but some have installed one as well.

I have yet too install one on mine, but think about it every now and then.

 

Another plus for softoppers are they fold down relatively easily

 

I ordered a tailgate light bar that taps into the trailer light controls for extra caution and peace of mind. I believe the law says the 3rd brake light needs to be higher than your tail lights but around where I live I see Jeeps and a few other trucks running without 3rd brake lights all the time.
It really comes down to what state you live in, if you are in the East Coast the states can be real sticklers. And if your state does inspections your just put the top down and no one will be the wiser.

Before the 1990s cars didn't need 3rd brake lights, so it's really just an extra safety kinda thing.

 

I had the bestop and came with third brake light, never installed it bc 6 months later i picked up a are dcu cap which was more suited for my needs as i needed to be able to access the bed several times a day and zipping it open and closed several times a day was getting tiresome

 

Why are soft toppers cheaper? Seems easier folding, easier into tailgate? Legacy pricing after acquisition?

 

I'm sure the labor for making zippered side panels on Bestop account for most of the price difference.