Softopper or bestop for dogs?

I was on the verge of getting a softopper for this reason exactly. I feel like the dogs would really prefer to ride in the bed with the soft sides up, but where I live it gets murderously hot and humid. I don't know if they could take it..

Does no one else just put the back seats down? The whole reason I left my regular cab and moved up to a DCSB was because both of my dogs are +70lb bastards and I want to be able to take them places. Since I got the truck and realized the back seats fold down to a nice solid surface, Ive never actually had back seats. Put a yoga mat down across them, and lay a blanket or two on top and they love it. Standing, their heads are perfect height for the top of the window.

Now as for the back seat "hammocks", they work pretty well and keep dog hair contained. I got my girl one for her Subaru, and it was a solid purchase. Dogs seem happier in my truck tho.

 

Softopper makes a doggy window kit for the front so that you can open the rear slider…

 

I got the ARE with walk-through door. Dogs love it.

 

I havent owned a softopper, but I owned a Bestop 40r 3-4 years. It worked for my dogs because the zippered windows on the side can be pulled out a little to essentially make a "scoop" on the side to keep them happy and squeeze their snouts through to smell the fresh air. The canvas aged and could not quite clean up after years of (ab)use so I made the decision to go for a Smartcap by RSI. Having windoors is a game changer and the tiny sliding window on the side is perfect for them to poke their heads out of. My canvas Bestop served its purpose but longevity wise, if your moderately OCD on aesthetics, I would try to just spend the extra money on something that will last the life of the truck.

 

I've been eyeing those smartcaps. Do they offer window screens for the dogs to get air? How's the fitment? Post a few pics.

For my dog we keep her in a ruffland kennel with the sides of the softopper open. Plenty of airflow and the roof acts as shade

 

Very good point, dogs could be bothered my the pressure of flapping topper if going fast

Not all dogs are the same, but my dog also stopped puking after some time.

 

I think either would work, I think bestop makes a window for the dogs to pop their heads out and into the cabin.

 

Riding in a vehicle for a dog that’s not accustomed to it is probably the same as a human riding in a boat and getting sea sick. It’s miserable for both. Short trips and staying hydrated may work. Maybe!

Not all humans can adjust to motion sickness, neither can dogs or other pets sometimes. As a responsible pet owner, be aware and know when it’s not going to work. Common sense is important here.

 

I don’t think they have screen, but the EvoSports have a sliding window on each windoor, plus a positive pressure system that brings air from the top to keep dust out. Plenty of air circulation IMO. Check out this thread for all the info and pictures you could ever want:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rsi-smart-cap.679267/page-149#post-27984123