Soft topper (Velcro or no Velcro on tailgate?)

Just got mine installed.

For those that have one, did you do Velcro or something else, or just left it be?

 

No Velcro , left it hang and No Problems

 

You mean for the bottom part of the flap? Where it touches the top of the tailgate?

 

yes

 

how long have you had it like that? No paint issues or wear on the flap?

 

No velcro unless I am out wheeling. I stuck the hook tape to a magnetic strip.

There's little chance of paint wear, but I put a small strip of clear film across the top of the TG just in case.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-37#post-9014851

I did the same thing as @tonered. It's the best solution in my opinion.

Basically get a 1"x5' adhesive backed strip of velcro, and a 1"x5' strip of adhesive backed flexible magnetic strip, stick the sticky ends together, and you have a magnetic strip that velcros to the softopper flap and holds it to the tailgate.

Velcro:
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/3831/8200K331

Magnetic strip:
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/3844/5759K29

I also bought some 3M clear vinyl and cut a ~1"x5' strip and put that on the top of the tailgate edge where the magnet sticks to avoid rubbing the paint. There are some rub marks on the vinyl so I wouldn't skip that step. Could go a little wider than 1" if you want extra protection, say 1.25"-1.5" (although I haven't had issues with 1").

Like he mentions in that thread, I'm surprised Softopper themselves haven't come up with something similar, and his solution has been around for almost a decade. Much better than the stupid velcro strips that will inevitably wear out, not to mention how dumb it looks if you remove your softopper. I also just drilled and did the snap clips in the front of the tailgate, no velcro.

The magnetic strip linked is fairly weak, which is nice in some scenarios (easy to pull the handle on the tailgate and lift the flap to allow the tailgate to drop, especially one-handed) but sometimes I wish I had went with a slightly stronger magnet, do with that what you will. I'm sure mine flaps a bit at interstate speeds, but with the strip of vinyl, I'm not worried about any paint wear. There's some options on that page that have better holding power, so if you end up trying one out, I'd love to know your results. I've been meaning to try one myself, just haven't gotten around to it. Otherwise everything linked has worked great now for the 2 years I've had my softopper.

 

No velcro, I tuck mine instead.

Close rear flap, open tailgate, close tailgate. Automatic buffalo bill.

 

I wanted that to work, but we have some stupid fine dust up here. The tuck didn't kept it out for me.


LoL!

 

That's weird, I haven't had much of a dust issue. Actually, I've been lazy and really need to get mine washed after the previous weekend. My favorite campground sits at the end of a lime gravel road; that crap might not photo well but it coats everything. If I'm a little too sporty it will even creep past the roof seals on my trailer- camp setup is now an extra 30 minute job of wiping countertops and shaking rugs and linens.

But weirdly the tuck keeps my luggage clean and dry. The carwash is a different story- the tuck can't hold up against a power spray to the rear end.

 

No Velcro because if you live in the cold or hot the adhesive will come off. Mine just did. Ooof

 

Wild.

Sounds like what we have here. It's been a little battle as I camp back there. Haha!

 

I have a softopper originally on my second gen, now use it for my 2021 3rd Gen. I never used the tail flap velcro and have never had any issues.

 

I did exactly this sans clear vinyl and it worked really well.

 

Clear paint protection strip where the velcro lays on the tailgate, cut some stitches, and drop in a handful of rectangular rare earth magnets. Holds great and doesn't eventually wear out.

 

Just ordered that stuff . Now I have to remove the nasty adhesive from the old Velcro…..

 

I went no Velcro, then I said fuck it and put it on. The Velcro eventually came off within 4-6 months. So I’m back to no Velcro. Probably easiest to skip all this rigmarole and go no velcro

 

I bought a used topper this week from a guy that said the same exact thing. With that in mind I have it mounted with no Velcro currently.

 

I cut a small slit in the velco on the flap and stuck six 1" neodymium magnets into it. I also put a clear piece of vinyl on the paint to prevent any paint damage over time.

 

My Can-Bak had like 5 magnets sewn into the fabric. Would never recommend the company but it was a nice touch.