Let's See Some Softoppers

I can take better pics tomorrow if I need to. I know they arnt the best. @lashingbar but it's basically the smittybilt trail shade mounted to the topper. Pretty straight forward. You can find them for about 50-75$. I've also got a super simple bed platform under the topper so the shade is even nicer when you get up in the morning and it's raining

 

I saw one of these last week at an American eagle randomly and I think I'm gonna go back and get it https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017...SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=led+pull+cord+lifht
led battery powered pull cord light. I'm thinking of putting it on that center support bar when I'm camping. The long cord would be good if you got up in the middle of the night and can't see. Just find the hanging cord and give it a yank

 

fyi guys these are great for wrapping around the top bars and hanging stuff like a lantern or what I did... making them into round loops and sending my fishing pole right through so it's above my gear.

$13 Nite Ize Original Gear Tie - Assorted Length Reusable Rubber Twist Tie - Reusable Gear Ties - Electric Cord Organizers - Twist Ties for Cords - Reusable Zip Ties - Assorted Colors & Sizes, 8 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SHBO2Q2/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471361219&sr=sr-1&keywords=nite+ize

 

Picked up this Softopper about 6 years ago and it has worked flawlessly ever since. Re-configured a rack from a chevy s-10 that ended up working well with it, bolted plates to all four feet that then go under the rail and clamp down with the whole thing.

 

I ordered a Rod Saver system from Amazon that should arrive Friday. Hopefully I can find a way to suspend it from the Softtopper frame that makes it quick and easy to remove.

$29 Rod Saver Vehicle Rod Carrier System

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KOU0TW/

http://www.rodsaver.com/04_rodsaver/VRC.html

 

This was exactly my plan if/when I get a softopper. Need a way to carry the rods

 

that looks like a great solution! Let me know how it goes.

 

That's pretty slick right there.

 

Here's better pics on how I mounted the clips on my topper

It comes with 3 buckles that mount to your spare to hang the awning and instead of looping them around the spare tire I looped it through the back rail of the topper

Then I took up the extra slack and zip tied it out of the wayNow I just unzip the back window and throw it over the top of the canopy and clip the awning into place and stake it

 

Feeling like I need one to swap out my shell with ever so often.

 

I've got some red mud on my topper I can't get off. Used a car-wash high pressure wand on it (soapy), tried 303 Products 30550 Fabric/Vinyl Tonneau and Convertible Top Cleaner, even tried Armor All out of frustration. Any tips?

 

Do it. Then after awhile you'll drop the shell all together these are element-proof, can be removed in an instant with one person, and give you money back in the pocket without the weight of a shell running your MPG's down...

 

Fishing rod holders under a Softopper
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fishing-rod-holders.416697/page-5#post-13049248

 

I'm thinking about spraying some never-wet on the inside of the topper along the seems. It's getting some water in through the seems. Anyone tried something similar

 

I used UV Aquaseal on the seams on mine. Worked well, just use a UV light to cure it.

If you do it at night, its even easier. Just get some help and have them hold a flashlight over the outside and run it along the seems. Itll let you see the spots that need attention.

I do plan on waterproofing the inside of mine better at some point. Probably with Camp dry or some other water repellent.

 

I put mine on over the weekend.
Everything seems good accept for an alignment towards the rear of the bed.

Inside rails slope inward
My clamps are a foot and a half from the tail gate
Have not peeled off weather stripping yet.

Anyone have some suggestions?
Will the stress of driving cause there to be any issues with it like this?
Thanks.

 

Yes. Get the topper rails off the inward slope and put them out just to where they sit flat. On my 11 the topper rails don't neatly follow the lines in the plastic bed cap. There is at least half an inch more plastic bed cap showing in the front than in the rear. There isn't any reason to stick the weatherstrip to your truck bed if that is what you are considering.

 

I agree. On my tundra, I started out like you have yours. They wanted to move. I ended up spacing the clamps more uniform. After evenly spaced, they seem to be staying put.

 

yep. They should be closer to the outer edge for sure.

 

Thanks guys. I will do some more adjusting.
Have in on and will let the sun help stretch stretch the fabric and then adjust.

Edited: Got it all level and good to go.