Let's See Some Softoppers

I ordered an OTT from All-Pro in this GB... some good pics of the install here, and it has a lot of flexibility for adding gear above (RTT, etc.): https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...urself-pack-rack-softopper-compatible.455712/

 

I'm looking at getting a softopper for my 3rd gen, gonna use it on a big road trip to start.

Anyone care to weigh in on softopper vs "bestop" or any of the other comparable brands? Quality is my biggest concern here.

Link:

$1,008 Bestop 7630135 Black Diamond Supertop for Truck - 6.0' Bed for 2005-2020 Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/Bestop-76301.../B000VLD7VM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

I don't need any fancy features other than something that folds away, has a rear window, and will not break.

 

While they mount slightly differently and have different frames, the only difference worth anything is: side windows or not. Bestop doesn't allow you to roll up the sides, you have to un-zip the side windows and store them someplace. For me after doing my homework it came down to what I got the best deal on <Bestop>. Out on the trail there have been times I would prefer to roll up the sides but it hasn't ever been a deal breaker.

 

This is totally personal preference but I think the ST looks better than the BT. No "hump" in the middle. The side windows don't look quite right to me, either.

 

Racks are specific to the topper too... if you plan to add one for a RTT or other goodies.

I think the all-pro OTT Softtopper compatible pack rack rocks, so I grabbed one in a GB... And it pulls together the overland 'look' with great functionality too... so I opted for the ST

 

I'd agree, it's preference. I love my Bestop, I'm super impressed so far, and I preferred the side windows. I know people who have had the Bestop for a few years and it's held up. Whatever brand you go with, just know that putting it on your truck adds another maintenance item. You have to take care of the zippers, obviously the top itself, and cleaning the windows takes more attention. Bestop or Softopper, these things rock.

 

I'm in the same debate. I think the deal breaker for me is that soft topper pivot point mounts below the inside accessory rail, while Bestop stays above. Why it's important? This way I can keep things mounted along the bed via that rail. Can't do that on the soft topper. I prefer how soft topper looks, but I may have to go with Bestop.

Anyone care to post pictures for interior mounting so we can see?

 

Would love to see pics too... the all-pro rack I bought is supposed to be softtopper compatible, incl an added gear rack, which def mounts to the rail. I'll be using the rail a lot also.

I'll probably have to disengage the pivot mounts to pull it back/stow it, because it will exceed the height of the rack - and not likely I'll take the rack off once installed. Bestop has the same issue...

 

Bestop mount:


Bestop mount:



Bestop:

 

That definitely would have worked. I ended up going with a warrior over-cab rack for my double cab today. If I have any issues I may end up going to the bed rack, but I doubt it will be a challenge to use the RTT on the flat warrior rack.

Those racks at the GB price are great, especially the weld together setup. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the next GB.

 

Called and ordered my ST today. Good customer service via telephone from Bob. Got black, with all three rear options: solid panel, window (standard), and mesh screen. They are sewing the solid panel tomorrow and then shipping. $880 for everything, shipped. He said the Tacoma is by far the most popular truck they make these for.

 

Gettin ready to put mine back on the truck this weekend for next weekends camping trip.

I wanna make my Bestop more waterproof for this year. I plan on...

- redoing the weatherstripping on the rails
- seam sealing all the seams again

I wanna seal the inner fabric and possibly the outer fabric as well. Maybe Scotchguard or Camp Dry. I use 303 on the outside of the Supertop and it keeps it pretty clean but Im not sure how well it works with keeping the water from saturating through.

Any thoughts?

 

Ordered my ST this morning. Any tips or suggestions prior to install?

I remember seeing someone using a strip magnet on the tailgate to secure the rear? Anyone have the link handy?

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm on my phone, so searched and links are work for me.

I think the member that has those magnets is steelhead, or some close spelling to that.

Sorry can't be more help.

 

Two ways to do it.

The best way is how doording installed his using a steel tailgate cap:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/doordings-2012-tacoma.238451/page-12#post-9234133

The other way to do it is to set the topper back towards the rear a few inches so the magnet catches the metal tailgate right below the stock plastic cap. That's how I did mine and it's fine but the fit isn't as nice as when using doording's method. If you go this way use a 2" strip of clear bra to protect the paint from grit that will get trapped between the magnet and paint.

Regardless, buy hook and loop (Velcro) without adhesive backing and use the heaviest duty outdoor grade 3M tape you can buy.

 

Good too see I got a few years before the 'timers' sets in.

 

I did this with lexel instead of adhesive tape of any kind
and it is rock f'n solid 2 years later hot sun cold ass winters...sticks perfect

(I had already tried 2 types of adhesive tapes...all failed from heat of the sun and crept)

remove stock tailgate protector... bring inside

fat, non-adhesive velcro hard side not furry side, cut off 2 inch wide sections, laid 8 of them across the stock plastic gate
protector, smeared clear lexel on them, held them in place 2 days with masking tape, made sure the lexel went
to the edge of the velcro but not blobbing over too much.

remove tape reinstall tailgate protector let harden 4 more days
before strapping on the softopper back end...friggin mint now

 

That Lexel looks like good stuff.

 

I've read through quiet a few pages and it doesn't look like this was talked about... There is someone close selling a 2nd gen bestop for $350 and I'm hoping it might fit on my 3rd gen... (already contacted him to meet) the bed dims are the same right? It'll just stick up a couple of inches higher than one would made for a 3rd gen right? It won't stay on all the time, just be on there when camping, shooting and such...

 

My understanding is that you are correct, the tailgate is thicker with the curve to it and the bed rails are an inch or 3 higher. The thicker tailgate won't matter with the bestop since it sits on top of it, and the taller bed rails just means it's a bit above your roofline. May cause more wind noise since it's acting as a scoop but I see no physical limitations. If it's in good shape for $350 don't let that deal go!