Let's See Some Softoppers

It is. Unfortunately my MBM truck deal fell through. Rather, the dealer decided to dick around and lost a sale. I have to say the grey on the MGM looks really good.

I ended up ordering the black Softopper through the GB and just picked up my Silver Sport this afternoon. I've got the Softopper rails and hoops installed, just waiting on the seam sealer to dry to put the canvas on.

 

I can play in this thread now.

 

Added a cargo net and a bottle opener.

$15 Bell Automotive 22-1-33653-8 Cargo Net, Multi, One Size

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002C7DSIK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$9 Nite Ize Ahhh Dual Bottle Opener, S-Biner Dual Carabiner with Double-Sided Bottle Openers, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037H3EB0/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I think Soft topper has great customer service, too.

I broke one of the back flap tube clips. I was towing the the camper the topper just flopped forward.
The tube clip is attached to the rails. the camper contacted one of the clips and broke it. (flex between tundra and camper). I ordered a replacement. Soft topper sent me 2.(made me think they didn't trust that I had learned my lesson)

 

Added some pouches for phone, keys, knife, etc. while camping in the back.

 

Neat.

Details?

 

I used a couple of old tool/part waist aprons that I had and zip tied through their grommets to eye bolt tie down points in the rails.

Used the same method to attach this, but I had to add the grommets in.

EZOWare Car Hanging Organizer, Auto Backseat/Trunk Multipurpose Car Storage Organizer for Vehicle, SUV, Van, Minivan, Cars - Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M5GHNSA/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Love both those mods, why did you chose that net? I love the idea.

 

Does any one have a soft topper for sale around central indiana? Looking for one to keep the sun off my dogs in the summer ps it's a short bed 2007 quad cab

 

You should list what length bed you have.

 

I chose it for the overall dimensions and the smaller mesh size to hold in smaller objects. I also like that only the perimeter is bungee material. It seems to hold things well.

 

Got any more info on the plywood storage box you made? Looks like there's 2 drawers left and right side. But I'm curious if they run the length of the bed? I'm working on one just like it right now, and have it setup to have 2 drawers @5' long. Hardest part is makeing it as light as I can.

 

I shamelessly (flatteringly?) stole/adapted this build, with a few of my own adaptations. I don't have a water tank, so my drawers do go full length. It's not too heavy for my purposes, maybe 100# all together?
I used 3/4" ply for the frame and tops, and 1/2" for the drawers.
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/47516-LATEST-PROJECT-Truck-Drawers-Sleeping-Platform

 

Question for the class... Did you use seam sealer on your Softopper?

It's been raining for a couple days here. Morning number 1 and inside my bed was pretty wet. Of course it was wicking down the straps, which I fully thought may happen.

So last night, I pulled the cover off and used the supplied seam sealer to the inside of every seam, and about 3/4" down each of the straps that hang inside.

Today was better, but I'm still getting some dripping from the seams on each side and some wicking from the straps. I'm guessing I need another application?

Also, I can see some daylight through some of the seams. Normal?

I feel kind of embarrassed even asking all this because I sold A.R.E. caps/tonneaus for almost 15 years. But this is my first experience with a soft camper shell. I know running through a rainstorm at highway speeds it's going to get some water in it. But sitting still in a parking lot it should remain 95% dry in my opinion.

One of the reasons I bought it is so me and the dog don't have to fool around with setting up a ground tent on overnight adventures, but I don't really want to wake up to a wet bed if a rain storm rolls through one night.

 

Yes. Yes. No.

 

Well then... I guess I have bigger issues than seam sealer. I'm about to take the dog out. I'll report back with pictures.

 

Got a few holes on top of the softopper from massive hail storm.... Pretty much where the support bars are. The rest of areas give some so bounced off.
Anyone have experience patching holes up? What did use... Etc. Thanks

 

Ok... First, sorry about the flashlight pictures, but I can't get in my garage at the moment because I'm in spring cleaning mode and I've got junk strung out everywhere. And, it appears to me by the color of the dripping that apparently the seam sealer wasn't dry on the straps. Because it's water based, would obviously take longer to soak into those and dry, it probably never dried before they got wet again, and maybe that's why they're wicking again.

This is what I'm dealing with currently:

Passenger side (yes my bed is dusty, I live on a gravel road which is another reason for this top)



Driver side


Seams dripping and straps wicking




Most concerning... Flashlight outside of the top rear corners. Middle of the bed, no light through the seams at all.



What do you guys think? The light through the seams looks a little worse than what it is in person, but not by much. I can post daylight pictures tomorrow. Or do you think it's something I should contact Softopper about? I really want to like this thing. And I'm not expecting 100% water tight by any means since I used to sell all kinds of bed covers (except these things), but I mean... I couldn't sleep back there and stay dry. And it hasn't been a heavy rain. Just a steady long rain.

 

I've never used it but maybe some seam sealer tape will work where you see daylight.

 

You know what? I forgot that was even a thing. Might be worth a try. Awesome idea.