Let's See Some Softoppers

Basically. Stick magnet to velcro. Although I find the softopper doesn't actually have enough length at the rear to properly attach to the magnet velcro

 

yep, it's that easy. i think some have sewn some rare-earth mags into the panel. tbh that might work better and hold up a little longer, just a little more effort to install.

i also stuck a piece of 3M clear vinyl on my tailgate, just a 1.5-2" wide strip up top following that body line. probably not necessary, but tailgates get dusty driving on dirt, so repeatedly dropping the tailgate with the magnets sliding off could cause some wear over time. only like 10 bucks to DIY.

 

Put this on the tailgate



Put these two parts together



Good to go

 

I did this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-194#post-19646764
Neodymium magnets worked better than the cheap ones I pictured.

 

Anybody have experience with these in snow? I was gonna swap back to my tonneau for the winter but I got lazy. Expecting 12 inches this week and I don't wanna a bed full of snow. Think these can handle the weight of the snow?

 

So any of you that have done any winter camping in your softopper know it doesn't do a great job retaining heat, and can become downright uncomfortable. Where those in fiberglass shells turn on their Mr.Heater once for a few minutes to heat things for the night, I'm doing it throughout the night as heat escapes. Trying to be creative with solutions I've been looking at concrete curing blankets to throw over the softopper and stake out for insulation on those really cold winter nights. Online they look like an insulated tarp, but I have never seen one in person. Anyone on here have any experience with these? Any other tips on how you stay warm in your softopper?

 

I've camped in a fiberglass shell before and that wasn't exactly great at retaining heat either. I would instead focus your efforts on a better sleeping bag and cold weather gear. I'm able to camp in the teens and be comfortable with no heater.

The blanket is an interesting idea though.

 

Some people have added refletix insulation. I keep meaning to do this, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-188#post-18989686

 

I've never had more than a few inches of snow on mine, but it is heavy wet northwest snow. Softopper says that they are designed to handle snow loads on their FAQ.
https://www.softopper.com/faq

 

Now there's an idea. That'd be ideal since one of the cool factors is just being able to pull up and be ready to sleep rather than having to deal with the blanket. Next visit to HD I'll grab some of this to try it out. It'll also help to deflect some of the heat from Mr. Heater away from the softopper.

 

I put reflectix on last week but haven't had the chance to use it yet.

 

Second vote for reflectx, and easy enough to run between fabric and frame.

PS - incoming science/safety nerd spiel, sorry in advance: I love the buddy heaters, they are great, but on the rare chance the catalyst ever develops a defect it can turn itself into a carbon monoxide factory. If you run one, I highly recommend picking up a 20 dollar battery powered CO alarm from your favorite hardware store and mount it to your bedrail... jus' sayin.

 

I was so eager to try your suggestion I ran down to HD and picked up the $20 roll. Made my cuts and test fitted my "dont freeze your ass off mod". By George I think it'll work! Pulled it all out and rolled for storage in 5 minutes.

 

I like the idea of mounting to the bedrail.

 

Dang, looks great. How is the heater mounted? Is that board just attached to the front bed rail and then the heater to the board? Also a sleeping pad with a good r-value makes a big difference.

 

Board is attached to the bed rail, and the heater is hanging using the keyholes on the back (I just bought one of those rechargeable personal neck fans that ill hang above mr heater to push the heat...$5 on Amazon). As for my sleeping pad, I went with the high tech lounge chair pad. Maybe it's time for an upgrade.

 

Thanks, I need to mount mine like that. I wonder if running just the pilot light would help overnight. (With a CO detector)

I use a both a ridgerest foam pad (r2.1) and an inflatable REI pad (r3.3) together if it's really cold. I also have a -20 bag, which helps.

A bottle with hot water in your slerping bag or those chemical hand/body warmers can add a bit of comfort also.

 

Loving the setup so far.

 

Does the area above the heater get super hot?

 

Yes, it gets pretty warm. I only turn on the heater for 5-10min @ a time overnight. Longest I have left it on is an hour and i probably wouldn't do that again. No damage at all to the topper. I am thinking of adding a heat shield above it made with the same board it is mounted on, but I'm thinking the reflectix i added yesterday may be enough protection. Too hot in Southern California to test my theory right now.