Let's See Some Softoppers

Those were good to go. In case you guys need extra snap screws: https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Tools-3-8-in-Screw-Snap-Fastener-Kit-1267/204764017

 

Here's my brown on cement:

 

Camping in softopper:







One final pic, cleanish:

 

How was the camping in the softopper? What is that green cushion that you layed down on?

 

It was very comfy compared to what I am used to! It got down to around 25 degrees F at night, but was nice and toasty in the bed with the mattress, a down sleeping bag, and a thick wool blanket on top.

The mattress is the Exped Megamat 10 (https://www.rei.com/product/113720/exped-megamat-duo-10-sleeping-pad?CAWELAID=120217890008360763&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=107744802704&CATCI=pla-366418484527&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_1137200003|92700053582160263|NB|71700000066692654&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvvKBBhCXARIsACTePW9q6KeobzSarnnp3G7ioSzGwGK6botbpYr72FbJAD6WUXtV7ww-EdUaAhPrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds). Its a lil pricey but fits between the wheel wells nicely and is very comfy.


It's a little longer than the short bed with the door up, so it curls up at your feet or by your head, but not too bad.

 

How would a Softopper compare to Bestop if I wanted to remove it from the truck 90% of the time? Do I see there’s velcro attached to the paint on the Softopper installation.
I only need bed protection occasionally. I have a Tonneau I use but find it limits the height of my cargo.

 

I dont have any experience with Bestop, but here are my thoughts on 10% usage case:

1. Softopper is installed by mounting rails to side of bed (same for Bestop)
2. Actual canopy just links into the rails with two pins (probably similar for Bestop)
   1. Canopy consists of metal frame with soft top roof mounted to frame
   2. Typically one would always leave the soft top roof mounted to this frame
   3. However, you can choose to remove the front and rear panels or leave them attached
   4. I think Bestop also has separate side panels with windows so that may be LONGER or more work to set up
   5. For Softoper the side panels are permanently attached to roof and just fold up with the roof and frame when off the truck
3. Takes about 3-10 min to take the canopy and canopy frame from your garage into the bed, pin it to the rails, and unfold it and strap / velcro everything in place
   1. Actual time to setup depends how particular you are and if you leave the front and rear windows on the cannopy or not
   2. I am fairly particular and always remove the front and rear windows so they dont get folded or creased so it takes me longer

Generally I think soft top works well for this 10% use case. Its fast and can be done by one person. One downside is that you have to leave the rails on your truck (may bother you). I might worry that the canopy would get more creasing from being folded up 90% of the time. A hard top would also be good for this usage but its harder to put it on your truck by yourself unless you have a nice garage set up with pulley system or something. Overall I just like the flexibility of the soft top and i dont mind the rails being on the truck yet. Security isn't an issue for me but obviously hard top would be more secure.

 

There is no velcro attached to the paint!

 

https://softopper.com/installation-support/installation-instructions/

Gives you all the details of setting it up.

 

Leaving metal rails on, less than 5 minutes on and off. Rails would be another few minutes to take on and off. I love this thing. Had to go pick up a fridge last week, had the canopy off in a few minutes. super versatile.

 

Thanks, I had watched their video on the Jeep. I stopped when they were applying velcro.
The Tacoma install video says it’s optional. I don’t mind doing snaps on the rail but I see enough velcro gathering dirt and getting all gooey.

 

I cut pieces of this to use. Be warned, will leave residue and line marks when removed. If thats a concern.

 

Quite a few of us use rare earth magnets to secure the rear flap to the tailgate. I used magnet strips secured to the included Velcro strip. This way it stays on your tailgate, and if you get a different rear panel all you have to do is unvelcro it from the original.

 

I love Neodymium

 

Love my new softopper

 

Soft Taco on 35’s.

 

How many magnets do you use? I got these thin bar ones also the same type of magnets. They should be here tomorrow. Along with the velcro to hold them in place. I'm thinking the more magnets I use the more annoying it will be. Maybe like four all the way across. They are 3 in Long

 

I used 5 neodymium magnets that are about 1/2” diameter circles. So. 3” bar is going to be beefy strong.

 

Ok thanks. Arrives tomorrow

 

For those of you who have gone the magnet route, would these work?

$9 MIKEDE Strong Neodymium Disc Magnets with Double-Sided Adhesive, 8 Pack Powerful Permanent Rare Earth Magnets for Fridge, DIY, Building, Scientific, Craft, Office Magnets, 1.26" X 0.08"

https://www.amazon.com/MIKEDE-Neody...-2-a8004193-6951-43f6-852a-aff7dbba9115-spons

They appear to be just under 1". I assume 3 is enough (sides and middle)?