Looking for solution for my Softtopper

I've had my Softtopper for about a year now. Because my second gen (2014, long bed) didn't come with bed rails/utility track, I had to use the clamping type that clamps directly to the bed rail cap (The plastic that sits on top of the truck bed sides).

Over time, this created a lot of wear and tear, eventually pulling the plastic up off the truck and breaking the clips that snap into the truck in the process. (The Softtopper also never sat quite right on the bed rail cap and required frequent readjustment.)

Now it's at the point where I had to actually duct tape the bed rail cap to the truck. Fine for the short term. But it looks like shit and I feel like the wind catching it could create a dangerous situation.

I think the best solution would be to install bed rails/a utility track as they provide the most secure and flush way to install the topper. Problem is, they're quite scarce. My local dealer says they don't carry them and that Toyota doesn't make them. And the only ones I've found online are from a dealership in the US (I'm in Canada), for a hefty sum plus shipping.

My question is: Is there a better way? Are there any compatible aftermarket rails I can buy that don't cost an arm and a leg? Also, I don't necessarily need the utility rails; I just need something like them to clamp the topper to.

 

Got any pics? I'm having a hard time envisioning what you're talking about and wondering why installing the stock utility tracks wouldn't be an option.

 

Order the clamps, take one to your hardware store or electric supply, see if you can find shallow strut channel that mates to it. If so, then there's your utility track.

 

Basically, I can't find any stock utility tracks (short of ordering from a US dealer on EBay for a lot of money). Here are some issues that show the issue with the wear and tear from clamping directly to the truck bed topper.

 

Yup, that doesn't look good. Are they different on a third gen? I thought they would be the same. If so I'm not sure why they would be hard to find. Maybe being in Canada it's more difficult.

 

OK, yeah, that's not a good setup. Unfortunately, I think your best bet is to pony up the $$ and get the OEM utility tracks so you can mount these how they're supposed to be mounted.

Not sure where you're located but perhaps you can find a set at a junk yard. Or it's definitely worth putting a post up on this forum to see if anyone has some laying around they could part with.

 

Strut channel! That's what I'm thinking of. Had no idea what it was called and it was very hard to explain what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

Quick update following Rock Lobster’s advice. The strut channel, cut into 4 pieces did the trick quite well. I also added some washers to make sure the bolts had more purchase around the channel surface as the holes were quite a bit larger. I also drilled through the cap where the broken clips are and secured them with expanding toggle bolts. To test, I drove down a local dirt road that’s in baaaad shape and let me tell you, the topper didn’t budge.

Thanks for the tips! Worked like a charm.

 

AWESOME!