Let's See Some Softoppers

Love your rig Bullaculla! Your guy's have a lot of nice Taco's in Hawaii. Rtt is awesome! kids go nuts to sleep in it. Prices are really going down now too, as so many pop up distributors are appearing everywhere. Funny, my daughter is about same age as yours and she is all over helping dad with build and my offroad navigator. Tough trucks make tough kids.

 

Time to redo weatherstripping....

 

well my velco didnt survive the summer. Tailgate and front window velcro all melted off. Besides Doordings rivet method, anyone have another velcro option? I guess i will put the snaps on the front but only one lines up with the bed ribs...ugg

 

I posted this about a year ago but may help your situation. I have the supplied Velcro on the sides and the one supplied button screw centered for the front window attachment. Can't help you with the tailgate though. It must be really hot where you are! It's been over 115 in spots here in California and that stuff never melted off. Just be sure to clean and prep the hell out of the surface before spying any adhesive then press it on with some he man strength. The center button snap really helps keeping it in place. Without it the Velcro came off at speed. I hope this helps.



Nate

 

I had the Softopper for about a month and realized that the hook and loop would get worn in about a year or so. (I go in and out a lot) My velcro also melted off in the heat. so.....
1. I just drilled into the bed liner at the front and used the snap clips. Works great.
2. On the back end I bought a roll of 1" 3M adhesive backed velcro and a 1" wide strip of fridge magnet material with adhesive back. Stuck them together and velcroed this to the existing hook and loop on the canvas. Now it sticks to the tail gate with the magnetic strip and it works REALLY well. I figured that Softopper would do this upgrade themselves, but not yet. Parts are available from McMaster Carr.
Part no. Marine Grade Hook. 1" 8200K331
Flexable Magnetic Strip 1" 5759K29







Good Luck!!!!

 

Very smart, good idea.

 

I live in the mtns at 6,000+ ft so the sun is pretty intense.

Good ideas guys! I put the center snap on the front of the bed and it seemed to help. Hopefully some fresh tape will improve it even more. I like the magnet idea and agree clear bra material would be needed. Luckily I can get it for free.

 

If you guys use the clear plastic make sure you buy the "strong" magnetic strip. The part no. I supplied is for a medium. I'm pretty sure you'll want that extra bit of pull. I have no rubbing or issues with mine. The thing just sticks there and never seems to move. BUT I understand protecting your investment!!! Mine is 8 years old and little paint scratches are now the least of my worries!! LOL good luck!

 

Ok, my buttons are starting to fall apart on me. Has anyone used velcro on the sides? Thinking about doing it, but do not know if it will hold.

 

Did that before. Don't feel like doing it again. I think Velcro should hold up and a lot easier to install and take off. Might try tomorrow.

 

will do.

 

I'm watching this...I was thinking if mine start to go I would go with Stainless steel marine snaps, but so far mine have held up really well.

 

What I have so far. 10lb Velcro. Will finish when I get home.





EDIT: well the velcro didn't work. Not strong enough. I think I need a longer strip and it will work. Softopper is sending me snaps. Hopefully they sent a lot. Two more buttons snapped off. I had 5 break off in the past week.

 

I bought some round magnets and was going to cut a slit into the velcro on the tail flap and slide them in. The fabric isnt holding on to the hook side too well, anymore, I even tried brushing it with a steel brush. It seems to help but I like the magnet idea better and the velcro fabric will protect the tailgate. And, of course, no more adhesive on the tailgate.

 

Couple of action shots from camping:

 

Hey guys,
First post, been a reader for about a year, amazing resource you all have here!
Couple quick questions on your Softoppers..
If I have a couple rubbermaid type boxes stacked on top of each other and they shift will the softopper contain everything without spilling it all over the highway, or will I have to tie loads down every time? My main use would be for covering camping gear and being able to stack high. I currently have an extang trifold, but am getting tired of playing tetris to load the bed!

Also.. I've got a blacked out theme going on with my Magnetic Grey Tacoma. Should I go black topper or the charcoal? I haven't seen too many pics of grey/ charcoal combos.

Thanks

 

i stack mine to the gills with camping gear NO problem(besttop)

 

I've seen mademan925 roll through slick rock with his bestop loaded up that way with no problems I wouldn't worry about it with my softopper either.

 

my new grey softopper