Camping in a Softopper or Bestop?

Hey all I had question for those of you that have Softoppers or Bestop's have you ever slept in the bed with those and how did it hold up? I was thinking if I get one and I slept in the bed at night when I camp and maybe attach a bug net or screen on the tailgate vs just sleeping in my tent. Just any thoughts or experiences on this would be great. I tried to search around but did not find people using these for tents themselves. Thanks!

 

You need to visit the massive Softopper thread, lots of info on camping in there. FYI they sell a mesh replacement window, too.

 

Awesome thanks! I will dig into that thread.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/

 

It's amazing with the softopper. If bugs are an issue the easiest solution is a mosquito net in the bed so the sides/back of the top can be rolled up:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/690...eld&csp=f&attrValue_0=Black&productId=1154389

 

Hi i just bought a used super top used ,not knowing if id like it, for camping.ive been camping sleeping in it in pismo,Anza borago,organ pipe cactus ,grand canyon,Zion and a few of road areas in between.It was a great test for me to see the good n bad.I love the way it looks is so light weight very stable in the wind even very strong wind 60 mph wind, windows for visibility, easy to get in and out of .and no time set up .i was being a tent in the bed this is much better.On the down side in heavy rain some water was getting in so i kept everything above the bed groves let water drain out the drain holes and driving through dusty desert of roads dust got in so i had to wipe down the inside.but over all i love it and since mine was used with a tear n lots of scratches on windows ill probably get a new one after this year







i

 

Thanks for the replies. I think the biggest draw in factor for me is the no set up time like you have with a tent. I think down the road maybe even build a little sleeping platform in the back as well.

 

That's the same line of thinking that led me to set up my truck the way I have it. Only problem for me is I've got a short bed so I sleep with the tailgate down. If there's a chance of rain or heavy dew I'll hang a trap off of my bed rack. I use a Sea To Summit pyramid mosquito net that I had in my backpacking gear pile and it works great to keep the bugs away. I suggest using a bed mat unless you want to stack sleeping pads. Both methods work well, but a bed mat makes things easier crawling around over the bed channels. You can use some weather stripping on the tailgate edges to keep some of the dust out while driving around but you're never gonna keep it all out... I put my bag in the cab to help keep it clean while driving. Hope that helps!

 

I got my bestop for camping. I've always thought RTT's were kinda dumb. I mean, I get it, if it's super necessary to have a pull out cafeteria with gas burners and a full size refrigerator and a fucking wine cellar. Ok. You gotta put the tent on TOP of your Michelin 5 star rated restaraunt you built in your toyota bed. So if one were to use their truck as an adventuremobile I fully give two thumbs up on the soft top camper. Drove from New England to TN and back a few weeks ago, spent a week camping all over the place, sleeping, fucking, sleeping more etc. get a queen size mat and a two person sleeping bag and it's effing awesome. Even in the rain, though there was some dribble here and there at the corners.

 

I walked away from tents years ago. The morning after an overnighter in ocotillo wells when people are hungover and struggling with tent management... I just get out of my bed and I'm done.

 

Thanks, I'm glad they threw in the toyota bed mat when I bought it. Although I'm sure there are better ones out there. and that mosquito net looks to be exactly what I'm looking for in my mind.

 

haha that about sums up camping. This is definitely the best option!

 

How is the Softtopper in heavy precipitation?

 

If sealed with the sealant on the seams, it’s perfect. ONLY two areas where possible rain water can get in and that’s the top corner of the tailgate because the softopper canvas’ attatchment to the frame of it cause it to open up but it’s like idk, 2 cm or so

 

I lol'd

@The Schwartz camps in his softopper, but he's also short unlike me. I can't fit.

 

Same I can’t fit in my 5ft bed. Literally 13 inches longer. I have to get the tent extension for it

 

No issues with water intrusion for me. I put an Intex air mattress in the bed and blow it up with the bed outlet when the tailgate is up. I have a short bed and am 5'9 so I sleep diagonally. After blowing the mattress up I crawl in through the back window with no issues. Set up takes about 5 minutes and tear down maybe 7 minutes with putting the mattress back in the bag.

 

I've had two years of great luck with my Softopper! It kept all of our gear dry during a three night trip to Cape Lookout (barrier island in NC) with gale-forced winds and torrential rain. Only advice i have is buy a good seam sealant (like GearAid Seam Sealant) and apply it once a year to all the seams.

 

Softopper is offering a group buy through 10/31/19 for a minimum of 10 purchasers. $45.95 off the price of a new top. That's your choice of top color, either 2nd or 3rd gen, short or long bed and delivered to your door with no sales tax outside of CO. Purchase normally through them, notify them you are part of the group buy. I don't have enough posts to list it in the group buy section.

 

Id be in for the GB!