GET FLATED!

Roll over?

 

I was hoping it was more uniform in appearance. If they used fewer colors of materials and made it not look “flashy” it would get one.

I plan on getting a camper and this solves some of the weight restrictions. And if I upgrade to a scamp 19 5th wheel id still be able to use this when I'm not towing.

wonder if they are on here….
@getflated

 

The thing that really bothers me the most is going to sound strange to most of you. It's the shape. To me, visually, a soft material should have a rag-top, stretched-over-a-hoop appearance. Its just a natural shape that we have seen and understood since canvas was invented. Its why I like the canvas toppers. The cloth draped over visible ribs makes sense to my primitive brain. It very much tells a story of what the truck is about. This thing camps. It goes into the field, it has a thousand and one applications when one stands against nature with naught but their own wits.


The inflatable does not make sense to me. Even though its a better tech, I simply don't like the shape of it. It doesn't have that same do-all aura to it. It looks fussy. I can't tell you why I think that. Probably because my inflatable kayak is also fussy, and that's just not a property that I want to have for my gear-cover.


I dunno. I'm waiting on delivery for my third rear window from Softopper at the minute. Seems like every four-five years or so, that panel simply gets too crusty to be functional anymore. And as I spent yet another hundred bucks to order it, I really started looking around to see what I like more than the ST. I want to find something better. Since they fell to the Bestop empire their responsiveness and service have been... lacking. But to tell the truth, if I had to replace my topper tomorrow, the answer would be probably nothing. I can't find one that makes more sense than it. The aluminum Smartcap comes close and I really like the design of it, but it squarely sits at four times the price. For now, I think I'm going to keep my old ugly canvas, and it's funky rib-poke shape.

 

I wish someone would make a softtopper with the side Windows and screens combo like a jeep top. I'd buy one.

 

Agricover Outlander.

One that I looked at recently and seriously considered. I'm the opposite though, I do not want side windows

 

Looks good but no screens yet. Maybe they will add them since it's set up for zip out Windows.

 

I wonder if they sell it with a patch kit for when a branch decides to deflate it on a trail or if someone wants what’s inside

 

You should mod yours to look and cant over like the wagon. And leave it open air like its forebearers. That died of scurvy.

 

They do send a patch kit with it, it would have to be a big branch, it's pretty stout, or some filthy bastard with a sharp object would do it, but that bastard better not let me find him!

 

I know this is a 3rd gen discussion, but it seemed to have the most people commenting. I bought this one used about a year ago for maybe $300? Can’t remember. It’s been stored on the top of one of my shelves after inflating and deflating it. That’s a Pro. They take up very little room when not in use. However, folding it back up is a PITA if you are taking it off long term. It came with a big pump which works, but be patient. It’s light as hell so taking it on and off is a breeze, but I will have to put some fresh bulb seal down if I want it water tight. That’s to be expected. This is an older model. The back window has a zipper and the sides are Velcro. I need to move it back a 1/2” so it doesn’t rub on the cab. My only wish is that there was a way to communicate to thieves that there is nothing to steal in the bed of the truck and if they want to check, they can pop the windows off.

 

Is the attraction that it is light and can be easily removed and stored deflated? It's almost the cost of a new fiberglass topper.

 

It’s definitely a niche product that the company is still making changes to. It’s definitely not as secure as a hard shell since the windows are held on by Velcro, but yes, you can remove it in minutes and if you don’t have space, it does pack down to the size of a large back pack. It’s durable enough and has tie downs to put stuff on top. Bonus: I could lend it out to anyone with a similar sized bed since they fit a range of trucks.

 

Yes, that would certainly be the primary attraction.

As to the cost..
Quality inflatable kayaks cost more than hard shells.
It's not an inexpensive product to develop, manufacture, and bring to market.