Let's See Some Softoppers

Just ordered a softopper with the storage cover, screen mesh rear flap and a panel in the front window to use the sliding rear window. I'll post some pics after install.

 

Are you aware you should not run at xway speeds with the sides rolled up?

Around 40 mph or less, no big deal.

 

d'oh. i wasn't. thanks for the heads up. I guess it will be stowed in the bed most of the time, sides on when up on highway, and up with sides off on the weekends unless venturing out far...

 

I didn't know either until I saw shit flapping around. No worries.

 

If you keep an eye on the straps, making sure they're tight then I haven't had any issues with highway trips under an hour. Most of the summer my sides get rolled up and stay up, so the hounds have shade but still get fresh air.

But if you follow my lead, definitely make sure to keep an eye on the straps, without the sides down to help hold them in place they will loosen up over periods of driving. Even if it's just around town, 40 mph and less.

 

Built a thing the other day. Yep it's removeable and for a free spirit RTT I just ordered.

 

Don't see much of this color combo on the thread so thought id post some images.

Installed the Softopper this weekend. One day painting the rails black (not shown...will post a pic if anyone is interested) and the next afternoon installed it. Easy install in the California heat, material loosened up quickly!

 

Used the California heat as well to get my Softopper installed last week. Bought it used off of someone who changed their mind and wanted to go hard top. Love it so far. Taking it on its first camping trip and sleeping out of the back this coming weekend. Looking forward to the versatility in town and out of town off road. Also installed a LED light for the back so we can have some light when my kid and I are sleeping back there. Install was easy and light output is great.

 

Have a question for everyone, maybe someone has had the same issue as me.

The material between the cab and the bed always seems to bunch up after driving with the Softopper. Is this a common occurrence for others? Perhaps I installed the snaps on the front inner flap (Screwed in snap screws to bed) with not enough slack? Let me know!

 

had this issue at first, then I used the velcro to secure the front to the inside of the bed, no more issue.

 

Had my topper on for three weeks now and have not had this issue. Maybe I just got lucky with where I installed my snaps for the inner panel?

Did you install the end of the rails for the softopper flush with the bed rails as noted in the instructions? Looks like your top is pretty close to the back of the cab...maybe that is causing an issue? Just a thought.

 

Had to remove the softopper off my truck because someone hit the side and the bedside had to be removed. Any of you go with a different weather stripping or should I just order the same stuff from softopper

 

Thought so, but maybe something shifted during final assembly. Will check that out later! Others not having this issue points to user error on my part...haha

 

I went to my local auto store (lordco) and got 50' of pro foam, adhesive one side, sealed cell, foam weatherstripping. Works better then the stuff from softopper IMO. Plus you can have one length for the entire rail length. Instead of two.

 

I never got this memo. I have rode with my topper rolled up over 150 miles at highway speeds. That same trip I went across a 17 mile long bridge on a gusty day and didn't have a problem.

 

Same exact thing happened to me. Once I put the Velcro in place and fished the flap down between the bed and cab I haven't had a problem.

 

Yeah I didn't get that memo either. I thought Softopper touts that you can run with the sides and back flap rolled up at highway speeds?

 

From Softopper FAQ page:


17. Can you drive with the sides rolled up?

1. • • Yes, you can drive at highway speeds with the side panels and rear panel rolled up.
     • If you roll up the side panels, you must roll up the rear panel; otherwise, it will act like a parachute.

 

Thanks. That's exactly what I remember reading