Let's See Some Softoppers

I think tan looks better on silver.

 

I have to admit I agree.

I went weeks before deciding to just get black. I figured it could work for my next truck.

 

I wouldn't keep anything valuable in the softopper. But if you throw luggage in there, lock the luggage zipper and cable lock to one of the d rings.

 

I love how they look all rolled up like that!

 

Never thought about that! That’s a pretty good idea.

 

Welp Folks, this happend today...



I was driving on the highway about 70mph to go shoot some clays, in PA the past two days it has been very windy. The rear bar unsnapped itself due to me failing to put the velcro on the tailgate (I was lazy/streak of bad weather) This caused the rear panel to blow open and lift up the rear portion of the topper and bent the rails.

I was able to make an adjustement to the C clamps to secure it for now. I sent an e-mail to softtopper to see if they can send/purchase new rails because they are bent.

When this first happend I was in shock yet suprised how the topper contained itself during a failure. I am not going to bash softopper but simply say installation error. I have had the topper for 2 months, driven 80mph for a sustained period of time with no issues. I will own the mistake, learn from it and move on.

Just a FYI If your purchase one of these, put the velcro on the tailgate and also purchase 2 additional C Claps for added security.

Cheers and Have a GREAT Weekend!

 

How far back did you have the rear clamps? I think I have mine clamped to just about the end of the utility track.

 

Softopper install guide said 10-13 inches mine were at 12 inches...I have it now right at the end of the utility track

 

That sucks and good information about the Velcro on the tailgate

 

Was the rear not zipped down shut either? I haven’t velcro’d my rear panel. Sorry about this. Total drag.

 

Yup it was zipped down, driving 70mph and 30mph winds I believe did me in. Kinda stinks but easy fix and lesson learned

 

Glad it's an easy fix for you. I've driven in high wind areas and have not had this happen but I'll take this as a warning. Going to give magnetic strips (I don't want to stick velcro on my tailgate) a try in order to hold the bottom of the rear panel down.

 

I put a clear strip of vinyl on the top of the tailgate and put the velcro on top of the vinyl. But! The AZ sun would heat up the velcro adhesive and the velcro strip would never stay in place.

So I used a long strip of magnet with velcro on one side. This seems to work the best for me.

 

I know this is an older post, but I LOVE this truck. It looks great man. Congrats.

 

How about adding some rare earth magnets on the inside flap so it sticks to the tailgate?

 

Well it looks like since I am.in Canada it's going to be a bestop. I really wanted a Softopper but paying duty and provincial taxes plus exchange on the dollar makes it really out of my budget. Only way and I am.considering it is if I drive and camp in Wa state for48 hours then I can bring up to $700.00 duty free into Canada. So it might be a good option
Jan

 

I'm curious to know.

Could you drive to the states, install the ST and drive back to Canada and no one would be wiser. Say someone gave you the ST? I honestly don't know how that works.

 

Question here I think you guys could answer...

I have a first gen (02) xtra cab, long bed and was thinking about the possibility of getting a 3rd gen topper, and extra mounting hardware as I don’t have the sliding rack.

I’m probably going to do the magnet attachment in the rear, but wanted to make sure it would even fit. I like the idea of a little lower profile and not sticking above the cab... Just wanted to check first before I purchase.

Also, has anyone ever installed a bed rug (carpet lining) in the bed with a softopper? I want to use it for camping and figured the rug would offer some added insulation and be a little easier on bare feet in the rear. I want to use it for my son and I to go camping and the occasional trip to the coast to fish... Also, Texas is hot in the summer, and I’ve already spent a year living out of the back of a truck (Iraq 2009) and have 0 interest in sleeping that hot again, so looking at a generator and portable AC in the rear.

Open to any suggestions.

 

I don't think a bed rug is a good idea. Any chance water entry will take a long time to dry.

I have a horse stall mat from Tractor Supply that I cut to fit the bed. It is soft enough to take naps on, but a sleeping pad makes it perfect. The horse mat is about $40 and is super durable. It is a little heavier so it makes the truck ride better and it absorbs sounds to make a quieter ride. Water proof and easy to clean.

 

I like that idea too... Was thinking about getting a piece of plywood with tech shield down there too and coating the top with a urethane coating.