Let's See Some Softoppers

Haha glad to make you chuckle. I didn’t mean it as aggressive, I just have no idea. I just know they offer it.

 

I feel the tinted back window is pointless. Even in bright daylight I have to be 6" or closer to see what's in the back.

 

I’ve only had the tinted, so I can’t compare the two... I see out of it fine.

It is pretty dark, though; you can’t really see inside from outside, even right next to it.

I’d say it’s probably somewhere in the sub 20% range on the window tint scale, but that’s not based on anything other than it looks very dark.

 

Thanks. How's night driving with it?

 

Looking out the rearview is a bit darker than the sideviews, but not an issue when driving. If you didn't have a backup camera, reversing would probably be a challenge in low light (though I'm not sure how different that experience would be with the clear/non-tinted window).

Honestly, rearward visibility with a Softopper is pretty terrible in general compared to an open bed; you've got massive blind spots with the canvas side panels and a porthole of a rear window. You get used to it, though (IMO, worth the tradeoff). And if you're ever in dire need of more visibility, the sides roll up or the whole thing folds down in seconds.

 

Where my single cabs at?

 

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a softopper and then fab up or modify a kayak rack to go over it and have 1 bolt at each corner to quickly detach it. Also need to run a bike tailgate pad. Does anyone run the top with a pad and can you show me how the rear window seals against it?

 

I have a dakine tailgate pad with a softopper. It just lays over top of the pad.
Here’s a pic of it.

 

Does anyone know best way to ship a softopper? Or have the dimensions of original box.

 

Depot runs with the topper.
Every. Damn. Day.

 

Is there velcrow or some other retention?

 

It does come with some velcro but I never put it on. It does flap in the wind while driving but it’s never really bothered me.

 

Oh man. The way you rolled the sides is giving me the OCD anxiety.

 

Lol
I was thinking the same thing

 

Question - how much "babying" do you guys do with the Topper? For example, I'm wondering about keeping the back window rolled up for extended periods of time, or even the entire topper rolled back, leaving the bed open. For say like week or so at a time.

Coming up on summer, where around here things are dry and sunny mostly, and for visibility/utility I'm thinking I'd want the back window rolled, or the whole thing rolled back, and for laziness' sake I'd prefer just rolling the window as opposed to removing, or flipping the whole thing back and keeping it on the truck, as opposed to removing/re-installing. Can long-term damage be done do you think? We will get pockets of rain, and there are times i'd want to just close it back up quick, which is why I'm asking.

 

I keep the window rolled up almost all summer. Love the option of tossing stuff back there quickly as if I don't have a topper. Only close it when it's gonna rain or have important stuff back there

 

I have not been nice to mine and i got it used. I have had the window rolled up for a few days and it folded flat for over 3 weeks with not lasting effects. If you take the time to roll it nicely and neatly there should be no problems. Conversely the top can come off in like 2 minutes so you can also just pull it off and store it as well.

 

Right on, thanks for the answers guys. Sounds like my laziness will be properly maintained...

Here's a recent shot of my topper:

 

Sold and post edited

 

Here's their responds:

"Hi
I'd remove the rear window completely rather that roll it up for long periods......but the sides will be fine.
When rolling the sides...fold in the back corners of the sides and roll it under....so you don't see the underside of the fabric."