Let's See Some Softoppers

I haven't had my Softopper too long but I've already used the 303 fabric kit to clean it and add a layer of protection to it. Seems to work really well with lots of positive reviews.
Here's a link to it on Amazon:

$35 303 Products Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning and Care Kit - Cleans And Protects Fabric Tops - Includes Tonneau Cover And Convertible Top Cleaner 16 fl. oz. + Fabric Guard, (30520)

https://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Convertible-Fabric-Cleaning/dp/B000A8JNF0?crid=13YTSN9F5FXQG&keywords=303+kit&qid=1648567887&sprefix=303+ki%2Caps%2C382&sr=8-2&th=1
I used a long handle, soft bristle brush to make it easier to get the top of it. I've also heard several people say they like the cleaning kit from Bestop. It comes with a vinyl cleaner too for the window, but I read mixed reviews about that part of the kit.

 

303 Tonneau cleaner with 303 Marine Fabric Guard then refresh the seams with sealer

 

I had great luck last week with my filthy softopper. Used my pressure washer and a foam soap cannon and it lifted the dirt right off. Rinsed off easily.

 

It may be sacreligious but I use Simple Green to spot clean mine; it gets caked in mud out pretty well. Spray it on the mud, wipe it around and off with a towel.

 

Ok everyone. Got the RhinoRack Pioneer platform installed today. Ended up having to bring it to 4 wheel parts and had them drill all the way through rather doing Ubolts. Was pretty nervous how the mounting was going to turn out but over all i like it and its pretty solid. Would 100% recommend this route if you have the heavy metal off road bars

 

Can you still fold back the softopper?

 

with the HMO bars i dont think you can fold it down or you can but its not fun

 

Has anybody tried out the tent add on softopper sells? Thinking of buying it to do some solo camping in it this year. It would be kind of nice to have the extra space. Seems easy enough to set up and take down.

 

i dont have one but have used one and it was pretty nice. Easy set up for sleeping in the back. not sure what the "add on" cost honestly but ive also just rigger up a Kelty noahs tarp to the back of mine for the same idea

 

Always wanted to buy the tent extension but was out of my budget for that additional add on to cover the tailgate.

 

Yeah, $200 is a bit steep. I may just bungee cord a tarp to the back and call it done. Still, having just the screening zipped up on a hot day or a warm night to keep the mosquitos out would be nice.

 

@TartanEagle seems to have a good system for mosquitos and airflow that would be cheaper than the softoper tent.

 

And if you know which side the angled rain will be coming from (or currently is), you could attach a tarp on that side to shield the opening (caused by the rolled-up topper canvas).

I sewed on some male buckles to the edge of a small tarp, then plug them into the female buckles on the outside top of the topper. But --- I have to have a couple of wee bungee cords to hold the rolled topper side up & out of the way (since I am using the same female buckles which hold it in safari mode).

The extra buckles can be purchased from Softopper.

 

Might have to try something like that…if you got any pictures of the set up shoot it.

 

Come to fins out they mounted the platform a bit too close to the shark fin thing on the roof of the cab so i need to make a couple adjustments

 

Ordered but waiting on delivery. I'll take some pics if I ever get it.

 

I was interested in the HMO bars, but sounds based off your experience it souinds like a bit of work is required to mount a RTT and the softopper doesn't fold down easily... two big negatives that steer me away from the bars

 

What is the appeal to add a rack over the softopper for a RTT vs going with a hard shell that can support a RTT? Is it a cost savings? The reason I ask is that I bought a softopper for the utility of it in quickly folding it down to have full access to the bed, or fold it up to cover or camp in. The functionality is lost the moment you put a rack over it.

 

It isn't that you can no longer remove your topper once the bars are on. It is just a pain, and even worst to put back up. Doable, but a pain. I've got the HMO bars around my topper, but my topper stays pretty stationary. Can still use my bed to haul loads and if I need to haul something to big for the bed they can go on the bed rack.

As a bonus it looks sweet, but I still keep my eyes open for a killer deal on a hard shell.

 

i personally still think the are the best option price wise and look wise. i would think with any of the bars or systems that go over the soft top that you arent able to fold it down. Only real issue i had with getting my platform installed was that i didnt tell them what side was the front or back haha but it took my 30 minutes to unbolt everything and flip it around. With the HMO bars i believe he can add tent mounting tabs to them

i bought mine never intending to actually fold it down. I personally didnt want to spend $3000+ to get the hard shell i wanted and i think the soft top just looks better. I added the bars over because i have a yakima sky box that goes on top. Never planned on getting a platform till i found an awning and bought some recovery gear that would fit better on top rather than in the bed. and price wise, im into my entire set up for the bed of my truck (soft topper, bars, platform) for less than half of the hard top i got quoted for haha