Let's See Some Softoppers

I was using the same ones for close to six months, but they rotted away. Broke down and bought a couple of stainless steel hose clamps. They don't look anywhere near as cool, but they're definitely not going to rot.

 

Good idea. One of mine rotted in this damn desert heat and I noticed its absence since the bar slides once more.

 

whats the best way to clean the back window?

 

I use windex and a paper towel as needed. Power wash it with the rest of the truck when I go to the car wash.

 

One thing that kind of bugged me about having a Softopper was losing the bed rail as a way to mount/store tools, the tops arms and clamps block off most of the rail so I used a piece of unistrut and spaced it away from the arms and clamps.
Now I have a place to mount my shovel, axe and other stuff.

 

Good idea! I used a couple spacers to push my mount out beyond the clamps.

For lighter things I made these clamp on mounts out of pvc. They snap right onto the softopper bars, and if I need them more secure I'll wrap a couple zip ties around them making them semi permanent.

 

Mounting to the bars is a good idea for light stuff, gunna order more Quick Fists now

 

They work great for the dead space on the ceiling. That's when I use the zip ties and everything stays put.

 

Do you guys recommend a certain fan to use while sleeping? Just got back from a trip and it was hot in there. Didn't have my mosquito net to drape over the soft topper, and there was a ton of bugs outside. Needed some air circulation inside

 

I use one of those goofy rechargeable neck fans i got off Amazon. It lives in the cargo net on the ceiling. Has 3 speeds, lights up, and the 2 little fans are on flexible arms so super flexible.

$12 Upgraded Version Portable Neck Fan, Color Changing LED, with Aromatherapy, 360° Free Rotation, and Lower Noise Strong Airflow Headphone Design for Sport, Office, Home, Outdoor, Travel, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VHP682L
Not the fanciest of set ups but it does the trick. I've also put it above/ behind my buddy heater to move the heat around.

 

This is a pretty cool idea! Hope you don't mind me borrowing that one.

 

It's all yours. That's what this forum is all about.

 

How do you clean the softopper window closest to the cab?

 

To be quite honest I've never touched it. I'm sure sure there are plenty of guys on here who have, but other than giving it a good spray with a pressure washer I've never felt the need to. Now that rear window, oof what a pain! Can't keep that thing clean to save my life.

 

With a washcloth / sponge.
My arm will reach halfway across. I get it from one side and then the other. Both the cab glass and the topper vinyl. If your topper is adjusted so that the gap is too narrow, try a stick (w/ a brush or a rag on it). Same with the towel (arm or stick). Piece of cake.

 

Just stumbled upon this, i like the flat top rack. What is the total weight?

 

i believe its about 60lbs and i think is rated up to 400lbs of added weight

 

Short bed problemzzz. After much procrastination, finally getting the extension together. Pvc frame (secured into my TC bed stiffeners) some similar color canvas sourced on Amazon, zipper, velcro, and fabric glue. Opening is small, will modify later. Sides of extension are okay, will rework. Honestly I'll probably just throw my mosquito net over the frame to keep ventilation. Found out the canvas is rain proof, it was pouring when I was working on it lol. But now I can actually totally lay down in the bed.

 

Nice. I like the zippered door.

 

From Yucca Valley up to Big Bear a few weeks ago




Softopper was great. It was hot back there and I forgot my mosquito net. At that point, I wish I had window screens like a hardshell. Bugs were everywhere.

Also... This is the Slumberjack awning. It works great. But I was left wanting something easier to setup like a freestanding 270degree awning (for quick rest breaks in the middle of the day). But the only way to make that happen with a softopper is with bed bars over the shell. Bummer