Let's See Some Softoppers

The review @jackn7 left a link for should help. To answer your question straight on, the DAC “tent” straps onto the back of, and over, your camper (with the rear window/hatch open) and truck bed (with the tailgate down) to give it a tent entrance. Because the tail gate is down it does help extend the floor space of the truck bed allowing for a longer sleeping area. Without the DAC piece, you would need to close the window/hatch and the tailgate in order to button up the camper for the night.

 

I'm kinda liking what I've seen so far on the topper tent. Having a long bed, I don't have as much need for height past the 6' point, but I do like that you can camp with the tailgate dow and have the screened area.

https://thetoppertent.com

 

Thanks for the response I think I’m pulling the trigger on the topper tent after all I’ve seen!

 

I'm having a hard time with the cost of that thing... I might need to whip out the sewing machine.

 

I wish I could sew like that!

 

I'm aiming for this:

 

There are so many options out there and they all come with pros and cons. I’m excited for my set up just because I can be easily mobile or set up camp for a couple of days. Obviously it won’t be as comfortable as pulling an RV but that’s the trade off. Best of luck finding what works, and I look forward to seeing what your set up turns into.

 

I bought my DAC tent used for $100 and it’s in good condition. Still expensive for what it is, but looking at Craigslist and OfferUp does pay off if you are in no hurry.

 

I had the softopper version, and although very cool, it left gaps around the bottom of the tailgate. Depending on the season (weather and bug population) it can cause problems. I ended up selling mine to another member and opted for one of my ground tents.

 

Hey everyone, I posted above asking if anyone had photos of a black taco with bronze wheels and tan top. I went tan and installed it today. It’s super cold here so I’m thinking the canvas has to warm and stretch out. But when I snapped everything in place it made all of the rails tilt inward. Anyone got some tips to fix this? Or is letting it stretch into place the best option? Thanks!

 

Anyone find a way to clean the seam sealer on the fabric ? Ive put some on the outside and now it look like sh!t

 

Mine do the same thing. Hasn't caused a functional issue but I still don't like it.

 

Tis the norm from what I’ve read and experienced. Mine was the same, I tried messing with it for a while. I found just tightening the clamps so the split washer was flat was enough torque. Also by doing that, lessened the lean

 

New truck new softopper on the way. Did you guys do the bed rail prep before install( ie pull the caps and foil tape/silicone?

Any tips or pointers I need to know for install/water prevention please feel free to share.

Thanks

 

I did not know that was part of the installation process

 

all i did was clean off the railing with towels and some 409. basically got all the dirt off. then installed per the instructions. the 3M foam tape stuff that ships with the softopper is all i've

 

From what I gathered from others, specifically @tonered, the plastic tops can rub the metal underneath hence the use of a heavy foil tape. Also the silicone is used under the bed rail caps to prevent the water coming up through the Swiss cheese holes under them and to channel the water away from the edge where it could run down into your bed.

I’m gathering pull the rail covers, foil tape it psilicone it very well all over and put big seam of silicone on the inside of the bed rail to prevent water from running down into the bed.

 

i do get a bit of water that runs down the sides of the bed. maybe i'll try that once i take everything off in a few weeks to put new foam seal down.

 

That is exactly it. There's pics in my build thread.