Let's See Some Softoppers

PSA! For those of you that run “safari mode” and had trouble with the straps getting loose after drives or wheelin’— I installed these cam lock lever buckles I got on Amazon on all four corners and they seem to be doing the job keeping the straps nice and taut! Here’s the link for those of you that may want it:

Yadaland Plastic Cam Lock Lever Buckles 1" Length Adjustable Cam Lever Flap Fix Toggle Clip Secure Grip Easy Thread Keep Elastic in Place No Slip for Nylon Webbing Luggage Straps Belts 6Pcs Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B56FN4B5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

Nice.

I use cut-up innertube rubber bands.

 

Love that idea!

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

I like the solid, one piece rail. How does the added height affect the rear and front of the topper?

 

I've had Zero issues at either end. I did add the snaps to secure the front , but I would do that anyway after reading of some user's troubles with front sealing. I have no problems drilling a #30 hole in my Taco.

At the rear, the back flap lays with sufficient overlap to be weather tight. I have glued the velcro down a second time using contact cement. The original tape let go in the heat of the South West. (Phoenix) The "hook" strip is adhered to both the tail gate metal, and the plastic tail gate top cap.
I've also added three "super magnets" into the hem to stick the flap down. I'm not sure they do more than add a bit of weight.

The topper is on most always, and on a recent trip, we drove through about 5 hours of ridiculous rain.
The forecast warned of tornadoes , high winds and heavy rain. With all our gear, including card board boxed goods, there was no water inside..

I do run the factory bed mat, so if there were trickles down the bed sides, I would never know.

 

First look has me saying "must have been a bitch to thread the webbing through". I must need to have a look with the idea in mind. ;-)

 

It’s a little challenging with the loop and stitching at the end of the strap but I got the hang of it and it got easier the next time I did it haha.

 

Looks good.....thanks for the tips.

 

Anyone know the snap size? About half of mine need replacing.

 

They sell replacements on their website.

 

Anyone order a new Softtopper recently? Just curious current ship times.

 

Ordered last week of May, arrived June 6. So, about a week and half.

 

First time poster here - but I had to surface after digging through the first 200 posts on this thread. I just acquired a 2020 DCLB in white - completely stock with too many ideas from this site to afford. I know I'm destined to get a topper, and as much as I'd like a GFC (topper only, not w/ the rooftop tent), I think even at the now $950 price, the ST is the way to go for utility (up/down/safari/off), weight and cost. Biggest question is...on a 3g white Taco - what's the best match: Black or Grey?

I've got stock OR wheels now, but will be going to either the 2022 pro style, 16" in black (OEM or replicas) or the same in graphite (replicas...if I can find them).

This isn't the first forum I've been a part of, but I ask regardless:

White w/ Black vs White w/ Grey....does anyone have thoughts or better yet pictures?

Thanks!

 

I'm partial to black and white with graphite wheels. I like said contrast.
If you're in Socal/I.E. I will be selling my slightly used black ST for 3rd gen long bed soon.

 

So did anyone else have trouble installing the crossbars? I’ve got one cross bar that is about 1/4” from clicking in place and one end bar that won’t even go over the edge of the lip. All the others slid into position fairly easily.

Edit: I’ve now tried sanding the inside of the outer sleeve and I’ve tried white lithium grease. It’s not going anywhere. I’m now thinking I have a defective part. I guess I’ll follow up with Softtopper when they open on Monday.

 

cross bars? I'm not getting what part that is on a Softopper.
Is it some part of the other brand? (I realize both of the popular soft bed canopies are owned by the same outfit.)

 

When you get a chance it would help if you can post some pictures.

 

Are you connecting the correct bars together? They should have little color coded dots on them, red to red, blk to blk etc… that’s my only guess.