Let's See Some Softoppers

Holy smokes!

 

For inbed lighting, I have installed the factory units at the tail gate which are switched at the instrument dash. (on-door-off)

When camping, we use small battery powered led lamps with magnetic bases. I hate having lights shining in my eyes!

 

I thought I'd share my homemade "doggie door". I don't have a dog, but I realized that there are times I'd like to access the cab from inside to grab something or start the truck if it's cold (with a broom handle lol). I'm sure I could've made it nicer but I did it from inside the bed with the topper on in the heat so it is what it is. Pretty straightforward but I'll answer any questions I can.

Being in Canada, the cost of getting a premade from softopper is prohibitively expensive and given that I'd have to cut it anyway, I don't really have anything to lose. Kinda hard to show exactly what's going on but it's the best I can do

 

Anyone have photos of a solid back panel instead of the window? Just curious on how it looks. After a little over a year the back window on mine separated at the seam.

 

Anybody ever order and replace the side release buckles for the sides? Any issues?

Ordered a bag awhile back because one of mine was and cracked and faded from the sun. Luckily it was one of the middle straps. Put the new one on and it does not get snug when I pull the nylon webbing strap. I had to double it up if you will - which does not make it an easy adjustment if I need to make an adjustment going into safari mode.

 

I purchased the replacement buckles directly from Softopper and they work great. I’m sure you can find cheaper parts, but it wasn’t overly expensive.

https://softopper.com/products/side-release-buckle-replacement-34-inch-universal/?sku=RP-BKLRP-34B

 

I also purchased the buckles directly from Softopper. Maybe the 3 that I tried were defective or my strap material is just getting worn down. If I don't double the strap up like in the photo, its loose and won't get snug. *shrugs*

 

I had a similar issue with a couple of the replacement buckles. I found that I fed the strap through the male buckle wrong. Have you tried flipping the male end and restringing the strap?

 

Built a screen for when I sleep in the back
Used screen from the Orange Place and stick on velcro
Not perfect but works great
Don't thing I can drive with it in
I left it long so it hangs over tail gate

 

I kinda went with an idea I had out of nowhere for mesh sides. I've seen some home made things done before but this one is a little different and quite a bit easier, in my opinion.



This is almost a perfect fit for 6' bed when using each half on each side. End-to-end with a few inches to work with on either side and perfect height to use the included magnets.





And the magnets secure to the top of the rail




For $4.50 CAD, I think I did pretty well. Made a couple of cuts to go around clamps and whatnot but don't necessarily have to. It's not 100% bug proof but you could make it work

Also added new third brake light and redid wiring w/ quick connect

 

Genius!

 

Went up into the cascades yesterday.



Took my daughter with me and the topper helped keep the sun off of us for lunch.

 

Just picked up a 2021 Army green Tacoma and decided on putting on a soft topper. I’m leaning towards the tan but still on the fence between tan and black. Does anyone have any pictures of an army green with tan soft topper?

 

You can even see if in live action.

 

& ive got bout 10 nights in mine so far this summer, which is almost over.. uugghh. With more planed & im still happy.

 

May be a dumb question, but when ordering one from Softopper, do you select utility track clamps or standard clamps? For reference, 2008 Tacoma that does have the side rail utility tracks.

 

You'd select utility track because that's what you have

 

Anyone have a good solution to fix in the rails twisting inward? I’m thinking about drilling a hole in the top of each rail bracket through and into the rail and then threading a bolt through both.

 

Further back somewhere, I think some used a washer or something on the clamps. I’ve never noticed enough to bother me.. & I got 2 more nights in. Winning…