Soft Topper vs Hard Topper

have fun checking out all these happy owners https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-80

 

True. Bestop doesn't sit flush towards the cab. I guess it can be moved forward a little bit more but it doesn't really bother me.

 

Interesting since my experience has been the exact opposite of yours. I wonder what the difference is? It took less than two minutes to take my Softopper off and could probably get it done in under a minute if I really hurried. Unsnap the sides, fold it forward, jump in the bed and undo the three front snaps and pull the frame off both pins. I left the rails in place. Putting it back on took maybe a minute longer reversing the process because getting the frame back on the pins took a bit more effort. I was worried about snapping the sides down in the winter but didn't have any problem when I was hunting. Temperature wasn't brutally cold but once it was probably down to 25 F or so. I started in the front and pulled down on the top of the frame to get it started. Worked to the back and pulled down on the frame to get the last snap or two. It wasnt easy but not unachievable or worse than any boat canvas I have had to deal with in the winter (I fish year round). Worst part for me is climbing in and out of the bed but it's necessary with both a Softopper and a hard cap. My old knees hate that kind of thing.

 

That's the only thing about a soft top regardless of brand, they get stiff when cold and super soft when hot. It held up to 100-120 degree heat in the desert but like I said, I do use 303 every few months. It doesn't really snow in SoCal but the top was fine as well down to 20 degrees.

 

LOVE my hard shell..have not had a time where I regretted getting it or where I could not get something transported due to space..

 

I think hard shells look great on all gens especially the 2nd and 3rd. But something about a softtopper on a first gen...mmm

 

perfect for camping. I've slept in it at night with all sides down. And daytime naps with sides up for airflow, doesn't get hot. It all depends on your individual needs.

 

I completely diassemble mine. Take the rails off and the canvas off the frame. I don't feel comfortable scrunching it up with it on the frame. I'm worried it's going to wrinkle the material or moisture will get caught and cause mold. I also don't want to scratch the windows.
I can't get it on and off without help 90% probably due to the fact that I'm crippled currently and 10% due to the fact that I'm not going to risk scratching my paint to get the frame on and off the rails. I need someone to hold one side while I pop the other onto the rail.

I'm worried about the snaps only because they are pretty snug even when It's 90 degrees outside haha. I barely got it on the first time but that was in about 70 degrees and it was brand new. It has stretched out a bit since then.

I also have a long bed. So it will be a bit bigger, not sure how much of a difference that makes.

 

I like the hard shell as well but soft top for versatility. Ever tried getting a full size dirt bike on a hard shell? It fits... laying down.

 

Not having side windows is actually a selling point for me. Vinyl windows are hard to keep clean, scratch easily, and can be a bit fragile in very cold weather. Plus side windows provide more opportunity for scumbags to easily see what I am carrying. In as long as I have owned it there have been very few times that I wished that I had them and that is when backing out of very tight parking spots in busy parking lots. Really no big deal. 99.9% of the time I don't even notice they are gone. Just be sure to properly adjust your mirrors.

 

I think to me it's mostly looks. When looking at a truck with a bestop from the side, I think it looks better (minus the gap between the cab and the topper). I do agree though that it most likely is more opportunity for problems. I do however believe the softopper is a higher quality construction.

 

I had a hard top on a previous Silverado and I have a Softopper on my Tacoma. I love it. It hasn't leaked, doesn't flutter going down the highway. Folds away in 20 seconds. Any top is only going to keep an honest person, honest, all others will get in.

 

I love how you have the interior of your topper set up, especially the spare tire. Any chance you can PM me any details you want to share on how you mounted your spare and any other pictures/info about set up.

 

Sounds good. Let me get some things together

 

Thanks

 

Well, I was on the fence, but y'all have sold me on the softopper...As soon as tax refund comes in.