Softopper questions

Hi all looking to get a camper of some sort for a cross country trip and daily use for my 18 DCSB. I just had found out about the softopper and I'm looking to go this direction but wondering about the quality. Does it flap at highway speeds, 65+ mph? Will the canvas last more than 2 years of daily use? Is the frame flimsy? How heavy is it? Is it worth the $800?

 

It will hold up just fine at highway speeds. Mine was fine... Watch Craigslist for one... I bought mine for 350 then sold it a few months after that.

 

Love my top, 0 problems in all kinds of weather, including a road trip from the PNW down the coast to Huntington Beach, Ca.

 

Been watching Craigslist for any Tacoma stuff and not much enthusiasts in my area I guess. Only seen a softopper for a 2nd Gen so far which could work but I'm not feeling the height difference and cap-to-cab gap.

 

Doesn't flap in the wind @ all.
I'm sure it'll last.
Frame is as rigid as it needs to be.
About 20ish pounds total.
IDK about $800 as I bought mine used (2 months old) for $375. It's worth 100% of that to me.

All 3 Taco gens are the same part # SofTopper. The only difference is the back window thingy on the topper itself.

 

i believe there is a difference so, I would make sure I told them 3rd gen taco.

This is my 2nd year with mine, I take it off in the winter, and I expect many more years.

 

The only difference is the back window. 1,000% positive.

 

Is the topper short on 1st and 2nd gens? I thought the 3rd gens box was a ft taller the the earlier generations, I read that on here some where, not sure if it's fact.

 

I posted a link w/the part #'s but I don't remember where. They're the same for the top/frame.

 

I called softopper. They confirmed that 2nd and 3rd Gen tops are different heights, cab gap and rear window flap is at a steeper angle on 2nd Gen. Thanks to all who provided feedback.

 

Weird. They told me they are the exact same, even gave me the same part #. Somebody @ SofTopper is full of shit!

 

softoppers are great, the only downfall is that you cant lock your stuff up in it. Everything else about it is better

 

I have a second gen topper on my third gen. Is it a perfect fit? Not really. Does it serve its purpose? Absolutely. Camped twice in it and no issues. The frame and topper itself really surprised me today coming back from my camping trip. 80 mph on the highway and winds at least 20mph hitting the side of the truck and the topper was sturdy.

In regards to the frame...I honestly think the frame is the same and the front and rear window is different? I was looking at the installation instructions for a 3rd gen topper and the brackets for the rear window are the same as mine even though I have a “2nd gen topper.”

Feel free to PM if you have additional questions

 

i just ordered a new rear window for my softopper and i cant close it now, the bar cant reach the 2 mounts. So did they possibly send me a 3rd gen rear window?

 

I am interested in getting one,

How does it affect mpg when opened or closed?

How durable is it through new england winters?

Is it study enough to hold unsecured cargo that might bounce around inside?

 

Gas mileage seems about the same as without, open, or closed. I'm pretty sure it's durable enough for snow but can't say for sure as I've moved out of the northeast and haven't tested it out first hand. As for cargo, I'd recommend strapping things down as the frame probably would lose against heavy items. I can say it's better than a cap as far as storage and removal goes.

 

I take mine off in the winter, not that it won’t hold up to the snow, but the rear window is plexi and will get brittle and crack if bent when it’s too cold.

 

Have a Bestop but no issues at high speeds. Annually did a drive from SoCal to NorCal. All sorts of cross winds and kazoo sounds in the cab. Soft top holds on just fine.

Forget how many years I had mine in use but was very impressed with the durability.

Have it up for sale...

 

I hate to hijack this thread, but I have a simple question. There is a used Softopper available locally.

Is the velcro to secure the window(s) just plain old velcro; nothing special about it I assume?

 

Yes it is. You can get the Velcro with heavy duty adhesive from any of the home supply stores.

For what it's worth, I never installed the velcro on mine. It flaps a little, but not enough for me to worry. I've driven all over the eastern United States with my ST. I've had it 4 years and it is only a little dirty.