Softopper vs Bestop

worth the $150 difference. The construction is far better too

get creative and put some Christmas lights in there in the bed outlet

 

I hadn’t thought of that!

 

Probably going to do this to mine, but hesitant on drilling into the tailgate. Probably will bust out the ol’ sewing machine and stitch on some good strong magnets instead. I know it’s the popular choice and yours is far more durable, I’d just hate to do a permanent fixture and realize I’d prefer a tonneau cover to the topper. First truck so I’m thinking the topper is best of both worlds honestly.

 

What rear bumper is this with the swing away ? Really like the look of it

 

Thanks! It is the 4xinnovations high clearance. I have really enjoyed it.

 

Cool I’m guessing steel- what springs are you running with it ?

 

Nice !

 

Yes it is steel. Right now I have HD DAKARS with the 2nd overload spring removed.

 

Did you just use a rattle can to paint the frame on it? Thinking I may do this before I install mine!!

 

anyone buying my Yota is buying a modified truck anyway from bumper to sliders to the holes put In the fender for the snorkel and holes in roof for the rack. If and when I sell it the ST will go with it . I ran a tonneau for about a year - love the ST so much better
I have a carpeted sleeping platform with storage for recovery gear and ALL my camping gear underneath. I just leave it all there and a ROAM box on top for stuff I am constantly using when I do trips
If you love to overland and love simplicity it’s a great way to go ! A plus not mentioned is the internal zipper so when you are inside it’s easy to zip up and easy to get out
I also have a snail armor tail gate insert which is a further change to the tailgate

 

Yes. Just some cheap matte black. It sticks to the anodized aluminum like glue.

That is a great time to do it.

There are pics around here somewhere of a couple STs that painted the frame also. Looks badass.

 

Yikes! Drilling into the tailgate and putting that adhesive Velcro with that? Not a fan. Damage over time

using magnets is the cleanest and most non-destructive way to do it. Holds tight and smooth with zero drilling or adhesive. Amazon has earth magnets for like $12

 

Yikes ! Common practice on many off-road or utility vehicles esp in other parts of the world with no ill - effect or damage as you would put it Also ever seen a fiberglass boat with a cover ? Same principle
To each there own. Last time I checked the title was in my name so I can do what I FKN want

 

Plus could always get a new tailgate on Craigslist...

 

With holes

 

See I’m not sure if I’m going full overland on the truck yet or not. I like the Softopper for the utility aspect. Best of a tonneau cover and a bed cap. I mean yeah I’ll probably sleep in the bed a few times but just not sure how often I’ll be overlanding, so chances are a cooler and tent/hammock set up will be sufficient. Given my camping I’m used to is backpacking when I look at overland stuff it seems...almost too luxury if that makes sense. Going to try to come up with a happy median on the two camping styles and figure out what works by trial and error!

 

I’m trying to find that happy median too. Got a ton of backpacking/hammocking gear. But I am hoping the truck will help me get my young son out for some overnight/multi-night adventures that he wouldn’t be able to do if we were just backpacking. Thinking the Softopper might help.

 

Totally agree with both you guys it’s a journey and part of the fun. I sleep very comfy in the ST by myself. Platform - mattress - etc ... When my wife comes she doesn’t like the climb in or lack of headroom so we have a 4 season canvas tent - but either way the ST is super beneficial to both situations
For me it’s easy mobility for several days at a time for my wife and I it allows me to pack a load of gear and keep it out of the elements
And eye sight

 

1st: never had or dealt with ST. So I have zero input in comparing them.

My experience with BT customer service was pretty good. I made my initial call to order and no one answered, then they actually cold called me back within 5 minutes ( I didn’t leave a message). Maybe that’s good maybe that’s bad. They mislabeled several of the frame pieces which did slow down the installation process for me. Actually pretty happy with placement based on their directions. The windows were a huge pain but after a few times of removing the rear window to haul the dogs, it’s a cake walk now. Rear crossbar was again an annoyance but that has quickly gone away. It does leak at the corners but nothing thru the seams or canvas. Mostly picked it because of the flap situation. Pretty happy with it. Havnt had any issues with dust.

I forgot, this is the new version

Edit #3 the canvas in the rear corners are not as tight as I would have liked but I don’t think adjustments would change that. More pictures upon request

 

Ditto on cross bar with the ST can be a PITA
I get no water in anywhere unless I hit it hard either pressure washer on seams
I added some rubber seals to the bottom of tail gate and it keeps everything nice and dry and almost dust free