Softopper vs shell

never had an issue with snow on Softopper in CO

bare Softopper it was easier to brush snow off than the cab. No paint to worry about scratching. The snow didn’t seem to stick as much to it either and was a bit easier to reach with brush.

idk about security. Camper shell windows can be busted in. Decked has locks.
Wooden bed the tailgate can lock.
Truck has alarm.
Racks somewhat cover up Softopper.
One guy made a combo lock for his back window panel.

if someone cuts through it they’re still having to fight to gain access through materials and bars, awkward movement, and being seen doing it.
They can steal wheels too. Insurance.

 

The zippers on my CJ5 jeep soft top were a pain in the ass in the winter. Not to mention the back window would get real brittle in freezing temps and crack, split and was destroyed with the wind making in flap all around.
In above freezing temps it would be fine. Or if you didn’t have zip up windows.

 

That's a good point. Are these softoppers all zippers on the back window? If I was irritated fussing around with frozen latches on the Alu-cab I don't think a zippered softop would be any better

 

they’re zippered.
Only concern I remember in winter was clear window itself.
1. If would get stiff. Didn’t want to damage it folding.
2. Cold would shrink making tighter fit harder

I’d generally set it how I wanted beforehand. Don’t know if the mesh or solid panel is better about that. They’re cheap. Or if they have warranty. Not like mine broke.
But that was CO with weather changing at the drop of the hat. Snow one hour sun the next hour.

 

Hey you got my attention! Thanks for the info. Can you send me a link to the first photo above. Like how it's very short, as any space between cover closed and rack height is wasted for me. ✌️

 

That's our 5" high PRO-XE bars, they just went into production, they aren't even on our website yet. The unique thing about those, is that the crossbar can extend past the upright, which would allow extra space on the side for carrying bike while also carrying a tent.

But I might be able to get you a set in advance. I'll PM you.

 

No question a hard camper shell not only looks better, but is more functional and practical than a soft topper. Soft toppers are 0/10 on the aesthetics scale and dont add functionality other than being a raised tonneau cover. Tonneau covers with load rails on the sides for a bed rack is one way to store dry goods and get the strength/functionality of the bed while maintaining lockability. A decked/hard shell camper also does this and gives the storage with the decked along with the locking aspect if you left the camper unlocked, the tailgate and decked system stays secure. With toppers like OVS and Westin now on the market, Smartcaps arent the ONLY option for a hard shell camper with structure and roof mounting capabilities. And the Westin and OVS systems are substantially cheaper too being sub >$3,000

 

I get comments quite often on how awesome my softopper looks. I really like it a lot. It adds exactly the functionality that I need. I've always associated the hard shell toppers as old man stuff.

 

I disagree somewhat, I used to have an are hard shell great top but the way the 2nd gen beds are designed (the front corner of the bed) it’s almost impossible to seal and make leak proof because the softopper actually overhangs and covers it, it makes it pretty much 100 percent waterproof (I’ve had a gfc and my are topper and now softopper and my softopper is the most waterproof out of all 3) essential for me because I camp out of mine all the time including in moonsoons, thunderstorms snowstorms etc

looks wise I think a hard top does look better but it’s all subjective, prisewise a softopper is 800 brand new (probably more than) a brand new leer, snug top, are etc costs 4k and up now

The biggest personal con of my softopper is each time I need to get something out of the back I have to undo the bars and unzip both sides of the zipper and the back flap doesn’t read sometimes on top (those who have one understand what I’m talking about) not a huge deal but something I never had to deal with on a hard shell

 

unfortunately out of all the offerings a fiberglass shell doesn’t really hit the mark
All that money just to be stock height and heavy fiberglass

idk what the quality is, or price and wait of what seems like a better shell:
-metal contractor cap, if it can even come with the right options, including big ambulance doors > fiberglass

 

We have sealed that small gap at the front no problem on many trucks and that is just part of the territory of "sealing" the bed off. Foam sealant, flex tape on the back side, proper paint/sealing and youll never know its there and is sealed. You can always do less with just the flex tape and good adhesion to the bed. But this problem isnt solved with any other bed cap or truck cap so the point is moog is it not? Soft topper has a "flap" of fabric that overhangs off the front, hardly call that a "seal". The $4k cap does its job, its the bed underneath that has problems and needs fixing to be sealed properly.

Personally I like the Smartcap for a steel option or the OVS truck cap for an aluminum option. However, depending on the build, aesthetic and use, I think a tonneau cover like a Retrax or similar with T tracks and a bed cage ontop like a Leitner is an equally good option. Lockable sealed cases, water containers, structural integrity for a RTT and still offers a sealed bed for baggage.

 

I personally think tonneau cover is the stupidest thing ever, literally cuts the usability of your bed in half if not more but good thing opinions are like assholes and we all have one

 

some things are opinions some things are facts
You are correct
There is one reason to do such a tonneau generally
Price
A roll up that moves out of the way is around $100
Softopper is more

 

I went with the softopper