Softtopper vs camper shell

what are some pros and cons between the softtopper and camper shell?
Any opinion and reviews helps a lot

 

Not gonna blow a grape taking the ST off by yourself.

This was the main reason I stopped using rigid caps.

There will be times you have to remove the caps.

 

I take my softopper on and off all the time. So much more convenient

 

Pros of a soft topper

• MUCH lighter
• It folds down in seconds if you end up needing more room (eg a dirt bike, a washer, a couch
• Cheaper new
• A few configurations (you can roll up the sides, back flap, and front flap)

Cons

• Can't haul stuff on top of it
• Slighty less water resistant (you might get some water in if you go through a carwash with a softopper)
• Accessing the back is a bit annoying

 

You won’t crack the soft topper if you wheel and flex the truck a lot. Less security for a soft topper since you could cut through with a sharp knife.

 

One note there. Either tuck the flap on top of the tail gate, or skip the hook tape and just install a strip of vinyl to protect the paint. With either, you get easy access.

 

For the ST, weight, stupid easy storage, and one person setup and take down.

BTW, they are taut like a champ. Barely even a shudder to be seen in the windows at 70 or so.

Also, compare any convo you have with the ST folks to the canopy sales peeps. The ST folks just enjoy helping.

 

And they look badass! Can’t wait for mine to get here

 

That they do!

 

I love my soft topper! bought it used for $550...

 

How does the st hold up in the colder climate areas. I’m planning on making a few winter trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains this winter

 

HMMMM Idk... barely had mine for 2 months now.. But I've slept inside of it! Pretty awesome!

 

I’ve had both and enjoyed them both. Started with a BNIB softopper in black, had no complaints.

Switched to an ARE canopy in black, and am still running that.

It really just depends on what you want out of the canopy. Security, ease of use, rack storage, side visibility etc.

Either way you win!

 

The rear vinyl window does not like to be rolled up in the cold. The cold turns it rigid and can crack if flexed beyond its breaking point. Just dont roll it when accessing it, not a deal breaker. You can get a solid canvas rear hatch or a mesh screen version if you need to roll.

 

Softopper for sure.

 

Love all the extra black it ads to the truck!

 

Thanks! I was debating grey, but really happy with black.

 

Mine has held up to Wisconsin winter just fine heading into its second winter. I should note I park in covered parking space, so it's not completely in the elements 100% of the time.

 

my personal opinion is get a hard top! I had a soft top on my 99 Silverado and did a lot of camping out of it but was always worried stuff was going to get stolen when I was away from it. it also didn't hold any heat in even with my Mr. heater on. spent a lot of cold nights in the back of that thing. I guess it depends on what you're using it for and plan on taking it on and off all the time but if you'll be using it for camping and want your stuff to be protected get a hard top!

 

Would you mind taking a side shot? Curious how much space is between the cab and the start of the Softopper.

I saw one the other day with a huge gap and it looked a little cheesy but I don’t think the guy installed it correctly (or purposely moved it away from the cab).