New Softopper Installed

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I have been mulling options on increasing bed storage space more than the stock tonneau cover while we tow but also keeping price, weight and ease-of-removal in mind. We recently got an e-bike and bike-rack options for our trailer are very limited so that was my main concern.

Settled on a Softopper and got it installed and tested this weekend with some driving. Install was pretty easy doing it alone. It was a bit difficult to stretch the fabric and get all the clips on but after letting it sit in the sun all day it became a bit easier. Going this route also avoided me needing to install the j-braces.

No flapping or sound at all when driving highway speeds. Visibility out of the rear view is still very good. Really looking forward to camping season and giving this a real test.

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[superj]

softoppers are really great. i used one on my wrangler when i got tired of taking the hard top on and off.

 

[designrlee]

Also checkout Flated Air (filled) Topper
https://flated.com/products/mid-short-t24-mr50

 

[spazzyfry123]

I'm a big fan of mine. Get a fair amount of compliments on it.

To note now that I've had it for a few months and have gone through hot/cold/snow/ice/rain/sun/etc.

Over time, the rear flap has gotten more malleable. This has introduced some flapping at highway speeds in just the last couple of weeks (now that it's warming up?) that I haven't experienced in the first few months of having it. It is really no big deal at all other than it catches my eye in the rearview when all of the sudden there is this flash of light.

While this was never intended to be a water tight solution, it actually does a fair job. Sure, some moisture gets in, but it's actually pretty good given the sheer amount of light you can see through various areas (not the fabric itself, but rather where it mounts/meets the truck).

That said, a fair amount of dust does make its way in. I say this from someone that hits a dirt road every single time I drive it (no exaggeration, I live off dirt/gravel roads in a rural area). Better than nothing at all, but the rear of the truck generates a fair amount of turbulence as best as I can tell and the bed likes to suck it in.

That dirt can make the rear flap's window get pretty messy pretty quick. It almost looks like a super old plastic window that's become UV-damaged and fogged over time. It cleans easy, but be careful as it scratches even easier. That's a big point Softopper drives home.

Despite lots of dirt and snow and whatever else, the fabric still looks new (I know, it's been on the truck for only like three or four months).

I've yet to do any of the party tricks. The rear flap has been unzipped multiple times for a variety of reasons, but no "safari mode" or even folding it down yet.

The rear flap overhangs the tailgate. This is annoying. I get into my bed frequently, and you've got to have two free hands to operate. Opening it is fine, just open with one hand and let the tailgate fall. Closing it, you have to have one hand to lift the tailgate and another to maneuver the flap - even still, I find myself having the tailgate rest on my shoulder or something because I kind of need both hands to move the flap out of the way for both driver and passenger sides as it really needs to be done at the same time.

Bottom line, I think it's cool. It accomplishes what I need out of a topper which is just containment, not security. It's neat that it can be folded down should I need more vertical space, but I've yet to do it (haven't had a need). The versatility is rad, the looks grab attention because it's different. I'm happy with my purchase - I really don't think I would go for anything else for my needs. Good luck!

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I'm a big fan of mine. Get a fair amount of compliments on it.

To note now that I've had it for a few months and have gone through hot/cold/snow/ice/rain/sun/etc.

Over time, the rear flap has gotten more malleable. This has introduced some flapping at highway speeds in just the last couple of weeks (now that it's warming up?) that I haven't experienced in the first few months of having it. It is really no big deal at all other than it catches my eye in the rearview when all of the sudden there is this flash of light.

The rear flap overhangs the tailgate. This is annoying. I get into my bed frequently, and you've got to have two free hands to operate. Opening it is fine, just open with one hand and let the tailgate fall. Closing it, you have to have one hand to lift the tailgate and another to maneuver the flap - even still, I find myself having the tailgate rest on my shoulder or something because I kind of need both hands to move the flap out of the way for both driver and passenger sides as it really needs to be done at the same time.

Bottom line, I think it's cool. It accomplishes what I need out of a topper which is just containment, not security. It's neat that it can be folded down should I need more vertical space, but I've yet to do it (haven't had a need). The versatility is rad, the looks grab attention because it's different. I'm happy with my purchase - I really don't think I would go for anything else for my needs. Good luck!

Did you use the extra velcro straps to secure the rear window to the tailgate? I added those and it seems to keep that back flap pretty secure from flapping at all. It does add a small step of getting into the rear of the bed, but i can handle it. I do agree it's a little awkward closing the tailgate and needing to make sure you dont smash the fabric into the sides of the tailgate.

Agree with everything you said in general, it's not a perfect solution but for our needs it's functionally the best option I could've asked for and cost me $4,000 less than a real topper would have and weighs 300lbs less. The truck is really just a tow/camping vehicle for us so i'm not using it for much else and it's in the garage 99% of the time out of the sun.

What do you do when you wash the truck? I am guessing I'll need to hand wash only from now on rather than take it through a touchless bay with harsh chemicals. Or just remove the topper if I do want to use an auto-wash.

 

[Trimjb]

I have the same color softopper installed on my 2024 Cactus Gray XLT.
Installed early 2025 and will soon have 16K miles on it.
5 each 2400 mile trips. Plus a few others.
Has been flawless so far.
I do not use the velcro on the gate flap. So far no issue. I don't like sticking stuff to the paint.
The top itself is watertight. Just the standard bedrail leakage issue.
Lack of tailgate seal let's a majority of the dust in.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Did you use the extra velcro straps to secure the rear window to the tailgate? I added those and it seems to keep that back flap pretty secure from flapping at all. It does add a small step of getting into the rear of the bed, but i can handle it. I do agree it's a little awkward closing the tailgate and needing to make sure you dont smash the fabric into the sides of the tailgate.

Agree with everything you said in general, it's not a perfect solution but for our needs it's functionally the best option I could've asked for and cost me $4,000 less than a real topper would have and weighs 300lbs less. The truck is really just a tow/camping vehicle for us so i'm not using it for much else and it's in the garage 99% of the time out of the sun.

What do you do when you wash the truck? I am guessing I'll need to hand wash only from now on rather than take it through a touchless bay with harsh chemicals. Or just remove the topper if I do want to use an auto-wash.

I didn’t do the Velcro on the tailgate. Extra steps and didn’t want to have the adhesive on there. It’s no biggie. I’ll probably notice it flap up half a dozen times on a high speed 50 mile commute if I head into the office. I’d prefer not dealing with the Velcro over preventing the flap I suppose.

I take mine through the touchless. No issue. I’m pretty sure it’s Softopper that actually recommends the touchless. Definitely don’t do the drive through with the brushes though. That will destroy that window in a hurry as it scratches easily. That said, I got the truck detailed by my local guru this past weekend. That’s when I realized the interior of the back flap gets a lot of dust. Truck looked great and then realized the inside of the window was dirty

EDIT - here you go:

https://softopper.com/care-guide/

 

[superj]

i have seen a number of tacoma guys running softoppers here on base. i think its the navy pilots stationed here for flight school because they never have texas plates and they are military guys

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I do not use the velcro on the gate flap. So far no issue. I don't like sticking stuff to the paint.

for what it is worth, i didn't put the velco on the paint. I installed the straps on the black plastic at the top of the tailgate and it still makes contact very well. because i agree -- no desire to stick anything on the paint.

 

[Trimjb]

for what it is worth, i didn't put the velco on the paint. I installed the straps on the black plastic at the top of the tailgate and it still makes contact very well. because i agree -- no desire to stick anything on the paint.

The Velcro on the flap would be below the black tailgate liner so I would have to put the strip on paint.
Not sure why yours is higher up.
I can't move the frame further forward or the top would hit the back of the cab and will not collapse fully.

 

[spazzyfry123]

The Velcro on the flap would be below the black tailgate liner so I would have to put the strip on paint.
Not sure why yours is higher up.
I can't move the frame further forward or the top would hit the back of the cab and will not collapse fully.

What’s the gap measurement between? This was gray area for the install, so not sure if mine is in the same spot. Would like to move it forward a little but don’t think it will fold if so.

 

[Trimjb]

I'll have to measure it.
My son has had one since 2017 and helped install it.
We moved it as far forward that would allow the folded cover to lay flat on the front of the bed.

 

[Trimjb]

What’s the gap measurement between? This was gray area for the install, so not sure if mine is in the same spot. Would like to move it forward a little but don’t think it will fold if so.

Sorry, I don't have a tape measure. Been traveling for the last 4 days.
From front of bottom bed rail bar to back of cab is about 3 fingers (approx. 3". Top bow to light is probably 2".

 

[spazzyfry123]

Thanks!

 

[spazzyfry123]

Sorry, I don't have a tape measure. Been traveling for the last 4 days.
From front of bottom bed rail bar to back of cab is about 3 fingers (approx. 3". Top bow to light is probably 2".

Just checked mine - seems like I'm pretty much right where you're at. It felt like it needed to be brought towards the cab a bit more, but I suppose that's just where it's supposed to be.

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