Let's see your bed Topper / Cap / Canopy - pros/cons

[jorosz0309]

I couldn't find a specific thread just dedicated to bed caps / canopies / toppers (whatever your preferred name is). Several threads for racks and tonneau / covers. I personally have a Diamondback cover, but I've run into a few limitations on hauling stuff, so I'm debating replacing it with a bed cap. Would love to see some pictures of toppers on Raptors, hear which one you have, experiences, etc. Thanks!

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[2wheelfish]

No takers? Well as someone who was searching for pics of installed camper shells (my preferred name) not too long ago, I’ll bite. Needed something to secure cargo that was larger than a tonneau would allow. Decided on the Westin, time will tell if this was right decision. It seems pretty well built, but a little basic. So far doesn’t leak, but haven’t had much rain. I love the auto lock feature and simple locks. Wish it had a pass through window, but really don’t need it. Probably not the pinnacle of build and features, but I think a relatively good value compared to many.

 

[24AzureGrayFX4]

Looks great! Im putting mine together as we speak. How did you splice in the 3rd brake light wire? Is the auto unlock feature plug and play? The instructions dont really show where to splice into as far as I can tell.

 

[2wheelfish]

Looks great! Im putting mine together as we speak. How did you splice in the 3rd brake light wire? Is the auto unlock feature plug and play? The instructions dont really show where to splice into as far as I can tell.

Sorry, I’m probably not much help, installing this seemed a bit more than I was willing to chew off given my limited space at home and my limited time and ability so I had it installed by the shop I bought it from. I knew they did one on a Ranger before me, so figure they had way more experience than I did and seemed to charge a reasonable fee to do it.

 

[c72k]

Purchasing a Softopper shortly, will update once installed?

 

[jorosz0309]

No takers? Well as someone who was searching for pics of installed camper shells (my preferred name) not too long ago, I’ll bite. Needed something to secure cargo that was larger than a tonneau would allow. Decided on the Westin, time will tell if this was right decision. It seems pretty well built, but a little basic. So far doesn’t leak, but haven’t had much rain. I love the auto lock feature and simple locks. Wish it had a pass through window, but really don’t need it. Probably not the pinnacle of build and features, but I think a relatively good value compared to many.

Looks great. It also looks like it’s a bit more in line with the top of the cab than the Smartcap, which I think looks a bit ridiculous. My only wish with this Westin was that it also had glass side panels as an option.

 

[2wheelfish]

I didn't want the glass side panels so it was an easier decision for me, but I would have liked the option for a pass through opening through the rear window, which isn't offered by Westin. I will say though, I really like the automated lock on the rear window for a day to day feature it's really nice.

 

[jorosz0309]

I didn't want the glass side panels so it was an easier decision for me, but I would have liked the option for a pass through opening through the rear window, which isn't offered by Westin. I will say though, I really like the automated lock on the rear window for a day to day feature it's really nice.

I wouldn’t care so much about glass but I haul my dogs around on 3-4 hour drives for bird hunting and really need the ventilation. I’m not missing something am I? It appears there is no ventilation at all while the panels are closed?

 

[24AzureGrayFX4]

I didn't want the glass side panels so it was an easier decision for me, but I would have liked the option for a pass through opening through the rear window, which isn't offered by Westin. I will say though, I really like the automated lock on the rear window for a day to day feature it's really nice.

Westin does provide an option for a pass thru window on their website I believe.

 

[Full-size no more]

I went with a company called FLATED. I like that I can pack up the topper when not in use. It could fit in a closet. And can put it on, take it off completely by myself.

 

[FoxRidgeOutdoors]

@2wheelfish , I am about to order the Westin cap (they seem to be the only company that has them available / or instock). I noticed you have had yours for about a year (+/-) now, what is your feedback on the quality, craftsmanship, leaking, etc etc etc. Thanks!

 

[stemplar]

As posted in another thread, I have the fas-top tonneau/soft top combo. It’s really easy to switch between the tonneau cover and soft topper, and also really easy to remove the topper alone in a few minutes if I need to. The photos were from the day I installed it; after adjusting the rails and the covers baking in sunlight they’re less wrinkled.

p.s. the photo with lumber on the tailgate is the only one I have that sort of shows what the soft topper looks like when folded down.

 

[CP0861]

I went with a company called FLATED. I like that I can pack up the topper when not in use. It could fit in a closet. And can put it on, take it off completely by myself.

Interesting!

I had an ARE topper on my 2022 Ranger and I loved the functionality of it. However, my softball playing oldest daughter is about to start college and my coaching days are over....so I don't need the storage for softball gear anymore...however, I'd still like the topper for trips/vacations.

That's a nice compromise for someone not needing/wanting a topper 100% of the time....and it's about $2500 cheaper.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely consider that....

Any cons whatsoever?

Also, in terms of toppers in general, to me there's no cons except for the price. I loved my ARE topper with windoors. It had a lockable rear window that operated with the fob...it's nice to have lockable, dry storage. I would have a little bit of water get in the rear corners after rain or a car wash, but it was minimal....no biggie. Also, I like having the extra 200ish pounds in the rear....plus it should provide a slight, but noticeable, increase in fuel efficiency.

 

[2wheelfish]

@2wheelfish , I am about to order the Westin cap (they seem to be the only company that has them available / or instock). I noticed you have had yours for about a year (+/-) now, what is your feedback on the quality, craftsmanship, leaking, etc etc etc. Thanks!

I’ve only had mine since about late March. So far it seems fine from a quality standpoint. Leaking wise, it’s hard to tell - I live in SoCal and it really doesn’t rain here from March to December and so I've never had it in the rain. When I wash the car there is a small bit of water that leaks through the rear window seal that’s no big deal, but I also installed a seal around the tailgate since the gaps around the tailgate are huge. It’s missing some features that other caps have like sliding windows, pressure systems to keep dust out, lighting, etc, but the Westins are about $1000 less than most other caps so that trade off is fine for me. I really like the rear window locking with the car and that has worked great so far.

 

[FoxRidgeOutdoors]

I’ve only had mine since about late March. So far it seems fine from a quality standpoint. Leaking wise, it’s hard to tell - I live in SoCal and it really doesn’t rain here from March to December and so I've never had it in the rain. When I wash the car there is a small bit of water that leaks through the rear window seal that’s no big deal, but I also installed a seal around the tailgate since the gaps around the tailgate are huge. It’s missing some features that other caps have like sliding windows, pressure systems to keep dust out, lighting, etc, but the Westins are about $1000 less than most other caps so that trade off is fine for me. I really like the rear window locking with the car and that has worked great so far.

Thanks for the feedback and update! A little leakage around the seal on the back window is acceptable and probably can be overcame too. I am/was more concerned about leaking between the modular panels. Yes, the gaps around the tailgate are crazy... I bought the surround seal to put on once I get the cap. The lack of options on the Westin is another hold back, but thinking maybe can use other company's accessories add-ons once I get the cap.

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