@thecluelessoutdoorsman916 Still in great shape. I did replace the back clear window as it finally deteriorated due to UV damage. Thanks for watching and commenting!
We've had one on our '06 F350 for ten years. It's been spectacular for what we needed - being able to pull a 5th wheel, then put the Softopper up and carry stuff. We've had a few of the plastic parts deteriorate over the years but they were inexpensive and easy to replace. Last month, I noticed some seams were rotting out, so I ordered and just received a new set of canvas. Compared to a hard topper, this thing is a steal!
i have a 2010 tacoma and was looking at one. a tundra with one came in the shop few days ago and i didnt like the gaps at the corners for the tailgate, a 1/2 gap and that seamed a good area for water and bugs to come in. i like to have a cap for a camper to camp in. my old dakota had one and i wish i kept it when i traded it in. these are $990 now.
just stumbled across your video trying to do some research on the LBJ area. Do you have to camp in established campsites? or can you not pick a random spot off of any of the trails (as long as youre still on LBJ property) im looking for a good place for my first solo/dispersed camp trip near dallas. although i dont mind driving long distances if its worth it
I believe any spot off the hiking trails would be fine for backpacking camping, but if your are car camping there are specific camping spots off the Forest Service roads for vehicles and tent setups.
Just saw an ad for these and was intrigued. I have an 05 Jeep with a soft top and the construction of the softopper was what I was really wanting to get a close look at. I was hoping for something more than what it is. Using snaps and hooks and plastic jointed ends for the support bars really kinda bothers me. I'm sure it's a price point thing but they could have done quite a bit better. I don't see this thing holding up as long as a fiberglass shell. The best thing about this setup is the thing that will ruin it faster. I see premature wear happening from folding it up frequently and that front window is gonna scratch up real quick. Also using those snaps.. They need a premium version of this with heavier duty fabric, hardware and zero plastic at flexible hard ends and strap tensioners. Then they would have a product I would be very interested in.
So does the front flap does not have to velcroed or snapped? I was looking to get one but on my Nissan Titan is equipped with the Utilitrac system. I realize they have clamps for the side ones but under the front window would not allow velcro or drill the 3 snaps.
Its not...you're going to get dust in your bed if you're travelling in dusty conditions - but most of that will come through the gaps in your truck tailgate and not through the soft top. To really help reduce it you'll need to get some weather stripping for your tailgate.
Awesome review! Including your cleaning routine is VERY appreciated. Just bought a preowned 2018 which had the softopper already installed. Very excited to attempt a small camping trip soon with it
Great info.,I ve been using plastex for uv protection on my headlight and tail lights to keep yellow staining away,this may help for your windows.applies just like a wax
My window finally gave out and cracked one morning in the spring when it was cold out and I rolled it up. Bought a replacement window and also bought 303 Marine Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner to protect it. Should have done that from the start. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for watching and commenting - the top is essentially water proof and as long as the sides are sealed per installation you should not have any issues with water getting into the bed. My truck is outside 24x7 and gone through some tremendous rain storms and I've never seen any water in the bed.
I plan on going here soon for a trip with my wife. Can you just pull off the gravel road anywhere theres enough short grass for a car and hike into the woods to camp? Or are there predermined spots you have to be in. IMO that kinda ruins the point of dispersed camping to have to be in a designated camping area.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I would say if you're hiking specific trails then yes you can hike along those trails and camp wherever you find a spot, but if you're car camping there are more "defined" camping spots along the various gravel roads. In that area, the rangers want to minimize damage to the grasslands since its sensitive to constant vehicle and foot traffic so its less dispersed camping than you might find in major national forests. Hope that helps. You can certainly call the ranger station at LBJ and ask for guidance and they can tell you the best way to experience the grasslands for your situation.
@@AdventureswithRod Thanks for the quick reply, I'm actually about to drive out in a few minutes to do some scouting. I had called the rangers to ask about Caddo yesterday when they informed me they are closed for dispersed camping during the hunting seasons. Hopefully I find what I'm looking for today.
Well the rear flap is secured to the tailgate with velcro so that's the extent of security, but yes if you're in the truck bed you can raise and lower the tailgate with the top on. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Robert - good question - I would not anticipate any problems with discoloring using 303. I use 303 interior spray on my miata which has a tan leather interior and it works great. Thanks for watching and commenting!
