I got frustrated by my Leer topper. Because aside from using my truck for camping, I also use it to carry house improvement items from Home Depot. I just got tired of having to remove that heavy thing for those tasks. Well, I sold it…and got me a SofTopper. Best decision ever. It also looks so cool, like a Safari truck. My truck is white and the Leer topper was white, the lack of contrast made my truck look like a SUV. With the SofTopper being black and being fabric , now it looks like a proper truck.
@@TregsTravels Thanks for replying. I’m waiting for that new Decked storage system reveal on the 24th. I hope they offer a stand alone half a decked system. A lot of people have been demanding for one. One side for storage, the other half for bicycles or similar tall items.
Review so good now I don’t have to do one. You answered all my questions. I cruise around at 80-90 on the Boise freeways and we get a lot of wind. Good enough for me to be comfortable with the purchase. They owe you some marketing kick back. I was on the fence. I’m all or nothing. Super versatile and affordable or full blown RSI Smart cap. Soft topper will do the trick. Appreciate the time you put into this.
Thank you so much! I'm really glad that it helped. I had fun putting the video together but wouldn't turn down an affiliate offer from them lol. I keep mine one year round in SLC so Boise should be no problem. Safe travels!
You can do a touch free automatic car wash or you can do it with the manual wand! I usually do the automatic car wash then wipe it down with the 303 cleaner/protectant
Awesome review! How is the 305 holding up with the topper? On their site it says u don’t have to add any protectants? Would you recommend still adding it for longevity?
I appreciate the great review. I'm curious if you or anyone watching know if the SoftTopper can be used with a rolling tonneau cover? I'm looking to be able to use a combo of both depending on whether I'm in the city or out camping. Thanks in advance for any feedback given.
I haven't seen anything like that with the softopper brand but FAS-TOP makes a tonnnea cover and topper package. I haven't used it or seen it in person just have seen it on their website
Good vid. Very economical way of camping. When I was young 50 60 yrs back we used canvas covering for about all campers. Wood frames with canvas stretched out and tacked. It worked then as now.. Fiberglass boats really hadn't been adpted for general use.
@@TregsTravels Yes in the 60's that pretty much what people had. The tents were much the same, big and very heavy. Lot of homemade rigs. Remember that step side pickups prevailed, stylesides were something new. There would be rounded top or gable frame type roofs. The speeds were fairly slow so areo didn't seem to matter as much. That all changed with the advent of fiberglass construction toppers. Leer was king. Then the slide in units became available. Look at a nat'l Guard facility at the old duece and a hallfs with hoops and canvas tarps stretched across. You rig is that but convertible. I just wonder how do you handle ventilation without letting bugs in. In north country that really mattters. Is the rear window replaceable with a screen? Take care. Have fun. Get out there.
@@samhill3496 you're exactly right! SofTopper sells a rear mesh window that you can replace the vinyl one with...im working on a mesh screen that I can use to partially roll up the sides and keep the bugs out so I can get some airflow. I'll let you know when it's done!
Glad I found this. Thank you for making a thorough review. Wanted to get a hard top for my truck just to haul our dog on camping trips. Would only use it a handful times in the year so this makes me more decisive to buy the soft top than get the hard shell.
I used to make atv enclosures and a few canvas truck tops. I used Strataglass for my windows as it was designed for harsh uv and saltwater environments. I wish they used a higher quality windshield. Matter of fact I would send them some I they would use it on mine and yes I would purchase the top. I chose Strataglass as it wouldn't fade in the sun. I had my product tested in Colorado mountains. Durocab was my atv product.
Subbed! Great review. I’m debating buying this for travel with a family of 5. In your opinion, is it a pain in the butt to remove and reattach the tonneau cover before and after use?
Not at all. I fold mine down or take it off all the time and it just takes a few minutes. I find that I leave it up most of the time because I like the look and I love being able to throw things in there quickly! You can fit so much more in the softopper than a regular tonneau cover because of the height
I've had a Softopper on my '06 F350 dually long bed for ten years now. Went with it so we could haul a 5th wheel and after setting it up, vend at art shows. It's performed flawlessly the entire time. A couple plastic parts (the hooks that hold the rear window rod) failed after about six years, but they were very inexpensive to replace. The company really stands behind their product! A week ago I noticed some seams rotting out (after TEN years!) and ordered a new canvas set. They came today! Cost today of a complete Softopper and a spare canvas set would be well under $2k. Try getting any fiberglass topper for less than four times that!
That is awesome! I love that softopper offers individual, affordable placement parts. So glad to hear that your topper lasted 10 years! Enjoy that new softopper!
Haha I don't think there's anything that can quiet those HMMWV's. My brother is in the military and tells me how loud those beasts are. Thank you for your service!
hey thanks for your review and tips on the softopper, i was wondering what to put on the canvas part and you just answered that question. excellent detailed review.
And I noticed that your topper doesn't have a 3rd brake light on the soft topper...have you had any issues without the brake light yet...? let me know if you have...Thanks for the 80 mph speed trip...that was cool not having to worry about how faired...
@@TregsTravels Thanks Treg, Gosh that is a name I've not come across in years...I went ahead and ordered a brake light from the dear I bought the soft top from...Matter fact, I went shopping and on my way back I passed a Eldorado Cop and he followed me off the hwy 50 and then I pulled off the road thinking that he was going to check on me and he drove right me...Thanks for the vid's and Ute mts are where I use to hunt for gold...Lots of Spanish gold found there and Mel Fisher found sheep skins on the Atocha ship wreak that the maps showed where the mines that most of the gold came from Utah in the Ute mountains...You may be asking how did sheep skins last that long in history in the sea, and I've no idea...The Mormons were shown of some mines by the Chief of the Ute Indians...
@@johnbendt678 Yep! I grew up in Tampa, Fla and went to High School with a lot of the wrestlers back in the day...lots of great fishing too...thanks for the reply...
Looks amazing. Appreciate the video and the info. I’m looking for one of these tops for my Ram Laramie Crew Cab Diesel Dually. I was worried about how it looked after a few years so your video was awesome in answering that. ✌🏽
@@TregsTravels I forgot to say thank as well for mentioning camping underneath it and I’ll tell ya why. My wife and I have been searching for an alternative to my youngest son (because he snores) sleeping in the crew cab area of the truck. We’ve also been searching for ways to protect our totes and camping equipment from the elements while traveling. You mentioning that you’ve camped underneath this top helps me push this upgrade forward. I’m curious as to what type of heater you’ve been using or recommend? Thanks again! ✌🏽
@@Knuckledragnationsounds like softopper would be a good fit for everything you're looking for then! I love camping in it. I use a mr buddy heater in the winter time and it stays toasty in there. Here's my camping setup: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6jttaWwk9KU.htmlsi=EUIn8_vdIr5ivuXU
Thank you! It definitely is harder in the winter, wait until the summer you won't believe how easy it is to fold up lol. I've been contemplating ordering the solid back panel to use in the winter so I don't have to worry about cracking the vinyl window. How do you like it on your Ram?
Good video. I ordered one, should arrive today. I to thought it was made in USA. According to the response I received “They answered: "The Softopper is manufactured in Toluca, Mexico however, they are quality inspected and shipped from Louisville, Colorado." Yes I am a little disappointed.
Man I didn't know that! That is disappointing...I must have missed that. I read headquartered in Boulder and sewn and manufactured in North America...that's my mistake! I'm sorry I misunderstood!
Received defective Softopper, purchased 3 weeks before planned vacation. Finally returned it after more defects found. Canceled trip. Still no refund received. They will not refund 100%, they need to ‘restock’ items. Wonder who next gets this garbage shipped to them.
Hey bro thanks for the video! I’ve been debating whether I want one and I’m probably gonna get it after watching this video. I Appreciate the time you put into this 🙏🏾
Yeah it definitely gets hot, especially if you're camping back there. I made some mesh screens to help with that though, here's the video on what I did: DIY Mesh Screen for SofTopper Using Magnets! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5uldnNziAr8.html
Does the front (cab side) of the topper have a window that opens? In other words, if your truck has a sliding rear window, would you be able to reach into your truck while camping?
They actually make a DIY dog window cutout for just that purpose. I don't know how well it works but it's worth a shot! Here's the link: softopper.com/products/dog-window-diy-cutout-kit-clear-universal/?sku=AC-DOGCK-CLR&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhANHAor8_p9CNSRdn7oZ6DH9mo0qM9t6Q2qXlUBXvTit10212RnmYShoC8IkQAvD_BwE
Man the price has gone up a bit since I got mine! I didn't realize they're making them in Mexico now...the website says "the fabric is made in USA and as many materials as possible are purchased in the USA" but says they're manufactured in North America so that must be Mexico
@@TregsTravels Yeah, inflation is a thing now isn't it? I watched them for a year and they never had any sales. So I went ahead and got one. Retired upholsterer here. I will say that IMO the quality is top notch. Excellent outdoor materials that'll last at least 5 years. My neighbor had one and they neglected it for 7 before the sun rotted it. You should see their poor Toyota too. Clearcoat is shot. I protected mine with a good rubdown of Adams Ceramic coat. Not only protects paint but is an awesome plastics treatment. Water now forms tiny beads to roll off it. Buy once, cry once!
I'm going to get one of these for my Tundra. The valuables I will keep in the back will be secured in an alternative way. I also have the Decked drawer system to keep valuables locked up as well.
@@TregsTravels It's fantastic for my use case. I maintain utility solar farms so the tools and parts I regularly use are quickly available. I think that is the key to truck setup. It has to be catered to your needs. Lots of options out there. But that softopper will solve a few more problems for my use case. I could complain about the drawbacks of a hard shell topper, because it just doesn't fit my needs.
You can get a used fiberglass topper for less money i paid 900 for mine fully loaded less then a year old. There all over the marketplace for cheaper than a new soft topper
It’s a question of how often you need to remove them. They are superior when they are on the truck, not so much when you have to take them off, store them, and put them back on.
Nice! I've been really happy with mine. I had a tonneau cover on it before and averaged 23mpg overall...with the sofTopper on it has dropped slightly to just below 21mpg. It's mainly noticeable on the highway at high speeds. But it's been worth it for me!
@@jonathanmiller3613yeah that's the MAJOR downside to them...when I camp I make sure anything valuable is in the cab when I leave the truck. And my normal daily driving I don't leave anything back there...so if you have stuff you want to lock up sofTopper isn't the best option
It really was a great video. Must have answered just about everyone's questions. You showed it being put on and off, driving with it. I finally saw one in person yesterday it looks great. Having had convertibles I know that fabric is tough but you have to be careful of sticks and trees when you're in the woods. At least I would imagine so. That 303 is good stuff.
@@RM-bx2zt definitely, anything that sits out in the sun needs some 303. I even use it on the black plastic on the truck too. A little TLC makes these things last a lot longer!
At almost $4k for a hard topper, this is looking like a great option for my Maverick. Thanks especially for the car wash notes, and freeway driving. I was wondering about the performance in those conditions. 😎👍
I didn't see that you secured the back to the tailgate. Online some people say there is a velcro strap for the back to keep it from flapping and some people seem to do a magnetic strip hack. Did you install the piece that keeps the back door secured to the tailgate? Also how does the front window panel secure to the bed as I didn't see you undo anything when folding it up. (velcro or snaps?) Thanks.
I put the Velcro on the tailgate when I first got it but it came right off when it rained so I just took it off...I'll have to look at doing the magnetic strip. For the front window panel I drilled holes in the bed and put the snaps on. The Velcro just doesn't last!
Great review. I just ordered one but I went with the ACI Outlander Soft Topper because I wanted side windows and it has 4 bows and solid end supports over the straps that support this brand and the other maker. I only found three companies making these for sale in the U.S.
I just installed ACI Outlaner soft topper on my extra cab 2023 Tacoma today...Now I have to install the 3rd brake light here in Calif...It took two of us to install it and it is a two man job...no real issues that we couldn't figure out, but did watch install video many times and drank no beers and made sure my worker didn't smoke anything too...also the kit came with the extra slider clamp on for the toyota rail system...Great product and it looks great...You made a terrific chose...
@@michaelbrick9730 Thanks! I, too, had to install the third brake light kit as part of the state inspection in Massachusetts. I centered it and made the holes as small as possible. I didn't want to drill through the back bow so I lowered it just enough to clear the bow and added a plastic backing for support. It looks and functions properly and has no effect when I retract the top. Enjoy your new top.
@@TregsTravels So far so good. I have used it mostly fully assembled to protect my camping equipment from the elements. I have retracted it to use the bed to carry large items, it was easy enough to retract and then return to normal use. The only thing that takes getting used to is when I want to open the rear window, I have to open the tailgate to release the rear lower bar at the tailgate. But I did it so often over a seven-week road trip this summer that now I am used to that too. So far I am happy with my soft topper.
You bet! I was kind of curious to see the GoPro from inside the topper for sure...I thought it was cool to see! Like putting a GoPro in the dishwasher lol
Yeah mine curves a little bit too, I haven't noticed any problems with it bending though! I think it has to do with the shape of your bed rails a little bit
@TregsTravels I'm not sure I was clear, i mean the window on your F150 that you can open and close, does the softopper work with it? Like I have a tundra and the my back windows goes down completely, can I lift all 4 parts of the softopper in the safari mode? So I don't loose that option to open the window of the pickup
@@ad6183oh gotcha. There aren't clips for the front window for the safari mode...I can still open the rear window but I have to have the topper folded down to put things out the back. I do know sofTopper sells a doggy window cutout that you can use on that window to connect it to the truck, you might wanna check that out
@@TregsTravels you should be!! I was on the fence between best top and soft top. You have the most compelling video in support of soft top! When I buy mine I'm going to reference you and tell them you were the sole reason I purchased!!
Hi! Sorry I don't have the assembly instructions anymore but you can find there online here: softopper.com/installation-support/installation-instructions/
