Thanks for the info. Can't decide myself. Thinking the soft topper because I like having easy full access of the truck bed. But the idea of a solid shell with better wind flow also sounds good.
Check out my most recent video for a fiberglass shell setup that I'm really excited about - it has contractor windows which are AWESOME. I can reach almost anything anywhere in the bed through those windows (windoors as some people call them) on the sides of the shell: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0TAEVOhgej4.html
Great info! I dig soft top, but I am sucker for security. So I have a used $500 fiberglass top. It even came with a plexiglass window on one side where you can mount accessories to it. I mount my Mt. Bike with a hitch Mount system to retain my bed space. They even have dirtbike mount systems at harbor freight for load. -Once again great content 👌
Thanks! Yup. I like the security too, and got my current white fiberglass top for $400…. Just a better deal for me than a softopper. They work good though, and look good too!
Had both unless you need the space fiberglass is much better. Better ventilation with screens. Better insulation much cooler when hot or warmer when cold. Better in bear country for obvious reasons. Less likely to leak more durable less condensation when you wake up in the morning. Easier to get in and close from the inside when camping.
I recently priced (Feb 2023) a hard shell for my 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X. Anywhere from 4K to 6K. Seriously looking at Softopper or Bestopper. And I do like some things I can do with those such as folding them back so I can utilize the bed of the truck for other purposes. Security of belongings in the bed of my truck is an issue. And I'm looking at a drawer system which can be locked.
@@208Tyler That's the system I was looking at. Was thinking about getting the rack to go above the Softopper so I won't have to clutter up the bed with things like traction boards, shovels, fuel and water cans. A nice place to put some solar panels as well so I can recharge my solar generator while driving, leaving the 120v outlet to run my car fridge.
I love the versatility of soft but so many pros on the hard, esp looks & security. I just reaaaally dont want fiberglass = too heavy. I want aluminum so two ppl can remove. I havent found many aluminum options available fir the Ridgeline i just bought. I sont like the look of the ARE aluminum. Just doesnt match the curves & structure of any truck.
It doesn’t move at all? Mine would wiggle ever so slightly, I shared tension between the straps and the bed rail snaps and felt like it was installed right. It was solid, but high speeds + high winds would make it do tiny wiggles and shimmies. Never got worried or slowed down, but I could see it in my mirrors
@@208Tyler Could be it's from being a different size/model of truck. I have the frame work pulled TIGHT with the straps and the side snaps pull the top tight. I use snaps on both front and rear flaps.
My husband wants to buy a hard shell for sleeping so he doesn’t have to commute (considering current gas prices and the dreaded commuting times). Which would you recommend, hard shell or soft top? Thank you for your input.
Another pro/con. The hardtop will be easier to open and close the tailgate area. I put my dogs in the back daily. That means I need to open and close the back 4 times for one ride. I don't want to be dealing with the back window that many times, so I would likely want to roll it up and keep it open. Then it would not be secure, so I wouldn't be keeping much in the back which defeats the purpose.
On the soft topper, you can open the tailgate while leaving the topper closed if you choose not to add the velcro strip to the tailgate, which I did. So, quicker than a hardshell. Either way, it’s a pretty similar amount of time to get either system fully open. Softopper gets slower when it’s cold or wet, not as quick in colder temperatures
Man, that’s a bummer! The softtopper works really well though. If you watch more of my videos, I have some hardshells and a softopper on my truck at different times. I bought my softopper for $750 and sold for $450 a year later once I found a hardshell.
Soft toppers look cool but I would rather have my bakflip tanneau cover on my Tacoma. Personally, I hate the look of pickup trucks with toppers though. Should’ve bought a van lol
I had an SUV previously. The storage capacity of a truck bed is so much greater than an SUV. Having a separate area to keep dirty equipment and camping gear is great. The hardshell is great for truck bed camping, not sure what you mean by “useable as a truck” it drives, stores my gear and tools, and is great for road trips and camping
But you can haul bark mulch, firewood, gravel, loam, etc. better than in an SUV. not as easy as w/o a cap but easier to clean with a hose than with a vacuum in an SUV. Also, the cap is removable. I used to remove mine alone but less strong than I used to be.
