Softopper [product review]

[edgear]

To start off, you can view plenty of photos on the company's website (http://www.softopper.com/index.html), and read up on what they have to say about their product. What I'll try to do here is provide photos of stuff that they don't show, and talk about my personal experience with the Softopper. (note: I just took another look at their website, and it looks like they've made some updates since I last looked at it about 5 months ago.)

Last year, I was doing some research on a campershell solution, and liked the idea of a removeable canvas shell. I had heard great things about the Canback, but their website was down, and it seemed like the company was going through some turmoil. And the further I looked into the Canback, the more it seemed like a "permanent" campershell (one of the reasons why I was steering clear of a fiberglass shell). My truck is my daily driver, and I still use it quite often to haul stuff. So I didn't want to be limited to the size of what I could haul due to campershell restrictions.

I bought my Softopper in November 2005, and it arrived a few days before a hunting trip. It was super easy to put on, and I was able to test it out immedately.
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN1475.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN1495.JPG
(note: I did not kill the deer in the above photo. I just helped my dad to carry it out on my back - since he's getting to be an "old dude" now...:elkgrin:)


I did some highway driving right away, and even at 80mph, there was hardly any flapping. It looked very sturdy. And it did a great job of keeping the dust off my gear. I utilized the "bed extender" on the inside of the bed to keep my gear from sliding around too much. But I really need to come up with a better storage solution now!!

So, we all know what it looks like when it's on the truck. But what about when it's off? When I take it off, I can easily store it hanging on a rafter in my garage (it comes with a nifty bag that you can stuff it into when not on the truck):
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2182.JPG


And the only "permanent" things that stay on my truck are the two strips of velcro tape, on the outside of the tailgate & on the inside of the bed just under the back window:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2184.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2186.JPG

So how does it stay on the truck so sturdily, even at highway speeds? Here are a few closeups of the clamps that hold the rails to the top of the sidewalls of the bed:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2195.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2203.JPG


(note: I've exceeded the limit of 10 images, so I will continue the review in the next post.)

[edgear]

And here are a few closeups of the pin on the rail where the shell-frame attaches to:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2197.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2202.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2205.JPG


Here's a shot of the inside, once the top is on:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2208.JPG


Here's a shot of the outside lower corner, just behind the cab:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2214.JPG


And you even get 3 of these sweet patches, pre-installed from the factory!!
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2217.JPG


I've noticed that it can get dark sometimes when camping -- which I'm sure many of you have experienced. The Softopper does not come with any sort of "dome light," so I found a simple closet light with velcro tape that runs on AA batteries:
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2210.JPG


Overall, I've been pretty pleased with the product. It's super easy to put on & take off (about 10 minutes or less). It keeps the dust out. It seems to keep the water out. (note: It's only rained like twice since I've had the Softopper. I'll report back in a few months, after I survive this summer's monsoon season here in Tucson.) I like the fact that you can roll up the back or sides -- it makes it easy to get to gear. The zippers & snaps are somewhat heavy-duty, and the stitching seems like it will last. I haven't washed it like they specify in the instructions (with warm soapy water). But I have knocked the dust of a few times at those do-it-yourself spray-wash places. It held up just fine.


I give it a few thumbs up -- especially if you're looking for a simple campershell solution that is easily removeable & lightweight. If you're looking for something permanent & hardcore, this is definitely not for you.

One downside is the lack of security.
One upside is how awesome it makes your Tacoma look when atop a mountain:


http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN1676.JPG


It's not as comfy as an RV, but it gets the job done when you don't want to pitch a tent!
http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/J_sleeping_in_truck.jpg

:camping:

[The BN Guy]

Aaah, you beat me to it. I've had mine for about two or so months and love it! I wanted to do a review as well but baby has kept me busy.

Mine fit just fine and is VERY durable. I backed into some limbs froma a cedar tree that had been recently cut. In other words they were quite sharp. They stabbed the side and slide right off with very little marking left behind.

Very easy install. My only problem was that the side rails didn't have the cutout for the Al brackets. They're supposed to be sending new ones soon.

On the Canback note, I've heard they have since folded. One of my other Nissan buddies installed one that he'd been waiting for for a year! Four months later he rolled his rig six times doing 65 and totally ruined it. What a loss!

Back on topic...I called Softtopper on Thursday and it was delivered the following Friday. Seven working days! Quick response.

[edgear]

Out of curiosity I did another Google search on Canback. I guess they're in the process of moving their operations to Phoenix, AZ....

http://www.can-back.com/

:ylsmoke:

[erin]

:coffee:
Nice review. Having been able to see this topper up close and personal, it is a very nice unit. I was very impressed with how sturdy it seemed even though it is easily removed.
I was especially jealous of it when we all got back to camp after 5 miles of dirt roads and my stuff was covered in dust, and Tacozonas looked like we never even left camp.

[david despain]

great review thats exactly the kind of info you cant find or exactly trust from the manufacturer. is this the kind you can fold up against the cab so you have a mostly open bed with out removing it? or do just the sides and back roll up? would you have to remove it to carry a tall load? the truck looks fantastic with it on. any pics with the sides rolled up?

[edgear]

originally posted by david despain
is this the kind you can fold up against the cab so you have a mostly open bed with out removing it?

Yes - it is. There was one instance when I was helping a friend move a refrigerator, and I didn't feel like taking the Softopper completely off. So I just folded it forwards towards the cab (kind of like a boat canopy). I didn't take any pictures of it, but I think the website shows something similar. They also have photos of the sides rolled up. It's dusty here in Southern Arizona, so I rarely roll the sides up. I could take some more close-up photos though, if you'd like. The straps & clips that hold the rolled up fabric are actually pretty decent - like what you would find on a backpack.

:sunny:

[david despain]

There was one instance when I was helping a friend move a refrigerator, and I didn't feel like taking the Softopper completely off. So I just folded it forwards towards the cab (kind of like a boat canopy).


oh its like you read my mind that is exactly the type of thing i was wondering about. i know exactly what you mean. thanks for the info. :bowdown:

[kcowyo]

Great review Jeremy! :clapsmile


Those have seemed like a great option since they came out. I heard that Can-Back was in a state of transition last year but I think you found a great solution.

Awesome pics and detail and you're right, it does make your Tacoma look awesome atop a mountain!!

[edgear]

originally posted by david despain
is this the kind you can fold up against the cab so you have a mostly open bed with out removing it?

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to do this, and actually remembered to take a picture of it! I had to pick up a potting bench for my wife. Of course I didn't plan ahead & take the entire camper shell off. So I just did the lazy thing and folded it forward.
:suning:

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2344_2.JPG

[Willman]

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to do this, and actually remembered to take a picture of it! I had to pick up a potting bench for my wife. Of course I didn't plan ahead & take the entire camper shell off. So I just did the lazy thing and folded it forward.
:suning:

http://home.comcast.net/~jeremyedgar/DSCN2344_2.JPG

Boy that is a nice option!!!! When ever the wife wants something HUGE that can't fit under the canopy.....i have to go to great lenghts to take it off...Last time this happened...i went to HomeDepot and bought all the rigging for a pulley system that worked not to bad for removing my shell!!!

[flyingwil]

Nice review!

[edgear]

With the monsoon season now in effect in Southern Arizona, I've been able to see how the Softopper holds up to rain. For the most part, it does pretty well. However, in prolonged rainstorms, I have noticed some minor leaking on the sides, coming in under the weather stripping. I think it's due to my Line-X liner, which goes over the rails. I might need to see about getting some different weather stripping. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[Colorado Ron]

I must admit it looks handy. I really want the Can back still. Since Im next to boulder colorado I see a few of these running around, but I still love the can back look! Great writeup!

[beerhiker]

whoa! their factory is like a 2 miles away from me right now, I may have to go checkem out. Ive seen a couple on the road but I thought they were made by Bestop. I wonder if they are previous workers from Bestop who started this company.
Why is Can-Bak so desired?

[Scott Brady]

Excellent review Jeremy. Thanks for taking the time to write it up :)

[Ursidae69]

With the monsoon season now in effect in Southern Arizona, I've been able to see how the Softopper holds up to rain. For the most part, it does pretty well. However, in prolonged rainstorms, I have noticed some minor leaking on the sides, coming in under the weather stripping. I think it's due to my Line-X liner, which goes over the rails. I might need to see about getting some different weather stripping. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I've ran into this with my shell too, the over-the-rail bed liner makes it easier for water to seem in. I've not come up with a solution yet.

[mightymike]

Jeremy-All I can see are the dreaded red x's instead of your pictures in this review. Do you still like the top and is there any way to re-post the pics?

[The BN Guy]

I never had any major water problems. I used the supplied stitching sealant and things have been dry. Now I do have a couple of openings in the front corners where the ST meets bed. No biggie to me.

Of course I say this right after I rolled up the sides and rear this morning then four hours later we pick up like 1.25" of rain in twenty minutes. Yep, the bed is wet but it's my own darn fault.

BTW, still absolutely-freaking loving my Softtopper!

[edgear]

Jeremy-All I can see are the dreaded red x's instead of your pictures in this review. Do you still like the top and is there any way to re-post the pics?
I moved & had to change ISPs, so all of my old photos that I posted are gone :( I'll see if I can dig some up & re-post.
I still have the softopper, but took it off a few weeks ago. A few of the snaps broke, and need some fixing. Overall, it's still in ok shape. I'm not sure if I'll use it a whole lot anymore; still deciding...

[blatant]

bump! good info here looking to get a softtopper and was hoping for some updated info from tacozona or anyone else sporting one.

I have an 07 taco and am in phx. If any one know of one for sale that'd be swell too!

thx

[opie]

I bought one from a member here...

I had a fiberglass topper sometime back, but realized early on it wasnt the best solution for my needs. Way to heavy and storing it takes alot of space.

I dont have any pictures...but can get some.

I ended up drilling the rails and bolting them down with some stainless hardware. Using rail clamps, I didnt feel, was sturdy enough to hold everything down. The ends of the rails would pull up and away from the bed rail when I got the last few snaps on.

I have had it on in some pretty good rain while at highway speeds and didnt have all that much water intrusion into the bed. Just from the corners where the topper and bed meet.

Once you get the canvas attached to the hoops, take off and install is a breeze. Storage space is minimal and weight is not a factor.

[blatant]

what year was your rig? The drilling thing is not reassuring and i'm also working with a plastic bed tacoma....

[opie]

It came off a Nissan. I dont remember what year. Its now on an 05 Chevy Colorado extended cab with 6' bed.

I sent Soft Topper an email to see if drilling the rails would compromise their integrity, I got almost an instant reply and they said drill away. I just wasnt convinced 4 rail clamps were sufficient to hold it down, let alone keep it in one place.

Ill get some pics this weekend, or maybe tomorrow if it cools off some.

[blatant]

how tightly/snuggly does it fit once all said and done, that's pretty much my primary concern. thx again

[opie]

It fits snug. It doesnt move or flap around at all at highway speeds, which is 70 in MI.

I have some velcro on my tailgate to secure the back....so far I havent done anything to the front and its fine.

[RedRocker]

I've had a Can-Back for several years, a few months ago I used some spray stuff on it that Sunbrella recomends to preserve the canvas. On my way back from Moab during a thunderstorm of course, the seam across the rear bow let loose. I had to cut some other seams loose to secure it so I could get home without it tearing apart. Upon further inspection, nearly all the thread was rotten and you could just pull it apart at the seams. I've wondered if the preservative caused
the problem.
I called Can-Back to see if they'd sew it back together and was informed it wasn't the same company I bought mine from and they had no way to put it back together, so I was SOL! I found a local shop to re-stitch it for $125 bucks and it's been fine since. I like the topper, but not so high on the company, I don't think they're all that stable.

[blatant]

I've had a Can-Back for several years, a few months ago I used some spray stuff on it that Sunbrella recomends to preserve the canvas. On my way back from Moab during a thunderstorm of course, the seam across the rear bow let loose. I had to cut some other seams loose to secure it so I could get home without it tearing apart. Upon further inspection, nearly all the thread was rotten and you could just pull it apart at the seams. I've wondered if the preservative caused
the problem.
I called Can-Back to see if they'd sew it back together and was informed it wasn't the same company I bought mine from and they had no way to put it back together, so I was SOL! I found a local shop to re-stitch it for $125 bucks and it's been fine since. I like the topper, but not so high on the company, I don't think they're all that stable.


Not good to hear but glad you got it fixed up. So we are clear, not talking can-back at this point b/c they are so expensive. I'm pretty sure I'm going w/ soft topper. I just want to be certain when spending 700bucks that it isn't a complete piece of flappy shat. I appreciate all the info fellas.

[edgear]

bump! good info here looking to get a softtopper and was hoping for some updated info from tacozona or anyone else sporting one.

I have an 07 taco and am in phx. If any one know of one for sale that'd be swell too!

thx

I sold mine about a year ago. It was a good short-term solution for occasional use, and did a decent job of keeping some dust & moisture out. It was easy to take off & store when I didn't want to have a topper on the truck. But if you want a permanent solution, definitely get a solid camper shell.

[katoom400]

I sold mine about a year ago. It was a good short-term solution for occasional use, and did a decent job of keeping some dust & moisture out. It was easy to take off & store when I didn't want to have a topper on the truck. But if you want a permanent solution, definitely get a solid camper shell.
interested in more input on this since I'm in the market for a topper for my 2010 tundra longbed, it needs to act as a camper for sleeping in at dirt bike events and also keeping stuff dry getting to desitnations with the family. I also need some sort of rack on top to carry kayaks on longer trips.

I like the idea of the softopper since it goes up when I need it and goes down/off within minutes, but if it doesn't hold up or keep water out it could be a waste of money for my use.

a hard shell is about 2k and a lot more difficult to put on and off but does keep cargo watertight and secure.

any input is appreciated.

[katoom400]

installed yesterday, got it slightyly used for $400 shipped to me..

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lqime1vvkUsBd7IV2QaNJw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKzs0o-6ifGCwwE&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z3dQ1jr6AQEr6BZ2I5YAIQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKzs0o-6ifGCwwE&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NFm5HspC5pZSBSj66SQdLA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKzs0o-6ifGCwwE&feat=directlink