Softopper [product review]

[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.