For the rear window, use 303 Protectant twice a year. This will keep it from cracking, will keep it clear as possible, and keeps it supple. Also yours looks wrinkled because you roll it up, keep it down and tight and it won't be wavey. I have a lot of this plastic on my boat top and it still looks and works great after years of sitting outside. Thanks for the detailed review.
Two upgrades I made to mine: 1) I installed magnets to hold down the rear flap. The Velcro I originally used on the tailgate failed due to hot/cold conditions. I got 10 magnets off Amazon that each hold about 100 lbs and they work great. I cut small slits into the flap “pocket” where the Velcro is located. I just needed 5 of the magnets and now I can drive 85 with no flapping. 2) Air and dust were entering into the bed from the front of the topper and the front flap kept pulling out. To remedy this, I jammed a pool noodle to hold the flap in the gap between the bed and cab. Works like a charm. Now very little dust and virtually no water.
I have always like the look of the Soft topper! Quasi military surplus look. I think the tan color is a perfect choice. I thought this was an excellent review video.
I I've had a Softopper on my 2018 colorado zr2 since I bought it. I live in Phoenix and have had no problems with fading or the rear window buckling (I don't garage my truck). I use a 3m industrial velcro on my tailgate for the rear hatch. That's what stayed stuck for me. With that and adding a tailgate weather stripping kit, I get almost no dust in the back now. I looked at the same racks you mentioned, but you missed one: Uptop in Colorado. Awesome rack and company. And a bonus with their rack is you can adjust the height to what you want.
2021 TRD Offroad, I installed the velcro on the back face of the tailgate just over the plastic lip, its actually on the paint, makes a great seal. Even going through a touchless car wash it doesn't get water inside. They sell replacement velcro strips. Cleaned with alchohol wipes, dried, apply velcro. 3 years now and it still holds great. I've got the Army green one too lol, love the color!
I ran one on my 2nd gen Colorado for almost 7yrs and just picked up a lightly used one locally for my Silverado. It kept my tools dry and held up very well.
Tip for rolling up the back window. Get a soft fleece blanket or microfiber cloth and roll that up with the window. Keeps the plastic from rubbing especially if it's dirty/dusty. This really helps to keep the window from getting that foggy look over time.
Ditto about the patch. Excellent quality. Sticker is also great and looks awesome on the 4runner. I have had fiber glass toppers and tonneau toppers on different trucks-have thought the next truck will have some sort of soft top like this. No option is perfect, but spending within your means and going with the most flexibility for your application is really the definition of success. Looking forward to the 4runner content.
Ive had a softopper for 2 years. Love it besides it bent my bed rails of the bed it sits on. Installed it like supposed to but noticed it bent my bed rails. No longer level and really noticeable when i take it off.
Hey my question made it! My 21 zr2 bison also has 900 lbs ish of payload and I struggled to find a good solution for a bed topper. Ended up going with a bak revolver x4s tonneau for now. May switch it up later. We are a family of five, and we like to pull a pop up, between human weight and tongue weight I know I'm stretching close to max payload but this set up has worked great so far. If maybe a little cramped for kids in the backseat.
We’re looking at buying the Soft Topper because we haul a lot of topsoil, gravel etc in the bed and it’s too much of a pain to remove and replace a hard fiberglass topper.
Good break down on the good and not so good . I had picked one up on sale, and then ended up selling it . Running a kitted out leitner but selling that as I ordered an alu cab contour . Love the leitner but I haul tools and such and would rather have the water cover and security
Dude, your truck looks very similar to mine! I have a 2021 Army Green Tacoma TRD Sport. I added the tan Softopper to it and it looks so cool! I keep getting compliments on my truck everywhere I go! I generally run in safari mode in the summer.
Looks great. Personally I really like the tan with the army green, you've colored and everything very nicely! If I had a pick up I would definitely consider one of these.
Love my SoftTopper and have their integrated Tonneau cover and it's a great package. Comes on and off with ease if you need to take it out. But if you want to get the best gas mileage I use the tonneau.
I'm on my 3rd Softopper. The first one lasted about 15 years on my 2004 F150. I replaced it and then traded in my F150 for an F250 about a month ago. I bought a new Softopper for the 2fiddy. Installing it today. For sure, get it out in the sun or you'll never get all the snaps snapped. As far as a car wash goes, I would take mine to the automatic one with the jets (no touch) and it does fine through that. It doesn't get close enough to do any damage. Regarding security, one thing you can do if you're at a hotel is get a driveway alert from Harbor Freight and put the sensor inside the bed of the truck. If somebody gets in it, you'll know. You could also get a noise maker alarm to put back there too. (My F150 was totally analog so that's what I'd do). My F250 has alarms stock all over it. I have to figure out how to disable them while I sleep in the cab or it'll wake up everybody at the truck stop (ask me how I know). Anyway, great review. I love my Softoppers!
Crazy how many videos you have that align with my random interests. Mini bikes, soft top toppers, classic VW. I’m guessing you’ll be coming out with a video on surfing or DIY grape juice next.
a tundra came in the shop today with one on ang got to check it out. i didnt like the gaps where bugs and water can easily come in plus how easy it is to open for easy theft if anything is back there. i got a 2010 tacoma with a normal 6 feet bed. that one foot makes a difference for camping in which i like to do when i go to vermont. i had a dakota with a cap and wish i kept it since fiberglass caps are so expensive.
We have almost the exact same truck. I’ve got an army green trd or with a tan soft topper, tan seat covers, bronze Toyota grill and bronze wheels trd wheels. Only difference is mine has a long bed.
July 2024, I bought a 2009 Ridgeline with soft topper(off) last night. Learning this top is tight preheating in 90 degree heat might help... Snaps have dented my thumbs but most are snapped. Now trying to get pivot bar into place; the warmed soft top might help cold fabric is too tight. Once warmed maybe...wish me luck.
Just ordered mine but mine has the side windows and it’s for my 6.4 ft bed on my ram. We’ll see how it goes. I’m hoping to get a warm day here in Reno, it’s been in the 20’s and 30’s lately.😅
I’m thinking of this , my wife restores antique furniture and we can pick up or deliver when it’s raining and the hard top are ridiculous what there asking, thanks for the video
@JasonExplainsThings Wrinkly nut sack 🤣😂🤣👏 wooooow... they're not wrong. The dust did exactly what I thought it would, vortex air behind the truck, pushes dust in, fail... Realistically it's just annoying, keeping water out would the better priority. Good video, thank you, Jason! 🤜🤛
They make an inflated topper for trucks. Crazy that soft top makers haven't made the windows removable like pop up camper canvas does. And option of mesh screen windows, black out, etc,... An option to have a (removable) higher top when camping would be great too!
I’ve had a great experience with mine on my Ranger. However, the rear window cracked across the whole width of the window when I tried to fold it up in negative temps here in Montana during our last cold snap. I’ll be replacing the front and back with solid panels. The windows never looked great anyway.
the dust is the dealbreaker.. when youre on dirt or gravel roads the bed gets dusty quick. Even with a tonneau cover. Cant sleep in a dusty bed with a soft topper
Great video for those of us considering bed caps. Thanks. Question: have you or do you know of anyone that has their dogs in the back with the soft topper? My considerations are wind noise, heat, air flow and keeping them in especially with the back window.
For the back flap Velcro failing maybe look into some sort of magnetic fastener to keep it closed? I’m not sure how to go about it but magnets wouldn’t fail and I feel like even snaps eventually would need to be replaced. P.s. probably going to get one for my Silverado, feel like the tan would look good on black, nice video
I almost went the magnet approach, but figure magnets will also hold iron and metal picked up in dust,etc and scratch the paint overtime. no fastening for my flap
Definitely had trouble snapping my soft topper on my taco in the cold weather in PA. Much better idea installing it in the warm summer months. Do you have trouble with the corners leaking?
Does the flap connected to the truck pick up ? I was planning on having my dogs in the back and was wondering if they would get AC flow if I were to open my window on the back of my cab.
How does it handle water? That’s my only concern and the only reason I’d really want it. I have a bakflip bed cover currently, and it seems to leak like a stuck pig when it rains..
Would you still recommend a Soft Topper today? And as far as pets, would this be beneficial to pets , example if I was driving across the country with animals in the bed of the truck, with the back window rolled up would there be enough airflow ? Does it hold snow well or load on top, or bend?
In general I would recommend it. I haven’t had issues with some snow on top of it. I don’t let a ton of snow accumulate on top of it but it’s had a fair amount on it overnight before. In terms of animals I believe that Softopper offers some mesh panels. Yeah, never keep a dog or other animal in the back with the rear window down… especially in the summer. It can get pretty hot.
So what does your soft topper actually do? It is not secure. Basically keeps things somewhat dry. Get yourself a Bacflip. Worth every penny. I also like to take off and haul my motorcycle.
Hey Man, I live in Yakima too. I think we may be super close. We go to the same car wash. I do a lot of trips in Washington and doing the CDR this June. I run power wagon. Let’s link up for some coffee and make friends. Coffee and make friends.
hes talking about price there sportster. its extremely overpriced which you should have talked about. i think this might be because they are made in the USA?
"Jason explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and thing..."
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For the rear window, use 303 Protectant twice a year. This will keep it from cracking, will keep it clear as possible, and keeps it supple. Also yours looks wrinkled because you roll it up, keep it down and tight and it won't be wavey. I have a lot of this plastic on my boat top and it still looks and works great after years of sitting outside. Thanks for the detailed review.
Two upgrades I made to mine: 1) I installed magnets to hold down the rear flap. The Velcro I originally used on the tailgate failed due to hot/cold conditions. I got 10 magnets off Amazon that each hold about 100 lbs and they work great. I cut small slits into the flap “pocket” where the Velcro is located. I just needed 5 of the magnets and now I can drive 85 with no flapping. 2) Air and dust were entering into the bed from the front of the topper and the front flap kept pulling out. To remedy this, I jammed a pool noodle to hold the flap in the gap between the bed and cab. Works like a charm. Now very little dust and virtually no water.
Nice! I may copy you!
Would you please elaborate on the pool noodle and how you used it?
Can u give a link to the magnets you used
Can you make a video? Or maybe email? I’m interested in your jerryrigging hahaha
I have always like the look of the Soft topper! Quasi military surplus look. I think the tan color is a perfect choice. I thought this was an excellent review video.
Thanks Skyler!
I I've had a Softopper on my 2018 colorado zr2 since I bought it. I live in Phoenix and have had no problems with fading or the rear window buckling (I don't garage my truck).
I use a 3m industrial velcro on my tailgate for the rear hatch. That's what stayed stuck for me. With that and adding a tailgate weather stripping kit, I get almost no dust in the back now.
I looked at the same racks you mentioned, but you missed one: Uptop in Colorado. Awesome rack and company. And a bonus with their rack is you can adjust the height to what you want.
Cool. Thanks for the info.
Where did you find the tailgate weather stripping?
2021 TRD Offroad, I installed the velcro on the back face of the tailgate just over the plastic lip, its actually on the paint, makes a great seal. Even going through a touchless car wash it doesn't get water inside. They sell replacement velcro strips. Cleaned with alchohol wipes, dried, apply velcro. 3 years now and it still holds great. I've got the Army green one too lol, love the color!
I ran one on my 2nd gen Colorado for almost 7yrs and just picked up a lightly used one locally for my Silverado. It kept my tools dry and held up very well.
Tip for rolling up the back window. Get a soft fleece blanket or microfiber cloth and roll that up with the window. Keeps the plastic from rubbing especially if it's dirty/dusty. This really helps to keep the window from getting that foggy look over time.
Good suggestions. 👍
Glad you made this Video, I was just talking to Nate Hamm about it a few weeks back. I also like how it looks more than the Best Top Version.
Ditto about the patch. Excellent quality. Sticker is also great and looks awesome on the 4runner. I have had fiber glass toppers and tonneau toppers on different trucks-have thought the next truck will have some sort of soft top like this. No option is perfect, but spending within your means and going with the most flexibility for your application is really the definition of success. Looking forward to the 4runner content.
Tons of 4Runner stuff coming!
Ive had a softopper for 2 years. Love it besides it bent my bed rails of the bed it sits on. Installed it like supposed to but noticed it bent my bed rails. No longer level and really noticeable when i take it off.
Lame!
Also for the guy that asked about Jason’s patches. I got one and they are awesome. Flexible but stiffer than a regular patch. High quality! 👍🏼
Glad you like it! Mailing out 2 to Arizona tomorrow morning.
@@JasonExplainsThingsthanks again. It is on my headliner in my truck! Oh and the orange pants comment had me bursting out laughing.
Thanks. I'm still thinking, "Softopper." I'll put on the top for my outdoor play season, and use my truck like a truck the other 7 months of the year.
This is similar to a boat canopy!! Cool versatility!
Excellent video! I love my softopper for all the same reasons!
Hey my question made it! My 21 zr2 bison also has 900 lbs ish of payload and I struggled to find a good solution for a bed topper. Ended up going with a bak revolver x4s tonneau for now. May switch it up later. We are a family of five, and we like to pull a pop up, between human weight and tongue weight I know I'm stretching close to max payload but this set up has worked great so far. If maybe a little cramped for kids in the backseat.
We’re looking at buying the Soft Topper because we haul a lot of topsoil, gravel etc in the bed and it’s too much of a pain to remove and replace a hard fiberglass topper.
Good break down on the good and not so good . I had picked one up on sale, and then ended up selling it . Running a kitted out leitner but selling that as I ordered an alu cab contour . Love the leitner but I haul tools and such and would rather have the water cover and security
Dude, your truck looks very similar to mine! I have a 2021 Army Green Tacoma TRD Sport. I added the tan Softopper to it and it looks so cool! I keep getting compliments on my truck everywhere I go! I generally run in safari mode in the summer.
Very cool! You have good taste. 😁
Excellent review video! Also some great questions. I have the same color Best top soft top on my TJ and the back window did the same thing as yours.
They should make all of the chrome piece black. It would blend in better when the topper is down
Looks great. Personally I really like the tan with the army green, you've colored and everything very nicely! If I had a pick up I would definitely consider one of these.
Gonna forward this to a buddy that is wanting one for his tacoma. Thanks!
Awesome! Hope it helps.
I like flated. It easy on/off, about 60 lbs, two different types, mounts with straps.
Love my SoftTopper and have their integrated Tonneau cover and it's a great package. Comes on and off with ease if you need to take it out. But if you want to get the best gas mileage I use the tonneau.
I’m running a full time hard topper, aka 4runner 😋
Not a bad way to go! FYI... there's a whole bunch of 4Runner videos coming in the coming months.
the best kind!!
I just put a softopper on my 86 4Runner. So far I love it. I didn’t have a back window but the softopper fixes that
I'm on my 3rd Softopper. The first one lasted about 15 years on my 2004 F150. I replaced it and then traded in my F150 for an F250 about a month ago. I bought a new Softopper for the 2fiddy. Installing it today. For sure, get it out in the sun or you'll never get all the snaps snapped. As far as a car wash goes, I would take mine to the automatic one with the jets (no touch) and it does fine through that. It doesn't get close enough to do any damage. Regarding security, one thing you can do if you're at a hotel is get a driveway alert from Harbor Freight and put the sensor inside the bed of the truck. If somebody gets in it, you'll know. You could also get a noise maker alarm to put back there too. (My F150 was totally analog so that's what I'd do). My F250 has alarms stock all over it. I have to figure out how to disable them while I sleep in the cab or it'll wake up everybody at the truck stop (ask me how I know). Anyway, great review. I love my Softoppers!
I ordered on Monday and it showed up that Friday. Only took a few hours to install So far I love it on my first gen 4Runner.
Terrific explanations ... Professor, enjoyed the video, thanks
Researching truck bed solutions for my potential new Tacoma :)
Awesome! 🤩
Crazy how many videos you have that align with my random interests. Mini bikes, soft top toppers, classic VW. I’m guessing you’ll be coming out with a video on surfing or DIY grape juice next.
You may want to take a look at UpTop Overland Truss bed rack. It seems pretty light and adudtable. Great video
Just installed a Deck'd so it's easy to lock up stuff in the drawer. Downside is they're fairly heavy.
a tundra came in the shop today with one on ang got to check it out. i didnt like the gaps where bugs and water can easily come in plus how easy it is to open for easy theft if anything is back there. i got a 2010 tacoma with a normal 6 feet bed. that one foot makes a difference for camping in which i like to do when i go to vermont. i had a dakota with a cap and wish i kept it since fiberglass caps are so expensive.
I take my SofTopper through the automatic car wash frequently with little water intrusion. It's amazing how much dust gets in.
I was looking at this the other day, and the algorithm provided.
All hail the algorithm! May it reign for a thousand years. 😜
We have almost the exact same truck. I’ve got an army green trd or with a tan soft topper, tan seat covers, bronze Toyota grill and bronze wheels trd wheels. Only difference is mine has a long bed.
You have fantastic taste I see. 🤜🤛
Looks great, like a mini version of a military personnel carrier.
July 2024, I bought a 2009 Ridgeline with soft topper(off) last night. Learning this top is tight preheating in 90 degree heat might help... Snaps have dented my thumbs but most are snapped. Now trying to get pivot bar into place; the warmed soft top might help cold fabric is too tight. Once warmed maybe...wish me luck.
Yep… it’s stiff at first. Leaving it out in the sun helps a ton.
Just ordered mine but mine has the side windows and it’s for my 6.4 ft bed on my ram. We’ll see how it goes. I’m hoping to get a warm day here in Reno, it’s been in the 20’s and 30’s lately.😅
Very cool idea, but the Deal breaker for me is probably not bear proof and I visit bear country often.
I’m thinking of this , my wife restores antique furniture and we can pick up or deliver when it’s raining and the hard top are ridiculous what there asking, thanks for the video
Just picked a black one up for my white 03 Tacoma super stoked !
Congrats!
Oh here we go! Thank you, Jason!
Your question was an important topic to cover. 🤜🤛
@JasonExplainsThings
Wrinkly nut sack 🤣😂🤣👏 wooooow... they're not wrong.
The dust did exactly what I thought it would, vortex air behind the truck, pushes dust in, fail...
Realistically it's just annoying, keeping water out would the better priority.
Good video, thank you, Jason! 🤜🤛
They make an inflated topper for trucks.
Crazy that soft top makers haven't made the windows removable like pop up camper canvas does.
And option of mesh screen windows, black out, etc,...
An option to have a (removable) higher top when camping would be great too!
More options for windows and such would be cool. Might make the water and dust performance worse though.
We’re saving up for a Tan topper for our (my) 23 Tacoma TRD
I’ve had a great experience with mine on my Ranger. However, the rear window cracked across the whole width of the window when I tried to fold it up in negative temps here in Montana during our last cold snap. I’ll be replacing the front and back with solid panels. The windows never looked great anyway.
Woah! Yeah I don’t doubt it. They get really stiff when it’s below freezing.
the dust is the dealbreaker.. when youre on dirt or gravel roads the bed gets dusty quick. Even with a tonneau cover. Cant sleep in a dusty bed with a soft topper
Makes total sense. It handles water way better than dust.
I’ve got the taco. Looking at the soft topper paired with a decked system in the bed. That way I can secure items that need to be locked up. Thoughts?
Thinking of the same.
Sometimes overnight we get 3’ of snow. Will this hold up with the weight of the snow?
I’d check the weight limit on their website.
Great video for those of us considering bed caps. Thanks.
Question: have you or do you know of anyone that has their dogs in the back with the soft topper? My considerations are wind noise, heat, air flow and keeping them in especially with the back window.
Softopper makes a version with mesh windows which might be a good idea for doggos.
My dog is spoiled and rides in the cab... but he's small and pathetic.
They have a tonneau cover topper combo now. Im buying
For the back flap Velcro failing maybe look into some sort of magnetic fastener to keep it closed? I’m not sure how to go about it but magnets wouldn’t fail and I feel like even snaps eventually would need to be replaced.
P.s. probably going to get one for my Silverado, feel like the tan would look good on black, nice video
I almost went the magnet approach, but figure magnets will also hold iron and metal picked up in dust,etc and scratch the paint overtime. no fastening for my flap
Definitely had trouble snapping my soft topper on my taco in the cold weather in PA. Much better idea installing it in the warm summer months. Do you have trouble with the corners leaking?
Great review 👍 now I gotta take my tool box off
Does the flap connected to the truck pick up ? I was planning on having my dogs in the back and was wondering if they would get AC flow if I were to open my window on the back of my cab.
add some magnet strips for the back window should fix the issue, better than velcro
Thoughts on Premium Black Twill material vs the standard sail cloth?
can the topper be interchanged with a tonneau cover? i see you used tape to install it, i would like to use both.
Do you need to install a third light over the rear topper window?
J, what are your thoughts on the wild top?
How does it handle water? That’s my only concern and the only reason I’d really want it.
I have a bakflip bed cover currently, and it seems to leak like a stuck pig when it rains..
Like I said in the video I believe it handles water very well.
How about compare to flated air topper ?
Jason what seat covers do you have and where are they from?
They’re Carhartt seat covers from Covercraft. amzn.to/3vY8Cjg
Thanks!!
Would you still recommend a Soft Topper today?
And as far as pets, would this be beneficial to pets , example if I was driving across the country with animals in the bed of the truck, with the back window rolled up would there be enough airflow ?
Does it hold snow well or load on top, or bend?
In general I would recommend it. I haven’t had issues with some snow on top of it. I don’t let a ton of snow accumulate on top of it but it’s had a fair amount on it overnight before.
In terms of animals I believe that Softopper offers some mesh panels. Yeah, never keep a dog or other animal in the back with the rear window down… especially in the summer. It can get pretty hot.
Jason, I know that you live in WA state.
Let’s get together for a trip to Camas Meadows outside of Cashmere
Can you use a tonneau cover and a soft topper together?
I don’t believe so.
My leer fiberglassed cap on my tundra only weighs 175 lbs.
Outlander by Agri Cover same price and has windows on all four sides.
Leave it to Chris to spew cold hard facts! Im dead lol!!!!
HA! Yeah... I can't unsee it now.
Our TRD Off Road has the Long Bed, so we wouldn’t need the extra “tent” to go over the tailgate
So what does your soft topper actually do? It is not secure. Basically keeps things somewhat dry. Get yourself a Bacflip. Worth every penny. I also like to take off and haul my motorcycle.
Hey Man, I live in Yakima too. I think we may be super close. We go to the same car wash. I do a lot of trips in Washington and doing the CDR this June. I run power wagon. Let’s link up for some coffee and make friends.
Coffee and make friends.
It’s a small world. 👍. send me a dm on Instagram. I haven’t had the chance to hit the trails in way too long.
looks good
Can i put this on with a back rack ?
Some racks are made to work with it. Depends on the height and how it’s mounted. More on this topic soon. :-)
How does it do in car washes?
I show that in the video… in a car wash.
SOLD!! They should give you a commission code
If you get it on Amazon through my link I get a couple bucks. 👍
That's sharp
Soft-Toppers look the best.
Soft-Toppers allow you to own a truck.
Soft-Toppers rule!
Exactly .. security .. I feel naked . With it I love it .. but it’s not super secure .
Great. Now when I look at the back of my rig I'm gonna see a nutsack.😅
😂
no one is gonna talk about the materials? a blanket sized thick high quality tarp? and idk maybe 40 pounds in aluminum?......turns out to 1100?
Um… I don’t think you’re paying attention too well there sport. No one said a softopper weighs 1100 lbs. it weighs like 30 pounds.
hes talking about price there sportster. its extremely overpriced which you should have talked about. i think this might be because they are made in the USA?
EVERYONE roles the sides an back window up WRONG!!! Drives me nuts... You role them up INWARDS so the dont hold water..
COME ON MAN
To roll the rear window inward wouldn't have to remove the rod?
Payload on a Toyota is a conservative estimate 😊😊😊 have overloaded most of them
👍🤫
Looks like you Installed it way too far forward
"Jason explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and explains and thing..."
Is that a compliment? I can’t tell. 🙂
too bad it doesn't exist for our old first generation ram😢
That would look sweet on a W150 with a short bed.
1000 bucks tho
Pretty much the cheapest option except a used fiberglass topper off Craigslist or something.
Hatin' on jeep huh! Lol
Pretty shitty warranty if you asked me. Which you didn’t so I guess that and eight dollars buy you latte.
🤣 Yeah the window is the only part that ages quickly. Holding up great for me.