2-Year Owner Review: Softopper Product Review on 2017 DCSB Toyota Tacoma
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2021
- #softopper #tacoma I've had the Softopper on my Tacoma for almost 2 years now and have had a few people ask me about it when I've been travelling so I thought I would put together my thoughts on the product, why I bought it, how it works, and how I take care of it. I purchased this topper with my own money and do not and would not accept free products in exchange for a UA-cam review. I hope this review is helpful and thanks for watching!
We've had one on our '06 F350 for ten years. It's been spectacular for what we needed - being able to pull a 5th wheel, then put the Softopper up and carry stuff. We've had a few of the plastic parts deteriorate over the years but they were inexpensive and easy to replace. Last month, I noticed some seams were rotting out, so I ordered and just received a new set of canvas. Compared to a hard topper, this thing is a steal!
This was the best review of the softopper I’ve seen. I’m sold! Thanks.
Thank you I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching!
Solid video my friend. New Tacoma owner here and just digging around. Great work and thanks for putting this together!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great review I was debating on a ARE hard top or a soft shell…you just sold me on the soft topper
Just installed I was worried because I’m not super handy! It was super easy I had a blast 💥 love my Softopper!!!!
Great review! I have been seriously looking at purchasing one of these Softtoppers. Thanks for answering a lot of my questions!
Glad I could help!
Awesome review! Including your cleaning routine is VERY appreciated. Just bought a preowned 2018 which had the softopper already installed. Very excited to attempt a small camping trip soon with it
Hope you enjoy it!
Nice work straight forward to the point. From one Taco and MX5 owner to another, (only I up graded form a 2003 NB to a 2014 NC with a hard top so it's back to canvas cleaning for me.
Thanks for watching! Sadly will likely part with the Miata next year to fund other fun stuff.
Thanks for the detailed review. Had my eye on these for a first gen for a few years now and I think you just made me confident enough to pull the trigger.
Cheers
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video and well done! Thank you!
Great review. I plan to replace my fiberglass shell with a Softopper. Also , nice to see another Overland Bound Texas member.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
From the beginning, I was like "wow, that looks familiar". After seeing your trash/rec bins, I'm not crazy! Hope to see you around!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you for the thorough review!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Great review! I've been looking at picking one up for the same reasons. I'd like a canopy for our gear when we go camping yet can still easily remove for when I want to use my truck for hauling bigger items.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm very happy with mine and it's holding up well!
Great video and honest review. I also subscribed buddy 👍🏼
Thanks Bear for watching, commenting and subscribing! Really appreciate it.
We use our truck for both work and play, so this Soft Topper would be Perfect for our needs
Very nice review! I love my softtopper as well. I've had it for 1 year now, camp in it often, and have had no issues with it either. It's been great! Thanks for a great review video!
Thank you!
Does it get dusty in there? Or wet? Have you camped in it in the rain ?
@@kyjelly5524 No it doesn't get wet. I don't sleep in the truck bed when camping but keep all my gear in it and have never had any problems with water, even during heavy rain. Yes, it does get dusty. I have since put insulation around the gaps in the tailgate which seems to help a lot with dust. Thanks for watching!
Do you sleep it in with all the windows and tailgate closed? Does it get stuffy?
I got mine, thanks for the video
Great review!!
Great review! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Been wanting one for a while. Will put some money aside and get one. Seems to be well worth the money
Excellent video- thanks for posting! 😎👍
Thanks Trent I really appreciate the comment and thank you for watching!
These soft tops are growing on me more and more just for flexibility use
Thanks for watching. Plus they are less expensive than a hard top, and barely add any weight. Unless you need a semi secure truck bed, the soft top is hard to beat.
@@AdventureswithRod I love the idea of one but I’ve heard the lack of view or blind spot can be annoying when the whole thing is up
@@Idc.350 That is true and something you have to get used to as the rear window does get quite dirty. Its not too bad when its clean, and honestly, I probably need to replace my rear window flap as the clear vinyl panel is now clouded due to UV damage. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I think your review convinced me. Thanks
Glad I could help
Awesome review Rod
Thank you kindly
Excellent review!
Wow thank you! Thanks for watching!
Great review, I would add a 3rd clamp on each bed rail. I have mine mounted about 3/4" further forward then instructions indicate, this stopped water leaking at the front corners, added snaps to the front inside of my bed to secure the topper flap. I use snaps for the rear flap also. Best Top sells a 3 produce care kit for both the vinyl and clear windows. I highly recommend using zipper lube.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Excellent review, well done.
Thanks for watching
Have had my Soft topper for about ten years. . I have dropped my fiberglass shells hurt myself removing them etc. The ease of use is fantastic!
I really believe it deters theft having the back of the truck covered up.
Hi Richard. Thanks for watching and commenting! Agree the ease of use is really hard to beat!
Good review, very nice topper
Superbe review, thank you for sharing
Thank you for watching and for the compliment! I appreciate it!
Great video! Concerning the flap in between the front of the bed and the actual cab, to prevent that flapping around I did something similar. I bought a wood dowel from Home Depot (I forget the size) and there’s actually a “pocket” that’ll let you insert it into there to keep the flap weighted down and tucked in there.
Thanks for watching Brycen! That's a good idea - I don't recall a flap on my panel - maybe it was added after I bought mine? My solution now is a heavy duty velcro strip to secure the leading edge of the flap on both sides of the truck bed which has been working well for a few months now.
@@AdventureswithRod Of course! Love your content, it helped me pull the trigger on a Softopper. Although I have a Leer cap now but I still miss having the Softopper every now and then.
Thank you!
Nice thorough video!
Much appreciated!
Great video, thanks very much
Thanks I hope you found it useful and thank you for watching!
Great info.,I ve been using plastex for uv protection on my headlight and tail lights to keep yellow staining away,this may help for your windows.applies just like a wax
My window finally gave out and cracked one morning in the spring when it was cold out and I rolled it up. Bought a replacement window and also bought 303 Marine Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner to protect it. Should have done that from the start. Thanks for watching and commenting!
i have a 2010 tacoma and was looking at one. a tundra with one came in the shop few days ago and i didnt like the gaps at the corners for the tailgate, a 1/2 gap and that seamed a good area for water and bugs to come in. i like to have a cap for a camper to camp in. my old dakota had one and i wish i kept it when i traded it in. these are $990 now.
Super easy install glad I got Softopper instead of best topper
Thanks for watching!
After cleaning the top, use Lucas spray on wax on the windows. Also use the 303 protect on the zippers.
I'm a life long Jeep guy having owned my 1st jeep at age 9, 1974. Over 48 years. I prefer soft top on my Jeeps, the top is always with you and it's light in weight. I use 303 on the top, zippers and seals. Also on tires, dash, door seals I use it everywhere. I buy it by the gallon off Amazon. I keep my plastic window looking sharp by using Lucas spray on wax, shaking well and off. Use a micro fiber cloth to rub on, I let it dry then use a clean Micro fiber to buff off. I also use Lucas spray on wax on my paint is the same manner. I feel Lucas spray on wax is the best.
Thanks for watching Wayne - I really think 303 is best all-around and use it on pretty much any plastic/vinyl material both interior and exterior. I haven't used Lucas spray wax before and will have to check it out for the topper windows - although at this point mine already have some UV damage.
Great video on topper.
Thanks 👍
Hey, sweet video. You have my subscription. I just ordered the bestop topper. Apparently they own softopper now. I have to wait a few months for mine to get here unfortunately. In the meantime, I will work on getting what I can ready to make my truck bed into a "camper". Sleep in yours much? If so, how is it for sleeping?
Great. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub and watching!
Great video Rod, thanks. I just ordered mine this morning and this popped up after watching the install vid they emailed. What is the product you use to wash and protect? Thanks
Hi Shaun. Thank you for watching and commenting! I use 303 convertible top cleaner and 303 automotive protectant twice a year to keep the vinyl in good shape and am pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy your new topper!
I like how you can fold it back to the cab
This was a huge part of my decision as at least 3 or 4 times a year I have to haul something big that won't fit under the topper.
Great video
Thanks!
thank you. I am looking at getting one and love unpaid real world review
Hope you enjoy it!
best review Ive seen on toppers. Do you know if it can withstand a drive thru carwash?
Probably, but I've never done it.
Bought a Tacoma 4 months ago and keep coming back to these soft toppers. Thanks for the run through, it was thorough and great information, especially after 2 years on the truck. When it's folded back, does it have straps to secure it? I noticed they sell a boot cover/storage bag for when it's folded, but didn't know if that was truly necessary or not.
Hi Jason - Thanks for watching and commenting! No it doesn't have straps to secure it when closed but I've never had an issue with it when folded down - if needed a bungee cord would work. I also did not feel the need for the boot cover/bag as its on my truck 24/7 and only rarely folded up.
@@AdventureswithRod Good to know, thank you. I have contacted Soft Topper, but it seems they are having supply chain issues. Hoping to get one on the truck soon. Thanks again.
Hopefully supply will get back to normal soon!
@@AdventureswithRod I just purchased mine this morning for a 2022 tacoma SR. The install video shows that they now have straps that hold it down when it is opened up.
Thinking I will get one now disabled easy to deal with and not heavy
Yes - its very lightweight, and easy to push forward to when you need to and then put it back into place. Thanks for watching!
When you showed the detailed specs backdown, it shows Window: Replaceable Acrylic. Does that mean you can replace the actual clear window above the tailgate? Can you replace the window that is toward the front near the back of cab? Great video and I’m pretty much sold on ole of these because it’s easy to take off and on and weighs nothing.
Stephen - yes you can purchase replacement front and rear window panels on the Softopper website. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great review. Does the flap at the cab roll up like the one at the tailgate?
Sort of. It doesn't have zippers as it has velcro to secure it to the side panels, so yes you could unvelcro and flip it over the top but there aren't clips to secure it like the back panel. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!
Pretty versatile
Thanks so much for the review. I've been thinking about theses, mainly for camping in. I'm still not sure the best way to go. I really appreciate your review. Question though - you said that you don't camp/sleep out of it - why is that?
Thanks Duane - glad you found the review helpful and thank you for watching and commenting! I don't have anything setup to be able to camp in the truck bed, primarily because its a short bed so only 5ft long and I'm 5'10, plus with my dog and gear it would be very tight. I've considered buying the bed tent extender from Softtopper so that I could sleep in the back but haven't pursued that yet. Generally, I'm more of a base camper if I'm camping for a few days, and I want to be able to use my truck to explore and not have to unload/load gear much.
@@AdventureswithRod Ah good point about the bed length - I was fortunate enough to find a 6’ bed on mine - but that text extender did seem interesting. I’m opposite and I don’t really base camp it’s more stop and go so I’ve been looking for affordable solutions that aren’t a PITA. Currently I have a bakflip tonneau cover which is great BUT isn’t so great for sleeping under. Thanks so much for the reply I really appreciate it!
I'm actually thinking about possibly making one myself as I think I could buy a cheap Coleman tent and cut and sew it to fit the same way for way less than $179. Might be a fun project....or a complete disaster.
@@AdventureswithRod that would make a great video!!!
Hey thank you first of all for the review. Just a few questions... Do you do any cleaning or protections to the underside of the material and second how often do you have it set up vs folded down? For me I would have it folded down about 90% of the time.
Loyd - no i don't clean the underside material at all and mine is in the up position 99% of the time. I think if you were to have it folded down that much that it would be worth buying the storage cover bag accessory. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks
Seems like a solid soft topper
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have a feeling you don't live in high snow conditions. In that case maybe in the winter it might be better to have to folded up. Or the snow wouldn't make any difference? Thanks for the video!
Pearly - nope live in Texas so rarely have any snow, but I have had some and I guess it depends how much snow you get. I've had a couple inches of snow and a inch of solid ice on it with no issues, but if I knew I was getting a foot of snow I would probably fold it down. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hey, nice video and review. Do you know if you can drive at highway speeds with the Softopper in the down position? Thanks!
i saw a video install from the Softtop account and stated that it should be fine in the down position as long as you buckle the clips ua-cam.com/video/W6JrfFd3J2g/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Softopper
Yes - had no issues driving on highway in down position as their are clips to secure it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great review - is there any need to secure the top while driving with it folded forward? Are there ties provided? If not, what do you use? Thanks
Thanks for watching...no I've never secured it but would probably just use a bungi cord.
@@AdventureswithRod - you don't have to worry about the wind blowing the top around at highway speeds?
No...it lays down behind the cab so I've never had an issue with it even at highway speed.
@@AdventureswithRod - okay, Thanks
Have you used any other protectant? I see that 303 has a “fabric guard” but I think it mainly has better water repelling abilities, but I’m not sure if the UV protection is the same
Hi Justin. Thanks for watching and commenting. No I just use the 303 tonneau cover cleaner and then the 303 automotive protectant and have been happy with results.
303 product. First time use today on softopper. Excellent 👍
So does the front flap does not have to velcroed or snapped? I was looking to get one but on my Nissan Titan is equipped with the Utilitrac system. I realize they have clamps for the side ones but under the front window would not allow velcro or drill the 3 snaps.
Front flap has velcro to secure it on the inside. Thanks for watching!
What about dust? How easy is it for dust to get inside the bed? I like to go on Forest roads and dust like to fill my bed even with the bed cover that I have
Hi Zachary - dust will definitely get in the truck bed unless you add some insulation around the sides and bottom of the tailgate. I bought ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal for my Tacoma and it has made a huge difference in reducing dust into the bed.
Rod, As far as camping in the truck goes with this top on it..... Is it fully securable from inside the truck bed?
Well the rear flap is secured to the tailgate with velcro so that's the extent of security, but yes if you're in the truck bed you can raise and lower the tailgate with the top on. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Could you possibly measure the height clearance of the topper. I need to put a large gunner kennel and it is 34 inches.
Anthony thanks for watching and commenting. On my Tacoma the max clearance in the topper is approx 35 inches and that's measuring at the bottom of the topper frame bars. Anything at that height would be a careful squeeze at best. You may have to remove the rear window panel in order to not damage it. Hope this helps.
Hey has this had any effect on your mpg?
Any noise added on the highway?
Hi Eric - thanks for watching and commenting! I have not noticed any real effect on mpg or noise at all. Like I mentioned in the video, the front panel behind the cab can flap at highway speed if not held down so that's why I used a piece of pipe insulation in between the cab and the truck bed to hold it in place.
Does water get in there? Does it get dusty ? I live in the high desert we have a bunch of dust and a decent amount of snow.
Thanks for watching! Yes without some insulation around the tailgate I did get a lot of dust when driving offroad, but I've added some and it seems to have helped.
Considering getting one for my truck, does it lock in place when it’s folded down?
Hi Marcus...thanks for watching and commenting. I don't think so. I can't remember if the interior clips can be used to hold it down. But I've never had an issue with it while driving and never secured it with anything. Softopper does sell a cover for it when in the down position.
Hey Rod, how’s the water resistance situation on this top? Will my stuff get wet in the back of the bed if it rains?
Thanks for watching and commenting - the top is essentially water proof and as long as the sides are sealed per installation you should not have any issues with water getting into the bed. My truck is outside 24x7 and gone through some tremendous rain storms and I've never seen any water in the bed.
Will the soft topper work with the decked drawer systems? I already have one in my Ram 2500.
Sorry, I really don't know if the frame would extend down into the bed and interfere with a drawer system.
Quick question, I just bought a softopper for my 2nd gen and am having some concerns... The pivot pin bracket is bending downward towards the truck bed. Is this normal?
Jimmy thanks for watching and commenting. I think what you're saying makes sense and is normal. If it's not opening and closing correctly or the pivot is hitting the bed sidewall then something is wrong with the install or the topper frame. I think in my vid there are interior shots that show the position you can compare to your install. Hope this helps!
Make sure you don’t have it backwards. My first go-round was doing the same thing and I noticed I had the actual frame in the wrong way. Flopped it and absolutely love my Softtopper
I have one question if you were going to put the topper in the open position, would you be able to put a motorcycle in the back without taking a cover completely off? Thinking about buying one but I’d like to be able to get my motorcycle in there without having to take it completely off. Thanks
@ 5:20 you see it folded forward against cab side. Yes it allows you to use your bed for whatever.
David - yes it folds all the way forward - you may have a little rubbing of the cover against the motorcycle front tire but I don't think it would be an issue. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Anyone issue with snow being on top of it during winter time ?
I suppose it depends on how much snow - I'm in Texas so I've only had at most a few inches of snow and some ice on the topper and haven't had any issues. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Does the topper rub on the paint or glass anywhere while collapsed or not collapsed?
Hmm..Definitely does not touch paint or glass when up...it may touch the rear window glass when collapsed...I haven't really noticed it.
Do you take the topper off and wash/protectant the front section against the cab?
No. I leave in place and just give it a good rinse and clean and protect the exposed areas. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@AdventureswithRod ok...thank you for the input! I ordered one yesterday for my F350, mainly for camping and such. But, we also haul in our bed, so the folding up capability will be great.
Safe travels
@@campingalan Glad to help. I think you'll be happy with the topper and how well made it is and easy to install and use. Take care!
If you had installed the snaps or a velcro strip for the front panel's flap inside the bed you wouldn't have had the flapping issue on the highway.
I did install the velcro but that didn't seem to help with the high-speed flapping. Maybe user error on the install but I ended up removing it and using my existing solution. There is a 3m Dual Lock velcro product out now that is very robust that I have used on another project. I need to look and see if using a few strips of that on the leading edge of the front window in between the cab and the truck bed will work even better. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@AdventureswithRod didn't the kit come with the self-tapping snap screws?? The snaps should secure it nicely.
@@AdventureswithRod your welcome. Softopper for my DCSB is currently on backorder... Should be shipping any day now. 🤞🏼🤞🏼
@@jonray4103 It must have but I don't really remember and its likely buried somewhere in a box in my garage. I'm sure at the time I didn't want to drill into the bed to put the snap screws in and thought the velcro would work.
I wonder if the 303 will discolor a tan canvas
Robert - good question - I would not anticipate any problems with discoloring using 303. I use 303 interior spray on my miata which has a tan leather interior and it works great. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Just saw an ad for these and was intrigued. I have an 05 Jeep with a soft top and the construction of the softopper was what I was really wanting to get a close look at.
I was hoping for something more than what it is. Using snaps and hooks and plastic jointed ends for the support bars really kinda bothers me. I'm sure it's a price point thing but they could have done quite a bit better. I don't see this thing holding up as long as a fiberglass shell.
The best thing about this setup is the thing that will ruin it faster. I see premature wear happening from folding it up frequently and that front window is gonna scratch up real quick. Also using those snaps..
They need a premium version of this with heavier duty fabric, hardware and zero plastic at flexible hard ends and strap tensioners. Then they would have a product I would be very interested in.
Can you feel it flap in the wind on the highway?
Thanks Ben for watching and commenting! No, once it is secured there is no flapping at all.
Does have a removable front window?
Hi Frank - no it does not. The side panels can be rolled up and the rear panel can be rolled up or removed when needed. Thanks for commenting and watching!
do all crew cab Tacomas have the utility rail?
Hmm - not 100% sure but I think its standard on all Tacomas.
Hi do you have a 5 ft bed if so have you slept in it ?
Yes 5ft bed and no I haven't slept in it....thanks for watching!
Its a bimini top, but for a truck !
Is this a 5ft bed? Sorry if you said it, I just didn’t catch it.
Yes 5ft bed. Thanks for watching!
@@AdventureswithRod thanks for the reply brother. Can you camp comfortably in it? I’m 6ft 190 for reference.
I've never tried camping in it but without the tailgate down I think it would be an issue.
Any water leakage ever?
None that I've have ever noticed and its been through some serious storms. Company supplies weatherstripping to help seal the gap between the topper and bed. Thanks for watching!
Is the soft topper waterproof?
Joshua - yes - its a waterproof, all-season 3-ply laminated sailcloth. I've never had any issues with water leaking through the cover.
How dust proof is it?
Its not...you're going to get dust in your bed if you're travelling in dusty conditions - but most of that will come through the gaps in your truck tailgate and not through the soft top. To really help reduce it you'll need to get some weather stripping for your tailgate.
Can you drive in to a car wash with it?
No I have not ever done it with my truck. I personally would not recommend it with a regular car wash as I think the machinery could damage the topper. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@AdventureswithRod thanks for the response, but I'm talking about touchless car wash....
Hmm. Maybe but I would be concerned about the pressure of the water hitting the topper. I have a home pressure washer that I use for washing my truck and I never use it on the topper as I think it could damage the seams and vinyl.
@@AdventureswithRod Yea..... I think you are right. Im planning to get one. Thx!
@@FK-kr3xs awesome. I think it's a great product.
anyone know if these work with the decked drawer system?
Thanks for watching and commenting Xander - I don't know if these would be compatible as I think the topper frame hinge might be blocked by the drawer system depending on its height in the bed. It might work if left in the cover in up position, but you might not be able to folder it forward.
Hey Sir! We sincerely look for a collaboration with you! Are you interested in trying our Tacoma custom seat covers?
Saw they make one for my Maverick. But almost a grand so I'm gonna pass.
Good review but I stopped watching at 16:25 when he admitted he was a liberal
I resemble that remark ;)
@@AdventureswithRod LOL, Im just messing with you... great review! Thank you!
I was on the fence, but you defently pushed me over. lol thanks for the vid.
I do like how if ya need to open bed up flip it over instead of having to take completely off
No, try $899. Softopper is awesome, but when they sold out to bestop, shit went downhill. $900 bucks for a softopper is fuckin ridiculous
Right?! Might as well spend the extra and get a proper camper shell. Maybe at $300-400 this would be a great alternative.
Excellent review!
Thank you for watching and commenting!