I don't like campers on trucks I tihnk they look dumb and have nowhere to store one when it's off(live in a condo). I bought one to transport my dogs(cause I don't want hair everywhere in the cab) and they're really quick to put up, take down, and store. One you've installed it the first time it's literally 4 brackets on the truck, two pins for the top umbrella things, then snap/unsnap the top that's pretty much it. After camping I took mine off in less than 10 minutes.
Same and I have a cross tether to chain them in the back so I can open the back and sides when the weather is nice. The ole lady is definitely happier not having to vacuum the car every other weekend haha
I have 2 150lb great pyrenees and 2 kids, they don't all fit in the back seat. GP's shed a lot and my male gets slobber on everything. I can't wait for my soft topper.
Awesome video guys! I’m really digging that soft top and it’s versatility. It also looks like it’s made extremely well! Being a boater, it reminds me of a Bimini top!
Thanks for the video. I'm researching. I want to cut in a stove jack to camp with a small tent wood stove. Bestop has windows I can change out to meet this need. I wish I could cut in a jack to the Softopper but, I'm not confident I can pull that off.
Fantastic thorough review! Thanks for showing the removal too. I was on the fence until I saw this. Also, HUGE props to the access cab TRD OR. DOn't see those down here in SoCal but I've got one on order soon hopefully.
The only bad thing is the inside the rail configuration making it incomparable with the Decked drawer system. And cutting the deck of the decked will void your warntee.
that thing is cool. it's the same argument to be made between hard and soft tonneaus. each has it's advantages. i would try to get the velcro to sit at the edge of the top of the gate where you wouldn't notice it and if you took it off the adhesive wouldn't cause issues.
I got my ST right about the same time you did. Freaking awesome topper with excellent fit and finish for sure! I found that when I am ready to put the boot cover over mine, I flip the whole thing to that back of the truck and will rest on the floor of the bed at the tailgate area. It makes installing the boot an easy one man job. Then flip it back forward and clip in down to the front pad eyes for travel.
I love these, but reeeeeeeeeally not a fan of the velcro. When i get one i'm going get pouches for magnets sewn on with soft material that won't scratch the paint.
great review, one tiny detail, though. The physical aspect of the topper opening, collapsing and removal were done towards the end in somewhat low light while a lot of the discussion was done driving around in very good light. It might have been better if you had flipped these, or at least done the physical part on the topper in better light.
I have a besttop (came w my truck). I was driving 65 today; windows unzipped and one of my corners came loose. Seems like it’s not a “tight” fit. Can’t wait to get rid of it
Got mine this year for my ram 2500. Was concerned about flapping noise at freeway speeds while trying to sleep in the bed, seemed just ad quiet as a hard top. Water intrusion at the cab corners can be stopped with a piece of foam pipe insulation. And no issues in drive through touch less car carwashes, never used one with the spinning wheels yet or ever.
looks awesome and id love to support a company from my state but dang at that price and being able to be stolen easily I feel like it for sure be gone someday. awesome video though almost convinced me lol
two questions: 1. is there a front window to it or is the front end just open to the rear cab window? 2. how is the stability of the top at speed? noise?
The front window is nearly identical to the rear and it appears to be pretty weather tight so far. I've done a fair amount of highway driving and it is very solid with no flapping or other noise.
When you attached the clamps to the side rail, how tight did you bolt them down? I have the same setup and when I tighten down the clamps I can see the truck track rail pulling upwards a bit from the stress of the clamps pulling up on them. Too loose and the topper rails want to slip inward. Too tight and that can't be good for the trucks rails.
I just tried to tighten it to the point where everything felt snug. I can see how over tightening it could cause problems. Also be sure that everything is centered on the top of the bed rail and track. They may bow a little but that rail is rated by Toyota to 200+ pounds.
@@TrailPass Thanks. I did notice the side rail bow up a little and I also noticed the Softopper rail tilt a little inward once the canvas was attached. Theres a lot of torque going on with this setup. So far I'm liking it. I may back off on the clamp bolts a bit just to make sure there's not too much upward force.
huh, came here from seeing one on the road and was curious about it. Looks like the bimini Im making for my boat. I might just make one for my taco next. I have a hard top on mine now, but I am thinking of getting this because of my dirtbike. I can haul the bike on a hitch carrier but that puts a bunch of weight on the rear (I think 600lb including the hard top) but this might work out better. Thank for the vid
I have a truck. I live in Florida and hunt and camp here and also in Georgia. Mosquitos can be terrible down here. On many of my hunts, I spend the night in a Tentcot, and if I get in the tent quickly and zip up quickly behind me, I can usually get away from the bugs. I am thinking of switching to a truck topper or now that I have seen them a Softopper. Is the seal between the Softopper and the truck good enough to keep out bugs (assuming I get in and close the doors quickly behind me)?
How was the operation of the back window in day to day, was it a pain to open and load the truck? Is there a zipper pull on the inside so you can close the back window if sleeping inside?
Depending on your summer weather it could get pretty warm. The sides roll up into a safari-style top and I see many people riding with their dogs like that to give them shade. Softopper also offers a mesh screen to replace the rear window to add ventilation.
@@TrailPass I live in Georgia so it gets pretty muggy and hot in the summer. do you think the lighter colored tops, like the tan one may not get as hot
When the topper is folded down/forward how far does it hang back from the front bed wall? Would a dirt bike tire rest against the front of the bed or fowl up on the topper?
I have the same truck. Currently looking at buying a used one for 150 bucks it's on a ram now but looks to small for the ram and if there measurements are correct it should fit my truck nicely
Nice video. Question. In the stowed or down position do you believe if you loaded a dirt bike the dirt could and would be able to make contact with the front of the truck or would or would it stop short because it made contact with the poles and fabric bunched up? Hope that makes sense? Cheers
From what I can see, it looks like it would come in contact with the front tire, maybe a short bed truck has a different frame segment for the topper. I would think you could pivot it backward, under the swing arm of the bike for transporting it with a bike in the bed.
I think you sold me on soft topper. I got quote for 3500 for a.r.e. hard top with extended hight. I still want to be able to use it as a truck so I save 2500 for modifications for my 2016 taco trd
Do you know if the softtopper can be kept in its storage bag for long periods of time without any concerns about mildew or creasing? Our plan was to keep this in stored position with an open bed 99% of the time, but when it rains and we need to keep things dry, then we would deploy it.
The material is very similar to a jeep top. I don't know for certain, but I think it would start to get mildew after staying wet for extended periods of time. The storage bag is really great, but it's not water tight.
I went over to the Toyota dealer in Saint Augustine goofing around and I just got a 2018 Tacoma Sport 4 door 4 wheel drive fully loaded for $6,800 under the MSRP.
I was just planning on looking around to pass some time and I saw this dark grey Sport 4door with four wheel drive that was fully loaded and they had it sixty-eight-hundred dollars below the MSRP and had to get it. They have somewhere around 1,000 automobiles on the lot. I think all Tacomas were at least $,4,500 below the MSRP. They sell 400 new vehicles a week and 200 used vehicles a week. The one I got was just delivered and was not on the web-site yet. If your looking for a Tacoma get on Beaver Toyota in Saint Augustine Florida web-site and you may find an 6,7or 800 mile trip worth it to get a truck over $6,000 below the MSRP. At 400 new vehicles sold a week they deal in bulk and not in each price where you have to negotiate. The price is right there on the vehicle window sticker and the MSRP is as well. The web-site has a lot of the vehicles with the prices and a bunch of photos of each one. So now I have a 2018 Tacoma and 4Runner. The Off Road was nice but the Sport rides SO MUCH better. I have an off road premium 4Runner and Sport Tacoma.
Does the front of the softopper roll up for ventilation? I put my dogs back there for long road trips so I’d like for them to be protected from the sun but prefer to keep it breezy for them in the summer months. Would it be safe to have the front and back of the softopper rolled up for highway speeds?
Looks cool. But looks harder to fold than would make it worth it. But as you said it’s a compromise. On a different note, Chad should go to back to the barber and get himself a decent haircut however.
Very little dust from the softopper. There are a few holes in the bed from the factory that can let in water and debris. Some people seal those with silicone or rubber molding.
Thanks! I think it would work great for that. I can sleep in mine, being a 6' bed pretty easily. It seems very water tight when you put it on, but all toppers that I have seen leak a little, even the hard toppers.
I just got e-mailed from a friend who got a Tundra for $6,780.00 under MSRP at the same dealer. They have a LOT of really cheap 2018 Toyota vehicles if anyone on here is looking for one. Tacoma are all at least $4,000.00 under MSRP I think. I looked at a 4Runner for $6,400.00 MSRP. They have 4 Tundra trucks that are all somewhere around $6,900.00 under MSRP. If anyone is looking they should check them out. It's worth a long drive.
Very weird to have a video of you driving with your friend next to you agreeing with everything you had said. Get more clips of the product and use the commentary from said driving clip.
I don't like campers on trucks I tihnk they look dumb and have nowhere to store one when it's off(live in a condo). I bought one to transport my dogs(cause I don't want hair everywhere in the cab) and they're really quick to put up, take down, and store. One you've installed it the first time it's literally 4 brackets on the truck, two pins for the top umbrella things, then snap/unsnap the top that's pretty much it. After camping I took mine off in less than 10 minutes.
I love extended cab toyotas!
Hardly ever see them anymore. Seems their all double cab now
I lean towards Chad's truck setup, this is good to have two Tacoma's being built on one channel. Veracity.
Best and most comprehensive review of a product that i've EVER seen. Thanks guys!
Thank you for the kind words and support! We have many more videos coming!
in my case was a game changer. I have several dogs and in the past they would go in the rear seats and make a mess now they ride in the bed.
Same and I have a cross tether to chain them in the back so I can open the back and sides when the weather is nice. The ole lady is definitely happier not having to vacuum the car every other weekend haha
I have 2 150lb great pyrenees and 2 kids, they don't all fit in the back seat. GP's shed a lot and my male gets slobber on everything. I can't wait for my soft topper.
Awesome video guys! I’m really digging that soft top and it’s versatility. It also looks like it’s made extremely well! Being a boater, it reminds me of a Bimini top!
Got one for my Zr2..I have two dogs..so far so good, no complaints...
The most thorough video I've seen showing the utility of this product. Thanks, men.
Nicely done video (though a little dark in spots). Very thoroughly covers most questions that a potential buyer would ask.
Thanks for the video. I'm researching. I want to cut in a stove jack to camp with a small tent wood stove. Bestop has windows I can change out to meet this need.
I wish I could cut in a jack to the Softopper but, I'm not confident I can pull that off.
Thanks for the introduction to the soft topper.
Fantastic thorough review! Thanks for showing the removal too. I was on the fence until I saw this. Also, HUGE props to the access cab TRD OR. DOn't see those down here in SoCal but I've got one on order soon hopefully.
The only bad thing is the inside the rail configuration making it incomparable with the Decked drawer system. And cutting the deck of the decked will void your warntee.
that thing is cool. it's the same argument to be made between hard and soft tonneaus. each has it's advantages. i would try to get the velcro to sit at the edge of the top of the gate where you wouldn't notice it and if you took it off the adhesive wouldn't cause issues.
Another great video. Both videos on soft toppers have been really helpful.
You should make a truck bed camping video this spring/summer
I got my ST right about the same time you did. Freaking awesome topper with excellent fit and finish for sure!
I found that when I am ready to put the boot cover over mine, I flip the whole thing to that back of the truck and will rest on the floor of the bed at the tailgate area. It makes installing the boot an easy one man job. Then flip it back forward and clip in down to the front pad eyes for travel.
Nice vid. Hows it holding up? Seems like you could just run a strip of vinyl over the paint and stick the velcro to that...
Soft Taco. Very clever.
I love these, but reeeeeeeeeally not a fan of the velcro. When i get one i'm going get pouches for magnets sewn on with soft material that won't scratch the paint.
great review, one tiny detail, though. The physical aspect of the topper opening, collapsing and removal were done towards the end in somewhat low light while a lot of the discussion was done driving around in very good light. It might have been better if you had flipped these, or at least done the physical part on the topper in better light.
Thanks for the video and the review. It helped me to make my decision 👍
Great video guys, very thorough and clear presentation.
I have a besttop (came w my truck). I was driving 65 today; windows unzipped and one of my corners came loose. Seems like it’s not a “tight” fit. Can’t wait to get rid of it
Let me clarify. All of my windows were not installed. Besttop has windows that come out on both sides and back.
Great video! Hopefully the Softopper quality remains the same since Bestop Just acquired Softopper in early June.
Nice job . Notice the back of bed you have flat surface looks like a plastic floor cover . Something you can buy through softopper?
Got mine this year for my ram 2500. Was concerned about flapping noise at freeway speeds while trying to sleep in the bed, seemed just ad quiet as a hard top. Water intrusion at the cab corners can be stopped with a piece of foam pipe insulation. And no issues in drive through touch less car carwashes, never used one with the spinning wheels yet or ever.
Also very convenient if you have and use a 5th wheel hitch or goose neck as much as I do
Amazing video review. Will he buying this soon!!
This is the one i have be waiting for.
looks awesome and id love to support a company from my state but dang at that price and being able to be stolen easily I feel like it for sure be gone someday. awesome video though almost convinced me lol
Lock it to the truck somehow
Someone get this kid a real hair cut 🤣🤣🤣😂☠️
Can you guys film on a darker setting next time?
Been looking into these for my F250. Thanks for sharing it helped alot. Liked and subscribed
two questions: 1. is there a front window to it or is the front end just open to the rear cab window? 2. how is the stability of the top at speed? noise?
The front window is nearly identical to the rear and it appears to be pretty weather tight so far. I've done a fair amount of highway driving and it is very solid with no flapping or other noise.
When you attached the clamps to the side rail, how tight did you bolt them down? I have the same setup and when I tighten down the clamps I can see the truck track rail pulling upwards a bit from the stress of the clamps pulling up on them. Too loose and the topper rails want to slip inward. Too tight and that can't be good for the trucks rails.
I just tried to tighten it to the point where everything felt snug. I can see how over tightening it could cause problems. Also be sure that everything is centered on the top of the bed rail and track. They may bow a little but that rail is rated by Toyota to 200+ pounds.
@@TrailPass Thanks. I did notice the side rail bow up a little and I also noticed the Softopper rail tilt a little inward once the canvas was attached. Theres a lot of torque going on with this setup. So far I'm liking it. I may back off on the clamp bolts a bit just to make sure there's not too much upward force.
Excellent overview, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
huh, came here from seeing one on the road and was curious about it. Looks like the bimini Im making for my boat. I might just make one for my taco next. I have a hard top on mine now, but I am thinking of getting this because of my dirtbike. I can haul the bike on a hitch carrier but that puts a bunch of weight on the rear (I think 600lb including the hard top) but this might work out better. Thank for the vid
Good TOO GO!
How has your ST held up? About to pull the trigger on one but still debating between this, hard shell, or just even a truck tent...
I have a truck. I live in Florida and hunt and camp here and also in Georgia. Mosquitos can be terrible down here. On many of my hunts, I spend the night in a Tentcot, and if I get in the tent quickly and zip up quickly behind me, I can usually get away from the bugs. I am thinking of switching to a truck topper or now that I have seen them a Softopper. Is the seal between the Softopper and the truck good enough to keep out bugs (assuming I get in and close the doors quickly behind me)?
Hows it holding up? How are you keeping the flap between the bed and cab down?
LET'S GOOOOO
How was the operation of the back window in day to day, was it a pain to open and load the truck?
Is there a zipper pull on the inside so you can close the back window if sleeping inside?
how hot does it get in the truck bed, when the softopper? asking for my dogs and summer camping
Depending on your summer weather it could get pretty warm. The sides roll up into a safari-style top and I see many people riding with their dogs like that to give them shade. Softopper also offers a mesh screen to replace the rear window to add ventilation.
@@TrailPass I live in Georgia so it gets pretty muggy and hot in the summer. do you think the lighter colored tops, like the tan one may not get as hot
@@kerem7546 i think a tan or light grey with the mesh back would be good!
When the topper is folded down/forward how far does it hang back from the front bed wall? Would a dirt bike tire rest against the front of the bed or fowl up on the topper?
Would like to know this as well
I have the same truck. Currently looking at buying a used one for 150 bucks it's on a ram now but looks to small for the ram and if there measurements are correct it should fit my truck nicely
Are all the mounts universal?
The mounts are similar for all. They use similar clamps to any other camper shell
Nice video. Question. In the stowed or down position do you believe if you loaded a dirt bike the dirt could and would be able to make contact with the front of the truck or would or would it stop short because it made contact with the poles and fabric bunched up? Hope that makes sense? Cheers
From what I can see, it looks like it would come in contact with the front tire, maybe a short bed truck has a different frame segment for the topper. I would think you could pivot it backward, under the swing arm of the bike for transporting it with a bike in the bed.
Can you break it completely down and store it under a tonneau cover such as a Diamond back. This would be a great option for long road trips
On the softopper website video, a girl took off the cover in about 1 minute. ;)
Great video thanks guys
Need more light for recording
I think you sold me on soft topper. I got quote for 3500 for a.r.e. hard top with extended hight. I still want to be able to use it as a truck so I save 2500 for modifications for my 2016 taco trd
I think you'll be very happy with one!
So what you’re saying is the soft topper is better than best topper?
Great video👍🏻
Do you know if the softtopper can be kept in its storage bag for long periods of time without any concerns about mildew or creasing? Our plan was to keep this in stored position with an open bed 99% of the time, but when it rains and we need to keep things dry, then we would deploy it.
The material is very similar to a jeep top. I don't know for certain, but I think it would start to get mildew after staying wet for extended periods of time. The storage bag is really great, but it's not water tight.
Nice review. Thanks
Good video. You made the video about 3 years ago. Are you still using the Softopper? How did it hold up?
I ended up selling the truck. It was great while I had it and I would definitely buy another one.
The Filming is way to dark to see.
This!
Nice bro
Those plastic bed floors always bothered me with my old Tacoma.
I went over to the Toyota dealer in Saint Augustine goofing around and I just got a 2018 Tacoma Sport 4 door 4 wheel drive fully loaded for $6,800 under the MSRP.
I was just planning on looking around to pass some time and I saw this dark grey Sport 4door with four wheel drive that was fully loaded and they had it sixty-eight-hundred dollars below the MSRP and had to get it. They have somewhere around 1,000 automobiles on the lot. I think all Tacomas were at least $,4,500 below the MSRP. They sell 400 new vehicles a week and 200 used vehicles a week. The one I got was just delivered and was not on the web-site yet. If your looking for a Tacoma get on Beaver Toyota in Saint Augustine Florida web-site and you may find an 6,7or 800 mile trip worth it to get a truck over $6,000 below the MSRP. At 400 new vehicles sold a week they deal in bulk and not in each price where you have to negotiate. The price is right there on the vehicle window sticker and the MSRP is as well. The web-site has a lot of the vehicles with the prices and a bunch of photos of each one. So now I have a 2018 Tacoma and 4Runner. The Off Road was nice but the Sport rides SO MUCH better. I have an off road premium 4Runner and Sport Tacoma.
How has it held up over the past 2 years? Do you still use it ? Has the color faded at all? Just ordered one last weekend so I'm just curious
I actually sold it with my truck about a year ago, but it held up great in the time that I had it.
Is there any way to lock it?
The real canopy inside wouldn’t get wet
Does the front of the softopper roll up for ventilation? I put my dogs back there for long road trips so I’d like for them to be protected from the sun but prefer to keep it breezy for them in the summer months. Would it be safe to have the front and back of the softopper rolled up for highway speeds?
Yes, each side rolls up independently. You could run with the front and back up or all 4 sides up.
Is there anyway to lock the soft topper from theft if there are valuables stored in the bed?
Not really, it's very similar to a jeep soft top. The zippers are only covered by a small velcro flap.
@@TrailPass that’s a big negative then
Well, camping wise, wouldn't be so paranoid of bigfoot stealing your silverware out in the woods
Nice review
They all same now.
Softopper bought bestop.
I heard that recently!
Use supertopp
Can you roll the "back window" up to allow air flow? Or is it an all or nothing setup?
All the windows are able to be rolled up 👍
@@TrailPass now to convince the wife. She hates the way the hard tops look maybe this will change her view.
@@TrailPass we got alot of ice and snow (last time was 1998) did it hold up to the ice?
Why are they so damn expensive? And for the price there should be NO leaking
Looks cool. But looks harder to fold than would make it worth it. But as you said it’s a compromise. On a different note, Chad should go to back to the barber and get himself a decent haircut however.
Maybe next time you can record on a nice day out? All I see is nothing.
Another awesome video!!
Why are so many youtubers filming in the dark? Anyhowo, thx for helping my decision for a soft topper.
How much was your soft topper??
How much dust gets in I live down a dirt road?
Very little dust from the softopper. There are a few holes in the bed from the factory that can let in water and debris. Some people seal those with silicone or rubber molding.
@@TrailPass Thanks for the reply!
Great video!! I want to get this to haul motorxycles and sleep in for track days....does it work well to sleep in? Is it waterproof?
Thanks! I think it would work great for that. I can sleep in mine, being a 6' bed pretty easily. It seems very water tight when you put it on, but all toppers that I have seen leak a little, even the hard toppers.
Can the tailgate be opened with the window closed?
Sure can, just release the velcro and drop the tail gate.
Cool. And if you don’t add the Velcro?? So your tailgate won’t have the strips stuck to it
@@ksbdvm8492 the topper may fit slightly looser. The velcro just helps keep the flap down and everything more weather tight.
WHY DOES NO ONE SEEM TO KNOW THAT SOFTOPPER AND BESTOP ARE THE SAME COMPANY?
They may be now, but they didn't used to be. Several years ago the softopper was far superior in build quality and fit.
Which part of Virginia are you guys living at?
At this time we were going to Virginia Tech. I'm from the Shenandoah Valley.
@@TrailPass cool. I'm in Northern Virginia.
6
i wonder who installs in Texas
Honestly the install isn't bad at all, could easily be done in a few hours.
@@TrailPass I probably don't have the tools and I know I don't have the patience.
11:31
Too dark.
When I drive in the rain I get crappie gas mileage.
I just got e-mailed from a friend who got a Tundra for $6,780.00 under MSRP at the same dealer. They have a LOT of really cheap 2018 Toyota vehicles if anyone on here is looking for one. Tacoma are all at least $4,000.00 under MSRP I think. I looked at a 4Runner for $6,400.00 MSRP. They have 4 Tundra trucks that are all somewhere around $6,900.00 under MSRP. If anyone is looking they should check them out. It's worth a long drive.
Wheres the location brother? Interested
Beaver Toyota in Saint Augustine Florida. Check their web-site as well.
This could've been a great review if you exposed the scene properly.
Very weird to have a video of you driving with your friend next to you agreeing with everything you had said. Get more clips of the product and use the commentary from said driving clip.
i did not know you could film in black and white... so dark do it again i may see what you're doing
Talk to much . Show us the thing .
Hey dick don't be a dick ....until you make a better video try to stfu