Softopper install on 2001 double cab Tacoma

[Kaderabek]

Anyone here install a Softopper on a double cab Tacoma (2001)? I have it pretty well on, am to the Velcro/snaps part and I'm trying to figure out how the front end works. Does the flap with the pocket in it go inside the cab or out? And what is that pocket for? Looks like it would hold a bar. Do the snaps in the front mount to the top of my bed liner? Or on the inside front? Is that flap up there supposed to wrap around something like the other flaps with snaps do?

Basically I'm about done but I don't want to screw it up in the end and the instructions are vague. Yeah, I called them and got an answering machine.

Thanks,

TJK

 

[Waggoner5]

Todd, did you get the Bestop one? I called and they said that they don't make one for our trucks?

 

[Kaderabek]

Bestop doesn't make one for our trucks. I got the Softopper. I vacilated between Softopper and Can-Bak for ages and finally decided that being able to fold it down was more important to me than being able to put a rack on it. The Can-Bak is beefier but nearly twice the price. I got mine from truckcandy.com.

TJK

 

[Waggoner5]

I need pics when you get them.
Thanks

 

[Kaderabek]

No problem.

Didn't get a return call from Softopper. I'll try them again today. My inclination is that the front flap goes between the bed and the cab which allows for the inner flap to snap to the bed. Seems odd though.

TJK

 

[Kaderabek]

But... if the front flap goes inside then water shedding off the front will drain into the bed. It must go on the outside. And attach to something. Wish Softopper would call me back....

TJK

 

[Kaderabek]

Found this photo (not my truck) which pretty well answers my question as to where. What happens with that outside flap is still a mystery though.

TJK

 

[Kaderabek]

OK, done. Velcro is on front and rear, front flap is outside the truck. I have a bed liner so I may need to use the snaps in the front eventually but figured I'd give the Velcro a shot. Seems fine so far. Drove out to Hickory Nut Gap Farm to pick my daughter up at the barn. And back. Short of the visibility isn't what it used to be, I couldn't tell it was there. Pretty slick. I like it.

TJK

 

[mtnbike28]

OT question

Todd,

Is that your truck in TT on the Lone Star Cruiser Roundup story? If so what lift/size are you running? The stance looks great in the photo! Jay

 

[Kaderabek]

Same truck, yes. 3" All-Pro lift. It did great at Tellico this week. And the Softopper shows no sign of wear or tear despite endless encounters with rhododendrum and mountain laurel.

TJK

 

[hoch]

Another OT question: What is the purpose of this top? I thought at first it was some sort of a tent, but there is no way you could fit inside of the double cab bed, right? Is it just for rain/snow protection, and a quick take down if you need to fit something large in the bed? Just curious.

Everytime I look at a Taco DC, I wish I would've gone that route....

 

[Kaderabek]

Serves the same purposes as a hard shell camper for me. Keeps my gear dry, contained and somewhat concealed. It's lightweight, installs easily, folds forward to be out of the way and can be removed easily and stored in the bag provided.Hard shell offers better security and is probably more weather proof (although mine withstood monsoon rains last weekend, some at highway speed, and did not leak).

YMMV.

TJK

 

[meluhha]

Todd,
You still liking the Softy? How handy is it to fold down when you need the bed?

Thanks for any info!

-Matt

 

[Kaderabek]

I had it folded down a lot last summer, hauling mulch and the like. Super easy and I had no problems with the poles getting bent or anything.

I'm still very sold on it. I did replace the Velcro with some heavy duty Velcro. The stuff that came with it was pretty cruddy. Canvas is in great shape, zippers working very well, windows staying clear. It's a little harder to keep the flap open/out of your way when it's really cold because the canvas gets hard but it's not much of a problem.

I think the only thing I don't like about it is the same thing I wouldn't like about a hard shell camper -- reduces visibility to the rear pretty significantly. That said, if I want a clearer line of sight, I can fold it down.

Here it is 18 months later. I don't garage the truck.

TJK

 

[meluhha]

Thanks for the update! Still looks new.

Cheers,
Matt

 

[Waggoner5]

Thanks to Todd, I have 1 also and love it. It has held up well in Colorado winters and being rolled up all summer.