SofTopper Convertible Truck Bed Shell
Jason | Oct 30, 2009 | Comments 18
Truck bed toppers (also known as camper shells or “truck caps”) are popular because they allow truck owners to haul tools, gear, and even dogs in the truck bed while keeping them dry. At first glance, toppers seem like a really smart accessory. Why wouldn’t you want to turn your pickup bed into a really big cargo area? The answer is that toppers need to be removed sometimes in order to haul tall or bulky “stuff,” and that removal can be a real pain…so a lot of truck owners don’t like them.
ARE (among others) makes dozens of varieties of truck toppers for personal and commercial use.
The primary style of topper is a full-on cab extension that meets or exceeds the height of the truck’s roof and is made of fiberglass , composite material, or aluminum. Depending on the material and features, toppers can be range from cheap ($300-$500 buys a cheap and ugly work-truck topper) to expensive ($2500 can buy a painted-t0-match topper with a door that replaces the tailgate). Most toppers come with a rudimentary lock and are installed using good old C-clamps, only some are high-tech affairs with comprehensive security features and bolt-on attachment.
The typical topper is too heavy for one person to remove safely, and unless you’ve got some sort of nifty topper storage system in your garage, toppers are a pain to store when not in use. Obviously, someone has come up with a solution that is easy to remove and easy to store…
SofTopper's folding truck bed topper.
SofTopper provides many of the benefits of a hard shell topper, but it is also easy to remove. SofTopper truck caps are very similar to a convertible top. They employ a plastic and aluminum frame latticework that serves as the frame, and then this frame is covered in a waterproof canvas material. Rising up as tall as a full-size cap when fully deployed, SofToppers fold up into an easy-to-carry shape that weighs between 25 and 45 lbs and can sit in the corner of your garage without any trouble.
In addition to being light-weight, SofTopper claims the entire cap can be retracted down to its “resting” position in just 60 seconds…meaning you can add or remove your topper quickly and easily. This is the primary advantage to this accessory. The potential offered by this type of cap is significant for anyone who finds themselves either a) constantly installing and removing a topper or b) skipping the topper option altogether because it’s just too much of a pain.
The SofTopper is a truck bed topper that folds up and stores easily.
Pros:
- Flexible use – put the topper up when you need a big dry cargo area, put the topper down when you need room to haul taller items or to make loading and unloading easier.
- Lightweight – one person can easily remove the topper all together, and unlike fiberglass toppers that can weigh 200 lbs +, the SofTopper is 25 to 45 lbs max so it doesn’t impact day-to-day fuel economy near as much.
- Easy storage – When not in use it’s small enough to put out of the way
Cons:
- Security sucks – there’s no way you’re going to be able to secure your truck bed with this accessory. While it’s true that NO topper is completely secure, this topper is easy to defeat with nothing more than a knife.
- Cold weather stiffens this thing up, making it difficult to use in ice and snow.
- Price – $600 (buy it at Lakeland gear) seems like a lot of money considering a cheap aluminum topper can be had for a little less.
- Did we mention security sucks? One of the main reasons to have a topper is to put your gear in your truck bed without fear of being ripped off. This thing keeps your stuff dry, but it’s not going to keep your stuff secure.
Bottom Line: The SofTopper is a compromise. If you need the features of a topper but don’t feel like un-clamping, lifting, and then storing a solid topper every time you want to haul something big, the SofTopper is an option. Considering what the SofTopper does and doesn’t do, a truck tarp seems like an option as well.
We give this thing a ‘D’ – It’s probably great for some purposes, but it’s a bit expensive compared to the old-fashioned truck tarp and bungee cord system (about $25 at your local Wally World). We’d either like to see a folding hard shell topper (something like a larger version of Extang’s Solid Fold tonneau cover we reviewed last year) or a much lower price for this add-on.
Related posts:
The primary style of topper is a full-on cab extension that meets or exceeds the height of the truck’s roof and is made of fiberglass , composite material, or aluminum. Depending on the material and features, toppers can be range from cheap ($300-$500 buys a cheap and ugly work-truck topper) to expensive ($2500 can buy a painted-t0-match topper with a door that replaces the tailgate). Most toppers come with a rudimentary lock and are installed using good old C-clamps, only some are high-tech affairs with comprehensive security features and bolt-on attachment.
The typical topper is too heavy for one person to remove safely, and unless you’ve got some sort of nifty topper storage system in your garage, toppers are a pain to store when not in use. Obviously, someone has come up with a solution that is easy to remove and easy to store…
SofTopper provides many of the benefits of a hard shell topper, but it is also easy to remove. SofTopper truck caps are very similar to a convertible top. They employ a plastic and aluminum frame latticework that serves as the frame, and then this frame is covered in a waterproof canvas material. Rising up as tall as a full-size cap when fully deployed, SofToppers fold up into an easy-to-carry shape that weighs between 25 and 45 lbs and can sit in the corner of your garage without any trouble.
In addition to being light-weight, SofTopper claims the entire cap can be retracted down to its “resting” position in just 60 seconds…meaning you can add or remove your topper quickly and easily. This is the primary advantage to this accessory. The potential offered by this type of cap is significant for anyone who finds themselves either a) constantly installing and removing a topper or b) skipping the topper option altogether because it’s just too much of a pain.
Pros:
* Flexible use – put the topper up when you need a big dry cargo area, put the topper down when you need room to haul taller items or to make loading and unloading easier.
* Lightweight – one person can easily remove the topper all together, and unlike fiberglass toppers that can weigh 200 lbs +, the SofTopper is 25 to 45 lbs max so it doesn’t impact day-to-day fuel economy near as much.
* Easy storage – When not in use it’s small enough to put out of the way
Cons:
* Security sucks – there’s no way you’re going to be able to secure your truck bed with this accessory. While it’s true that NO topper is compeletly secure, this topper is easy to defeat with nothing more than a knife.
* Cold weather stiffens this thing up, making it difficult to use in ice and snow.
* Price – $600 seems like a lot of money considering a cheap aluminum topper can be had for a little less.
* Did we mention security sucks? One of the main reasons to have a topper is to put your gear in your truck bed without fear of being ripped off. This thing keeps your stuff dry, but it’s not going to keep your stuff secure.
Bottom Line: The SofTopper is a compromise. If you need the features of a topper but don’t feel like un-clamping, lifting, and then storing a solid topper every time you want to haul something big, the SofTopper is an option. Of course, so is a truck tarp.
We give this thing a solid ‘C’ – it’s a smart way to keep your gear dry, but it’s a bit expensive compared to the old-fashioned truck tarp and bungee cord system (about $25 at your local Wally World). We’d either like to see a folding hard shell topper (something like a larger version of Extang’s Solid Fold tonneau cover we reviewed last year) or a much lower price.
Related posts:
* Tundra bedliner options
* Tundra tonneau cover reviews
* Tonneau cover fuel economy MYTH
Popularity: 2%
Filed Under: Toyota Tundra Accessories
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by GCG 4×4 Club, Jason TundraHQ. Jason TundraHQ said: New post: SofTopper Convertible Truck Bed Shell (http://cli.gs/g79Tr) [...]
Agree 100%, too pricey for no security and looks are compromised. If anything, it would invite robbers to come take a look at it and see what is underneath easy enough. I can get a lakeland topper locally even fiberglass for a few hundred bucks more darn near the quality of a leer or ARE.
It is nice if you are only going to use it when you want to carry something that needs to remain dry or for vacation
I think I’ll stick with Leer if I have to have anything. Had one on my last truck for 6+ years with no problems. Awesome topper!
Neat concept for ease of removal but that’s about it. It costs too much and my dogs’ tails would beat right through it. I’ve already made double the investment for Leer and will have to figure out a way to load the motorcycle with the topper still on. =)
Sorry to say but I definitely don’t like this concept. I like to be different but with this would really make me different and stick out like a sore thumb. I’ve always had Extang soft tonneau covers for all my trucks except the F-150 which had a Ford soft snapless tonneau. The ease of just rolling it up and doing whatever I want. My camping things fit in the bed and the soft tonneau cover keeps it dry. Also for Winter Extang’s Black Max has two settings on the snaps to make it easier in winter timeframe.
For 1/3 the price this would be one ofthe best utility options you could get but $600 is WAAAAAAAAY over priced. Like charging for water or air. Wait…nevermind, I do have to pay for those things. I remember when they were FREE!
I get Mickey’s point but for people like me I need more than a flat tonneau since I can’t shove the animals (LOL) or the motorcycle under there but don’t want either to be drenched. I’ve also hauled other loads that are taller than bed height without the topper and really wished I had something to contain the items a bit better. For 1/3 the price, I’d consider posting my Leer for sale and docking the Lab tails. Ok kidding on the dogs but we’d make do….
This is why I do not like toppers. Unless it is a raised topper about 6-8″ higher than level cab lenght like most toppers are nowadays being flush and streamlined, I cannot get my ATV’s in back or rototillers, lawnmowers, or snowblowers since the handles sit up too high. I use to have a Lakeland topper, but found it a pain ONLY when I hauled those items which are not everyday, but nonetheless, did not work for me.
Word – sounds like we’re all on the same page.
The topper does have some inconveniences but fortunately I haven’t had to load the motorcycle so I’m happier the animals are comfy and things are staying dry. I also have gotten more compliments on the truck’s appearance. It was a well invested cost for me driving cross country this summer that I’ll find an extra person if I need to load bike anytime soon.
What book are we using. I keep hearing about”being on the same page” and I don’t even have the book. If You gave me a page number I might be able to figure it out. Like 42. Is it page 42? There is a lot of meaning on page 42.
It’s the page with the picture of the Tundra on it. LOL
AH!! FOUND IT! Ok, we are on the same page now.
I like my softtopper on my ‘07. I use it on trips to protect gear in the back. I leave stuff in the back, but am careful not to leave expensive stuff. I love that I can install or remove at a moment’s notice. The only thing I don’t like is the velcro strip that must be attached to the gate. It is just a poor design flaw. I am looking for a good magnetic strip that I can use to replace this. Maybe the newer ones have addressed this, I don’t know. This product isn’t for everyone, apparently, but it has served me well.
crewmax42 – Good to know. I think you hit the nail on the head – the moment’s notice take-down is pretty awesome. If only it weren’t so expensive! What do you think of the quality now that you’ve had one for a while?
Yes, it is pricey. But, worth it to me since 95% of my driving with without the cover. For the twenty or so times I have used it, the fabric still remains supple and has sustained no cracks or unravellings. I have driven at interstate speeds with no problem with whipping or deforming of the frame. I think the design and manufacturing quality are top notch. My one complaint, as I mentioned, is the method of securing the back flap to the top of the tailgate. One must put adhesive striping with velcro on the outside of the tailgate. It works for a while, but exposure cause the tape to shrink, get dirty, and want to peel off. It looks pretty ugly on a 40K$ truck. I sent softtopper and e-mail about it, but received no response. I am going to see if I can find a velcro/magnetic strip to use instead. For those living in cold climate (I’m in NC), the topper will become stiff and a little hard to manage.
crewmax42 – Sounds like it’s been a good deal for you – glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing your experience.