I want to see your soft tops!
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lofreqjeff
New member
I loooove my softtopper! I've had it 4 or 5 years and sold the hard top.
I like that its a 2 piece design so there are not multiple pieces to have to put on and off and keep track of. And if you're ever caught in the rain or something, it takes 2 minutes to roll the sides down and snap them into place, you don't have to dig out the sides and put them on, then pray the back window goes up. The rear window is part of the softtopper and no longer uses the rear factory glass, plus there is an optional interchangeable screen window for the back - Killer Toy Tops uses the factory rear window, and anyone who has a 1st gen knows, that back window doesn't always work.
Something that I don't like about a soft top is that it shrinks a bit when cold. I put the truck in the garage a few weeks ago with the top rolled up when it was around 85* and when I wanted to take it out for a spin, it was pretty cold (40*ish which is cold by AZ standards) and it was very stiff and difficult to get snapped all the way around. I would think that will happen with any soft top though.
A few things I like about KTT, is that the side windows are a bit larger, if you pay extra for the 2nd side window, and they have available interchangeable screen sides which is great if you sleep in the bed like I do at times, but you'll still have to use the factory back glass window. But I prefer the privacy of the tinted plastic windows on the Softtopper. I made my own magnetic screens to put over the door windows so I can keep them rolled down while sleeping but still keep the bugs away. KTT also has that Heavy Duty frame that can support a rack which is nice.
I have never seen a KTT in person, so I am not sure how it performs on the road, but my Softtopper fits nice and tight and does not flat in the least bit on the highway. The top seals very nice against the body and even in Arizona, it holds the AC in very nicely for being a soft top. And the Sunbrella material is VERY durable as well as the windows. I drive through some very tight brush out here and after hundreds of trips, not a single hole or even wear signs of any kind.
To me, you can't beat a Softtopper for the money. I paid around $900 for the Softtopper, got the tinted windows and the interchangeable rear window. The heavy duty KTT that can support a rack, and a single side window setup is $1150 + shipping and I believe you pay extra for the 2nd window on each side.
Softtopper also have great customer service, I had one of the buckles break on me recently and after more than 4 years of ownership, I contacted them and they sent me out a replacement plus a spare in case another one breaks - I have no personal experience with KTT customer service, but I have seen they guy who owns KTT all over the forums and Facebook promoting and supporting his customers and he seems to really put forth the effort do keep his customers happy as well.
On to some pics:
The windows are fairly dark too which is great in in the Arizona sun and great privacy when sleeping in the back
This is how it arrived:
The aluminum rail bolts to the body using the factory roof bolt holes, then the top snaps to the rail:
These straps keep the top nice and tight - no flopping around at all:
The back window has a bar that secures to the aluminum rail to keep it nice and tight
The back window zips to the side window as well as velcro to keep it tight:
When I go camping, it is very convenient to just unsnap the sides, flop them up on the roof to unpack, then pull em down and snap the back into place:
I guess that's my 2¢ on soft tops - let me know if you have any questions about Softtopper!
I like that its a 2 piece design so there are not multiple pieces to have to put on and off and keep track of. And if you're ever caught in the rain or something, it takes 2 minutes to roll the sides down and snap them into place, you don't have to dig out the sides and put them on, then pray the back window goes up. The rear window is part of the softtopper and no longer uses the rear factory glass, plus there is an optional interchangeable screen window for the back - Killer Toy Tops uses the factory rear window, and anyone who has a 1st gen knows, that back window doesn't always work.
Something that I don't like about a soft top is that it shrinks a bit when cold. I put the truck in the garage a few weeks ago with the top rolled up when it was around 85* and when I wanted to take it out for a spin, it was pretty cold (40*ish which is cold by AZ standards) and it was very stiff and difficult to get snapped all the way around. I would think that will happen with any soft top though.
A few things I like about KTT, is that the side windows are a bit larger, if you pay extra for the 2nd side window, and they have available interchangeable screen sides which is great if you sleep in the bed like I do at times, but you'll still have to use the factory back glass window. But I prefer the privacy of the tinted plastic windows on the Softtopper. I made my own magnetic screens to put over the door windows so I can keep them rolled down while sleeping but still keep the bugs away. KTT also has that Heavy Duty frame that can support a rack which is nice.
I have never seen a KTT in person, so I am not sure how it performs on the road, but my Softtopper fits nice and tight and does not flat in the least bit on the highway. The top seals very nice against the body and even in Arizona, it holds the AC in very nicely for being a soft top. And the Sunbrella material is VERY durable as well as the windows. I drive through some very tight brush out here and after hundreds of trips, not a single hole or even wear signs of any kind.
To me, you can't beat a Softtopper for the money. I paid around $900 for the Softtopper, got the tinted windows and the interchangeable rear window. The heavy duty KTT that can support a rack, and a single side window setup is $1150 + shipping and I believe you pay extra for the 2nd window on each side.
Softtopper also have great customer service, I had one of the buckles break on me recently and after more than 4 years of ownership, I contacted them and they sent me out a replacement plus a spare in case another one breaks - I have no personal experience with KTT customer service, but I have seen they guy who owns KTT all over the forums and Facebook promoting and supporting his customers and he seems to really put forth the effort do keep his customers happy as well.
On to some pics:
The windows are fairly dark too which is great in in the Arizona sun and great privacy when sleeping in the back
This is how it arrived:
The aluminum rail bolts to the body using the factory roof bolt holes, then the top snaps to the rail:
These straps keep the top nice and tight - no flopping around at all:
The back window has a bar that secures to the aluminum rail to keep it nice and tight
The back window zips to the side window as well as velcro to keep it tight:
When I go camping, it is very convenient to just unsnap the sides, flop them up on the roof to unpack, then pull em down and snap the back into place:
I guess that's my 2¢ on soft tops - let me know if you have any questions about Softtopper!
Last edited:
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Killer toy tops bikini top. I wanted the straps to go back, but you can route them back to towards the cab for the strapless look.
E92FF
New member
Thanks @lofreqjef !
One thing I was interested in was how the tinted windows looked on the softopper. I would prefer them but I was afraid they would look purple and all of the pics I found of their top online had the un tinted windows.
You and ChildrenOfBodom each have great looking trucks!
One thing I was interested in was how the tinted windows looked on the softopper. I would prefer them but I was afraid they would look purple and all of the pics I found of their top online had the un tinted windows.
You and ChildrenOfBodom each have great looking trucks!
lofreqjeff
New member
Thanks! I was a little concerned about the tinted windows too before I bought, but a friend of mine had a Softtopper for a few years so I went by and checked his out and they looked great - no purple-ing or faded. Now a few years into having it and they still look the same as they did when I got it plus some minor scratches and scuffs from brush. I take the top off at least once a year, hose it down then put some liquid dish soap on it and wash it with an old broom. Looks brand new again every time!
MacGyver1979
New member
cost me less than $100
E92FF
New member
Thanks to everybody who replied! I am surprised no one replied with the KTT. I do like the way the rear windows are cut to resemble the hard top windows but I think what I am going to order is the Softopper with tinted windows. I would love one of the bikini tops but living in the PNW where rain is always a possibility I want the ability to roll the sides down. My wife had a jeep years ago and I swear we were putting the hard top on and off all summer. It will be nice to put this on in the spring and just drop the sides whenever it rains!
Thanks!
Thanks!
I love my softopper too. They sent me the gray by mistake when I ordered the black version. They gave me a discount and I just rolled with the gray. The windows are VERY easily scuffed. The rest of my top looks like new but the windows are scuffed up even though I was very careful to wipe them down when I fold up the windows.
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E92FF
New member
What size tires are you running? Do you have any lift?
Mine is completely stock and I am planning on a set of 31X10.50 BFG's before next winter. I like the look of yours but am guessing those are bigger than 31's.
I am eventually going to lift it and put 35's under it but not until I have another daily driver.
