Soft Topper Thoughts, ETA when ordering, durability?

[wshiverick]

I've had mine for about four years. It's awesome (and the factory is near where I live so I went there with cash and got a great deal.) The only problem has been my rear window cracking but that was from leaving it on for a couple winters and flexing it in the cold to get stuff out the back so that's my fault. They tell you not to leave it on in the cold. The windows also eventually film up pretty bad and I haven't found a good way to clean them. That being said I'd recommend it to anyone with a first gen. Being able to take down the top or go safari style in a couple minutes esp when wheeling is amazing. The way I fold mine up is way easier with two people but still quick by yourself. I take out the back bar and zip the back up and fold it on top. Then unbutton all but the top of the cab. Fold both sides up on top. Here's where two people make it easier. On either side you grab the canvas on the folding bar. Then unbutton the rest and fold it in half right by where you're holding it on the bar. When the folding thing goes down it folds the topper in half again and it's a perfect size for the bag thing and sits on the tailgate (which is also a fun seat for off-road passengers)

 

[89FourRunner]

Hey guys I have one more quick question...

So now that I have had the top up and down a few times I noticed that I have put permanent folds (could develop into cracks) in one section of the window. It happened when it was folded/rolled up in the pouch. I may be able to get the fold out with some heat but I don't want to destroy it.

Any tips?

The top has been awesome so far! Just don't want to have to replace it! haha

 

[flagbasher]

For folding it back, you got it. I completely unsnap the sides and flip them up, then unsnap the front from the cab, and fold/roll it up as I lay it back. Another thing I do is pull the pole out of the rear window when I roll it up, and store the pole between the rear seat and bedside. If the window is not rolled tight, the pole can slide out while driving. I almost lost mine one day lol.

I put some of these wire grommets on mine.

 

[89FourRunner]

thats a great idea! where can I find those?? I am always wondeeing what to do with the poll (outside of leaving it behind at home). Its so damn long.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

thats a great idea! where can I find those?? I am always wondeeing what to do with the poll (outside of leaving it behind at home). Its so damn long.

This is a great kit to have around - just in case you need it.

http://www.amazon.com/Cal-Hawk-AZGA...1461071550&sr=8-2&keywords=rubber+grommet+kit

 

[flagbasher]

thats a great idea! where can I find those?? I am always wondeeing what to do with the poll (outside of leaving it behind at home). Its so damn long.

I picked them up at ACE in the misc. hardware section.

Should be available at Lowe's, Home Depot and the like.

I must admit, though, they are deteriorating pretty quickly.

 

[Smitty777]

Now you got me thinking. Im in Florida and getting rady to put the hard top back on fornthe summer because of the rain and its just too darn hot. I love the thought of the top but still need rims and tires, and a bunch of other things. Trying to figure out my priorities.

 

[txlonghorn85]

Good info on the tops... are most people going with Soft Topper brand or Killer Toy Tops? Any comparisons?

 

[flagbasher]

I think most go with Softopper because it's a large company that just has stock ready to put in a box and sell. It's a light duty unit though. Aluminum hoops that snap together. Softopper makes tops for many different makes and models. I had an International Scout guy ask me how I liked mine. Told him it was worth every penny.

From what I've seen, the KTT stuff is really solidly built. Really sturdy looking frames. I prefer the KTT Velcro method for holding on the sides. They even have some models that will support a roof rack on top. More of a small builder vibe, custom made by an enthusiast specifically for Toyotas.

 

[89FourRunner]

Good info on the tops... are most people going with Soft Topper brand or Killer Toy Tops? Any comparisons?

I wasn't interested in KTT because it was more expensive, and the wait time was 6-8 weeks. Softtopper is a big company. They have replacement parts ready to ship.

I placed my order and had my soft top in 5 days.

It's been great. I love having it down completely but the way the softopper is setup, you can roll up all the sides into "safari mode" (as my girlfriend calls it) in a matter of a few minutes, it also goes down and snaps on in seconds, makes it really useful in mixed weather! Because it can be rolled up in a matter of seconds, it makes it easy to open up the truck at anytime, short trip or long.

 

[flagbasher]

I like the wind but not the sun, so it's always in safari mode. Probably takes about 1.5m when you get good at it.

 

[89FourRunner]

Question:

i have been removing the rear window and window bar in order to take the top completely down, then I put the pouch over the remainder....

But it just occured to me...

Can I just leave the window and the bar attached...and still put the whole top down and into the pouch? Have I been creating more work for myself?

 

[Smitty777]

Does anyone have the other? Im really considering these but really want to hear the pros and cons.

 

[Smitty777]

I might buy one this week but have a couple of questions.

1. How is the seal?
2. Is it good enough to keep the AC going in the Florida summer?
3. Is it completly waterproof?

 

[sam24th]

I might buy one this week but have a couple of questions.

1. How is the seal?
2. Is it good enough to keep the AC going in the Florida summer?
3. Is it completly waterproof?

The seal from the top to the cab section is great imo. No leaks thus far and I run it 9 months out of the year. We get a decent amount of rain here although not as much as florida. My truck has been in many downpours though and havent notice water enter the truck any where. The top works good enough to keep the AC running for me and my sisters who occasionally ride in the back. Dont expect the air to stay cool long though if you cut it off. There are some pretty significant areas where air leakage is pretty big mainly in the back area where the corners are. As far as water proof, I would say no they are not completely water proof, because of the gaps in the rear and front corners near the cab. Will they prevent rain from coming in? Yea I would say so. I wouldnt drive it through a car wash or anything though.

 

[89FourRunner]

Does anyone have the other? Im really considering these but really want to hear the pros and cons.

Whats the other one you mean Smitty? Killer Toy Tops?

He custom makes those one at a time. I couldn't wait 6 to 8 weeks for my softtop, which was his wait time. He also didn't answer me on a question I had regarding his products. When I sent an email. I udnerstand he is one person - but what if I need parts?

When I have an issue I need things to be resolved quickly. Softtopper is a big company, I got my top is 5 days, they have every little replacement part you could need in stock and ready to go. Lose or mess up my rear window? $69 for a replacement.

The Killer Toy Top is also more money, and speaking of rear window, you don't get one (and its still more money) you have to roll up your glass window into the soft top. No thanks.

Also something about the back of them look strange, google some pics, it almost looks fast-backish, not my style.

I am sure it is a very nice top but those are all my reasons. I like the way the softopper looks and fits.

On the flip side - I think he can customize them in many ways, and the sides come off completely I believe, if you didnt want to roll them up.

Not sure if his seals up better, the softtopper seals well but there are a few small gaps in the corners. Water cannot get in, but I am not sure if it would be wise to take it into an automatic car wash?

 

[Smitty777]

That information does help, thanks...

I dont care about the money but more about th real functionality and the looks. I like the idea of taking the sides completly off as i would be worried about having the rolled up doing 80 down the highway.

Maybe i will give them a call tomorrow.

 

[89FourRunner]

That information does help, thanks...

I dont care about the money but more about th real functionality and the looks. I like the idea of taking the sides completly off as i would be worried about having the rolled up doing 80 down the highway.

Maybe i will give them a call tomorrow.

The sides dont catch the wind at all, I recently took a trip through a few states and was at 75mph more than a few time ans it barely moved - it must not get caught by wind when driving. Even in windier situations like a bridge over water I don't notice any movement.

I had tr same concern with movement and wind.

 

[flagbasher]

That information does help, thanks...

I dont care about the money but more about th real functionality and the looks. I like the idea of taking the sides completly off as i would be worried about having the rolled up doing 80 down the highway.

Maybe i will give them a call tomorrow.

Yeah, the rolling up doesn't matter on the highway. I routinely go 75 with the 3 sides rolled up.

The only issue I've ever run into is the strap near the cab will sometimes vibrate in the wind if you don't flatten the roll sufficiently before clipping the strap in. It never happens anymore now that I know what I'm doing.

 

[89FourRunner]

Yeah, the rolling up doesn't matter on the highway. I routinely go 75 with the 3 sides rolled up.

The only issue I've ever run into is the strap near the cab will sometimes vibrate in the wind if you don't flatten the roll sufficiently before clipping the strap in. It never happens anymore now that I know what I'm doing.

X2 you just give it a good snug pull. I like the look of it all rolled up. Ive gotten a lot of comments on how it looks. Its looks sweet.