I’m looking at getting one for my powerboost for transporting the dog and other gear on family/hunting trips. I hate the look of the traditional hard top canopy’s, and the PITA they are to take on and off for when I need to load the bed up with dirt. The softopper looks a little better IMHO and is more versatile, and is advertised as a one person fold up/down.

I’m curious if they are as waterproof as advertised, as I’ll be sleeping in the bed while tracking game all over Oregon (notoriously wet/damp and cold), and how they hold up in inclement weather. Do they sag significantly under snow? Do they offer any kind of protection from the wind/cold? How’s the hardware that comes with it? Does it feel flimsy or use cheap materials?

Also curious if you noticed any mpg loss with either this or a hard top, because gas in the PNW is a joke.



Thanks for any and all input!

 

Friend had a canvas topper on his Toyota it always flapped in the wind until he threw out a cig and it caught on fire.

 

I had a shell on my 2016 XLT, gas mileage dropped a lot so I won't be making the same mistake. Also, it blocked my third brake light and cargo light.

Soft toppers flap around a lot and that will eat into gas mileage so it's a no-go for me. Also, puddles can form on it, when it gets older and it rains a lot, you may wind up with a swimming pool in the back of your truck.

I have a tonneau cover on mine. I can open and close the tailgate and not worry about having to open the cover.

 

My ARE topper on my '17 F350 PS had a third brake light built into it, and also had LED interior lights. Gas mileage decrease was negligible and, after all, it's a truck ...

I don't think a tonneau cover is a good choice if, like the OP, you want to put the dog back there.

 

Hmmm…sounds like I might have to keep looking. I’ll slowly be turning this thing into a full on hunting/camping rig, and it’s sounding more and more like this isn’t the way to go.

 

if you're going to make it a hunting/camping rig, then you might want a hard shell then. It all depends on how often you load it up with dirt. I bought mine with 7.2kW because I used to go out camping a lot in Ocotillo Wells and in the mountains of Sonora and would like to do that again. I went for tonneau because there is space to sleep in there, doesn't affect gas mileage, no wiring to deal with since I have LED lights, a LED switch, and a plug for my portable heater.

 

I’ve been doing nonstop research and I’m thinking a hard too is going to be the way to go. As much as I’d love to have the flexibility to just flip the top down and load up the bed in a moments notice, I’m thinking with a little bit of planning and/or a utility trailer I can make it work. Im really digging these RSI smart caps..

https://offroadalliance.com/products...caAnu0EALw_wcB

 

Are you going to be looking out of the sides while camping in there? I had windows on my 2016 XLT because it got a little dangerous a few times in Sonora with the cartel violence.

The 2016 had a 6.5’ bed and it was ideal for sleeping in the back. My 2012 had a 5.5’ and I could not sleep in the back, so I never got a cap because I preferred the rear seat. It may be only a foot longer, but it was nice, I’m 5 foot 11.

I had BedRug carpeting in mine but will not do it again because I couldn’t pull it out and wash it. If I were to get a cap, I’d get a spray-in liner and throw in a couple small rugs instead.

I had the cheap Century cap which was cheap and there was a promotion where it came with interior carpeting.

 

Instant karma for littering nasty cigarette butts!

 

Consider Bestop branded soft shells as well. They are the OEM manufacturer of Jeep (possibly Bronco too, not 100% sure) soft tops, and their aftermarket stuff is generally as good as OEM.

I've never used one of their soft caps, but I've had very good luck with their other products, namely TJ products.

https://www.bestop.com/products/supe...black-diamond/