Canvas topper?

[bobdirt]

Another vote for the Softtopper, I've had mine for about a year now and love it. I also use my truck for different activities and it's nice to breakdown the top in about 5min and load a dirtbike or any other large item.

I've camped out of mine several times and it does great, looks very unique as well, I get tons of questions about it.

 

[theduece]

Ok does anyone have any idea on how to attach a rack? I'm considering attempting to build a can back style topper and am rather perplexed at how to waterproof this.

 

[Snafu]

I've got an almost similar problem...I want a canvas topper for the ease of going up and down but instead of a camper (I wish I had one though!!) I have a toolbox that my infinitely paranoid and prepared self can't part with.

I've actually thought of making one with a ladder rack type of frame and just rolling some heavy fabric over it. I would try attaching it somehow with rope or straps for a night. But the more I look at that soft topper it looks awesome!

The canvas actually looks better in those pics than what I've seen in person of a best top...dunno if that's right. But their systems seems relatively similar.

 

[bobdirt]

Just have a rack built that would work for a standard camper shell, make sure the rack is wide enough to allow the softtopper to fold up and your done.

theres a place called cams racks in ontario that will build to order a rack for around 400 bucks. I had him keep the rack short, no overhang past the front of the bed. some of his flame cuts on the 1/4" flat stock are a little ugly but for 400 bucks there decent racks. My truck has to walk the line between work and play so this setup works pretty well, I can hall tons of conduit (electrician) or our canoe and a couple bikes or even our santana tandem.

The setup works well and doesn't mess with the nice design of the softopper.

 

[Robert Bills]

Ok does anyone have any idea on how to attach a rack? I'm considering attempting to build a can back style topper and am rather perplexed at how to waterproof this.

Check out the photos of my trailer with Can-Back top at the link in my signature.

 

[theduece]

Thanks those photos are great. Now I am going to actually have to build this. Or at least try... So now for design questions those of you with canvas shells how do they fare in relatively cool temps say a low of 18f do you guys use a propane fired heater of sorts? Needs would be get it off easily, stay dry, place to hide from wind etc.., would like roll up sides for ease of access, and it would need to support at least 400 lbs on a rack. Would like 500 or more.

I'm planning on using .250 1" Dom for the bows bolted together top side and top middle. For the bedrails some angle to either hold snaps or possibly a large zipper.

 

[Devin W]

Bestop Supertop

I just bought a new (to me) truck and decided that I wanted a canvas top so I could easily exploit the fact that I had a truck for loading stuff in it, but wanted to be able to have a covered bed most of the time.

The two choices that I looked at were the bestop and softopper (the canback is more like a lightweight regular shell as it doesn't collapse). In the end I went with the bestop because for about $600 shipped I got a top that came with side windows, which is great for the visibility convenience and it doesn't seem so cave-like. There are also side window screens available. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it so far. It was super easy to install and it doesn't seem to make any noise on the freeway (no flapping etc). I've already had it in several straight days of rain and it is water-tight, though I may seal the seams for extra insurance. I do think that the frame of the softopper looks more substantial and it makes a better surrey top where you can roll the sides up -- the bestop is more like a jeep top. We'll see how the top weathers winter.

I'll be looking to do a rack like bobdirt as I have a hannibal RTT and awning that I'd like to put on at some point.

 

[05dakota4x4]

Kinda dirty ive had my softtoper for about 3 years now

 

[SupaRice]

I just bought a Bestop Supertop. I liked the looks of it better than the Soft topper, and the fact that it has windows. Another deciding factor was that I have a Bestop on my Jeep and it's great. This truck topper is made from the same material as my Jeep top it seems, however I'd say that the truck material is thicker. I don't know if that's just because it's new and still stiffer or if they're building them a little different. My Jeep top is probably 6 years old, and it doesn't leak and is great. That's why I went with this.

That being said.... I haven't slept in it yet... So I'll let you know when I have.

Here's my thread on it, so I'll post updates there later as to not hijack your thread.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54243

But here's some pictures:

 

[Metcalf]

Bobdirt,
:drool:

 

[shellb]

Bobdirt,
:drool:

+ a bunch!

 

[08Silverado]

What do you guys think the quality of the Canback is vs. the softopper?

 

[08Silverado]

I'm looking to possibly put one of these on an 08 Silverado 1500 with a 5'8" bed. I love the idea, but right now canback isnt making one for my truck.

 

[Robert Bills]

I looked at Softoppers and Can-Backs when I was researching soft tops for my Bantam trailer. I went with Can-Back because it was better made. Of course, that was when the company was owned by the original owner. Whoever owns Can-Back now has been largely unresponsive to my inquiries.

 

[08Silverado]

Hopefully I can find a topper on craigslist before I goto Colorado in September. I'm in the market for one if any of you know of one that would fit my truck