Softopper owners: which windows for winter snow & cold?

[DeltaNu1142]

I made a lucky buy of a Softopper for a 2013 Ram 1500 which fits my 2016 F150 perfectly. It came with both vinyl & mesh rear panels. I've been in Florida for 15+ years and am (finally) moving back home to Maine. I know the vinyl tends to get brittle in extreme cold; are there any reasons to use the mesh rear panel aside from that, or does it let powder into the bed? Or cause any other issues? Im looking for any input from those that live in cold climates and have used both. Thanks!

 

[phsycle]

Never had a mesh window but if I left the rear rolled up, I’d get a decent amount of dirt back there. I’d forego mesh if that is a concern.

I usually left the vinyl window off for winter (gets to near 0F around here) and purchased regular solid canvas rear and never had problems.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

Ah, that canvas rear panel might be a good idea. I can safely anticipate regular dips below 0° F.