Toppers
- Thread starter brockel
- Start date
MarvB
Well-known member
Had one years ago, they’ve prob improved significantly since, but mine leaked like a sieve!
MarvB
Well-known member
Also sleeping in the back at night when windy was no bueno! LOUD
Only a 5’ box on it so sleeping in the back is out of the question for me
MarvB
Well-known member
Got it
Mine came with a 2 y/o Ford F-150 I bought back around 2002 (why I said they’ve likely improved a lot) and was similar looking to an Outlander. Just never seemed to stay tight enough to me
Even going down the highway I’d catch the flap in the mirror and it would drive me batshit. Have had hard Leers since.
Mine came with a 2 y/o Ford F-150 I bought back around 2002 (why I said they’ve likely improved a lot) and was similar looking to an Outlander. Just never seemed to stay tight enough to me Even going down the highway I’d catch the flap in the mirror and it would drive me batshit. Have had hard Leers since.
SD_Prairie_Goat
Well-known member
Never used a soft topper. I like the hard type a lot. Few items worth thinking about before you buy a hard topper.
- Side access windows are super handy. The flip up style are very convenient
- Multiple heights available. Make sure you check clearance into your garage before you throw down cash. I got lucky by like 0.5" when I bought my used one haha
- locks on the rear access. Mine has two knobs to turn, the single style I've seen look way more convenient
- Removing it is a pain if done solo. Large loads may require taking it off before hand, and it does suck
Nick87
Well-known member
No info on the soft one but found a 3 year old Leer that I got for less than half of new on marketplace. Took me a couple months to find the right color. This is my first topper but 9 months of the year it's great I could do without in the summer.
HighDesertSage
Well-known member
I did not like the soft topper I had and ended up replacing it with a hard topper. Not sure if you have priced them not, but be prepared for some serious sticker shock. A camper shell that I bought new in early 2020 for about $1100 is now going for $2200-$2400.
Mine was ordered in April 2021 and received in late Oct 2021 and the cost was $2400 including both sides having windows that opened with screens and a carpet liner on the inside. Sliding window in the front. I also put a shelf across the front. Can put a cooler (or whatever) there that can be accessed from the cab on trips.
BRI
Well-known member
Never tried the soft toppers and have mostly had the fiberglass hard shells. Can you lock the soft ones? My only real gripe I've had with all my hard toppers is the dust in the back. I've tried most everything but have never figured out how to keep the dust out of the back. I end up putting everything I want to keep clean inside a tote or a plastic contractor bag.
midwesthunter
Well-known member
I have always ran a hard top and have had good luck purchasing a used ones, ends up being cheaper even if needing to paint. I suggest getting ones that the side windows open like the rear, makes getting to gear easier and more convenient.
VOLhunter
Well-known member
There are lots of used ones out there. I picked mine up for $200 on craigslist and it even matches the color of my truck.
I had a soft topper. It is great if you want to take it on and off often or fold it down to carry something big. I would fold my down and put my motorcycle in the back.
It was dryish. They are drier when they are new. It hurt gas mileage at highway speeds more than a hard topper. Some sort of negative pressure occurs and the sides suck in at highway speeds. Also visibility is worse. It doesn't have any side windows and the plastic sheet of front and rear windows aren't as clear as glass. The back window seemed to stay even dirtier in the winter than my hard topper window does.
If you want it to take it on and off all the time or to carry something large, e.g. a dirt bike to camp, and then pop it up, it's great.
It was dryish. They are drier when they are new. It hurt gas mileage at highway speeds more than a hard topper. Some sort of negative pressure occurs and the sides suck in at highway speeds. Also visibility is worse. It doesn't have any side windows and the plastic sheet of front and rear windows aren't as clear as glass. The back window seemed to stay even dirtier in the winter than my hard topper window does.
If you want it to take it on and off all the time or to carry something large, e.g. a dirt bike to camp, and then pop it up, it's great.
Last edited:
D4570
Well-known member
TopperLift Kit With Contractor Camper Package - TopperLift
Truck camping with TopperLift. Live on the road, setup camp at the touch of the button.
topperezlift.com
I'm getting this, Then I can take the 4wheeler too.
stealthy_bowman
Well-known member
I wouldn’t skimp on this and just go for the hard topper. They will last the lifetime of your truck and are well worth the investment. I have been running an ARE Z series on my F150 since I bought the truck back in 2016. By far best accessory I purchased for the truck, along with the bed rug, which is a fantastic option for a bed liner.
Bambistew
Well-known member
I've had a few different ones. Had an aluminum one, and a few different fiberglass. I won't have a pickup with out one. I wouldn't get a soft topper, they look like they would leak, not very robust and are not that designed to last long. Toppers are expensive, but used ones can be found if you're patient. Getting one painted isn't a big deal. 3-400 bucks.
As mentioned get the windows that open on the side, even if its just the driver side.
Get one with carpeting on the inside, its quieter, warmer and doesn't condensate.
Get a kit to seal your tailgate and box sides, it will keep the dust out, mostly...
You can get strip LED lighting that will velcro to the roof, its super nice to have in the winter/dark to see everything in the back vs the crappy little single bulb that comes standard with most.
As mentioned get the windows that open on the side, even if its just the driver side.
Get one with carpeting on the inside, its quieter, warmer and doesn't condensate.
Get a kit to seal your tailgate and box sides, it will keep the dust out, mostly...
You can get strip LED lighting that will velcro to the roof, its super nice to have in the winter/dark to see everything in the back vs the crappy little single bulb that comes standard with most.
Problem for me finding a used one it’s for Nissan Frontier pro 4x with a 60” box. So not needing anything to sleep in. Not a lot of 60” box toppers around this area. Guess I’ll go price out a new one and see how bad I squeal
Qubo
Active member
I’ve been really considering one of these. I frequently haul dirt bikes and other tall things but have been wanting a topper to sleep in while hunting. I don’t have room to store a hard shell off the truck so have been looking at soft ones. But I think this might be the perfect middle ground. Just came out last year so not many reviews yet.
