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Introduction
A soft topper is an alternative, more economical approach to providing your truck with extra protection and weatherproofness than a traditional hard top tonneau cover. The flexible construction offers truck owners the benefit of protecting their cargo from rain and snow, while allowing for quick and easy access in areas with restricted headroom. The soft material also helps provide better cushioning when carrying delicate cargo that heavier hard covers can’t. A soft top provides even greater protection when combined with a tailgate seal or gap sealer, keeping water and dirt away from the cargo area of your vehicle. Additionally, a soft topper comes with convenient pockets for storing items like ladders or large objects on the outside surface. They are easy to install and can be moved in minutes if necessary, making it an ideal solution for truck owners looking for cost-effective protection.
Advantages of Installing a Soft Topper on a Truck
A soft topper for a truck can be an incredibly beneficial addition for anyone who needs to transport or store gear in a truck bed. Soft toppers offer many advantages compared to traditional hard-shell designs, making them particularly attractive for those who require flexibility and convenience.
A major benefit of soft toppers is their greater protection from the elements. Unlike a hard-shell top, which exposes items to all kinds of wind and weather, a soft topper can provide an effective barrier from rain, snow, dust and debris. This extra layer of protection helps ensure that cargo and belongings remain safe while in transit or packed away in a truck bed.
Additionally, installation tends to be easier with soft toppers than with hard-top shells. Soft tops often attach directly onto factory mounting points on the truck’s frame without needing any additional drilling or hardware upgrades. It’s typically much faster and less expensive to install a soft top than it is to put together a hard shell design. They also tend to require less maintenance since they don’t have hinges or latches that may require lubrication or other upkeep over time.
Finally, flexible construction allows for far more useful storage options than what is possible with most secured tops. A cover flap complete with bungee cords can hold several items outside the bed itself in an easily accessible area at the rear of the vehicle. Soft tops also often come equipped with their own internal storage compartments ideal for storing items like books, camping gear or tools discreetly within the bed itself.
Different Types of Soft Toppers
Soft toppers are a great alternative to hard truck caps. They offer the convenience of open air while providing protection from the elements. Soft toppers can come in many different materials, designs, and features to fit your needs.
The most common material for soft toppers is vinyl. Vinyl offers excellent resistance against water and UV rays and is relatively low maintenance. It also generally comes with a three-year warranty, so you can be sure that your investment will be protected. The downside is that it can be flimsy and may rip or tear if not cared for properly.
Another material used for soft toppers is canvas. Canvas is more durable than vinyl and requires minimal maintenance, but it does require some waterproofing treatments every few years for optimal performance and protection from the sun’s UV rays.
In addition to choosing between materials, there are also several designs available when looking at soft toppers for trucks. Many feature access through either side or the back of your truck bed, though there are some models which include a front door access as well as storage pockets located along the sides of the bed, allowing you to store small items conveniently in your truck bed on the go. There are also mesh windows for enhanced ventilation and allowing you more visibility during your travels.
Additionally, certain soft tops have additional features such as keyless entry or reinforced ribs within the construction design which provide additional rigidity against windy conditions or other elements while traveling down the open road.
Measuring Your Truck Bed for the Best Fit Soft Topper
If you are planning to buy a soft topper for your truck, it is important to make sure you have the proper measurements of your truck bed before purchasing. This will ensure that the soft topper fits perfectly and looks great on the back of your vehicle. Start by measuring the length and width of the truck bed using a tape measurer. Measure from inside edge to inside edge and record these measurements. Also, measure the height of the sidewall at each corner inside edge too. These measurements should match up with what retailers offer in their product list so that you can select one that fits your specific model. Once you purchase your soft topper, read through installation instructions carefully and make sure that it fit snugly onto your vehicle before going out on the road with it.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for a Soft Topper
1. Remove any old top, panels, or parts from the truck’s cab. This can include any mounting hardware that may still be attached.
2. Clean the vehicles roof and check for any damages or dents that may have occurred to the existing surface.
3. Place new soft top panels on the truck and attach it with bolts at least 6 inches apart along the edge of the cab’s lip. Ensure tightness using a spanner wrench or a pair of pliers as required.
4. Connect all necessary wires and other electrical components for the sunroof or tinted window if appropriate for your model and make of vehicle.
5 .Install additional accessories such as clamps, handles and other support-brackets onto the new soft top according to manufacturer’s instructions provided in accompanying manual.
6 .Securely seal all edges along all seams of your soft-top with silicone cement to ensure tightness and durability over time and exposure to different types of weather conditions..
7 .Test out all fitted components before you take your truck out on a drive, as this will help ensure lasting performance overall and unanticipated issues whilst driving later on down the road..
Best Practices for Caring and Maintaining a Soft Topper
1. Clean your soft topper regularly with a mild soap and water solution, taking care to completely rinse off any residue.
2. Ensure that all zippers on the fabric are closed when not in use. This prevents dust, dirt and debris from entering the zippers and potentially damaging the material over time.
3. Apply a weatherproofing spray to keep dirt, moisture and UV rays from fading or breaking down the fabric. Make sure to follow the instructions of your specific product’s manufacturer for best results.
4. Check for rips, tears or loose stitching regularly and get it repaired by a professional as soon as possible if you find a problem.
5. Install grommets along any stress points where ropes can be tied or secured to prevent ripped seams over time from excess wind force or pressure on certain areas of the soft topper while driving on the road with an open top area exposed at highway speeds.
6. Store your soft topper in a clear plastic bin or sealed container when not in use, away from extreme temperatures, humidity levels, and direct sunlight; this will help protect its longevity for years to come!
Common Questions and Answers About Soft Toppers
Q: What is a soft topper?
A: A soft topper is a type of truck bed cover made from canvas or vinyl material. This type of cover is known for its flexibility and affordability, as it often costs less than a traditional hard shell or metal truck bed cover. It also provides better protection from the elements and easily allows access to the truck bed, with zipper closures making the loading and unloading of items quick and easy.
Q: What advantages does a soft topper provide compared to traditional covers?
A: Generally, a soft topper provides more protection from the sun, rain, snow, and other elements than traditional covers do. Additionally, it usually comes at an affordable price point when compared with other types of covers. Finally, these covers are lightweight yet durable which makes them much easier to install and remove for when you need extra storage space in your truck bed.
Finishing Thoughts
Adding a soft topper to your truck is a great investment that offers a number of advantages. Soft toppers can protect your cargo from the elements while still offering easy and convenient access. They are much quieter than hard shell tonneau covers, providing you with a more pleasant driving experience. Soft toppers come in different sizes and styles, so they can be customized to fit any budget and truck size, as well as offer the look and style that you’re going for. Soft toppers are also resistant to scratches and dents, making them easy to maintain over time. Finally, investing in a soft truck topper is far more cost-effective than investing in a hard shell one, saving you money in the long run.
