Softopper + Xtrusion Overland Rack

It has been couple of months since I sold my LEER fiberglass cap, finally able to get the rack and softopper together, been a slow process but I think it's well worth the wait. So far, I like it, great for mounting stuff onto the rack, and not as heavy as the fiberglass options.

The only gripe I have so far is that it shakes/wobbles with the bed but that is not the xtrusion overland rack's problem, that is just the nature of Tundra's C-channel frame, LEER cap was doing the same thing.

 

Looking good! I sometimes think it would be nice to have a softopper instead of the ARE fiberglass cap. My biggest concern is the ability to securely lock stuff up in the back when I'm on vacation and keep valuable items back there. How is the water tightness of the softopper? How quick does it go on and off the truck?

 

About the security, I am planning on DIY a rear brace/gate that would utilize struts to lift up and is lockable when closed. This should take care of the "easily getting into steal stuff" aspect, however, if the thieve is really determined, then nothing would stop them from getting into the bed (even with the fiberglass, all it takes is to break the glass). If I wasn't pairing the softopper with a rack like mine, I would be more concerned about the security too.

About the water tightness, I'd say it does a surprisingly good job, I first had leakage with the softopper side rails sitting on top of the rack's brackets (you would not have that problem if not having a rack). I added another layer of closed cell foam underneath the rail to solve that problem, also applied the liquid gasket maker around the brackets. So now it only leaks in the rear gate section which is the problem of the gate itself and not the softopper. I bought some seal trying to address that problem.

The softopper can be set in multiple modes, completely enclosed, safari mode (all sides rolled up), and convertible mode (folded down and forward), and of course it can be taken off completely (leaving the side rails on). all of these conversion takes no more than say 10-15 minutes. Setting it up is just the reverse of taking it down. VERY VERY convenient.

Btw, I felt a significant difference in weight when switching, the softopper weighs no more than 30lbs where the fiberglass at least 230lbs.

 

It’s a tough call, I love the look and function of my cap, but could probably sell it for 2k as it’s a fully loaded CX with windoors and everything. The weight savings is the most appealing factor for me for sure. Payload is limited pulling my camper so as it is, so the fiberglass cap doesn’t help. Plus, gotta shed a few pounds to break that 13 second 1/4 mile.

 

Agreed. I think you should have no problem selling your CX for 2k. I got 2k out of my LEER 100XR. Kinda have to sell with that offer.
Man, 13secs 1/4, that is great number, although I am not sure what is the speed limit of them softoppers lol

 

Gonna need you to do some beta testing for me please

 

Thanks for posting this!

I was considering going with Datin Fab's rack for a while, but I was going to have to add deck rails to my truck. I like this option because they make a channel clamp version.

Can you tell me what upgrades you opted for when ordering yours? I assume you didn't get their braces but added a couple of rails?

Can you tell me how their rails are fastened? I am considering ordering this rack system and then just getting some additional extruded railts from Tnutz to save some money.

 

I opted for the softopper compatible one, it comes with two top and two side braces/rails, I added another pair on top of the two pairs, so I have two on each side and two on the top.

top rail/brace are fastened by right angle gussets, side rail/brace are fastened by a 4 hole plate to the vertical column, since its extruded aluminum, you can mount/fasten them however you see fit for your own purpose, that is also the main point that sold me.

 

I also have a video of how I installed mine here

 

That was very helpful! After looking at this, I think i'll probably install an OEM bedrail system first.

I'm surprised that their turn-around time was so long at 2 months!

 

Glad it helps!
Yea, they are still a fairly small scale manufacture compared to the big name brands, however, the idea of unlimited modification is gold to me, and I see them being much bigger and ironing more stuff out as they grow.

 

I'm definitely a big fan of using extruded rails, which is why I like this option so much!