Soft versus hard shell?

[QuintusMaximus]

What are people's opinions on a hard versus soft shell? I do a fair bit of camping, so was leaning towards the hard shell, since then I could put a rack on it for a kayak, gear box, etc. Plus the bestop soft shell seems pretty expensive for something made of fabric.

Am I looking at this wrong, and there is a reason to go soft?

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[Gladiator addict]

o a fair bit of camping, so was leaning towards the hard shell, since then I could put a rack on it for a kayak, gear box, etc. Plus the bestop soft shell seems pretty expensive for something made of fabric.

I don't think there is a wrong or right way to look at it. It all narrows down to what works best for you. I am currently in the deep south. For example, it was 80° today. That being said, I made the decision to go with the soft top and I'm so glad I did! I can be topless in 15 seconds!

 

[HankB]

Over the years I’ve owned a lot of roofless cars. We live in New England so that includes a lot of snow miles. That said we also spent time overseas where it was sunny and hot all the time and we had a convertible there as well. So I’ve owned them in all kinds of weather. My conclusion, You really have to want a convertible to be happy with one regardless of the weather. They all are the same, 15 year old clunker, or brand new German barely street legal luxury race car: noisy, cold in the winter, hot in the summer, and every single one eventually leaks in the rain. But when things go right, nothing beats a convertible, sunroofs don’t even come close. So if there is any question in your mind, then you probably shouldn’t get one. And with that I’d say go with the hard top; the front panels come off pretty quick and easy, the experience is not roofless but pretty close (better than a sunroof). And because it’s a Jeep you can always swap to a canvas roof. We got a hardtop with the red truck, but I was primarily buying a small pickup with four doors for practicality not fun (although it really is a lot of fun). And I may do a soft top conversion in the future.

 

[Jeepasaurus_Rex]

I can't tell if this is about RTT or the actual Jeep top? lol

 

[GHWillys]

I can't tell if this is about RTT or the actual Jeep top? lol

I think the OP is asking about a bed canopy, hard cover vs softtopper. I don't have one or plan to get one so I can't provide any advice.

 

[A 2]

Soft shell for me. have had a hard shell on every truck until now. I prefer the ease of turning my truck back into a truck in less than 5 minutes. No complaints here.

 

[IPRoutes]

What are people's opinions on a hard versus soft shell? I do a fair bit of camping, so was leaning towards the hard shell, since then I could put a rack on it for a kayak, gear box, etc. Plus the bestop soft shell seems pretty expensive for something made of fabric.

Am I looking at this wrong, and there is a reason to go soft?

For your use case, hard shell seems more appropriate. Soft shell for people who don't want to put things on top of the shell and have a tight weight budget.

There can also be a hybrid option like this:
https://softopper.com/products/datin-fab-canvas-cage-rack-ac-jgldo/

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Hard shells are for little kids with ground meat, real tacos will always be soft shell

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

There are two downsides with hard camper shells: 1. price, and 2. Weight.

I wanted a camper shell on my last two trucks, but didn’t have the dough. For this one…I had the funds set aside for it before I bought the truck. It’s exactly what I wanted and I wouldn’t go back to a regular bed cover.

On weight…are you planning on towing a heavy trailer? Do some math and figure out what concession you’re willing to make weight/payload wise. I’ve got an Alu-Cab, which is supposed to be light camper shell wise, but it’s still pretty noticeable (haven’t gotten around to putting the truck on a scale yet).

 

[Brojave22]

Hard shells are for little kids with ground meat, real tacos will always be soft shell

hard shell you bite it once it falls apart, soft shell you can fry it in some oil, melt some cheese while frying it, add that pulled pork mmmmm

 

[WILDHOBO]

I love the way hard shells look, but I’ve been leaning towards a soft shell because of the cost and versatility. If I need to haul something taller than the shell, it folds down.

That’s why we went with a soft topper, not that brand though. It’s been great. And the light weight is awesome now that I’ve added a ton of weight in armor. I really like being able to fold it down for tall loads.

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