SoftTopper leaks

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I put a softopper on a few weeks ago. I've noticed it leaks more than I'd like.
The reason seems to be the stitching. You pull the top on pretty tight and it pulls the stitching enough that water can get through.
I used the supplied sealer but it just isn't the handiest item to use. I had some water proofing (aerosol) and figured I'd go over the seam and just try and keep water off it as much as I could. What I had laying around was a two coat system. First coat, nice and invisible. 2nd coat may as well had been white paint.
I have to laugh at myself. I did the whole side too, it went on clear then changed to chalk white. Ah well at least it isn't permanent.

Lol

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[RavensEyeOffroad]

well my trick didnt help. It rained all last night and I checked out the bed just now and ive got two puddles on each side. the wax/sealer/glue that it came with i think would work but its difficult to use from inside the bed looking up. What I might have to try is getting it on a smaller paint brush and putting it in a few specific spots/seams that I can still see light coming through.
Overall I like the top but I wish it was a touch more water proof.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Here is a picture from side the truck looking at the seam. You can see light coming through some of the stitches there.

 

[Gren71]

Well I guess this makes the choice for me...ill be getting the bestop topper

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Well it's pouring the rain so I decided to pull the truck out in it and get in the bed and see if I could figure out where the water was coming from.
It's multiple places and issues.
The inside black straps are soaked, like could probably wring them out. This is where the weird drips were coming from.
The bottom seem where the buttons and inside bed track are seaping water.
I'll post pics here.
So here is a drip from the inside straps, all 3 on both sides are soaked.

Here is the seam that runs along the bottom where it buttons to the track, the glistening you see is water. It's very wet all along it.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Now, that all said. I think I can fix it all to be honest. It's not bad enough that I'm mad. But I expected better and I think they would also. What I will probably do is take it back off. And seam seal it and just see if maybe I did something wrong.
The biggest issue/flaw are these the water just gets absorbed by the strap then gets inside the truck through it.

 

[IamAlan]

Now, that all said. I think I can fix it all to be honest. It's not bad enough that I'm mad. But I expected better and I think they would also. What I will probably do is take it back off. And seam seal it and just see if maybe I did something wrong.
The biggest issue/flaw are these the water just gets absorbed by the strap then gets inside the truck through it.

I was going to purchase one but now I'm hesitant. Perhaps Softtopper would appreciate some feedback?

 

[IamAlan]

Well I guess this makes the choice for me...ill be getting the bestop topper

Didn't Bestop buy Softtopper? Or are they just a distributer?

 

[Gren71]

Didn't Bestop buy Softtopper? Or are they just a distributer?

they did but they’re still separate companies as far as @Bestop has told me.
Bestop also just came out with their own version that is pretty good looking, and has a tonneau that can be added when you take the topper off

 

[IamAlan]

they did but they’re still separate companies as far as @Bestop has told me.
Bestop also just came out with their own version that is pretty good looking, and has a tonneau that can be added when you take the topper off

Their Super Top looks like a winner and it's only $100 more than the Softtopper with more features.. According to the website they will be shipping next month. Helloooo Stimulus check!

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Tried to make video, file too large. So gif it is. Water comes down, hits nylon, nylon absorbs water leeches it inside truck, there are 6 of these that leech water for ya. Lol

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I've been brainstorming and I've got a few diy ideas on how to fix this issue.
I'm not sure if I can tag them somehow but if someone can please do.
I am not trying to discourage anyone from buying this top but this issue does need addressed.

edit, I looked even further into those nylon straps. Basically the loop inside the top upward in between two pieces of the top, sewn then down. So they have tried to not allow gravity to cause this but just the nylon is absorbing so much it doesnt matter.
Toward the front (the cab of the truck) they have a lip that hangs down over the soft window if they would continue this lip down the side it would eliminate alot of the issue. But that may come with some wind noise. Ive got a few other ideas ill try and just see if i cant come up with something.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I went ahead and took the topper off, its going to be nice this weekend so ill try and work on a few things. Ive got a very simple solution for the nylon leak issue but it will take me a few days to work it through. Its supposed to rain all next week so it will be a good test if i can get it done in time.
Have a good weekend guys, ill update as I find some relative information.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Well here is version 1. Basically I just put some electrical tape over the nylon then paracord wrapped it.
My thought was to making it hard for the rain to get to the nylon but easy to get to the paracord. This will give the rain a path other than to inside the truck.
we have 100% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow so I'll see if it works. I left the other side normal so I could compare. Some of the paracord is cut short and tight others I left a little length.
I know this seems dumb Mayne but I was trying to think of something anyone could do to mostly solve the problem and be very affordable.
Kinda think the orange is a cool touch anyhow.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Well my idea worked enough. Water still dripped in from each strap. I'll have to go back to the drawing board and see what I can think up.

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