Sponsored

Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed)

Black_Widow_Overland

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jeremy
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Threads
12
Messages
115
Reaction score
115
Location
Casper, WY
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S w/max tow, 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Do you plan in camping out of your topper? I'm 6'2... so i know i'll have to leave the tailgate down... The tent option add on is there.. but not sure its worth it.
 
OP
OP
MarineHawk

MarineHawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2019
Threads
13
Messages
525
Reaction score
636
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Vehicle Showcase
1
Do you plan in camping out of your topper? I'm 6'2... so i know i'll have to leave the tailgate down... The tent option add on is there.. but not sure its worth it.
I just put the topper on for increased cargo volume.

Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) p84F0ss


I assume it must be good for some people or applications, but you couldn’t pay me enough to put a fixed tent on my vehicle. Given what I do with my off-road vehicles historically, it would be a much bigger hindrance than any benefit.

For example, when I am doing any serious off-roading that also is going to involve camping, I want to be able to set up a tent near the vehicle (I have several large ones that only take a few minutes to set up); unload the truck; load the tent; and then, at a moment’s notice, to be able to go off-roading without bouncing all my gear around in the back; or just to be able to drive off to “town” at a moment’s notice to resupply. Or, if I am hunting and someone I’m with bags a deer, I want to be able immediately to drive to whatever drivable spot is nearest to the deer or whatever to recover it after it is field-dressed.

A tent on top of my vehicle would just be an inconvenient pain to me.
 

Sponsored

OP
OP
MarineHawk

MarineHawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2019
Threads
13
Messages
525
Reaction score
636
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Vehicle Showcase
1
For example, with the added cargo space, I more-easily can fit all the gear I want/need along with this 12'x16' tent (not counting vestibules), and, if it's cold, bring along the interior wood stove and some extra firewood if needed (e.g., if I'm camping above tree-line).
Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) 8qgaUWU
 

Hurley82

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Threads
6
Messages
176
Reaction score
277
Location
Colorado
Vehicle(s)
Gladiator Rubicon , BMW F800GS
How are these at keeping out dust. On Colorado’s trails I’d like to keep my gear somewhat dust free.
 
OP
OP
MarineHawk

MarineHawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2019
Threads
13
Messages
525
Reaction score
636
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Vehicle Showcase
1
How are these at keeping out dust. On Colorado’s trails I’d like to keep my gear somewhat dust free.
It's been too wet and un-dusty here for me too know yet.

The A.R.E. lid on my GMC Sierra didn't do much to keep Colorado dust out.

Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) Xyd7hkF
 

PyrPatriot

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2019
Threads
193
Messages
2,668
Reaction score
1,875
Location
Kentucky, USA
Vehicle(s)
JT Sport S Max Tow; Honda Element
I just put the topper on for increased cargo volume.

p84F0ss.jpg


I assume it must be good for some people or applications, but you couldn’t pay me enough to put a fixed tent on my vehicle. Given what I do with my off-road vehicles historically, it would be a much bigger hindrance than any benefit.

For example, when I am doing any serious off-roading that also is going to involve camping, I want to be able to set up a tent near the vehicle (I have several large ones that only take a few minutes to set up); unload the truck; load the tent; and then, at a moment’s notice, to be able to go off-roading without bouncing all my gear around in the back; or just to be able to drive off to “town” at a moment’s notice to resupply. Or, if I am hunting and someone I’m with bags a deer, I want to be able immediately to drive to whatever drivable spot is nearest to the deer or whatever to recover it after it is field-dressed.

A tent on top of my vehicle would just be an inconvenient pain to me.
I am more concerned with the contents bouncing or shifting and knocking the cover off. A rack frame seems much more useful
 
OP
OP
MarineHawk

MarineHawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2019
Threads
13
Messages
525
Reaction score
636
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Vehicle Showcase
1
I am more concerned with the contents bouncing or shifting and knocking the cover off. A rack frame seems much more useful
I think it depends on what you’re doing. I think it might be a bit stronger that you think. But a rack would be better for some applications I’m sure.

The SofTopper works for me because it will keep my stuff dry.

I also generally need a full load when driving on some type of decent road (pavement, gravel, dirt) to a campsite and then unload most of it before any bouncy driving. If I ever am doing some serious bouncy off-roading with a decent load in the back, I can strap everything down.
 

Sponsored

SoGlad

Active Member
First Name
Andy
Joined
Jul 12, 2019
Threads
1
Messages
42
Reaction score
51
Location
48359
Vehicle(s)
2020 Gladiator Sport S
Made this out of some old trampoline steel. I'm thinking about adding some canvas to keep out dust / snow.

Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) 20190922_174718


Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) 20190922_182403


Jeep Gladiator Special Ops JTR (w/ SoftTopper installed) 20190923_174536
 
 







Top