Softtopper Lockable Storage Options

[bsquaredMTB]

I really like the look of a Tacoma with a softtopper but I'm not super comfortable with not being able to lock things under the topper. For those of you that have experience with a soft camper shell, what do you lose to lock things in your bed. I'm thinking things like recovery gear, compressor, etc.

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[Will721]

Its really not different than a regular topper. Frankly its faster to break into a hard topper than to play with the zippers on a soft, or worse if they wanna cut through. Since all they have to do is break a window.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

I'm not sure I understand your logic here. Can't someone just walk up to the softtopper and unzip the back window? Or am I missing something

 

[Will721]

Sure they can if the know they are there, or they can cut it. I was stating that regular toppers with glass windows give a false sense of security because one could shatter a window faster than messing with zippers or knives. So, when it comes to their prevention and storage, do as you would any topper or even you back seat.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

Gotcha. That's a fair point. Definitely something to consider. I was wondering if people throw a lockable bin back in the bed to provide a bit more security. I agree that, given enough motivation, jerks will try to get in regardless of what you have back there.

 

[GSPHerder]

A decked system would work, but bed space in a Taco is a premium. Either way soft or hard top I don't leave valuable stuff in the bed, always in the back seat. Bed is for water cans and ice chests during my trips.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

I agree on decked. Too much weight and space. Yeah, right now I have a hard top tri-fold and I keep my compressor and recovery gear back there. Just trying to think of what my options are if I sell that and get a topper. I'm thinking of either doing a retractable or softopper. My final goal is to be able to mount my full size spare in the bed or on a bed rack when I go off-road. Right now it's fine on the road but if I'm off-roading, I'd prefer to move it up to the bed and get that clearance back

Right now i'm thinking either of these options:

• retractable bed with billie bars or something similar (to mount the tire). I like the new retrax with the removable canister
• Softtopper with a lockable bin in the bed then I can just throw the spare in the bed mounted to the rail system.

 

[FinallyErik]

Mount your compressor under the hood and put your recovery gear under the seats. Or grab a few Apache cases and cable locks to keep it in the bed

 

[Leucosia]

Right now i'm thinking either of these options:

• retractable bed with billie bars or something similar (to mount the tire). I like the new retrax with the removable canister
• Softtopper with a lockable bin in the bed then I can just throw the spare in the bed mounted to the rail system.

I have a Pelican BX135 and quick detach. You can mount it closer to the tailgate if you want, and it detaches simple enough if you want to take it out. It's not the cheapest option, but i have recovery gear, tools, cargo net, and other stuff in there now. Nothing crazy if someone goes through the trouble of stealing it, but stuff i would normally throw in the trunk of a car.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Very much appreciated

 

[bsquaredMTB]

Another newbie question, has anyone used the soft topper with the rearview mirror camera? Does it block that camera? I know I'm asking a lot but it'd be nice if we could still use that mirror camera with the cover on.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

I was actually thinking of that post the other day but I couldn't find it on the forum! I was thinking of that same case.

I have a Pelican BX135 and quick detach. You can mount it closer to the tailgate if you want, and it detaches simple enough if you want to take it out. It's not the cheapest option, but i have recovery gear, tools, cargo net, and other stuff in there now. Nothing crazy if someone goes through the trouble of stealing it, but stuff i would normally throw in the trunk of a car.

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