softopper: “premium twill”

i searched around and found plenty on softoppers in general. but they have black and then black premium twill and i can’t find much about the difference good and bad between the two.


anyone have any experience with both?

 

No idea, but since the original stuff is basically convertible top material, that option might be non-vinyl coated canvas? If so, it would look killer but might require more work on keeping it sealed.

We had a top like that on our Saab and was similarly durable.

Just spitballing though.

 

yeah i looked around quick and couldn’t find much breaking it down. i think id be most curious how one lasts color wise vs another and how hard or easy the cleaning would be

 

If it is what I am guessing, the color is probably more stable than the original stuff. The deal was that the fabric needed shampooing and sealing yearly. It lasted us 13yrs and the neighbor's son with a lot less care for at least 6yrs after that.

The big recommendation was to use the Porsche shampoo and sealant as they used the same material.

With the original ST material, folks recommended Aerospace 303 twice per year, which I what I have been doing. Lately, there is distinct color change to dark black from very dark gray on mine. Zero worries though.


There's a part of me that would be interested in that new material, but I would want more info, like you are noting.

 

I wonder if it’s the same premium material that Bestop uses on their tops. If so, it is a very nice, heavy material. The soft top on my Wrangler was a quiet as my hardtop.

 

Like said above with jeep tops it means thicker more durable tops that don't flap as much.

 

i didn’t even think about flapping with the material thickness. the only think is i would be curious if thicker for any reasons means more likely to crack with the way it accordions in.

@BirchyBoy how the fading over time on your jeep ? and was there any specifics about what not to clean it with if say you’re going through a touch free wash?

and thanks for all the responses. trying decide and place and order next week for one.

 

My Wrangler had the premium twill soft top. It was quieter than the hard top with a liner. Very thick, durable and water proof! My buddy's jeep had the standard issue soft top, loud, flappy and no where near as nice. It was a huge upgrade and definitely something I would spring for as an option when I buy another Jeep.

 

I don’t keep vehicles long enough to know. I get, build them, get bored and move on. A very expensive habit.

 

I've had my soft topper just over a year. The black coated fabric, whatever it's called, is doing well so far. It spent the summer on my truck mostly in the sun because there was almost no cloud or rain.

I find it difficult to get really clean due to the texture, but scrubbing a little with a brush seems to do the trick every couple of washes.

This winter while attempting to gently flip the back flap up onto the top, it cracked near the top about 5" long almost horizontally. It was only about -10°C at the time. I fixed it a few months later after it warmed up with some Gorilla Tape, but I'm very disappointed with the failure mode.

 

oh man. they warranty at a year right? i’d be curious if you’re close enough if they would honor a warranty based on that big of a failure.

that cracking was kind of what i was curious about with the thicker type cover since you’re going to accordion fold and unfold multiple times

 

To be clear, it was the transparent window in the back flap that cracked. I heard a literal "pop" noise when it happened.

 

oooo alright. so not the vinyl itself. that’s better thanks for clearing that up

 

Window cracking in the cold (less than 40°F / 4.4°C) is specifically excluded in their warranty. In the cold you have to handle it much more slowly to prevent it cracking.

 

Ya, sorta like they knew damn well it would blow up regardless of how carefully you handle it while cold.

 

if you're handing them out once your bored, i'll take your next one!

 

I’ll let you know when my Tacoma is ready for a new home in April, after my Moab trip with friends

 

Found the infos: https://softopper.com/now-in-twill/

"Easy to clean - Thicker Fabric - Durable - NON FADING"

"Our classic Softopper fabric has long been part of the ultimate in adaptable bed cover solutions. Now we have taken the original and best convertible upright top to a whole new level. The new 3-layer Premium Twill fabric is for that truck owner that expects the best. We have selected the best in OE-grade soft top material that has been time tested by leading Wrangler and Bronco top manufacturer, Bestop.

Keep that “new look”. The weatherproof woven acrylic outer layer provides superior resistance to weathering, fading, and dirt. Its dark matte black hue perfectly complements any truck color.

At the core of our fabric is a vinyl layer hidden strength with thermal and audible insulating properties. Polyester backing also increases insulation and durability"

 

That first pic on the Glad makes it look just stellar. The rest of the pics don't quite do it justice.

I'd love to see it in person. Canvas on a truck just looks the part. That in tan would be a great look also, IMHO.

 

I have it, and I love it. Let me know if you have any questions or anything