Softopper Exoskeleton(Adarac)

[Bctruck]

Softopper – Truck Tops, SUV Tops, Accessories

softopper.com

Mine has been great

Is this on the 6'4 bed? Looks like it but their website lists 6'3 bed.

 

[TNRamGuy]

@Bctruck
Mine is the 6'4 fits great

 

[ej23]

This thread inspired me back in the end of June. Due to supply chain issues and "Design changes" on my part, I just now have everything in place. I previously had a Smartcap on order, ordered a Softopper and Adarac Pro and cancelled the Smartcap. Totally different beast, but the biggest thing I was looking for was a place to mount my awning.

The Softopper was was in stock and shipped immediately. Install was easy. The Adarac took longer maybe 11-12 weeks in total, with 1.5 of those languishing about in the Fedex system. Once it arrived, the Adarc Pro installed easily over the Softopper. The kit I ordered had 27" uprights, and being pro, they were vertical. The aesthetics bugged me from day one, and I soon ordered a single countered upright to see how well it would fit over the Softopper. The 27" were the only uprights sold individually so I took a gamble and bought a "right" one. Once it arrived I confirmed fit and then ordered another right and 2 left contour uprights. The final 2 arrived today and I installed the contoured uprights. I am happy with the outcome.

Ultimately it cost me more than it should have. If anyone is going to go the Adarac Pro route and needs an extra set of vertical uprights, hit me up, though looking at the RHRSwag website today, it now looks like they sell with 3 as an option now.

 

[My1stHemi]

I am not sure what awning your are going to run, but it looks like you could mount from the bottom of the cross bars with the overhang that you have. My ARB 2500x2500 awning which was from my old truck with an 8' bed extends over the cab/back door just a bit, so I had to mount it on top rather than underhung.

 

[ej23]

I have an 2.5M awning I currently run on my Tundra. The thought is to use quick disconnect on the mounts mounts and be able to use on either until for a while. I've got the ARB bracket, and have exactly the same thoughts regarding under vs over. I'd prefer under if possible, it will all come down to fit, which I hope to figure out in the next few days. I also have not ruled out trimming the bars should that prove to be the right thing to do, they are 72".

 

[My1stHemi]

When I was planning my options with the contoured uprights, I thought it would be nice to have an underhung canopy on one side with a Yakima road shower underhung on the other side for symmetry(and functionality of course). Instead of a road shower, I went with a Joolca Nomad which just came in after my last camping trip.

 

[NavyChief]

great setup, I see they sell as a triple now on the Ardac extreme and it gives a 700lbs weight capacity so you OP were correct on increasing your rating.

AdaRac Xtreme Contour Triple Cross Bar Rack | RHR Swag®

Removable & adjustable 3 cross bar system w/ contoured uprights. Works with Tonneaus. Matte Black & Aluminum. Built for ladders, tents, kayaks, hunting & more.

rhrswag.com

 

[My1stHemi]

I added a third brake light to my adarac to compensate for the softopper covering the Cab-mounted CHMSL

I purchased mine from Jeff Bezos but to repent of my patronage of evilcorp, I bought from an American brand ,Tecniq, instead of a Chinese knockoff.

I also used a brake light signal compensator to remove the flashing signal from the trailer light wiring harness that I tapped.

Light : Tecniq T10-rc001
Pacer third brake light logic circuit: 20-702

 

[ej23]

Nice on the light. I assume that you cut the extrusion on the back of and mounted with some vhb tape or similar?

 

[My1stHemi]

Thanks, I’m happy with the result. I had to drill a 9/16 hole IIRC for the center wires that protrude out the back. The light is affixed with two small screws, no tape. If i were to do it again, I would remove the cross bar and drill the extruded aluminum in a drill press. It turned out just fine drilling free hand, but the bit wants to wander once you hit the web at the center of the extrusion.

 

[Bits]

This thread inspired me back in the end of June. Due to supply chain issues and "Design changes" on my part, I just now have everything in place. I previously had a Smartcap on order, ordered a Softopper and Adarac Pro and cancelled the Smartcap. Totally different beast, but the biggest thing I was looking for was a place to mount my awning.

The Softopper was was in stock and shipped immediately. Install was easy. The Adarac took longer maybe 11-12 weeks in total, with 1.5 of those languishing about in the Fedex system. Once it arrived, the Adarc Pro installed easily over the Softopper. The kit I ordered had 27" uprights, and being pro, they were vertical. The aesthetics bugged me from day one, and I soon ordered a single countered upright to see how well it would fit over the Softopper. The 27" were the only uprights sold individually so I took a gamble and bought a "right" one. Once it arrived I confirmed fit and then ordered another right and 2 left contour uprights. The final 2 arrived today and I installed the contoured uprights. I am happy with the outcome.

Ultimately it cost me more than it should have. If anyone is going to go the Adarac Pro route and needs an extra set of vertical uprights, hit me up, though looking at the RHRSwag website today, it now looks like they sell with 3 as an option now.
View attachment 109684

Hello thanks for sharing this. I am looking at doing this with my 21 ram. Are you able to collapse your softopper with the rack on? After a year or two are you liking this setup?

 

[Biziscits]

After having a Leer canopy on my last truck, my DT was an opportunity to try something new for cargo protection and family recreation/camping. Over the last year I explored what flexible solutions might exist on the market and after considering a lot of options(which included custom fabrication) I decided to start my build with the purchase of a softopper about a year ago.
I have enjoyed the canopy as a part-time accessory and have accepted a few limited shortcomings. A RTT is on the horizon so I just installed the Adarac Pro as an exoskeleton around the softopper. This rack is aluminum, black, simple/clean, can be configured in many ways, is expandable, American made and reasonably priced. It checked all the boxes.
The rack is rated for 500# so I will be ordering a third upright and crossmember to increase the load capacity to 750# which will put me well into the safe zone with a 4person tent.
First impressions are that I am really pleased with how this is turning out. I was ready to have to modify or abort the plan but I’ve been able to make the rack and canopy interface with little effort. The forward uprights actually cover the front seam on the canopy which makes for a cleaner look. Win. View attachment 80648View attachment 80649

I’ll provide updates as the parts arrive. I’m pretty excited to get the RTT and try it out this winter.

Here is a quick photo shop of what a third member would look like.
View attachment 80650

I bought my Taco with the adarac pro uprights preinstalled. I’ve been thinking of doing exactly this! Did the soft topper rails install easily with the adarac rails?