
Day 11: Our Top Installation Tips
Day 11 is all about making your Softopper® installation experience as smooth as possible! Our team knows that getting your setup just right is key to enjoying all the benefits your Softopper® has to offer, so we’ve gathered our most valuable installation tips to share with you. From prepping your truck bed to perfecting the fit, these insider tips will help you tackle installation with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a first-time installer or looking to fine-tune your skills, we’ve got you covered!

getting started
- We package all of our canopies inside out for easy installation when snapping on the folding frame. The inside is a grey/denim color, but the other side of the canvas should be the color you ordered.
- Keep the canvas as warm as possible before trying to install (we recommend 62 degrees or warmer).
- Customers should note that the recommended starting position for the bedrails is a guideline, and adjustments may be needed for the best fit. Depending on the vehicle and the latest Softopper® designs, moving the bedrails slightly forward or backward may provide a better alignment. For newer trucks, the suggested placement—aligning the front edge of the bedrail with the back edge of the truck bed’s front inside wall—may not always result in the optimal fit.

SNapping
- Please ensure your frame is facing the right direction. Please also check that the rear window that zips in is facing the rear of your truck.
- Try to install in warmer weather (62 degrees or more) or park vehicle in direct sunlight to help relax the material.
- Loosen safety straps to slightly looser than taut.
- Snap Softopper® front snap behind the cab on both sides, then rear snap on both sides. You may need to pull down on the rear crossbar of the frame. Don’t be afraid to pull on the canopy hard or even have an assistant stand on the tailgate to push down the rear crossbar.
- Then snap the snaps in between. If you have trouble with them, you can leave just the front and rear snaps done for an hour or 2 to give it a bit more time to stretch.
- If you are unable to secure the rear snaps, drop the pivot pins on the bedrail brackets to a lower hole / position, then try snapping again.
- Tighten all four safety straps to taut.
- If you have gloves with a grip on them this can be helpful for snapping.
- Then let it set and stretch for about 3 or 4 weeks before

Finishing up
Rear window alignment
- Make sure your front and rear windows are aligned properly for the best fit and function. You can do this by locating the small mark on the inside center of the rear panel, and aligning it with the center snap on the rear most crossbar.
- Depending on your model, you may need to shift the panel down or up for the best fit.
Safety straps
- Make sure your safety straps have just enough tension to stay secure—no need to overtighten. Cranking them down too much can affect the overall fit of your Softopper®.
