When it comes to outfitting your truck, we know there’s no shortage of accessories and gear to choose from. One of the questions we get asked most often at Softopper® is whether certain products are compatible with our tops. From bed racks and tonneau accessories to rooftop tents and toolboxes, it’s important to know what works — and what doesn’t — with your Softopper setup. In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the most common products customers ask about, so you can plan your build with confidence.
Team Players: Gear That Works with Softopper®
Drawer systems
A drawer system is one of the best upgrades you can make to your Softopper® setup. Whether you build your own or go with one of the many great options on the market, it’s a smart way to stay organized while keeping your gear secure and easy to access.
Compatibility Tip: As long as the drawer system doesn’t interfere with the bedrails and leaves at least 7 inches of clearance from the top of the bedrails to the top of the drawers, your Softopper® will have enough room for the folding frame to pivot and function properly.
If you’ve been looking for a way to add some in-bed organization without giving up flexibility, drawer systems are a great match.
5th Wheel trailers
Planning to tow a 5th wheel with your Softopper®? Good news—all Softopper models are compatible, with the exception of older Ridgeline tops (which retract backwards).
When the Softopper® is fully retracted, you may want to remove the back half of your bedrails to avoid any scratching during tight turns. Here’s how to do it:
Remove the clamps securing the back half of the bedrails.
Loosen the clamps on the front half slightly to allow for some movement.
Press the pushpin to slide off the rear portion of the rails.
Store the rear bedrails in a safe spot during travel.
This quick adjustment makes your Softopper® ready for the road—without interfering with your 5th wheel towing setup.
Tailgate bike pad
A tailgate bike pad is fully compatible with the Softopper® and remains a popular choice for hauling bikes without compromising your setup. Since the Softopper®’s rear window bar hovers just above the tailgate and locks into brackets on the end of the bedrails, the presence of a bike pad won’t interfere with the function or closure of the top. The rear panel hangs over the tailgate area, so it naturally drapes over the pad without needing adjustment. Even with the pad installed—and bikes loaded—you can still easily roll up the rear window panel of the Softopper® to access your gear or the truck bed. Whether you’re transporting bikes for a trail ride or just need quick access to the bed, this setup works seamlessly together.
Bed Racks
Adding a bed rack to your Softopper® setup is one of the easiest ways to expand your truck’s capability. Whether you’re looking to mount a rooftop tent, haul recovery boards, store fuel or water cans, or simply create more organized storage for gear, a rack opens the door to all kinds of upgrades. With the right rack, you can keep your Softopper® fully functional while unlocking new options for overlanding, camping, work setups, or everyday hauling.
Softopper Exo Truck Bed Rack
The Softopper® Exo Truck Bed Rack is purpose-built to integrate seamlessly with your Softopper® setup, offering added utility without compromising function. It mounts directly under the Softopper® bed rails and attaches to your truck’s factory rails for a secure, hassle-free fit—allowing full retraction and use of your topper. Made from durable 10, 12, and 14-gauge HRPO steel with a matte black powder coat finish, the Exo Truck Bed Rack rack is ready for anything—whether you’re loading up a rooftop tent, recovery gear, or extra storage.
Currently available for:
- 3RD & 4TH GEN TACOMA SHORT BED
- JEEP GLADIATOR
with more to come!
Benched: What Doesn’t Make the Lineup
Headache racks are a popular add-on for protecting your cab window and securing long cargo—but they’re not compatible with the Softopper®. The structure of a headache rack interferes with the placement of the Softopper®’s front window. In some cases, this can prevent the top from seating properly or even compromise its secure attachment.Â
Tonneau covers and Softopper® tops aren’t compatible—both rely on mounting systems that occupy the same space along your truck’s bed rails. Because of this overlap, it’s not possible to run both at the same time. It’s one or the other—but if you’re looking for versatility, Softopper® tends to be the top pick.
Softopper® is not compatible with Ram trucks equipped with the RamBox® storage system. The built-in box design interferes with the placement of our bed rails, making it impossible to securely mount the Softopper®.
CarbonPro beds are not compatible with Softopper® tops. The composite material and enclosed design prevent our clamps, bolts, and nuts from securing properly. Since the inner walls are covered and may contain lighting or wiring, there’s no safe or accessible way to mount the Softopper® without risking damage to the bed—or compromising the integrity of the installation.
Softopper® tops are not compatible with Trail Edition Toyota trucks that come equipped with factory bed-mounted toolboxes. The built-in toolboxes interfere with the Softopper® frame, preventing it from sitting or operating correctly. However, if you’re willing to remove the toolboxes, the Softopper® will install and function like normal—offering the same protection, flexibility, and ease of use as with any standard bed.
While there are a few products that don’t work with the Softopper®, it’s still one of the most versatile and user-friendly options out there. With a lightweight frame, easy installation, and full retractability, the Softopper® gives you the freedom to use your truck bed how you want—without being locked into a permanent setup. It offers reliable protection, quick access to your gear, and the ability to remove or reinstall it in minutes. And while some products may not be compatible, there’s a long list of gear that does work great with the Softopper® making it easy to build out a setup that fits your lifestyle.
