Treg of the TregsTravels YouTube Channel has spent two years using a soft topper and finally decided to switch to a hard truck cap – and his experience highlights several clear reasons why. Let’s join as he walks us through the factors that changed his mind – and may change yours!
1. No Security
The biggest drawback he identified was the complete lack of meaningful security. After leaving the soft topper on the truck 99% of the time, the convenience of removability no longer outweighed the risk of storing gear in an unlocked fabric enclosure.
“There’s really no way that you can lock up the soft topper… It’s all fabric, buttons, and zippers.”
Treg – TregsTravels
Any time he left the truck at trailheads, campsites, or even gas stations, valuables had to be moved into the cab. A hard cap isn’t impenetrable, but breaking a glass window requires far more effort than unzipping a flap.
2. Dealing with Vinyl Windows and Zippers
Vinyl windows and zipper closures proved to be a constant source of irritation for Treg. Over time, the rear vinyl window became wavy, scratched, and stiff in the cold. The tailgate flap’s Velcro wore out within days, and the zippers stuck frequently even with lubrication. Additional frustrations included:
- Having to hold up both sides of the topper so the automatic tailgate wouldn’t catch
- The rear flap whipping around at speed
- A general sense of fragility, especially in winter
Overall, fabric and vinyl windows and outdoor zippers simply didn’t hold up long-term.
3. Increased Wind Resistance And Lowered MPG
The soft topper also created significant aerodynamic drag. Before installing it, he averaged 23–24 mpg with a hard tonneau cover. With the soft topper in place, mileage dropped to 19–20 mpg, especially at highway speeds where the fabric sucked inward and increased resistance. While any cap or topper may impact MPG, the soft topper seemed to have a significant negative impact.
4. No Top-Mount Options
A soft topper prevents mounting gear, solar, or a roof rack directly to the truck cap. Some people may recommend a cage-style rack, but Treg felt that would remove the fold-down flexibility that makes a soft topper appealing. Plus, adding a rack makes a soft top cost nearly as much as a used hard cap and still doesn’t address the lack of security.
5. Appearance
While there is a certain appeal to the military canvas look, the flapping rear window, puckered sides, and general distortion at speed are all negatives you’ll have to live with. Modern modular hard caps like the Westin EXP Truck Cap offer clean lines, better durability, and a factory-quality appearance.
“It’s very noticeable that you have a soft topper on your truck, especially at highway speeds.”Treg – TregsTravels
How Much Does A Hard Truck Cap Cost?
Our EXP Truck Cap is a high quality 5-piece aluminum modular topper, and comes with advanced features like:
- Double wall aluminum gullwing side doors with locking T-handles
- No drill installation allows for easy installation
- EPDM sponge double seal offers superior weather and dust resistance
- Integrated roof rails to mount accessories (crossbars sold separately)
- Auto lock/unlock rear door allows for easy rear door accessibility
- Clear 3rd brake light lens (3rd brake light not included on the Jeep Gladiator)
Finished in powder coated aluminum and with a dynamic load limit of 300 lbs and a static load limit of 700 lbs, this Truck Cap is ready for any adventure. Prices start at around $3,500 (depending on your truck make and model) and all necessary hardware and installation instructions are included.
Can I Install A Hard Truck Cap Myself?
Yes. The Westin EXP Truck Cap has been designed to be installed with only a set of basic tools and requires no drilling or modification to the truck bed. Treg recently installed the Westin EXP truck cap on his truck and found the modular design makes the entire process straightforward, even for first timers. Basic installation steps include:
- Unbox the two large cartons in a garage or driveway.
- Lay the roof panel flat on the shipping box or blankets.
- Slide the rear window into the roof channel and secure it with the supplied screws.
- Install the rubber rear door covers and then slide the side panels into their grooves.
- Drop the front panel into place, tap it down with a rubber mallet, and add the front brackets.
- Connect the wiring between roof, front, and rear panels.
- Flip the topper over, stick the front rubber strip to the truck bed, then lift the cap onto the truck.
- Align it carefully and tighten the three no-drill clamps.
- Install the gas struts and silicone corner covers.
Wiring Tips
Treg also covered the wiring process for the third brake light and locking actuator for the Westin EXP truck cap. Check out this video below for a great walk-through of the process:
Wiring the brake lights is easy using the supplied connectors. You simply remove the passenger-side tail light, tap into the gray/violet and black/yellow wires, and plug everything back in.
The locking actuator is a bit more complex. The original instructions pointed to the tailgate, but trucks with powered liftgates may not have an actuator there. In that case, the wiring must be connected under the driver-side door sill. Important notes from Treg to make the wiring job smooth:
- Use a grommet under the floor mat to pass wiring into the cab.
- Be certain to tap into the correct wires (confirmed by checking the B-pillar harness).
- Red-to-white/orange and gray-brown-to-black were the working combinations.
- Always test lock/unlock before reassembling panels.
Be sure to follow wiring diagrams carefully, and if you are in need of help, contact our knowledgeable staff at Westin for assistance.
The Westin EXP Truck Cap Out In The Wild
Treg was keen to experience the benefits of the Westin EXP Truck Cap for himself, so he headed out on a solo trip to for a bit of fly fishing. The first thing he noticed was that the EXP Truck Cap offers several benefits for anyone who camps out of their truck, especially in colder or unpredictable weather. Its double-wall aluminum construction includes foam padding that adds insulation, reduces condensation, and keeps the interior noticeably quieter at night.
He also found that condensation only formed on exposed metal areas, while the insulated sections stayed dry. This makes the cap far more comfortable for sleeping, especially when temperatures drop or rain rolls in. The quiet interior also helps create a calm, sheltered space that feels more like a small cabin than a truck bed.
The cap’s design enhances the overall camping experience by keeping gear dry, secure, and protected from the elements. Strong gull-wing side doors allow easy access, and the interior stays warm and draft-free when the weather turns windy or cold. These benefits become especially noticeable after upgrading from a soft topper, where the difference in comfort is dramatic.
Upgrade Your Ride With A Westin EXP Truck Cap
Clearly Treg is sold on the benefits of the Westin EXP Truck Cap, that’s because it’s more like an OEM extension of your truck than an aftermarket after-thought.
If you want to upgrade your vehicle with a Westin Truck Cap, get in touch today. We’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of quality automotive aftermarket products for Trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs since 1970. Our EXP truck caps aren’t just strong, weathertight and versatile, they enhance the style of your vehicle, and are backed by a comprehensive warranty. And don’t forget to check out our EXP truck cap roof racks and additional off-roading accessories – order today!
