Comparison Guide

Soft Truck Cap Designs

Which Design Wins on the Facts?

Soft truck caps are built in only a few core ways. Most designs fall into folding frame caps (also called retractable tops) or inflatable shells that primarily enclose the bed. We built WildTop around structure and real world use, so this comparison focuses on how each design is built and what that means in practice.
Once you understand the construction, the differences are easy to judge.

Cost Construction Load Rating RTT Materials Installation Warranty
WildTop Nomad
Retracting Toppers
Inflatable Toppers

DESIGN TYPES

How each soft top design works in the real world.

Same criteria for all three: Load, Access, Weather, Materials, Install, Warranty.

WildTop Nomad
  • Patented 2-in-1 topper and rack system.
  • Load-rated roof capability.
  • RTT mounting without adding a separate rack.
  • Tailored fit for each vehicle.
Worth Noting
  • Does not fold forward into the bed.
  • Fixed structure, not designed to pack down for compact storage.
Retracting Toppers
  • A fabric enclosure stretched over a collapsible bow frame.
  • Folds forward to open the bed.
  • Lightweight by design.
  • Panels often replaceable.
Worth Noting
  • No structural load capacity.
  • RTT requires separate aftermarket rack system.
Inflatable Toppers
  • Air-support shell (inflatable beams).
  • Deflates for compact storage.
  • Modular window panels.
  • Strap and J-hook mounting system.
Worth Noting
  • Pressure sensitive. Over-inflation can be cause explosion/death according to fine print.
  • Puncture compromises entire shell.
  • May require constant re-inflation to stay firm.

What It Really Costs

Itemized pricing, including required add-ons.
Some toppers look cheaper until you add the rack they depend on.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

WildTop
2-in-1 Rack/Soft Top

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Topper:
$1,399.00
Rack:
Included
Shipping:
$0.00
6ft+ bed Surcharge:
$0.00
WildTop Total $1,399
Total
$1,399
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

RETRACTABLE TOPPERS

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Topper:
$1,049.99
Aftermarket Rack
$1,369.99
Fabric Upgrade:
$400.00
Shipping:
$155.95
6ft+ bed Surcharge:
$20.00
Retractable Topper Total $2,995.93
Total
$2,995.93
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Inflatable Toppers

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Topper:
$1,599.00
Rack:
N/A
Shipping:
$45.00
6ft+ bed Surcharge:
$200.00
Inflatable Topper Total $1,844
Total
$1,844
What this means: Construction refers to the structural system that gives the cap its shape and strength. This comparison focuses on whether the structure is designed to carry load, or primarily to enclose the bed.

Construction

How each design is built and what it supports.

WildTop Nomad
INTEGRATED RACK & FRAME
Patented 2-in-1 Rack and Topper Design.
Retracting Toppers
FOLDING BOW FRAME
Lightweight bows hold the fabric and shape. Roof load and RTT use requires aftermarket separate rack.
Inflatable Toppers
AIR-SUPPORTED SHELL
Air pressure holds the shape. Temperature and altitude changes can affect firmness.
What this means: Load rating applies to the supporting structure, not the fabric enclosure. Dynamic ratings apply while driving. Static ratings apply when parked. Published limits often vary by region and manufacturer documentation.

LOAD RATING

Load ratings apply to the supporting structure, not the fabric enclosure.
To be load rated, a frame has to be engineered from the start to carry weight while the vehicle is moving, not just when parked.

WildTop Nomad
LOAD RATED STRUCTURE
  • 770lb Static / 220 lb dynamic on WildTop Nomad.
  • Engineered from the ground up to support significant weight.
Retracting Toppers
NOT LOAD RATED
  • Cannot carry weight.
Inflatable Toppers
PUBLISHED LIMITS
  • Up to 300lb Static in USA Market.
  • Inflate to 8 PSI (~10-20 mins).
  • Requires pump.
  • Overseas Market is 100lb Static.
What this means: This section compares whether an RTT mounts directly to the cap structure, or requires a separate rack system to carry the load. Mounting method affects total cost and complexity.

RTT MOUNTING

How each design handles rooftop tent mounting.

WildTop Nomad
READY OUT OF THE BOX
  • Mounting Racks Included.
Retracting Toppers
NOT RTT COMPATIBLE
  • No Racks.
  • Requires aftermarket 3rd party rack.
Inflatable Toppers
NOT RTT COMPATIBLE
  • No Racks.
What this means: Materials comparison includes frame construction, fabric type, window material, and hardware. Durability depends on both material choice and structural design.

Materials

Fabric, frame, windows, and hardware, compared.

WildTop Nomad
FRAME
Heavy Duty Aluminum Frame with Reinforced Steel Gussets.
FASTENERS
Corrosion resistant stainless and zinc coated hardware.
TOPPER
16oz Australian Military Grade Canvas.
WINDOWS
Marine Grade RollGlass PVC - Tinted.
ZIPS
YKK #10 Chunky Zippers with Metal Sliders.
Retracting Toppers
FRAME
Aluminum Folding Hoop Frame with Plastic Connectors.
FASTENERS
Mild Steel Hardware.
TOPPER
2-ply Sailcloth Fabric.
WINDOWS
Vinyl Windows (90 Day Warranty).
ZIPS
#10 Zippers with Metal Sliders.
Inflatable Toppers
FRAME
Drop-Stitch Air Chambers Sewn Together to Hold Pressure.
FASTENERS
Nylon Straps with Plastic Buckles.
TOPPER
PVC Coated Fabric.
WINDOWS
Clear Vinyl Windows.
ZIPS
Weather-resistant zippers.

INSTALLATION

How each design installs, removes, and opens up for access.

WildTop Nomad
Installation Type
Clamp On.
Weight (approx)
60 lbs.
Bed Access
Clamp Removal.
Takes about 1 minute by loosening 4 bolts.
Retracting Toppers
Installation
Clamp On.
Weight (approx)
30 lbs.
Bed Access
Fold down design.
Folds down in about 5 minutes (requires getting into the truck bed).
Inflatable Toppers
Installation
Straps and J-Hooks.
Weight (approx)
50 lbs.
Bed Access
Deflate and remove.
Removal: about 4 minutes. Deflation: about 15 minutes.

Warranty

Coverage length and what is included. Many brands have extensive fine print and safety conditions tied to use of their products in certain environments, temperatures, conditions.

WildTop Nomad
2 YEARS FULL COVERAGE
Frame, Canvas, Windows, Zips Included.
Generous warranty terms.
Retracting Toppers
1 YEAR LIMITED
Windows: 90 Days. Zippers 6 Months.
Side Curtains: 45 days.
Inflatable Toppers
2 YEARS COVERAGE
Over-Inflation Voids Warranty.
Heavier fine print because safe use depends on inflation and setup.

© 2026 WildTop comparison. Pricing/specs shown are approximate based on public info.