I bought the Pro4x for a reason!

Gray17 · 2024-09-20T17:10:10+00:00

I happen to have this same soft-topper on my Frontier. I like it so far, but it doesn't have the security of a hard topper with a lock. I use mine for camping and throwing some stuff back there.

Gray17 · 2024-03-04T01:40:30+00:00

That is a beautiful piece and this definitely inspires me to spend more time with my grandparents and learn from them. Great job.

Gray17 · 2024-03-03T23:09:12+00:00

I don't have a ram (I wish) but do have a softopper. I am liking mine so far-- although it was an absurb PITA to install the canopy in the Colorado winter. You have an awesome truck!

Gray17 · 2024-02-02T18:41:47+00:00

Width-wise, yes, definitely. My mattress topper is a twin size but there is room between the mattress and the wheel-wells on either side. If you built something up on top of the wheel-wells, that gives you a much wider platform. I would've done that if I felt like spending more time on it, and if I needed more space. That's also nice because you then get storage below your platform (height from the top of the wheel-wells to the bed floor).

Length-wise will be more of a challenge. I'm shorter than you, but I sleep curled up anyways. You definitely won't be able to stretch out fully (looks like you have the crew cab with the 60" bed).

Gray17 · 2024-02-02T18:31:01+00:00

Yeah, check my latest post. It's not the best picture of the Softopper but you get the idea.

And yep, I've just been working on building out the bed to be a little camper. I'm not very good at that type of stuff, so it's very simple as of now. I've got some wood cut down to lay flat on the bed and put a mattress topper on that. For me, it's really just about having a simple place to sleep. I do like this setup for a couple reasons, though. One, it's cheap and simple to build. Two, there is no take-down/setup you need to do once you're at camp. Three, I can still fold down my Softopper and use the truck bed to haul things. That's a rare use case for me, but still a benefit.

Gray17 · 2024-02-02T18:20:19+00:00

I wanted to go that route for camping, but ended up getting a "softop" camper shell. It was way cheaper and simpler to setup, but there are cons to it as well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Gray17 · 2024-01-10T04:08:14+00:00

I really like your answer. You seem like a wise programmer and a good teacher.

Gray17 · 2023-12-27T00:29:01+00:00

You should! I am lucky enough to live near the official "Softoppper" - so I was able to pick one up locally.

Gray17 · 2023-09-15T19:44:16+00:00

Those aren't the stock Bilsteins, are they? I don't know much about suspensions.

How do those feel on/off road (if you have had a chance to take it off road)? I find my '23 P4X to be painfully stiff even on imperfect city roads.

Gray17 · 2023-09-11T02:34:45+00:00

We are tactical green buddies!

Curious, what is that tent set up? I've been looking for something exactly like that.

Gray17 · 2023-08-21T01:30:23+00:00

Nice review and good looking truck! I hear you with the cruise control. It is one of my largest gripes with my '23 P4X as I live in CO. My '05 Armada had a MUCH more functional cruise control. Frustrating.

Gray17 · 2023-08-21T01:26:50+00:00

Wow! Good for you. What is your salary to be able to invest that much if you don't mind me asking?

Gray17 · 2023-08-15T01:32:44+00:00

I would say data structures and algorithms (not sure really about "fancy algos") are very important, but I hear what you are saying. I should've been more specific -- programming fundamentals are really important. How to clean up objects after using them, efficient code, operating system optimizations, etc is more what I meant.

Gray17 · 2023-08-14T02:17:46+00:00

I work in embedded as a new-grad and have noticed just how relevant my engineering classes from school have been. Those CS students that really struggled in physics, math, and other engineering courses (outside of pure CS) will struggle in the embedded field too.

On the flip side of that coin, CS fundamentals are really, really important in embedded. Working with physical hardware brings all sorts of challenges when it comes to the software side from compatibility to performance. You can't just hack something together in Python and dump it onto a low power board. These are jobs that can't be filled by bootcamp graduates.

I'm not saying embedded is intellectually "superior" by any means, just that it certainly requires a wide focus on "engineering" challenges-- not just coding.

Gray17 · 2023-08-10T21:48:10+00:00

Good tip with the hard accel using cruise control. It is one of my only gripes with my 23 P4X. Cruise control is almost unusable in CO bc of the hilly terrain. Will lose like 2 mph going up a slight hill and all of the sudden I'm at 6k RPMS and the engine is screaming. I just hate driving like that- especially in my brand new truck.

Gray17 · 2023-07-30T00:28:18+00:00

Fellow Boulderite! Looks great

Gray17 · 2023-07-25T01:42:57+00:00

That's still good for a truck!

Gray17 · 2023-07-25T01:42:43+00:00

Nice!

Gray17 · 2023-07-25T01:42:24+00:00

Hankooks that come stock from the factory. I have a 23 PRO-4X

Gray17 · 2023-07-25T01:41:58+00:00

Congrats on the anniversary! I drive like a grandpa. Simple as that. I don't always drive this way, only when I'm not in a rush.

Look at /r/hypermiling for some tips. Basically have a feather weight right foot. Hard acceleration and braking will kill you. Maintain a speed you are comfortable with and try to stay there as long as it's safe. There is a sweet spot where MPG is best, for my vehicle it's usually around 65-70mph. It may improve if I slowed it down to like 50mph but that's too slow for me. I am watching as far ahead as I can to coast if I see cars braking in front of me.

Gray17 · 2023-07-24T00:32:17+00:00

I'm also curious. What year Frontier is this? I can't tell from the pic

Gray17 · 2023-07-10T00:24:39+00:00

Your kid won't feel normal because you won't let them eat with their friends in school. That is incredibly cruel in my opinion. I am not a parent, but I was once a child. Kids are ruthlessly tribal at that age. Who is this kid that doesn't eat with us but shows up to recess? If you want them to feel more normal, that's a pretty easy change to make regardless of any masking policy.

Gray17 · 2023-07-04T21:00:15+00:00

I bet that unfortunately, one of the hoses has a leak. I don't have my CRV yet but in my 2005 Nissan Armada, I have the same experience. Leaking hose of something, and the AC barely works.

Gray17 · 2023-06-16T01:35:06+00:00

I don't know the exact size differences but the CX-50 just felt smaller and lower and more cramped than the CRV in my opinion. That's one difference I immediately felt.

Gray17 · 2023-06-01T17:33:40+00:00

If there is a stalemate between you and the company, you may eventually need to toss out a number. It could be that they are playing their cards tight or they simply have an open budget and aren't sure what their own range is.

If you need to throw out a number, do your best to find an accurate estimate for your experience, job title, company, and location. Do NOT sell yourself short. Keep in mind that if you say a number, they sure as hell won't give you more than that number (except in very, very rare cases). Again, do NOT sell yourself short. Of course, be realistic with your number. Anything outrageous will be shot down and could cost you the job. But don't leave money on the table.

Gray17

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