Holy sunroof Batman! Sky365 Glass Sun Roof Panel Test Review

[Stan H]

Living in Central NYS we get a real mix of weather, but I opted for the Freedom top mainly due to
winter snow and ice accumulation. Didn't take long to dislike the removable panels so I looked
at other options, including the clear see-thru single panels. Would have given more consideration
if they could be partly opened for enhanced ventilation. In the end I went with a Sunrider, and yes
after 2 yrs I've added the mesh screen (sunburn on bald head hurts). Mine is the Twill version and
after 4 yrs shows very little if any wear. In the past I've had several cars with factory sunroofs and
they all had shades that could be slid into place, my aftermarket sunroofs did not, but they did
have UV blocking coating. As a last resort I wear a baseball cap just to enjoy nature.

Another guy with my problem thank goodness for baseball caps

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[heretic]

If you don't get the cheap tint that turns purple in a year, the modern window films that are ceramic and or IR rejection will cut out almost all the heat and glare regardless of how dark they appear.

 

[rhaney02]

If you don't get the cheap tint that turns purple in a year, the modern window films that are ceramic and or IR rejection will cut out almost all the heat and glare regardless of how dark they appear.

Even the cheaper tints will stay dark and not turn purple as long as you don't use ammonia based cleaners on them.

 

[heretic]

not in FL

 

[In3briatedPanda]

One reason I'm hesitant to put on the sunrider - no GOOD sun filter option. That roll-up screen is not only pricey but takes up real estate - partially negating the whole point of having the panels out.
At least with the Spiderweb sunshade it was filtered sun hitting my wife (who sunburns easily these days) or my thin crop of hair on an aging scalp.

I suppose at least with this glass option, you could still use a sunshade ??

i do not ever plan on removing my top. My wife is the only one that likes the panels off. Im a doors off, windshield down kinda guy myself. If the tint is as pictured, that is perfect for what i want. I did not like the plastic greenhouse one all over IG. GA heat and humidity is something else July-September

I did not like my spider sunshade either. It didnt shield me as much as just having a bikini top on, so i stopped taking my freedom panels off.

My bald head and the tops of my ears get sunscreen before anything else. lol #thisis40 or something

 

[DirkG]

I love that products like this exist. I also love that Jeep was smart enough to have the Gladiator align with the Wrangler for much of its parts and aftermarket so that most of what is available for the Wrangler fits the Gladiator as well.

I'll pass on the glass as I love my Sunrider. To address a few of the sun concerns with the Sunrider, there's a grab inlet at the center of the top (see below) where you can grab it and close it from the driver's seat. If there's too much sun, you can close it immediately. Obviously not moving

 

[heretic]

wonder if you could incorporate this feature.
being a little silly but with a hint of seriousness...
and I know all the draw backs but still.

https://www.amazon.com/Flip-Top-Wra...&pd_rd_r=d6a38af4-5fd0-4d31-877c-b6fa159de79a

 

[BourbonRunner]

I'm in the minority here but the sun roof is always open if the weather permits and the shade pulled back if it isn't in every car I've ever owned that has one unless its absurdly hot and sunny.

Given Jeep's previous "leadership" not doing diddly squat but jack prices, I'm still a little surprised they never offered the Sky Top on the JT like they do on the JLU. I don't know what the take rate is on the JLU but if I were to buy one that would be my preferred top even if I can't take it off.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm in the minority here but the sun roof is always open if the weather permits and the shade pulled back if it isn't in every car I've ever owned that has one unless its absurdly hot and sunny.

Given Jeep's previous "leadership" not doing diddly squat but jack prices, I'm still a little surprised they never offered the Sky Top on the JT like they do on the JLU. I don't know what the take rate is on the JLU but if I were to buy one that would be my preferred top even if I can't take it off.

After checking out some of them, I took a hard pass when looking for a purple JLU for my wife.
(and you can't easily take the roof off - very different roof sides and so on)

 

[BlackRuby23]

What this needs is a pull shade on the underneath, and the ability to also push it up to vent fresh air like most sunroofs. This is a very crude design in the grand scheme of things.

 

[BourbonRunner]

After checking out some of them, I took a hard pass when looking for a purple JLU for my wife.
(and you can't easily take the roof off - very different roof sides and so on)

Any particular reason aside from removal being virtually impossible? (I haven't read anything about them being any more leak prone than others. )

 

[BourbonRunner]

What this needs is a pull shade on the underneath, and the ability to also push it up to vent fresh air like most sunroofs. This is a very crude design in the grand scheme of things.

I thought the same about the shade and lack of pop up when I saw it on DRC's channel. But I wouldn't say it's crude, it appears to be built pretty well.

 

[BlackRuby23]

Given Jeep's previous "leadership" not doing diddly squat but jack prices, I'm still a little surprised they never offered the Sky Top on the JT like they do on the JLU. I don't know what the take rate is on the JLU but if I were to buy one that would be my preferred top even if I can't take it off.

What's weird to me is that, at the Gladiator's price point, it doesn't get all the bells and whistles of the Wrangler and then some.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Any particular reason aside from removal being virtually impossible? (I haven't read anything about them being any more leak prone than others. )

When searching for the reign Jeep - most of the "hits" had that roof. I went to the dealer and asked for a demo, watched and listened. I hit a lot of dealer sites and dug into what people thought of them and saw enough say "it got stuck and won't close" or issues with leaks or whatever - and just decided for us, it's a no.
If there's a problem, you leave it at the dealership. A lot of complexity there with the mechanicals, electrics and controls. That was also part of the decision.

I didn't RIDE in a JLU with one - but have to suspect there's some noise involved. That's a guess, though.

We decided to skip the risk with very little benefit for us and for our needs.

There will be a lot of people with no issues at all, I'm sure. And I suspect a lot of people love 'em.

I just saw enough and balanced out our aversion to risks with that (and costs - it's a crazy expensive option)

 

[TheSolarWizard]

added weight at the absolute worst place available for center of gravity

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