Sunrider owners - MY mess-up, or theirs?

[ShadowsPapa]

Understood, but question not answered.

In my opinion, these tops need to also be tested on another JT/JL (maybe more than one) to establish a baseline of more than a sample size of one and determine what need to be addressed from there.

ETA: Of all people, you should you should realize and understand the process of elimination.

it would take some help to get it up and onto our JLU, which I don't have.
My wife can't lift that high, most of the neighbors are as bad or worse off than me in that respect.
I'll have to try to find someone who can help lift a top over to the JLU.

Dealership won't touch another new vehicle - I asked, nope, can't do that.
So once the weather cools, and I get someone who can lift up over the JLU (my wife would freak if there was so much as a tiny scratch on her Jeep, it's something to try (101 today, I was getting sick working outside), hotter in the garage, shop is full prepping for our Tuesday street rod group meet, I'm hosting this week.
But first, I have to get my other top back!

that they still tried to make it fit speaks volumes as to the integrity of the mechanic/service dept.

My comments to the dealership tomorrow will include - "I don't want that guy touching any of our Jeeps again".
Anyone who can't follow the simple instructions, sees the issues and LEAVES it like that.......

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[Trollboogie]

it would take some help to get it up and onto our JLU, which I don't have.
My wife can't lift that high, most of the neighbors are as bad or worse off than me in that respect.
I'll have to try to find someone who can help lift a top over to the JLU.

Dealership won't touch another new vehicle - I asked, nope, can't do that.
So once the weather cools, and I get someone who can lift up over the JLU (my wife would freak if there was so much as a tiny scratch on her Jeep, it's something to try (101 today, I was getting sick working outside), hotter in the garage, shop is full prepping for our Tuesday street rod group meet, I'm hosting this week.
But first, I have to get my other top back!



My comments to the dealership tomorrow will include - "I don't want that guy touching any of our Jeeps again".
Anyone who can't follow the simple instructions, sees the issues and LEAVES it like that.......

Yeah, I can't believe they left it like that.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

From recent communications with Bestop - seems they are perhaps hinting that my particular Jeep is a problem.....

 

[D_JT]

From recent communications with Bestop - seems they are perhaps hinting that my particular Jeep is a problem.....

It would be interesting to see if one of the 3 that didn't fit yours, if it fit on a different JT/JL? That would prove if it was your jeep or not that's the problem.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It would be interesting to see if one of the 3 that didn't fit yours, if it fit on a different JT/JL? That would prove if it was your jeep or not that's the problem.

The only way would be to get mine back and try it. This one is crap, physically damaged and won't fit on ANY Jeep, the other one would have been sent back to somewhere weeks ago.

 

[Stan H]

The only way would be to get mine back and try it. This one is crap, physically damaged and won't fit on ANY Jeep, the other one would have been sent back to somewhere weeks ago.

Did your Jeep end up getting damaged?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Did your Jeep end up getting damaged?

Yet to be seen about seal damage, etc.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Took a long time and a lot of people and some arguing and insisting - but got them to put the other one from before last week back on. Also explained the shim thing to them.
One of the managers got testy with me when I said "it's looking like not only a Sunrider issue, but this many that don't fit - it appears it could be my Jeep. That manager really pissed me off and said "no way, can't be since the panels fit fine.
I had to explain and actually SHOW people where the panels rested and attacked vs. where the Sunrider bolts to the truck.
They said "we're supposed to leave the replacement parts on the vehicle when we order one to fix a problem". I said - so if someone has a broken window and you order a new window and it arrives broken - you put it on anyway? Really? The manager finally walked away but I got some of the SALES managers involved - they didn't let it go after I showed them the pictures, and that this wasn't a part I bought at a store - it came WITH the Jeep.
After getting some of the sales people involved, they pulled in another manager, and I said - we need to prove which is the problem - the truck or the sunrider - and pointed out that 3 didn't fit correctly - what does logic dictate.
I commented that I wished I had the specs for that roll cage and those bars - aha - let's check with the collision center! So they are going to dig up the tech measurements and get back with me and do some measuring
And - the dealership is ordering a FOURTH (4th) sunrider!

 

[Eagle22]

Took a long time and a lot of people and some arguing and insisting - but got them to put the other one from before last week back on. Also explained the shim thing to them.
One of the managers got testy with me when I said "it's looking like not only a Sunrider issue, but this many that don't fit - it appears it could be my Jeep. That manager really pissed me off and said "no way, can't be since the panels fit fine.
I had to explain and actually SHOW people where the panels rested and attacked vs. where the Sunrider bolts to the truck.
They said "we're supposed to leave the replacement parts on the vehicle when we order one to fix a problem". I said - so if someone has a broken window and you order a new window and it arrives broken - you put it on anyway? Really? The manager finally walked away but I got some of the SALES managers involved - they didn't let it go after I showed them the pictures, and that this wasn't a part I bought at a store - it came WITH the Jeep.
After getting some of the sales people involved, they pulled in another manager, and I said - we need to prove which is the problem - the truck or the sunrider - and pointed out that 3 didn't fit correctly - what does logic dictate.
I commented that I wished I had the specs for that roll cage and those bars - aha - let's check with the collision center! So they are going to dig up the tech measurements and get back with me and do some measuring
And - the dealership is ordering a FOURTH (4th) sunrider!

Just checking back in to give you another point of reference.

As you might recall, I have a 2021 Gladiator Overland with a Bestop labeled Sunrider purchased in 2024, and a 2024 Wrangler with a Bestop labeled Sunrider purchased in 2021 (formerly installed on the 2021 Gladiator). Absolutely no problems with either Sunrider...and we use them a lot.

Today, I brought home a new 2025 Gladiator Mojave (traded in the 2021 Overland) and installed the 2024 Sunrider from the Overland - perfect fit. Took it out on the road...quiet, no wind noise.

I will state once more, that from your extensive pictures, the Jeep-labeled Sunriders that you have been trying out do not look like mine, and really do not look as well constructed.

You have stated that even if someone else manufactured it, they would have to meet Bestop specs....maybe so, but as I'm sure you are aware...there are specs...but there are usually tolerances as well.

Has Sunrider ever suggested sending you a brand new Bestop-labeled Sunrider? It seems to me, that would be the real test to determine if it's a problem with your Jeep (which personally I doubt) or if the Jeep-labeled Sunriders are out of tolerance.

Sorry if you don't want to hear from satisfied Bestop customers, but I've had zero problems with two Bestop-labeled Sunriders...built three years apart, and installed on three different Jeeps 2021, 2024, and 2025.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just checking back in to give you another point of reference.

As you might recall, I have a 2021 Gladiator Overland with a Bestop labeled Sunrider purchased in 2024, and a 2024 Wrangler with a Bestop labeled Sunrider purchased in 2021 (formerly installed on the 2021 Gladiator). Absolutely no problems with either Sunrider...and we use them a lot.

Today, I brought home a new 2025 Gladiator Mojave (traded in the 2021 Overland) and installed the 2024 Sunrider from the Overland - perfect fit. Took it out on the road...quiet, no wind noise.

I will state once more, that from your extensive pictures, the Jeep-labeled Sunriders that you have been trying out do not look like mine, and really do not look as well constructed.

You have stated that even if someone else manufactured it, they would have to meet Bestop specs....maybe so, but as I'm sure you are aware...there are specs...but there are usually tolerances as well.

Has Sunrider ever suggested sending you a brand new Bestop-labeled Sunrider? It seems to me, that would be the real test to determine if it's a problem with your Jeep (which personally I doubt) or if the Jeep-labeled Sunriders are out of tolerance.

Sorry if you don't want to hear from satisfied Bestop customers, but I've had zero problems with two Bestop-labeled Sunriders...built three years apart, and installed on three different Jeeps 2021, 2024, and 2025.

You've missed a lot of detail here.
Yes, you've been happy - many owners of both "branded" units have been happy.
The "quality" difference is a perception you have, but not a reality. I've been dealing with Bestop engineering and the parts they have sent me - guess what - Bestop parts, same as what I have.
You also missed the numerous people who have complained online - they have Bestop branded units, and there have been several here and in the Wrangler forums.
So it's happening exactly the same no matter the label. But most complaints I've seen have the Bestop label. I've posted pictures.
Sorry, not a quality thing, and not because it's the JEep brand. I've proven that.

I am having a Jeep body shop get technical drawings and specs for the roll bars/cage and we'll compare, but the last communication from Bestop was that - it appears to be my truck.
I've been in constant communication with their engineer. I've done a lot of testing, parts swapping, measuring and so on for them.

You'll find people with both labels who have NO problems, and people with both labels who have a lot of problems. It's not the Jeep labeled bit. That's been proven pages back and by many Jeep owners.

 

[rhaney02]

You've missed a lot of detail here.

You also missed the numerous people who have complained online - they have Bestop branded units, and there have been several here and in the Wrangler forums.
So it's happening exactly the same no matter the label. But most complaints I've seen have the Bestop label. I've posted pictures.
Sorry, not a quality thing, and not because it's the JEep brand. I've proven that.


You'll find people with both labels who have NO problems, and people with both labels who have a lot of problems. It's not the Jeep labeled bit. That's been proven pages back and by many Jeep owners.

Please check your condescension, people are trying to help you here and not all are on the site every day (definitely not as much you are), much less keep up with all the latest posts or threads.

Please give us a reasonable number of people that you have noted that have posted and complained of this issue. Is it as much as the people that come on this site and complain of the cam issues?

We understand that you are having an awful time with all of this, but your responses in threads sometimes turn people off and make them not to come back.

Do you want people to stop visiting the site because of how you respond to other users?

ETA: You get more flies with sugar than vinegar....

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Please check your condescension, people are trying to help you here and not all are on the site every day (definitely not as much you are), much less keep up with all the latest posts or threads.

Please give us a reasonable number of people that you have noted that have posted and complained of this issue. Is it as much as the people that come on this site and complain of the cam issues?

We understand that you are having an awful time with all of this, but your responses in threads sometimes turn people off and make them not to come back.

Do you want people to stop visiting the site because of how you respond to other users?

ETA: You get more flies with sugar than vinegar....

Didn't think it came across that way - wasn't intended. Just with my issues (not Jeep related), I have a life of getting impatient with those who can't keep up or follow.

As far as numbers - I hope that's not a serious comparison.
On the Gladiator side - you have two engines, the vast majority of them the 3.6
The sunrider isn't an extremely common accessory - while everyone has an engine, I bet fewer than 5% have a sunrider.

On the Wrangler side - similar, vast majority will have a 3.6 (or a 2.0 or hemi or whatever), but only a small percentage will have a sunrider.

It's very easy to find threads on the sunrider issue - even youtube videos, talking of it.
I've had people come forward from the JLU and the JT side - "me, too". Ironically, most of those have had the Bestop branded units. (as seen by the decals on the rails and the tag on the side).
Likely because most have bought directly, so most will have their brand.

Jeep won't share their internal communications, and I'm being careful in not posting every single conversation or parts swap Bestop and I have done - trying to not make either one just stop or place blame.
I do not know what measurements Jeep requested of the dealer - only that they made several requests for more measurements.

I have Jeep working on it again - new case number (hoping they don't drop it again) and Bestop has never stopped working on it..

 

[Eagle22]

Didn't think it came across that was - wasn't intended. Just with my issues (not Jeep related), I have a life of getting impatient with those who can't keep up or follow.

As far as numbers - I hope that's not a serious comparison.
On the Gladiator side - you have two engines, the vast majority of them the 3.6
The sunrider isn't an extremely common accessory - while everyone has an engine, I bet fewer than 5% have a sunrider.

On the Wrangler side - similar, vast majority will have a 3.6 (or a 2.0 or hemi or whatever), but only a small percentage will have a sunrider.

It's very easy to find threads on the sunrider issue - even youtube videos, talking of it.
I've had people come forward from the JLU and the JT side - "me, too". Ironically, most of those have had the Bestop branded units. (as seen by the decals on the rails and the tag on the side).
Likely because most have bought directly, so most will have their brand.

Jeep won't share their internal communications, and I'm being careful in not posting every single conversation or parts swap Bestop and I have done - trying to not make either one just stop or place blame.
I do not know what measurements Jeep requested of the dealer - only that they made several requests for more measurements.

I have Jeep working on it again - new case number (hoping they don't drop it again) and Bestop has never stopped working on it..

You're wrong...it absolutely DID come across that way....and you're also wrong about "...those who can't keep up or follow"

I have followed each and every post on this thread...almost daily, over the 28 pages of mostly unsubstantiated opinions. The reason I have not commented for days, is that became apparent that you don't want to hear from anyone who does not support your opinion.

I offered you facts...you offer vague observations about complaints - that you may have seen somewhere! Hey...knock yourself out. I used to respect your postings, but they have become increasing combative and tone deaf.

I was trying to help...if you don't need it, then fine...I'll go out to the Jeep, flip back my fully functioning Sunrider, and enjoy the sun on the beach..

 

[ShadowsPapa]

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You're wrong...it absolutely DID come across that way....and you're also wrong about "...those who can't keep up or follow"

I have followed each and every post on this thread...almost daily, over the 28 pages of mostly unsubstantiated opinions. The reason I have not commented for days, is that became apparent that you don't want to hear from anyone who does not support your opinion.

I offered you facts...you offer vague observations about complaints - that you may have seen somewhere! Hey...knock yourself out. I used to respect your postings, but they have become increasing combative and tone deaf.

I was trying to help...if you don't need it, then fine...I'll go out to the Jeep, flip back my fully functioning Sunrider, and enjoy the sun on the beach..

It wasn't INTENDED - that happens with my severe condition (and pressure)

Please see my last picture post - Yours is working great. I can easily find many out there, even in the forums here who have no issues, a couple who have moved their sunrider from Jeep to Jeep without issue.
You appeared to be stating the problem was with the Jeep brand. But it's easy to find those with the Bestop label who have the problem. That's not an opinion - it's out there.
This isn't an opinion - it's a fact that there are both types that won't fit.
Bestop apparently is aware of this as well.

I offered you facts...you offer vague observations about complaints - that you may have seen somewhere!

OK, what were the facts you offered- please in plain words so I don't misunderstand.
Where did I offer vague observations about complaints? I found the details. I got pictures and statements.
I wouldn't say what I offered was vague when the pictures show the issue.
Please explain what my vague observations were.
My take was that your fact was that the Bestop version is superior and always fits and the whole problem is the Jeep version - and yet the parts all interchange (Bestop has been sending me parts) - and they are now suggesting it's a problem with the JEEP itself (and I'm beginning to wonder that myself)

Take a look at this please, and tell me - how does it make things sound - like it's a problem with the Jeep brand sunrider, or...............

This is a quote from the Bestop ENGINEER (not shouting - just stressing this is from inside Bestop - a guy who designs this stuff)

>>This new top will be designed, I hope, to fit your Gladiator, and I’m hopeful that the study you assisted us with will help ensure a proper fit.<<

He's talking about having to do a custom build!
Seems to me the engineer isn't saying it's due to the Jeep version or it would be simple -"we'll swap and that will fix it".
Isn't that how it sounds?

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