How okay is it for water to get behind the back seats?

[Abrams117]

If I were to buy a soft top and run it in "safari" mode or buy a Bestop safari bikini top and leave it like that for most of the summer, I'm curious if it is fine for water to get behind the back seats. From the pictures I have seen online of both setups, it seems like it would allow rain water to get on or behind the back seats. I park in the garage when I'm home so this is just something I'm worried about when parked at work or when out and about.

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[ArcticDreadnought]

We have random downpours in the summer, here in Alaska. This random wetness from above is one of the main reasons I replaced the entire floor and carpeting with Armorlite. All of it ties under the trim and channels any water toward the floor drain plugs. One plop, and it all rolls out.

Worth the pennies and the work.

Also, here is a previous post about this very thing:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rain-behind-back-seats.57292/

 

[Gvsukids]

If I were to buy a soft top and run it in "safari" mode or buy a Bestop safari bikini top and leave it like that for most of the summer, I'm curious if it is fine for water to get behind the back seats. From the pictures I have seen online of both setups, it seems like it would allow rain water to get on or behind the back seats. I park in the garage when I'm home so this is just something I'm worried about when parked at work or when out and about.

If you don't mind pulling out the carpeting, it's doable. We also got Armorlite for the same reason. I also use a cover when I leave the Jeep in safari mode.

 

[Abrams117]

If you don't mind pulling out the carpeting, it's doable. We also got Armorlite for the same reason. I also use a cover when I leave the Jeep in safari mode.

Would it really be that bad for the carpet to get wet when it should air out eventually since I plan to run naked most of summer? I also saw in the other thread that there is a distribution block for electronics back there so maybe I have to use a cover either way.

 

[Gvsukids]

Would it really be that bad for the carpet to get wet when it should air out eventually since I plan to run naked most of summer?

The water will take a while to dry.

 

[DylanM]

I also saw in the other thread that there is a distribution block for electronics back there so maybe I have to use a cover either way.

Your drivetrain control module (DTCM), central vision processing module (CVPM), and RF hub are all mounted to the rear cab bulkhead along with various harnesses and key fob associated antennas. While the rear cab trim pieces coving these components do offer some protection from the elements, keep in mind if the RF hub gets wet and stops working your truck cannot be started.

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

Rain, acceptable. River, not so much.

 

[NotSo Bright White]

Also carpet and the underlayment can develop mold or mildew and start to smell once they get wet. And it is a bitch to get rid of the smell. And not sure what audio system you have but the Alpine one has a sub located back there that isn’t waterproof.

 

[Labswine]

You don't want water to invade your Jeep.

I had a '95 XJ Sport that had a bad weld in the right rear fender to the body. All that winter, water, salt, and sand got into a wheel well behind the cargo area panel. Come that following April, one day, it was hot, and after work, I came out and got into my Jeep, and was assaulted with the worst sour smell one could imagine. All that water and yuck, soured in the hot weather, causing a horrible smell.

I cleaned that Jeep from stem to stern, including pulling the rear cargo area carpeting and even replacing the mat underneath. Didn't help. I'm guessing the mold got into the headliner too as I couldn't get rid of the moldy smell.

So, having said that, ANYTHING you can do to keep water from you interior will only help.

 

[Gvsukids]

Rain, acceptable. River, not so much.

Like this?

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

That was either a fun day, or a miserable one.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

These are the modules back there as mentioned by @DylanM above. The evidence of water droplets in the dust was from the little leak at the window, and that’s from being all buttoned up. A good down pour or habitual rain all summer will have you regretting your decision.

 

[firemedic2714]

It's definitely not a good idea to "allow" the interior to get wet. When my soft top is installed, I run in bikini/safari mode whenever I can, but if rain is possible, I'll replace the window and both corners. It only takes about three minutes to remove/replace them and I always store everything in the Mopar window storage bag. Here's a link from BAM Wholesale Parts. It's expensive, but absolutely necessary if you want to keep your window as scratch-free as possible, IMO.

https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/search?search_str=68396560AB

 

[Labrat1970]

Would it really be that bad for the carpet to get wet when it should air out eventually since I plan to run naked most of summer? I also saw in the other thread that there is a distribution block for electronics back there so maybe I have to use a cover either way.

I have the hard top and had the issue where water was coming in around the window. My carpet got wet and despite trying to dry it out as quickly as possible it got mildew on it plus the plastic behind the seat. That musty smell was actually what let me know I had a leak in the first place.
it’s cleaned out now but it took a bit of time and repeated elbow grease to make sure it was all gone.

 

[Fundamental Jeepster]

I see opinions vary here but mine is no amount of water is good in an interior.

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