Does anyone not regret ordering a hard top when they bought their Jeep?

[brancky3]

I can't imagine NOT having a soft top on mine. Yesterday was ~42 degrees when I got to work and ~72 degrees when I left to go home - I would have been bummed if I couldn't have driven home topless!

Also the soft top is quieter. Fight me.

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[furrymurray]

Also the soft top is quieter.

I agree with you! I drove both tops while considering what options I wanted before I ordered my Gladiator and the soft top was more quiet than the hard top. I have owned Jeeps in the past with hard tops and always swapped to a soft top. Now back then the hard top was quieter than the soft top but the convenience of the soft top always won me over.

 

[danielspivey]

I agree my soft top is quiet, I wonder if it will get worse with time when things “loosen” up?

Does anyone have both and can you compare the noise level between both at highway speeds?

I honestly think I will not get a hardtop at this point, unless I find a take off in a year or too that’s pretty cheap (1500 or less).

 

[Empty Pockets]

I’m in GA. Lots of sunny days, mild winter. I was very tempted to get the rag top simply because that was all I could find around here. My wife talked me into holding out and searching for a hard top. Drove almost to Nashville to pick it up. I know now that I would have regretted NOT getting a hardtop. I added the Sunrider for hardtop the first week and I am completely happy with the combo.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Also, I see folks stating that the soft top is quieter than the hard. I felt that one was about the same as the other on my test drive. But I can tell you for sure that the Sunrider for hardtop is quieter than the freedom panels. Maybe it is the lack of the center seam between the panels that makes the soft top that way? I dunno.

last week I took my Sunrider off and reinstalled the freedom panels “for the winter”. Soon as the rain stops later this week I’m swapping it back.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Also, I see folks stating that the soft top is quieter than the hard. I felt that one was about the same as the other on my test drive. But I can tell you for sure that the Sunrider for hardtop is quieter than the freedom panels. Maybe it is the lack of the center seam between the panels that makes the soft top that way? I dunno.

last week I took my Sunrider off and reinstalled the freedom panels “for the winter”. Soon as the rain stops later this week I’m swapping it back.

How long does it take you to install and remove? Do you think there will be any seal issues long term with taking it on and off?

Asking, because I really want to do the same thing when spring arrives. Thanks.

 

[jurfie]

last week I took my Sunrider off and reinstalled the freedom panels “for the winter”. Soon as the rain stops later this week I’m swapping it back.

I'd love a winter that short.

 

[Empty Pockets]

It took about 45 minutes to install the first time. A bit of sub-assembly and learning. To remove the whole thing in-tact took about 15 minutes. I expect reinstalling will be no more than 20. It will likely never come off again.

The real key to a successful instal, I believe, is making sure the seals are clean. Both on the Sunrider and the matching surfaces on the hard top. Give them a good cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap. Make certain that the rear of the Sunrider is full seated in place. I rubbed it lightly with a round plastic screwdriver handle. If you like fresh air and sunshine combined with convenience you will Love this top!

 

[BLK HOLE]

Also, I see folks stating that the soft top is quieter than the hard. I felt that one was about the same as the other on my test drive. But I can tell you for sure that the Sunrider for hardtop is quieter than the freedom panels. Maybe it is the lack of the center seam between the panels that makes the soft top that way? I dunno.

last week I took my Sunrider off and reinstalled the freedom panels “for the winter”. Soon as the rain stops later this week I’m swapping it back.

Sunrider and soft tops are louder. I mean it is fabric VS a more dense material and all.

 

[Jeep Glad]

Hey just curious- does anyone have any regrets they got just a soft top and not the dual top option?

I kinda wish I had ordered the hard top at the time of purchase... three main reasons: 1) would be optimal in the winter 2) would extend the life of the soft top 3) THE AFTER MARKET PRICE IS RIDICULOUS!!!

I’m probably most frustrated with #3... currently no good after market options and a mopar hardtop is Almost 3k by the time you get everything you need.

I am from Wisconsin, and the softtop is not a problem for me. Heater worked great. Love it.

 

[WXman]

The question to ask at time of ordering: Would it be easier to add a soft top later, or a hard top later?

The hard top gives you factory installed wiring, better resale value, and better security. It also (in theory) will never need replacement like the soft top.

 

[hlan]

Premium soft top here in Northern NJ. No issues at all so far rain, sleet, snow. If I wanted a hardtop, I would have bought something else...because I’m lazy won’t take the hardtop off.

 

[Chance_P]

The question to ask at time of ordering: Would it be easier to add a soft top later, or a hard top later?

The hard top gives you factory installed wiring, better resale value, and better security. It also (in theory) will never need replacement like the soft top.

Gladiator comes with the wiring for the hard top even if you order it with the soft top. I posted that earlier in this thread.

 

[rtsoliday]

I'm happy with my basic softtop. I live in northern Illinois and it stays outside. Snow and rain haven't been a problem. The noise isn't bad as long as I don't exceed 80mph. The radio can cover up most of the noise anyways. Love the fact that I can just swing it open and go, without having to store any panels.

 

[Austingobi]

I wanted a soft top. Only 3 in the 150 mile area. Ended up with the hard top. Looking for deals on soft tops for now. Might get that new half soft top that Bestop is selling but not for $800. Hope it gets to 500 sometime soon.

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