Dodge had a better soft top design in the 80's

[RAMCTFOLEY]

Dodge had it figured out in 1989 with a soft top that folded into the bed.

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[ACAD_Cowboy]

And? They also had V8 CJ's sorted out as well as trucks that were tougher than woodpecker lips.

Jeep history, heritage and tradition is what ever the marketing team needs it to be.

 

[sharpsicle]

Talk about comparing apples to oranges. That old Dakota soft top was also much less durable and less than half the size of the Gladiator's.

 

[Tiny]

I actually posted on that video too! LOL. You know, after watching this and seeing the top I've kinda changed my perspective on what the best design would be. I used to think a top like the Dakota's was the obvious choice. However, after seeing it and considering the much larger top needed for the Gladdy, I've now come to terms with rocking my man bun. I wouldn't want that pile-o-top impeding the bed or sitting so high I can't see out the review. Also, with that tiny top back on the Dakota, it's not really more aesthetically pleasing to my eye. Yeah, the soft top folded back doesn't look as slick as totally topless but it's fast, convenient, and really aint that bad. Simply my 2 cents. Definitely eye of the beholder.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

That's the way the top should of been designed to go on the JT. They dropped the ball and had it in their hands the whole time. I miss my soft top on much JKU, but I love my JT. Maybe someone will come out with one that goes down like that, if so I'd buy it. Until then my soft top will spend it's days in the corner of my garage.

 

[Jerhemi]

As a guy who uses the bed for junk, I am pretty happy with how the current design is.

 

[sharpsicle]

That's the way the top should of been designed to go on the JT. They dropped the ball and had it in their hands the whole time.

I completely disagree. There is more benefit to the current design due to the inherent limitations of going further. But, I don't want to get into another "soft-top debate" thread so I'll just leave it at that.

 

[WXman]

Still? It's been two full years now and guys are still complaining about the soft top?

Jeep engineers in many interviews during the Gladiator launch were repeatedly asked about the design of the soft top, and they always had the same answer: The soft top should not interfere with sight lines OR the cargo area of the bed, since this is a pickup truck. That's why the top doesn't roll up and stow above the windshield like the aftermarket top guys have been discussing here lately, and that's why it doesn't fold into the bed where it would eliminate 18 inches of useful space from the already small 60 inch total.

In short, the factory soft top is the best way to do it. Function over form.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I'll gladly give up pickup bed space for a soft top that folds down to the bed instead of sitting up top and looking stupid. If I have to haul stuff, I'll do it with the whole top removed or with the top on. For days when I just want to fold it back after work and ride home,I could care less about 18" of bed space. Maybe FCA should of considered designing two different styles. The man bun look just feels wrong, because it is wrong.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I completely disagree. There is more benefit to the current design due to the inherent limitations of going further. But, I don't want to get into another "soft-top debate" thread so I'll just leave it at that.

We can agree to disagree on that one

 

[dfwxjer]

I'll gladly give up pickup bed space for a soft top that folds down to the bed instead of sitting up top and looking stupid. If I have to haul stuff, I'll do it with the whole top removed or with the top on. For days when I just want to fold it back after work and ride home,I could care less about 18" of bed space. Maybe FCA should of considered designing two different styles. The man bun look just feels wrong, because it is wrong.

I think you're in the minority on this one. Most of us don't want the top folding in to the bed or encroaching on that space at all. The man bun thing looks kinda dumb but once I'm driving it I don't really care.

 

[SouthTXJT]

I think you're in the minority on this one. Most of us don't want the top folding in to the bed or encroaching on that space at all. The man bun thing looks kinda dumb but once I'm driving it I don't really care.

"man bun" damn, now that's exactly what I'll think about when i see a folded back soft top hahah

 

[Jeeperjamie]

"man bun" damn, now that's exactly what I'll think about when i see a folded back soft top hahah

Looks pretty similar to me

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I think you're in the minority on this one. Most of us don't want the top folding in to the bed or encroaching on that space at all. The man bun thing looks kinda dumb but once I'm driving it I don't really care.

What's it matter if your not hauling anything back there and if you do got to haul something, just don't flip it back. I'm pretty sure based on the numerous threads on this subject if you search the site there are plenty who wish jeep would rethink the design or at least make a option for those of us that want to ride without looking dumb.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Does the job for me, can’t see it while you’re driving anyway.

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