Feedom Panels vs Traditional Sun-Roof

[AZJT]

I don't carry the panels' storage bag with me, but have thought about it. In the meantime, there have been a handful of times when I simply pull off the t-tops and stand them up behind the front seats. This is for simple commute trips, not long or bumpy off-road instances. Taking them off and putting them back on is the easiest thing in the world.

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[Rusty Shackleford]

To make the Sunrider case even stronger, it can be opened or closed at about 20mph if need be.

+ 1,000,000 on the Sunrider top!!!!!

BesTop makes it. Take out your panels, follow the directions to install the Sunrider top. When you want it open, unlatch it at the front and push it back and, it's open like you removed the panels. Get to your destination and want to close it, just close and latch. Starts raining? Pull over, pull it over and latch the top. Voila, you're dry and can continue on your way without having to re-install the panels (if you even brought them with you ).

I keep mine in for late Spring, all Summer, and early Autumn. Hangs nicely in the garage over the winter. My panels, stay in their bag, hanging on the garage wall during the warm months.

Another vote for the sunrider. Open and close at red light from drivers seat. Takes a whole 30 seconds.

 

[be77solo]

HA, read your post, and instantly thought Sunrider.... that's the ticket for you if you need a 3/4 hard top.

I went with the full version of the Sunrider though, for similar reasons and LOVE it; factory SOFT TOP

Nothing to remove or have to worry about storing, just straight up fun when wanted, open to close in less than 45 seconds with no extra panels to deal with...... just saying.

 

[Challenger85]

Bestop is trusted but I personally think that top for $899 is one of the most over priced things I’ve ever seen. I’m sticking with my hard top for Colorado winters and going to get a UV top and a Suntop for the summers for a couple hundred more than the bestop top. Full soft top experience with ease and UV protection.

 

[rle737ng]

Get the Bestop Sunrider either on your order, or aftermarket (wait for a sale). Put Sunrider on, store panels in your basement. Done deal.

 

[joeym7]

First of all Friends, I want to Thank everyone for all the responses. The people on the Gladiator Forum are amazing!

I was out of comission yesterday, I will read through every one of the responses today and post any questions.

 

[joeym7]

I keep my storage bag under the rear seat specifically for the purpose of removing/storing the panels when I'm away from home. They will fit behind front seats (in the bag), standing up in the floor, but I normally put them in the bag and lay them in the bed. I have a rubber bed liner (Smartliner) and the tops don't move around at all in the bed. Typically I just leave them in the bag in my shed at home when I'm staying local.

Thanks for the info...I checked out the Smartliner rubber bed liner on their site, unfortunatly, I could only find floor matts for Gladiator...I did send them an e-mail and will call them in a few days, but if you have a direct link, I'd be much oblidged...

I think generally putting a rubber bed linner on top of the spray-in factory liner is a good idea for a variety of needs...I have beenn looking for one because as one of the "duties" of my truck will be to haul my heavy steel shooting target plates to the range.

 

[joeym7]

The freedom panels are a little more trouble than a sun roof, however with the removable hard top a sun roof could cause problems. I normally place them in the back seat, I use a towel or a jacket to separate them to prevent scratches. I am 68 and it is not too much trouble after you have done it a time or two.

Thanks for the info, can you expand on what the problems you metioned might be?

Thanks.

 

[joeym7]

I keep my storage bag under the rear seat specifically for the purpose of removing/storing the panels when I'm away from home. They will fit behind front seats (in the bag), standing up in the floor, but I normally put them in the bag and lay them in the bed. I have a rubber bed liner (Smartliner) and the tops don't move around at all in the bed. Typically I just leave them in the bag in my shed at home when I'm staying local.

Grubby, I hadn't figured it would be much different, but no Mojave Smartliner , but at least they got back to me quickly:

Thank you for contacting Smartliner! Unfortunately, at this time we do not offer liners for the Gladiator Mojave. We do apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,
Crystal
Smartliner Customer Service
Phone: 407-704-6740
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00 pm EST
https://smartliner-usa.com/

Anyone know another vendor for a Mojave, ruber bed-liner?

Thanks
-Joe

 

[The Beav]

another +1 for Sunrider Top was our 1st purchase not even having the Gladiator a week yet Bought it on Wed and Top was here Saturday. Best Purchase ever the Hardtops are put away in the bag in the garage :D

 

[Higher_Ground]

I keep the storage bag in my bed under a hard tonneau. I take the tops off frequently and usually keep them in the bed. If I need to use the bed I leave them at home. If it's going to rain I keep the top on. The Sunrider is a good option if you want to be able to open/close frequently without storing the panels but I don't plan to buy one myself.

 

[Gvsukids]

And the Sunrider isn't quieter than the panels.

 

[Terminus33]

well you have a $380 dollar option too if you don't mind drilling into your hardtop.

EZ Ultimate Freedom Top

 

[Wet Willys]

well you have a $380 dollar option too if you don't mind drilling into your hardtop.

EZ Ultimate Freedom Top

Oh hell no....that looks like $20 gate hinges you could get at Home Depot.

 

[Terminus33]

Oh hell no....that looks like $20 gate hinges you could get at Home Depot.

I't does but I was curious and read through some of the site and found them to be a little more than that. from the site they state this.

"system uses heavy-duty, marine-grade aluminum struts, along with symmetric-constant torque hinges and stainless steel exterior hardware"

so at least it won't have Kobalt or HD stamped on the hinge, Probably WestMarine. lol

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