For those considering soft top...

[ScottV]

So, just curious about the back window now. Do you have to remove the back window if you flip open the top. I would assume that you don't, but most of the reviewers don't mention it. They also don't mention how difficult it is to put the back window back in.

I have a partial answer and a similar question: Yes, you can certainly open the Sunrider top without removing the rear window and quarter panels; I've done it and taken it on a few short, low-speed rides. I'd like some definitive advice on whether we should drive around with it like that, and if so, are there any maximum speed guidelines. The owners manual, under "lowering the soft top", says it includes removing the window and quarter panels first, but it doesn't really describe anything specific that might go wrong if you don't. I contacted my dealer, and they got back to me with "we don't see why it would be a problem", so that's encouraging, but has anyone else heard anything more definitive?

Removing the window and quarter panels is no big deal, and I'll probably do it most of the time, but I'd like to know my options.

Thanks for any advice!

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[blau iii]

see, i'm the opposite. i'm ordering mine with the black hardtop later this year and will wait for someone in the aftermarket to come out with a softtop that folds all the way to the bed.

 

[hlan]

see, i'm the opposite. i'm ordering mine with the black hardtop later this year and will wait for someone in the aftermarket to come out with a softtop that folds all the way to the bed.

I'm sort of in the same boat, I'd really prefer a top that folds all the way down. But I doubt I'll actually buy another top if I had the hard top, and even more doubtful that a fully folding quality soft top will even come to market

 

[Godfadr]

So, just curious about the back window now. Do you have to remove the back window if you flip open the top. I would assume that you don't, but most of the reviewers don't mention it. They also don't mention how difficult it is to put the back window back in.

You do not need to remove the back window (or corner pieces to flip back the top). There is some debate on how fast you can or should go, but I have been on the highway like that with no problem.

It took me about 2 min to put the back window in. Same for the corners. Really pretty easy. Maybe as parts wear it will get tougher, but seems pretty solid.

 

[JT_Ollie]

Thanks I was curious about this too. Getting a soft top for the purpose of taking the top down to drive into work and then flip it back down when I park. I didn't want to have to take out the back window each time.

Godfadr how fast have you been with the back window in and top down? Highways around me are typically 70-ish speeds.

 

[Kjm18]

You do not need to remove the back window (or corner pieces to flip back the top). There is some debate on how fast you can or should go, but I have been on the highway like that with no problem.

It took me about 2 min to put the back window in. Same for the corners. Really pretty easy. Maybe as parts wear it will get tougher, but seems pretty solid.

Good to know. I just don't see myself messing with the window in the morning on my way to work. I'm just going to want to flip it open and go.

 

[Col C]

Concur with your assessment. The soft top is VERY easy to retract/install (though I haven't done a complete removal yet). It is as quiet as a soft top can be and I've went 70 mph+ on the freeway with it retracted with no wind flop. I am overall impressed.

However, I live in Michigan, so I may change my tune come winter.

 

[BudMan]

So, just curious about the back window now. Do you have to remove the back window if you flip open the top. I would assume that you don't, but most of the reviewers don't mention it. They also don't mention how difficult it is to put the back window back in.

Nope, just lift the top without removing the rear window. About a minute to put the window back in if you take it off

 

[Kjm18]

Nope, just lift the top without removing the rear window. About a minute to put the window back in if you take it off

Now I just hope I can drive into the garage with the top open. lol

 

[Rupicon]

Now I just hope I can drive into the garage with the top open. lol

Just wanted to share. My first Jeep was a 2008 Rubicon with dual top options. Felt obligated to use the hard top in the wintertime but preferred the soft top. When I purchased by JKU Moab in 2013, it was the first year for the premium Sunrider top. I made the decision then to go only soft top. Six years later that top looks as good as the day I bought it. Living in southwest Virginia we get all four seasons - had 20” inches of snow in one weekend - last year was the wettest year on record for us - very common to see 95 degree summer days. With all that weather never once have I regretted having only the premium soft top. As black as the day I bought it. It fits tight, never any flapping. Daily I use my hands free on the interstate going 70mph+ with no complaints. Love parking next to newer jeeps with the ‘plain’ soft tops...they all look old and dingy next to mine. When getting my trade in value for my JT the sales rep could not believe my soft top was six years old. Because of this I made the decision to go only soft top on my JT. And knowing the tonneau cover was made of the same material made that a no brainer as well. My billet solver Rubicon is set waiting for a delivery date now, so will update in a few weeks when I get it in my hands. But based on the last six years I would never consider any other option.

 

[Kjm18]

Just wanted to share. My first Jeep was a 2008 Rubicon with dual top options. Felt obligated to use the hard top in the wintertime but preferred the soft top. When I purchased by JKU Moab in 2013, it was the first year for the premium Sunrider top. I made the decision then to go only soft top. Six years later that top looks as good as the day I bought it. Living in southwest Virginia we get all four seasons - had 20” inches of snow in one weekend - last year was the wettest year on record for us - very common to see 95 degree summer days. With all that weather never once have I regretted having only the premium soft top. As black as the day I bought it. It fits tight, never any flapping. Daily I use my hands free on the interstate going 70mph+ with no complaints. Love parking next to newer jeeps with the ‘plain’ soft tops...they all look old and dingy next to mine. When getting my trade in value for my JT the sales rep could not believe my soft top was six years old. Because of this I made the decision to go only soft top on my JT. And knowing the tonneau cover was made of the same material made that a no brainer as well. My billet solver Rubicon is set waiting for a delivery date now, so will update in a few weeks when I get it in my hands. But based on the last six years I would never consider any other option.

Glad to hear it. After looking at standard vs premium at the dealer I went with premium only on my order. It was a quiet test drive and they seem to have really improved since my YJ days. Can't wait to get it.

 

[firemedic2714]

I had a JKU with a soft top and a painted hardtop. I used the hardtop from November to April and it really was easy to go back and forth and I was able to have the soft top down or back up within 7 minutes and keep in mind, every window had zippers. Also, the Harken top hoist at $150 was the hoist to have. I was able to lift or lower the hardtop by myself in about 25 minutes. I ordered my JT with the dual top group and I’d recommend it to anyone who asked me.

 

[Moonridge]

Here is the

@Moonridge I need a favor from you. Can you measure the difference in height with the soft top open vs closed? I ordered my JT with the soft top and I have been wondering if I'll be able to pull in and out of my garage with the top open

I took a measurement for you. I just got this in and sold it in record time.

 

[Chance_P]

Here is the


I took a measurement for you. I just got this in and sold it in record time.

Thank you! I actually took delievery of my Rubi over the weekend and figured out that it won't fit in my garage open. Booo. I should have came back and updated this thread.

 

[MirMir]

I'm wondering how warm it'll stay in the cabin during the winter with the soft top. I've only had hard tops and it was decent (Jeep thing right)? but I now have a daughter and I don't want her to freeze if I just go with the soft top for now. Does having the soft top on now during the summer stay cool? I want to get the hard top but if it'll help save some money now, I'll go with the soft top.

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