Hard-Top Sound Reduction vs. Soft Top

[sharpsicle]

Up-front: I currently have a soft top and am considering changing to a hard top to reduce noise. How much of a reduction can be achieved, and how?

As usual, I get the itch to buy new trucks when I ride in one. The other day I rode in a brand new F150 Raptor and it is quite the comfortable ride. But I do realize that I don't need to go buy a new truck, I can focus on what I like and refresh mine. The big two things right now are seats (going to do Katzkin seats with ventilation) and road noise.

To deal with the road noise, I was considering getting a hard top to replace my soft top. I see conflicting information on how much noise reduction you can achieve in a hard top, and was interested what others have done and how effective it can be. I see information on headliners, gaskets, and also see claims that it doesn't really do anything either. Before I start planning to spend a few thousand on a hard top and upgrades, I want to make sure the juice is worth the squeeze.

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[stingrey]

I don't have a full factory soft top but I have a Sunrider which I install beteen April and November.
There is a notiable increase in wind noise with the Sunrider vs the hard top freedom panels.
Especially noticeable in the cooler, windy fall months.
It makes a difference.
Perhaps go 'test drive' a hard top Gladiator that is similar to yours.

 

[jwilson2899]

I just switched back to my hardtop for fall/winter. It's a definitely noticeable difference in noise for sure. I love my soft top for spring and summer, but I also enjoy changing back to the quieter top when the windy conditions pickup like they have been recently.

 

[D_JT]

I went from a hard top to a soft top this summer. I will be going back to the hard top here soon. I personally was very surprised how quiet the soft top was (Twill). I felt there was little to no difference in noise level between the two.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

In testing, hard top was 5db quieter than soft.

Headliners knocked out 7 db over bare.

 

[sharpsicle]

I don't have a full factory soft top but I have a Sunrider which I install beteen April and November.
There is a notiable increase in wind noise with the Sunrider vs the hard top freedom panels.
Especially noticeable in the cooler, windy fall months.
It makes a difference.
Perhaps go 'test drive' a hard top Gladiator that is similar to yours.

I have done that, but it's hard to compare in a test drive of a different vehicle. Also considering there's more than just the top that can be changed, like adding headliners or similar. Was hoping to get more specific examples of what works to reduce noise.

In testing, hard top was 5db quieter than soft.

Headliners knocked out 7 db over bare.

So a total difference of 12 db with everything? That's pretty impressive.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I have done that, but it's hard to compare in a test drive of a different vehicle. Also considering there's more than just the top that can be changed, like adding headliners or similar. Was hoping to get more specific examples of what works to reduce noise.


So a total difference of 12 db with everything? That's pretty impressive.

I thought the headliners were stupid in the JK, and when I took over the JL and JT, stated that. Then I saw the testing lol. Maybe not so dumb.

 

[sharpsicle]

I thought the headliners were stupid in the JK, and when I took over the JL and JT, stated that. Then I saw the testing lol. Maybe not so dumb.

Do you happen to know what the base dB level was with the soft top?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Do you happen to know what the base dB level was with the soft top?

It's been 8 years lol.

It was in the mid 70's range

 

[John in the Woods]

I switch in spring and fall, running the hard top with factory headliners in winter.

There is definitely a noticeable difference in noise level, and I’ll agree with the folks with the numbers above on that. Aside from an overall drop in noise, the most significant changes are in highway wind noise (particularly in the sloppy air near big rigs) and the noise level when something is behind you at low speeds. Much better with the hard top.

Never going to be quiet, but it is quieter.

 

[starrskream]

I've never had a soft top jeep. I will say its relatively quiet inside my truck. I also added more sound deadening material to mine. Look up my posts you will see it.
I see soft top and wonder how loud it is. Around here near buffalo, we like the heat in the winter lol. no soft tops for me lol.

 

[Mr Miami]

I really don't understand the complaints on noise. It's a night and day difference between my '24 JTR (hardtop) and my '16 Willys JKU with a soft top, factory half doors and Goodyear ATS tires.

If I wanted something super quiet I would have bought a Lexus.

 

[sharpsicle]

I really don't understand the complaints on noise. It's a night and day difference between my '24 JTR (hardtop) and my '16 Willys JKU with a soft top, factory half doors and Goodyear ATS tires.

If I wanted something super quiet I would have bought a Lexus.

Ok great thanks for your help, but I’m not looking to buy a Lexus. I’m trying to improve the truck I love.

 

[SC Notary]

I really don't understand the complaints on noise. It's a night and day difference between my '24 JTR (hardtop) and my '16 Willys JKU with a soft top, factory half doors and Goodyear ATS tires.

If I wanted something super quiet I would have bought a Lexus.

We are in our 7th Jeep, the dealer didn't have to sell us on the rough / noisy ride or the bad gas mileage. With the soft top you can hear the tires better.

 

[sharpsicle]

I've never had a soft top jeep. I will say its relatively quiet inside my truck. I also added more sound deadening material to mine. Look up my posts you will see it.
I see soft top and wonder how loud it is. Around here near buffalo, we like the heat in the winter lol. no soft tops for me lol.

Is that the Boom Mat spray? Did you ever put on more coats or use something else in addition to it? Or still rocking the one coat you did?

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