Hard Top

[pga202]

I currently have a soft top on my JT. I am contemplating buying a hard top. From what I understand there is not a major difference in noise between a soft and hard top. But I have small children and I think they would sometimes benefit from a quieter ride (or I know at least I would!). Is the hardtop insulation worth the money as far as noise is concerned?

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[Trippin01]

My kids and wife benefit from having no top on, at least in the summer. I have the premium soft top and so glad after seeing all the posts of leaking hard tops, wind whistles, less headroom and inconvenience of going topless. Proceed cautiously. Most "Pro Hard top" owners have not had a JT with a soft top. I love the convertible ease of the ragtop.

 

[cuellar13]

I haven't ridden in a soft top JT, but have compared Wrangler noise, so I can't directly answer the question. That being said, I'll never go soft top because headliners can be added to the hard top, plus the added security. One thing that brought my road noise down even lower was Armorlite flooring- would be beneficial with kiddos too (easier to clean than carpet). I do frequent interstate driving, and have no issues with noise with my hard top. Headliner is next because my wife has a 2 door bronco with the factory headliner and it's pretty damn quiet inside, like just as quiet as her Mini Cooper was.

 

[Montana_Wildcat]

Mine came with the premium soft top. I bought a second-hand hard top and love it! It is especially valuable in the winter. The noise is quieter, but not excessively so...it does rattle and squeak more. In the summer, I'll put my soft top back on and enjoy the open air.

 

[Boostnu]

I’ve had both and really like the hardtop. I normally ride with it in the summer with freedom panels out, mesh sunscreen and tube doors.

 

[pga202]

I haven't ridden in a soft top JT, but have compared Wrangler noise, so I can't directly answer the question. That being said, I'll never go soft top because headliners can be added to the hard top, plus the added security. One thing that brought my road noise down even lower was Armorlite flooring- would be beneficial with kiddos too (easier to clean than carpet). I do frequent interstate driving, and have no issues with noise with my hard top. Headliner is next because my wife has a 2 door bronco with the factory headliner and it's pretty damn quiet inside, like just as quiet as her Mini Cooper was.

That's another reason I am looking for a hardtop, for security reasons.

 

[pga202]

Is the hardtop install fairly simple for one man to attempt in his driveway?

 

[Boostnu]

That's another reason I am looking for a hardtop, for security reasons.

I’ve had people cut the windows on my soft top Tj because apparently they didn’t know they could just unzip them. I never carried anything of value because I knew how easy it was to break in. So the next day I took the top and doors off parked in the same spot with a sign on the steering wheel that said what the hell are you going to steal.

 

[pga202]

My kids and wife benefit from having no top on, at least in the summer. I have the premium soft top and so glad after seeing all the posts of leaking hard tops, wind whistles, less headroom and inconvenience of going topless. Proceed cautiously. Most "Pro Hard top" owners have not had a JT with a soft top. I love the convertible ease of the ragtop.

My oldest loves riding with the top down, my youngest on the other hand prefers the comfort of my wife's KL. Hopefully over time we can change this!

 

[pga202]

I’ve had people cut the windows on my soft top Tj because apparently they didn’t know they could just unzip them. I never carried anything of value because I knew how easy it was to break in. So the next day I took the top and doors off parked in the same spot with a sign on the steering wheel that said what the hell are you going to steal.

I have heard about this happening. I have a good buddy that had a TJ for years and he never locked his doors because he said it would be cheaper to replace whatever was stolen rather than replace his top.

 

[jeepit]

In my personal experience, Hard top is way quieter than premium soft top. I got rid of my premium soft top and went with hardtop.

 

[Gvsukids]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/hard-top-or-soft-top.16936/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/soft-top-vs-hard-top-noise.38718/

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/gladiator-door-hardtop-removal

 

[dcmdon]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/hard-top-or-soft-top.16936/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/soft-top-vs-hard-top-noise.38718/

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/gladiator-door-hardtop-removal

I've seen one person remove a hard top on their own while standing in the bed. Not fun but in a pinch that's a good thing.

 

[NC_Overland]

My hard top is louder on the hwy than the soft top loaners I’ve driven if you go the speed limit on the interstate. I’ve brought it in several times to be looked at @JeepCares doesnt care. They let the dealership say it’s normal and nothing happens. I find it humorous that a soft top owner said they can make Bluetooth calls. My Bluetooth is useless on the hwy and I have to break the hands free laws to talk on my phone.

 

[Daddiator54]

Grew up with my dad’s jeep having a soft top. As a kid, I was totally okay. Now that I’m older, longer trips with a hard top reduce fatigue, at least to me. My wife prefers the hard top and even at times still thinks it’s too noisy (she drives Acuras). I think they’re worth it. However, I will say that it’s a chore to take the entire freedom top off compared to soft tops. And I’m pretty proficient at it now…

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