Road noise with soft top?

[usc4duke]

How bad is the road noise with the soft top? How do you take it down (where does it go)?

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[Godfadr]

How bad is the road noise with the soft top? How do you take it down (where does it go)?

As for noise, it depends on what model of soft top you are coming off of. I can't speak to a JL soft top (I had a hard top on that one) but it is definitely quieter than the JK.

Jeep has come a long way on the design (losing the zippers, etc). I was reluctant in getting the soft top...but was pleasantly surprised at the ease of use and road noise. I will try and decibel test it today.

The corner panels come out in the back. The back window comes out via the track system (no zippers). The top folds back on itself to the back part of the roof (aesthetically not my favorite, but it works).

 

[Godfadr]

UPDATE: There is a weird flutter (almost a wind tunnel sound) at 82ish. Seems to be around the center cross-bar...some tweak there might be helpful.

 

[Kjm18]

How bad is the road noise with the soft top? How do you take it down (where does it go)?

I suggest doing what I did and just going on youtube and watching every review you can find. Most of your soft top questions will likely be answered. When I test drove the premium soft top the road noise was definitely audible. If you're not coming from a Jeep or you've never had one you will notice a difference. However, it's actually significantly better than it used to be on my old YJ. I had no concern ordering the soft top and not ordering a hard top at all. I live in Maryland and we definitely get all four seasons and I'm still going soft top only. Also, it rests above and slightly behind the back seats.

 

[usc4duke]

I suggest doing what I did and just going on youtube and watching every review you can find. Most of your soft top questions will likely be answered. When I test drove the premium soft top the road noise was definitely audible. If you're not coming from a Jeep or you've never had one you will notice a difference. However, it's actually significantly better than it used to be on my old YJ. I had no concern ordering the soft top and not ordering a hard top at all. I live in Maryland and we definitely get all four seasons and I'm still going soft top only. Also, it rests above and slightly behind the back seats.

Great suggestion! I have been reading everything I can get my hands on (I am still probably at least a year away from purchasing). Although I have never owned a Jeep, I have a 350Z convertible so I am all too familiar with road noise - that will be my comparison.

UPDATE: There is a weird flutter (almost a wind tunnel sound) at 82ish. Seems to be around the center cross-bar...some tweak there might be helpful.

This is awesome! I am a scientist, so LOVING the data. Keep it coming!

 

[OCGld8r]

I took my Gladiator with premium soft top on a road trip from Orange County to Mammoth last week and I was surprised at how loud it was. It's fairly quiet up to about 50 MPH. Beyond 60 MPH, the wind noise and road noise are very loud. In addition, with a crosswind of maybe 20+ MPH, there is a significant amount of rattling in the frame. At any speed, loud vehicles (commercial trucks, motorcycles, modded cars, etc.) are much more audible than expected, especially if they're behind you or passing.

The wind noise is probably about the same as having a bike rack and bikes on my VW Jetta. Noise from the road / other vehicles makes it significantly louder, and the rattle is disconcerting. I can't compare it to other Jeeps.

 

[securedude]

I have had my Gladiator a month now and its back at the dealership due to Harmonic roar coming from soft top and bars supporting top. Starts at about 65 mph on and off and bad rattle from soft top support between 70 and 80. If i roll window down 1/3rd it gets worse and half way it stops. Also noticed on long trip to Florida it was worse with A/C recirculate on and turn off recirculate stopped for a bit. Seems to happen after about 30 minutes of driving. They said at dealership there is already a fix??? We will see. also do not like the raining pouring in from soft top "gutter" poors like a river if i open door. My 2014 JK unlimited Rubicon never had an issue on roar from soft top in over 5 years or rain. Other than that love the new Gladiator rides 10 times smoother than my JK. Very sharp too, never had so many people just want to stop and stare or take pictures wherever i am. Crazy!

 

[Little Joe]

I have the same problem, dealer tighten the top but still same noise. Any suggestions.

 

[JeepCares]

I have the same problem, dealer tighten the top but still same noise. Any suggestions.

Hi Joe,
We're sorry to learn that you are experiencing this concern with your new Gladiator. If you would like, our team would be happy to have this documented and looked into further by a case specialist. We are available via private message.
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[WDM215]

Did anyone get a fix yet for that terrible noise at 75+. If I push up on the bar right over my head it stops the noise, but at soon as I release it's back again. I am fully aware of the typical soft top noise and totally cool with that, but this is different and almost unbearable at 80+. I have been taking my wife's Grand Cherokee anytime we have a longer trip on the highway. Pretty frustrating to have a brand new truck that I don't want to take on longer trips. I really hope there is a fix for this and as I approach my first oil change I will try to get someone at the dealership to take a ride with me to hear it.

Also agreed on the rain gutter situation, it literally dumps into the cab of the truck when raining.

 

[Trippin01]

Did anyone get a fix yet for that terrible noise at 75+. If I push up on the bar right over my head it stops the noise, but at soon as I release it's back again. I am fully aware of the typical soft top noise and totally cool with that, but this is different and almost unbearable at 80+. I have been taking my wife's Grand Cherokee anytime we have a longer trip on the highway. Pretty frustrating to have a brand new truck that I don't want to take on longer trips. I really hope there is a fix for this and as I approach my first oil change I will try to get someone at the dealership to take a ride with me to hear it.

Also agreed on the rain gutter situation, it literally dumps into the cab of the truck when raining.

Yeah mine was like a bass drum. but at 10 miles to the gallon it was easier to slow down to 65, 18 mpg & the bass drum noise goes away, no big deal. My main drivers/cars will go 80+ with pure quiet in the passenger cabin, but they won't crawl over rocks, so I guess I'll use each vehicle for its designated purpose, or I may get a hard top for the JT, but probably not. Good luck

 

[Uparms]

Just did a 1300 mile trip to Smoky Mountains and 4 days in Shenandoah, VA. 75 MPH on RT 81 and my wife did not mention the wind noise at all. Premium Soft Top, 8/10 purchase. Get it up to 100 MPH and you will get the roar. Other then that with the windows up at 75 we had a great 8 days of talk and no radio. I ride 26 miles X 2 a day on I 95 and use the radio. No issues. It is much better then 2005 TJ unlimited and the YJs. Go for it!

And the rear window removal is a breeze and makes a great Bikini top. No noise affects when I rode like that for 2 weeks. Sunrider can be taken down by one person.

 

[Rayzzz]

How can you tell if the soft top you have is a regular top or a premium top? Is it just one is thicker then the other or is there other things different about it.

My Jeep likes my money

 

[Uparms]

It is Premium Soft Top. 595.00.

 

[Rocksalt]

Soft Top.. no excessive road noise at hwy speeds... of course I have not had my JT at 100 mph... dont think I will

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