Securing SunRider when Open

[Billyj7175]

I recently installed a SunRider on my Gladiator and really enjoy not having to remove/store/re-install the Freedom Panels while out and about.
However, BesTop recommends to velcro strap the arms after opening to prevent the top from being blown shut. How many of you all actually do this? I could see where if the conditions were right, it might possibly happen, but otherwise?

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[Camaroboi13]

Not a chance, my wife leaves here wide open almost everyday without any straps on it.

 

[Charles 236]

I have the straps in my glove box, I have never used them. I don't see how the Sunrider could possibly blow shut while driving, but I guess it could blow shut at a stop if the wind was blowing really hard.

 

[LOSTSOS]

Highway driving, I'll throw the driver side strap on as it takes 2 secs. Around town, no straps.

 

[Mtpisgah]

Straps only help if you driving backwards at 35mph or more. They say to use them for legal reasons.

 

[GWolgamott]

Had mine on for couple weeks. Hasn't been issue moving at all. Including driving it in a side wind going highways speeds. Questioned it myself but it doesn't move after using it, so doubt will ever strap it down when I'm using it. Well unless offroad or something and I'd probably have to see it move a bit too much first from a jarring bump.

 

[Billyj7175]

I appreciate the feedback. I kind of figured that it was more of a liability issue, but wasn't sure.

 

[DublF]

3 years and have never had an issue with that, even on the freeway.

 

[Trollboogie]

It feels like to me that the front window deflects the air over the folded open top at highway speeds.

 

[DBravo]

I recently installed a SunRider on my Gladiator and really enjoy not having to remove/store/re-install the Freedom Panels while out and about.
However, BesTop recommends to velcro strap the arms after opening to prevent the top from being blown shut. How many of you all actually do this? I could see where if the conditions were right, it might possibly happen, but otherwise?

I have had the Bestop Sunrider for 3 seasons. I remove in the winter and run it April to October. Never an issue for me, including highway. I have never used the supplied straps. There is enough resistance in the hinges that mine does not "flop" around at all - even over hard bumps. I can imagine it possibly being an issue with more extreme off-roading, but I admittedly don't do that type of off-roading in my stock JT Overland.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Think of it like your backpack in high school. 2 straps was kinda lame, one strap was cooler. No straps if it was even possible.

 

[PBCounty]

I've never used the straps, never a problem.

 

[Larry-D]

Never used them since our 2014 JKU and now on the Gladiator since 2021. Never had any issues.

 

[Empty Pockets]

5 years in and I don’t strap it. I’m in GA and have more open days than closed. I did strap one day during some pretty bouncy off roading to keep it from slamming. Other than that one time, never.

 

[NY JT]

I recently installed a SunRider on my Gladiator and really enjoy not having to remove/store/re-install the Freedom Panels while out and about.
However, BesTop recommends to velcro strap the arms after opening to prevent the top from being blown shut. How many of you all actually do this? I could see where if the conditions were right, it might possibly happen, but otherwise?

I have had 2 installed on my jeeps for over 2 years. They have never even moved. I think the recommendation to secure is for taking the jeep off-road. I can see it if you are in some tough jarring terrain. Other than that. I don't use them.

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