Soft Top canopy boot?

[GoBeyond]

My pontoon boat canopy had a cover that slid over the top when retracted. It kept the accordion fabric from flopping in the wind and simply slipped over & zipped up the front side. Really cleaned up the look and protected the canopy as well. Has anyone discovered something like this for the Jeep?
Found pic on internet to show what I mean.

Perhaps there’s a reason this concept won’t work on Gladiator top, as I haven’t installed mine yet to investigate.

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[SPED1]

You get 2 Velcro straps from the factory and like it lol! Maybe some aftermarket company will make one someday.......

 

[sharpsicle]

To me, it feels like putting something like this on would be more effort than just taking the top off and putting it in the bed. Added bonus is by taking it off, there's nothing at all up there to flap or make noise at all. And the Jeep looks great with it removed.

It's also worth mentioning that pontoon boats never get up to the speeds your Jeep does, which makes it easier to reliably use a cover like this. Additionally, pontoon boat shades are expected to be retracted for long periods of time, hence the cover. The Gladiator top is expected to be the exact opposite.

I could see this being useful for storage perhaps. But everyday operation? Nah.

 

[Ogre_FL]

I have been looking for one too.
Not found anything Gladiator specific yet.
I have been tempted to try one of the wrangler ones.

 

[Ogre_FL]

To me, it feels like putting something like this on would be more effort than just taking the top off and putting it in the bed. Added bonus is by taking it off, there's nothing at all up there to flap or make noise at all. And the Jeep looks great with it removed.

It's also worth mentioning that pontoon boats never get up to the speeds your Jeep does, which makes it easier to reliably use a cover like this. Additionally, pontoon boat shades are expected to be retracted for long periods of time, hence the cover. The Gladiator top is expected to be the exact opposite.

I could see this being useful for storage perhaps. But everyday operation? Nah.

FWIW boat canopy covers often are in place when the boat is trailered.
I know mine have been.
They hold up fine at highway speeds.

 

[sharpsicle]

FWIW boat canopy covers often are in place when the boat is trailered.
I know mine have been.
They hold up fine at highway speeds.

Fair point. At that point I kinda put that in the "storage" category though, rather than the "everyday use" category.

Since I can get the Jeep top out of the wind, though, I'd still do that. Many pontoon tops can fold all the way back for this reason as well. For us, that's the equivalent of taking 4 bolts off and popping it in the bed, a <60 second task.

The Gladiator top also has a very stiff, rigid bottom to it for the rear window that I think might make it more difficult to get something like this on snugly enough. Storage would probably be fine, but everyday use I would question.

I guess the big question that needs to be answered is what's the goal or purpose for adding a cover? Is it just cosmetics? And what sacrifices are we willing to make to usability?

 

[Ogre_FL]

Fair point. At that point I kinda put that in the "storage" category though, rather than the "everyday use" category.

Since I can get the Jeep top out of the wind, though, I'd still do that. Many pontoon tops can fold all the way back for this reason as well. For us, that's the equivalent of taking 4 bolts off and popping it in the bed, a <60 second task.

The Gladiator top also has a very stiff, rigid bottom to it for the rear window that I think might make it more difficult to get something like this on snugly enough. Storage would probably be fine, but everyday use I would question.

I guess the big question that needs to be answered is what's the goal or purpose for adding a cover? Is it just cosmetics? And what sacrifices are we willing to make to usability?

Boots protect the tops, they reduce the wind flap and offer UV protection.
I love my soft top, but it does flap when open at higher speeds.
I would not use it every day, just as I don't remove the rear window and side panels every day.
More so when I plan to keep it open for a bit longer and definitely on a longer trip.

Boots have been a part of convertibles for years and many use them on jeeps.
In general they are easier to put on & off than the top is to remove and reinstall.
Yes the also do offer some ascetics, the folded top is a bit messy looking.

What if you need the bed? The top takes up the better part of it.
There is also the possibility of theft, you have done all the hard work for them.

I would also have a boot on my top (If I had one) when I removed it for protection.

I would have a boot on here (if I had one) and don't have room for the top in the back.
At least in a manner where I would not damage the top on a long trip

 

[GoBeyond]

Thanks for feedback, and confirmation there is not anything out there currently.
I agree with Ogre on virtually everything - I live in area where it can be sunny for a week, and I typically leave my Volvo top down all week. I just got my Gladiator, and haven't installed the softtop yet, but I'm assuming I will do the same, and leave the softtop retracted for extended days (since it is garaged and not going to collect dust in interior at night). I'm okay with the 'rugged look' of the retracted softtop, and would use the truck bed for other gear. I guess taking it off and putting it in the garage is good second option though. I sounds super easy to remove...but better to have in place in case a dust storm comes up . Excited to get the top off this rig!! Appreciate your thoughts everyone.

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