Soft Top Questions

[Alantko]

1. Is it necessary to remove back and rear quarter panels when driving with the soft top open to convertible mode? User guide list as step to remove back and rear quarter panel. I've driven up to 50mph with soft top open and secured with loop and hook.
2. Is a storage bag for the soft top panels supplied by the factory or is this an optional purchase? I just picked up a gladiator overland today and didn't have a storage bag for the panels from the dealer. I'm thinking they might have forgotten to give it to me when detailing the car.

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[Hemi]

I have seen everyone say it's not a problem.

My experience is that the more often you fold plastic windows the sooner they become cloudy, and they always do although that can be helped with Pledge

 

[Col C]

1. Is it necessary to remove back and rear quarter panels when driving with the soft top open to convertible mode? User guide list as step to remove back and rear quarter panel. I've driven up to 50mph with soft top open and secured with loop and hook.
2. Is a storage bag for the soft top panels supplied by the factory or is this an optional purchase? I just picked up a gladiator overland today and didn't have a storage bag for the panels from the dealer. I'm thinking they might have forgotten to give it to me when detailing the car.

I’ve driven with the top back and window/panels in but only at slower speeds (<45 mph). I won’t risk it going faster.

We ordered the storage bag from the dealer after talking to Jeep Customer Service. Got the bag in two days and am getting cost refund from Jeep.

 

[Alantko]

I’ve driven with the top back and window/panels in but only at slower speeds (<45 mph). I won’t risk it going faster.

We ordered the storage bag from the dealer after talking to Jeep Customer Service. Got the bag in two days and am getting cost refund from Jeep.

Considering rear panels are just a snap on, I guess you're right in not risking it and just remove them. Now to contact customer service and request for a panel storage bag.
Thanks

 

[Col C]

Considering rear panels are just a snap on, I guess you're right in not risking it and just remove them. Now to contact customer service and request for a panel storage bag.
Thanks

Call customer service first. Politely explain that the owners manual tells you to store the window in the bag, has pics of it, and doesn’t list it as an optional feature. That sure makes it appear that it is standard.

 

[Alantko]

Call customer service first. Politely explain that the owners manual tells you to store the window in the bag, has pics of it, and doesn’t list it as an optional feature. That sure makes it appear that it is standard.

Good advice. My thoughts exactly when I read the manual. Also, there's no caution or warnings about not removing the rear panels when driving with the top open, which cause me to ask my original question. I would assume at speeds over 45mph with all the wind buffeting would blow these panels right off.

 

[giskard]

I don't think the storage bag for the soft top rear window is included with every Gladiator. If you "build" one through the online configurator it's listed as a $75 option. It's not even listed as an option for the base Sport (which can only be had with the base soft top for some reason).

 

[ScottV]

1. Is it necessary to remove back and rear quarter panels when driving with the soft top open to convertible mode? User guide list as step to remove back and rear quarter panel. I've driven up to 50mph with soft top open and secured with loop and hook.
2. Is a storage bag for the soft top panels supplied by the factory or is this an optional purchase? I just picked up a gladiator overland today and didn't have a storage bag for the panels from the dealer. I'm thinking they might have forgotten to give it to me when detailing the car.

Great questions! There are 2 current threads that mostly answer your questions; for (1) see a thread titled “soft top back, rear window in, OK to drive that way?”. I started that thread for the same reasons as you. Check it out (bottom line: most folks, including my dealer, say it’s fine, but still no definitive answer from Jeep, not that I’ve asked them directly).

For (2) see the thread “soft top window storage bag”. This bag is in fact an option ($75), despite the manual implying everyone has one. You’ll also learn from that thread that they seem to be backordered for at least another month (part # , very hard to find, is listed in that thread). (I ordered one as an option with my Sport S but it didn’t come with the vehicle, will be waiting another month for it.). Don’t let dealer try to substitute Wrangler bags, they’re not the same!

Also note that the rear window does not fold or roll, as some folks have implied. I’ve just been laying it flat between a couple beach towels in the bed (with tonneau cover) until I get my bag.

Hope you’re enjoying the soft top as much as I am! Very glad I bought this thing in the summer!

 

[Alantko]

Great questions! There are 2 current threads that mostly answer your questions; for (1) see a thread titled “soft top back, rear window in, OK to drive that way?”. I started that thread for the same reasons as you. Check it out (bottom line: most folks, including my dealer, say it’s fine, but still no definitive answer from Jeep, not that I’ve asked them directly).

For (2) see the thread “soft top window storage bag”. This bag is in fact an option ($75), despite the manual implying everyone has one. You’ll also learn from that thread that they seem to be backordered for at least another month (part # , very hard to find, is listed in that thread). (I ordered one as an option with my Sport S but it didn’t come with the vehicle, will be waiting another month for it.). Don’t let dealer try to substitute Wrangler bags, they’re not the same!

Also note that the rear window does not fold or roll, as some folks have implied. I’ve just been laying it flat between a couple beach towels in the bed (with tonneau cover) until I get my bag.

Hope you’re enjoying the soft top as much as I am! Very glad I bought this thing in the summer!

Thanks! Definitely enjoying it. Went out for a nice drive today.
Panels
Took off the panels. I rolled the back window sideways and put it in a 23" carry on suitcase. I stored the 2 rear quarter panels in a duffle bag. Put both bags in and strapped them into the flatbed. Just got home and installed all the panels back for the night. I didn't see any damage, but it's dark now and will look carefully tomorrow for scratches or creases.
MPG
Drove 120 miles today at 70-80mph with top pulled back and all panels off. During 35 miles of highway only averaged 17.7 mpg at best. Local suburb town driving avg. 16.4. Don't know how they can rate this up to 22mpg. Only if you're feathering the gas and driving it like a prius, still not sure if you can get past 19mpg.
Smiles
Forgot the friendliness of being a part of the prideful club. Passed many jeep owners and got the friendly wave. Caught me off guard a couple of times and late waved them...LOL. Even bikers gave the peace and thumbs up.
Hadn't felt so welcomed since I retired from riding my Harley and gave up my HOG membership 5 years ago. What a great community!
Looks like Jeep owners and HOG's are kin. haha

 

[DenverGladiator]

For anyone not carrying other gear yet, or who does not have a tonneau yet, I store my quarter panels under the rear seat. I can still fit jumper cables and tie downs under the seat, under the panels. I have the rear window behind the rear seats with a soft blanket over it. Window goes in upside down and you can gently bend the pull tabs to avoid pinching it when the seat latches back in place. I also took the top completely off and put the top in the bed just to see how it would fit for once I order a tonneau. Once I have a tonneau I will likely put a blanket under the top in the bed, and run a strap through to keep it from sliding around.

 

[Alantko]

After 4 phone calls to Jeep Customer Care, the operator said if you didn't order the soft bag in your build or it's not on the Window sticker, you'll have to order one for $75. So I asked can I order one.? The answer is No. It's not available until October 2019 to January. Guess I'll continue to put my rear window panel and rear quarter panels in a suitcase.
I've emailed my disappointment to jeep and how they weren't prepared to care and accommodate for their new Gladiator soft top customers. The launch video even showed a lockable storage box under the rear seats...to my surprise it's just an open bin without a cover or a lock. How are we suppose to secure items in the cabin for a soft top. For a $52,000 MSRP Overland you'd expect a little better service. I love the car but, man let's show some quality for an American Iconic Company.

 

[Jeepers!]

After 4 phone calls to Jeep Customer Care, the operator said if you didn't order the soft bag in your build or it's not on the Window sticker, you'll have to order one for $75. So I asked can I order one.? The answer is No. It's not available until October 2019 to January. Guess I'll continue to put my rear window panel and rear quarter panels in a suitcase.
I've emailed my disappointment to jeep and how they weren't prepared to care and accommodate for their new Gladiator soft top customers. The launch video even showed a lockable storage box under the rear seats...to my surprise it's just an open bin without a cover or a lock. How are we suppose to secure items in the cabin for a soft top. For a $52,000 MSRP Overland you'd expect a little better service. I love the car but, man let's show some quality for an American Iconic Company.

The lockable storage box is an option. It's in the cargo management package that also includes the trail rail system and the bed AC outlet.

 

[Alantko]

The lockable storage box is an option. It's in the cargo management package that also includes the trail rail system and the bed AC outlet.

You're correct. Thanks! I knew I should've bought one with the Cargo management system... Guess it's wait until parts are available in next few months...

 

[JT_Ollie]

Can someone post pics of the soft top bag?

 

[Bruski51]

For anyone not carrying other gear yet, or who does not have a tonneau yet, I store my quarter panels under the rear seat. I can still fit jumper cables and tie downs under the seat, under the panels. I have the rear window behind the rear seats with a soft blanket over it. Window goes in upside down and you can gently bend the pull tabs to avoid pinching it when the seat latches back in place. I also took the top completely off and put the top in the bed just to see how it would fit for once I order a tonneau. Once I have a tonneau I will likely put a blanket under the top in the bed, and run a strap through to keep it from sliding around.

Fyi this is how the soft top comes in the dual top package.

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