Softtopper Fuel Mileage

[smorris18]

I recently received and installed a Softtopper. It was rather easy to install and it looks pretty good. It doesn't match the soft top as well as I thought but it looks fine. It is easy to rearrange different ways for different uses.
The issues I am seeing is the big drop in fuel mileage, noisy, and causes some vibration. All these things are only noticeable at higher speeds like running down the interstate. I knew before purchasing I would run into some of this. I am just curious others experience? I am wondering if the Bestop Supertop is any better from those who have experience either? I know I have a 30 day return, so I wonder if it would be worth changing or just keeping it.

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[chesafreak]

What noises are you hearing? I was getting some clunking in the winter that I never was able to pinpoint but the warmer weather it doesnt have it. I really dont get any other noises from it that i can tell over my hardtop or suntop.

Interesting on the fuel mileage and honestly makes me a little less worried that I have a problem with my diesel and could just be the softopper causing more drag. As i am below what everyone else typically posts.

 

[smorris18]

What noises are you hearing? I was getting some clunking in the winter that I never was able to pinpoint but the warmer weather it doesnt have it. I really dont get any other noises from it that i can tell over my hardtop or suntop.

Interesting on the fuel mileage and honestly makes me a little less worried that I have a problem with my diesel and could just be the softopper causing more drag. As i am below what everyone else typically posts.

For some reason I get more noise and vibration from the soft top since I installed the softtopper. It only seems worse when I have the softtopper fully closed up. I don't think its as bad if i have the back window and the front corners open letting air through.
I can also feel more vibration, like the tires are out of balance. Still only at higher speeds. I haven't had the topper folded down yet. I may try doing that and see what kind of difference I notice.
I still think it is great! Gives so much more dry space. And we have a large dog I feel comfortable carrying around more places. Don't have to worry about him getting wet or hot. I even added a small rechargeable clip-on fan to keep air circulating.

 

[EddyArnold]

Hello fellow kentucky friend and softoper! I'm in a diesel and don't get as high milage as everyone posting most of the time, but I assumed it's because I have a heavy foot...
I don't get any vibration or flapping that I'm aware of unless I have the topper up and the back window open but I cut the doggy window and air rushing through with back window causes some flappy...

even like this if the back window is closed everything is all right (it's been in this config for the past 6 weeks)

 

[redriderjf87]

Is Softtopper the brand im assuming or otherwise what's the brand you have OP?

I'm thinking about getting one as well, curious about how much drag they add on if it's noticeable. I'm hoping to get one that collapses down to a tonneau cover though, so maybe less of a sticking point.

 

[chesafreak]

For some reason I get more noise and vibration from the soft top since I installed the softtopper. It only seems worse when I have the softtopper fully closed up. I don't think its as bad if i have the back window and the front corners open letting air through.
I can also feel more vibration, like the tires are out of balance. Still only at higher speeds. I haven't had the topper folded down yet. I may try doing that and see what kind of difference I notice.
I still think it is great! Gives so much more dry space. And we have a large dog I feel comfortable carrying around more places. Don't have to worry about him getting wet or hot. I even added a small rechargeable clip-on fan to keep air circulating.

Odd that it actually causes driveline type vibrations. Definitely dont get anything like that. I did try to just use velcro for the forward window but had to install snaps as it was pulling up and flapping. The suntop softop i have is way lower than the softopper so gets plenty of direct wind.

 

[Fungi3]

I recently received and installed a Softtopper. It was rather easy to install and it looks pretty good. It doesn't match the soft top as well as I thought but it looks fine. It is easy to rearrange different ways for different uses.
The issues I am seeing is the big drop in fuel mileage, noisy, and causes some vibration. All these things are only noticeable at higher speeds like running down the interstate. I knew before purchasing I would run into some of this. I am just curious others experience? I am wondering if the Bestop Supertop is any better from those who have experience either? I know I have a 30 day return, so I wonder if it would be worth changing or just keeping it.

I bought my gladiator 5 months ago with the dual top package. It came with the Mopar "Premium" soft top. I just took off the hard top and installed the premium soft top. No problems, no leaks, and hardly any added noise. Gas mileage shows NO noticeable difference.

 

[Koolcarguy]

I recently received and installed a Softtopper. It was rather easy to install and it looks pretty good. It doesn't match the soft top as well as I thought but it looks fine. It is easy to rearrange different ways for different uses.
The issues I am seeing is the big drop in fuel mileage, noisy, and causes some vibration. All these things are only noticeable at higher speeds like running down the interstate. I knew before purchasing I would run into some of this. I am just curious others experience? I am wondering if the Bestop Supertop is any better from those who have experience either? I know I have a 30 day return, so I wonder if it would be worth changing or just keeping it.

Thats very interesting only noise i get is when something gets loose. After attaching to front of the bed no more noise. Fuel mileage is interesting I get better mileage in my diesel Jt with the softtopper up then with it down? By atleast 2 mpg.

 

[1stXMan]

I have the Softopper and don't have any of the described issues. Zero vibrations and it doesn't flap in the wind closed or in safari mode. I have it wrenched down pretty tight though. I run it on the lowest height adjustment option to drop it below the cab just a smidge. Maybe this has something to do with it?

I did a small modification to the tension straps on all four corners. I placed Nite Ize cam lock tensioners inline to prevent the straps from backing off. When I pull the straps tight, they are locked in place. This should be standard in my opinion.

A final and probably unnecessary mod I did was relocate the rear strap attachment points. I didn't like the flimsy plastic loops. I installed an eye bolt in my trail rail using a superstrut spring nut. This makes a solid attachment point with no give.

 

[RubiconDONN]

I did a small modification to the tension straps on all four corners. I placed Nite Ize cam lock tensioners inline to prevent the straps from backing off. When I pull the straps tight, they are locked in place. This should be standard in my opinion.

A final and probably unnecessary mod I did was relocate the rear strap attachment points. I didn't like the flimsy plastic loops. I installed an eye bolt in my trail rail using a superstrut spring nut. This makes a solid attachment point with no give.

Could I get a visual of both of these?

I know this was a while back but this would be helpful to see.

 

[1stXMan]

Sure thing. I don't think these will win a Pulitzer, but I hope it helps. If you're going to use the Niteize cam lock, you'll have to cut off the end of the Softopper strap so it can feed through. It's just a small piece and I melted the ends to stop fraying.

Could I get a visual of both of these?

I know this was a while back but this would be helpful to see.

 

[RubiconDONN]

Sure thing. I don't think these will win a Pulitzer, but I hope it helps. If you're going to use the Niteize cam lock, you'll have to cut off the end of the Softopper strap so it can feed through. It's just a small piece and I melted the ends to stop fraying.

Thank you! This was wonderful and rather fast response ?

Had plans to modify myself and remove those clips. Sew and singe with heat to secure them; like you. Just for more security and no loose connections as those straps do loosen up easily. Thank you!

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