Sunrider Fitment for 24-25

[Undecided]

Over the summer, we take the hard top off (and back on) often……

From what I understand, the Sunrider needs to be totally removed before you can take the hard top off. It’s much easier and faster just to take the freedom panels off.

If the Sunrider could stay in place …. while you take the hard top off …. I’d probably already own one.

correct it does have to be "totally removed". Which is 6 bolts . Takes longer than the panels for sure, but when taking off the rest of the roof doesn't add much.

personally the year round benefit of flipping it open/closed mid drive , at any point in the day, between rain and sun, between moving and stopped in the sun, cold in the morning hot on the way home, not storing the panels in the bed/back seat - absolutely worth the extra screws when the whole roof comes off in summer.

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[Janster]

correct it does have to be "totally removed". Which is 6 bolts . Takes longer than the panels for sure, but when taking off the rest of the roof doesn't add much.

personally the year round benefit of flipping it open/closed mid drive , at any point in the day, between rain and sun, between moving and stopped in the sun, cold in the morning hot on the way home, not storing the panels in the bed/back seat - absolutely worth the extra screws when the whole roof comes off in summer.

That’s 6 bolts too many…. …..when you’re my age.

Flipping it open while I’m driving isn’t a concern. I don’t have a problem pulling over somewhere to pull the freedom panels off.

Having a ‘soft/fabric’ version of the freedom panels would be awesome too…….lighter, easier, faster to take off/on. OR…having the Sunrider to allow you to keep it installed while you remove the hard top…

Did I mention ….. I’m not a young whipper snapper like some of ya’ll.

 

[Trollboogie]

Over the summer, we take the hard top off (and back on) often……

From what I understand, the Sunrider needs to be totally removed before you can take the hard top off. It’s much easier and faster just to take the freedom panels off.

If the Sunrider could stay in place …. while you take the hard top off …. I’d probably already own one.

Yes, the Sunrider needs to be removed for the hardtop removal. The back of the Sunrider sits on the seal of the hardtop. Just like the Freedom panels do.

 

[Ang]

@ConqSoft It fits!!

~Crystal@Bestop
www.bestop.com

I am looking at a pre-owned that doesn't allow returns. I want to be sure it will fit before buying it. This is the part number they have 52454-17.

 

[Ang]

Just a thought (always acknowledging you do what's right for you) ...but for me, I took the freedom panels off both my Gladiator and Wrangler, installed Sunriders, and the freedom panels have never left my basement! I find the Sunrider works fine year round. No need to install or un-install.

What are your winters like normally?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That’s 6 bolts too many…. …..when you’re my age.

Flipping it open while I’m driving isn’t a concern. I don’t have a problem pulling over somewhere to pull the freedom panels off.

Having a ‘soft/fabric’ version of the freedom panels would be awesome too…….lighter, easier, faster to take off/on. OR…having the Sunrider to allow you to keep it installed while you remove the hard top…

Did I mention ….. I’m not a young whipper snapper like some of ya’ll.

LOL - your age. LOL

How about a power driver?

for under 20 bucks ->

 

[Eagle22]

What are your winters like normally?

Spend most of my time in Northern Virginia, and about one week a month on the North Carolina Outer Banks.
We had a pretty good series of snow storms this winter (yes, on the OBX too). Extended days of sub-freezing temps...a lot of the winter at high 30's and low 40's.
For both of our Jeeps (Gladiator and Wrangler) the Freedom panels have been stored in the basement...we go year round with the Sundriders on both.

 

[Janster]

LOL - your age. LOL

How about a power driver?

for under 20 bucks ->

already have one of those that we use when removing the hard top…..

I’ve been thinking more about it and mentioned it to the hubby - but he still thinks it’s not worth $800 when we can just remove the freedom panels. That $800 can buy a lot of other fun stuff.

Yea..I’m blaming it on the hubby.
I still wished they’d make a soft version of the freedom panels. Last year, I bought a couple different shades/covers and nothing fit (2024). I’m still on the hunt for something…just not happy with what I’m seeing.

I need to find a used beatup/cheap/free set of freedom panels, cut them up, and have a seamstress sew in some fabric. …. HA!! Good Luck with that!??

 

[Ang]

Spend most of my time in Northern Virginia, and about one week a month on the North Carolina Outer Banks.
We had a pretty good series of snow storms this winter (yes, on the OBX too). Extended days of sub-freezing temps...a lot of the winter at high 30's and low 40's.
For both of our Jeeps (Gladiator and Wrangler) the Freedom panels have been stored in the basement...we go year round with the Sundriders on both.

Just what I needed to know. We can have some nasty winters. This past winter, snow for a change, but usually ice. Sounds like you're not much different. I am cold natured, does the cab stay heated enough with sunrider?

 

[Roklok]

I switched mine from a 2020 Glad to my new 2024 JTR with no problem. It fits fine.

 

[Mister Lamb]

I just swapped the sunrider from my 21 to 25 without issue. Only thing I noticed is that driver's side clamp has more tension and feels more "secure" when clamping it closed compared to the passenger side. No leaks or anything so not sure what that's about

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Only thing I noticed is that driver's side clamp has more tension and feels more "secure" when clamping it closed compared to the passenger side.

Are you using your left hand for the left latch and right hand for the right latch?
Could be your right hand is simply tougher, stronger.
Maybe the right side of your JT is shorter than the left.

One video I saw the guy actually had the front clamps in place before final tightening. Not sure about that.

 

[Eagle22]

Just what I needed to know. We can have some nasty winters. This past winter, snow for a change, but usually ice. Sounds like you're not much different. I am cold natured, does the cab stay heated enough with sunrider?

Yes - warm and toasty...but that might just be the great climate control system in the Jeep. My wife likes to stay warm, so if the Sunrider was not cutting it, she'd insist on the Freedom panels!
BTW...we have the twill top on both jeeps. One is a year old and the other four years old. They both look brand new...but I use Best's conditioner every 6 months.
Can't speak to the properties of the lower cost version.

 

[Eagle22]

I just swapped the sunrider from my 21 to 25 without issue. Only thing I noticed is that driver's side clamp has more tension and feels more "secure" when clamping it closed compared to the passenger side. No leaks or anything so not sure what that's about

I experienced the same thing after I installed some shaded sun visors that required me to loosen the clamp where the Sunrider hooks in. The clamps are adjustable. I had to go back and adjust them because I could hear wind noise along the leading edge of the Sunrider. Had to adjust to increase tension on the Sunrider clamps.

 

[Ang]

Yes - warm and toasty...but that might just be the great climate control system in the Jeep. My wife likes to stay warm, so if the Sunrider was not cutting it, she'd insist on the Freedom panels!
BTW...we have the twill top on both jeeps. One is a year old and the other four years old. They both look brand new...but I use Best's conditioner every 6 months.
Can't speak to the properties of the lower cost version.

Ha! Your wife sounds like me. It is the twill I'm looking at. Hopefully I'm able to get it.

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