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Types of Jeep Tops Available

Everyone loves to see a tricked out Jeep driving down the road. A big-wheeled no-doors Jeep with a muddy top looks great driving through the city and is sure to turn heads. That is what makes them so appealing and popular, as well as the fact that they are completely customizable to your specific tastes.

Jeeps are meant to be taken into the outdoors and pushed to their limits. This means that your Jeep must be properly equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Jeep tops have become a necessity for the off-roader, Jeep enthusiast, or anyone else that enjoys driving a Jeep. Along the way, you may run into a thunderstorm, heavy mud, extreme wind, or other climate changes that influence how you need to protect your Jeep.

Jeeps have become known for their interchangeable tops. Most tops can easily be added or swapped out for more appropriate tops. The most common Jeep top styles are hard and soft tops, but there are also bikini & brief tops. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on what you plan to use your Jeep for. The seasons and your specific uses for the Jeep help induce a choice for the potential Jeep top buyer.

Jeep Soft Tops:

Jeep soft tops are incredibly useful accessories because they help to keep the elements at bay and increase the life of your rig. Having a soft top for your Jeep allows for much more versatility and accessibility than its counterpart, the hard top. Soft tops are now being constructed using fabric specifically designed to stretch for easy installation. The fabric will return to its original form for tightness. Jeep soft tops are extremely easy to install and come with a unique variety of features such as interchangeable skin color and material, roll back sunroofs, storage pockets, etc. They also cost a lot less than hard tops and are perfect for those who do not live in extreme climates.

Unfortunately, with all the advantages come some disadvantages. Soft Jeep tops do not offer full insulation, making them noisy and windy while driving. Plus, it can get extremely cold when it is wintertime and you're driving around with just a Jeep soft top between you and the biting chill.

Jeep Hard Tops:

Hard Jeep tops are extremely durable, provide excellent insulation, protect your cargo, are aesthetically appealing, and contain many useful features. By utilizing a hard top your Jeep will be protected from harsh climate conditions such as rain and snow, which can deteriorate your Jeep’s upholstery. Features include power windows, rear window defrosters, dome lighting, rear vents, UV resistance, mesh pockets, and many more. They either come in a single body piece or a 2-piece model with a removable front section.

Unfortunately, with all the advantages come the disadvantages. Hard tops can cost 3 times as much as soft tops and require a longer installation. The installation process is more intensive, often requiring a hoist. There is no storage space included, so an additional storage cart is a necessary addition for when the top is not in use.

Bikini or Brief Tops:

Bikini and brief Jeep tops are constructed so the cockpit stays closed off while the back remains open to the elements. These Jeep tops are easy to install, and have zip down windows and folding sunroofs. The reason they are great for summertime is because they keep the interior of your Jeep, including the seats and dashboard, cool in the heat. Plus, if an occasional rain shower happens to emerge, you will be kept dry and warm.

The downside to these bikini soft tops, also known as summer brief tops, is that they cover the front seat passengers of the Jeep, leaving the rear passengers exposed to the elements. They also lack storage space.

Windjammers:

Officially, windjammers are not Jeep tops, but they are a Jeep accessory. They are easily attached and removed using straps and buckles. Made with flexible plastic, these Jeep tops allow passengers to access items in the rear of the vehicle by simply rolling up the windjammer. Windjammers also stop that bothersome back draft by diverting wind, rain, and dust particles away from the Jeep cockpit. All in all, windjammers can be useful if you want to seal your cabin off from lighter natural elements or need easy access to the rear of your Jeep.

In essence, it is up to the Jeep owner to know what different Jeep tops have to offer their personal Jeep. It is advisable to know what you want to use your Jeep for before you go out looking to purchase a top. Once you know your basic requirements, then you can choose the proper top for your Jeep.