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Driving with rear glass open?

45K views 22 replies 21 participants last post by  Maisis00 
#1 ·
I've been seeing a lot of hardtops driving with the rear glass open, even on the highway. Is this a good idea?

Seems like it would put extra stress on the supports, I'd be worried about them giving out and the window crashing down on the spare and breaking.
 
#4 ·
Stunt, I agree, I've had multiple Jeeps including a 2012 JKU, now my 2016 Willys, and wouldn't think about leaving the back hatch open. I would be more worried about the flopping of the window than the fumes. You got two small shocks holding the window open, and driving around hitting pot holes, bumps can't be good for it bouncing around . Don't matter what kind of vehicle, don't make sense to me. Just my opinion, I don't do it, and if I would have to have it open to haul something sticking out the back, I would have it tied down tight against what I'm hauling.
 
#6 ·
Nope, not a problem. I've done it several times in my 2dr when I need to haul lumber home from the store. I close the tailgate, rest the lumber on top and drive home with the rear glass open. I usually stay off the freeway but I can still drive up to 60mph without any issues. Fumes and glass vibration is not an issue. I've also driven with the front windows both open and closed without any difference.
 
#7 ·
I run with the back glass propped half-way open almost everyday in the summer. I've done the same for over ten years with both my Toyota FJ and my '05 Rubi.

As long as I have the side windows or top open, there is constant positive airflow and I've had no issue with exhaust fumes in any of those vehicles.

Without the back glass open the wind buffeting in the FJ was unbearable on the highway and in the JK with the panels off it's nearly as bad. With the back glass open it's calm and enjoyable.

I use a looped strap around the third brake light tower with the hook on the bottom lip of the glass to keep the window half open. Running half open reduces the stress on the gas struts. I tried running with the window only cracked an inch or so, but it doesn't get enough flow that way.
 
#9 ·
I haven't had an issue with having it open. I've had to bring home lumber and had it open for the short drive home, but had the side windows all open as well. Additionally if I'm taking the freedom panels off the side windows and rear window will get opened as well.

I think as long as the hydraulics are in good condition holding the window up, you shouldn't have to worry much about it.
 
#10 ·
I run with my dogs in the 4dr and back glass open quite a bit, until we get past the rainy season and I just take the whole top off. Never had a problem with it. I don't run on the freeway that way but I've run on local streets up to 60ish without any problems at all.
 
#12 ·
I wouldn't do it on the expressway but other than that it's fine.
 
#13 ·
I drove my CJ-7 with the back window rolled up 8 month of the year forever. If the door windows were unzipped, no problem. If they were zipped up it would draw exhaust into the cabin.

On my JKU's I don't worry about the fumes. I worry about hitting a bump or pothole and trashing the struts or hinges.

Wish someone would make a device to secure the window while driving with it open. I tried bungee cords to keep it level with the top and not angled up above the top but it didn't work very well.
 
#16 ·
Here's the set up I use. One end of a ratchet strap sewed into a loop at one end. (Or you could just tie it)
Loop it around the 3rd brake light and have it short enough that the window just hooks on. No rattling, very minimal stress on struts.
I cruise home on the freeway everyday at 75 mph and there's barely a breeze inside the cab with both windows down. The breeze barely moves your hair compared to the wind tunnel effect with windows down only.
The only issue is it partially obscures your third brake light if that is something your local cops care about. You could always make it a bit longer so it shows.
I also think it looks better this way than the window looking like someone accidentally left it open.
 

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#17 ·
It probably does put a little extra stress on the supports, but not enough for me to worry too much about. it also does wonders for any extra wind buffeting issues you may have depending on the combination of windows down, freedom panels out, etc. that you're running. If it ever feels like the wind is not flowing smoothly in your semi-opened up jeep, try it. I bet you'll like the effect it has.

Also, I doubt that if the supports did wear out it would just come crashing down all of a sudden. More likely they would wear out slowly and you would start to find your glass inching down when you wanted it up loading stuff. Like when my trans am decided that I needed to use a broom handle to to keep the hood up. It took a few weeks for them to completely give up. Haha
 
#20 ·
Welcome to the forum
 
#22 ·
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Been known to do this myself on occasion- some topics can be almost timeless... 🧐
 
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