Sorry, if this has already been discussed BUT - anyone keep their soft top down all summer? This is my first summer with my JK and I am starting to think I might never put it up and drive other car when rain risk. Can't see any reason there would be an issue - creases?
Thanks
I leave my top down MOST of the summer. I'll put it up if I expect rain (drizzle, not so much) but even then, the windows stay out unless it's a really hard, wind driven gully whomper. (I had to replace my CD/radio last year after I drowned it after a gully whomper stormed through.) Even my TJ is a little rain-shy.
If it's parked and going to really rain, I'll bungie an 8'x10' tarp over the top, too. It keeps the seats dry, even if there is a little water on the floor boards, and I keep them stowed between the rear seat and tailgate when not in use. If you go that route, and have a JKU, you'll want a bigger tarp. YMMV, and invariably will...
I've wondered about this. Bought my jeep a couple of weekends ago. Got the dual top option. Took the hardtop off last weekend after I got my hoister up. Had the soft top up for one week (never out in the windows). Put the soft top down this weekend. If it rains, I was going to drive a second car. Wondering if I'll ever drive it with the soft top up and windows in. Guess I should to see if I have any leaks.
I never had an issue with my TJ, I ran a HT all winter and after the first year, didn't bother to put the soft top on when I took the hard top off. Unless you're storing it years at a time, shouldn't be an issue. I would try to lay the windows flat.
A lot depends on where you live and if you have a second vehicle you can use if it is raining. Our JK is my wife's DD and she does not have a second vehicle she can use if it is raining. That, and the summer heat and humidity here in the Midwest makes having the top on with the AC cranking a comfortable option.
We had the top and doors off for 9 days earlier this year. They went back on when the forecast called for triple digit temps and they will probably remain on for the rest of the summer.
This is my first summer with the JKU and its a DD.
I have a trektop nx and for a majority of the summer so far its either been off completely or in bikini mode.
I put the windows on it yesterday for only 2 reasons..to wash it and the fact that its calling for rain all day.
Otherwise....topless!
If I had a second vehicle and a garage I'd never put doors and a top on. Maybe for wheeling if I didn't want to get myself covered in mud, or rain if it's a long trip. I have a Trektop NX and had it in doorless/bikini mode for the past 5 days or so, rain was forecasted overnight so put everything back together yesterday as this is my DD and only vehicle. Riding to work with a soaked ass isn't fun.
I live right down the thruway from you and am in the same boat-
Put the NX back on after an amazing stretch of weather. As a matter of fact I was running completely topless.
Reinstalled the complete top in no time.
I have a garage and a second vehicle. So that's pretty much what I do. Except I have only the hard top. And i use a bestop trailcover for emergencies. I just go topless and doorless most if the summer. Only time I don't is when its going to rain for a whole week. Then I begrudgingly put the top on to keep the mileage of my second car. Even when it was 100 degrees in Georgia last week, I went naked, Spiderebshade on, and AC blasting. I always feel like I'm doing something wrong when the top is on. Haha.
I run with the top down for weeks at a time (weather permitting). I haven't had an issue with creasing. The worst I've scene (third summer with the Jeep) is some creasing, but very temporary. After being stretched out to be put back up and some sun/heat on it, it'll go back to flat condition.
I thought about it until we hit 109-113F last week. I said screw the top down, up is where is at , I still love to have the top down, but not is when 95f +, and for me that means I won't have it down the whole summer
I wish I could leave my soft top down all summer but its just too hot in Texas for that, 103 heat index most of last week and this week. Put my doors on and top up last week. It it gets any hotter the hard top will go back on. LOL
I'm in the same boat. Seriously thinking about the hardtop going back on after this past week. Basically unbearable and I've lived here my whole life. 110 heat index and 90% humidity.
with the dry and gorgeous weather we are having here, I actually pulled off the soft top almost three weeks ago, although need to be checking the forecast/radar constantly, LOL!
I think you're good, knock on wood! Past few weekends have been super humid/hot! I need a soft top....can't find a used TrekTop for the life of me. Keep your eyes out! Also.....I might have the Brute again this weekend for another local C&C.
I'm about 3 weeks w/o a top or doors. 115 index doesn't really bother me, I'll turn the AC on if I need a little relief.
Today is 40% chance of rain. That = 60% chance of no rain in my book I keep a small trash bag to cover the clock spring and have a full cover in back just in case.
I have an 09 with original rear tow hook and until a few months ago the front ones too. No rust. Now the drive shafts, axles, and diff covers... That's a different story.
Here in SoCal, I have my hardtop off almost all the time. My only cover is a Sun Shade, which is perfect for the summer. When I feel it's bout to rain or sprinkle, I can put the hardtop on without removing the Sun Shade. We have a promotion on our TUFFShades. Feel free to pm us with any questions.
I tend to not park under the big parking street lights for that reason. But my spidershade will keep the poop mostly out. Now want to talk about birdies, I one day had just the freedom panels out with the doors on and the spidershade on. Came out to find a bird had somehow gotten inside the jeep. Needless to say, I needed a few napkins to clean up the mess it made.
If you want to leave it down all summer, why not just take it off completely. That's how Jeeps look best. No top makes the back end look a lot cleaner.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!