{"id":37858,"date":"2021-09-11T08:40:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-11T13:40:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/?p=37858"},"modified":"2023-03-24T20:04:32","modified_gmt":"2023-03-25T01:04:32","slug":"soft-top-for-jeep-wrangler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/soft-top-for-jeep-wrangler","title":{"rendered":"Soft Top for Jeep Wrangler \u2014 How to Choose the Right One for You!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imagine this; it\u2019s another Monday morning, and you are late for work as you get into your Jeep<\/a>. The garage door opens, revealing a beautiful day, perfect to beat the Monday blues. However, to fully enjoy the nice weather, you would have to take off your Jeep’s hardtop roof, which requires two things you are short on \u2014 time and an extra set of hands. Luckily, all you need is a good Jeep Wrangler <\/a>soft top. And even when using your Jeep as intended, exploring the wilderness on off-road trails, a soft top can make a world of difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, depending on the generation and configuration, every Jeep Wrangler model is only compatible with specific soft tops, making the buying process a bit complicated. For instance, a soft top for a Wrangler YJ won’t work on a JK model \u2014the same thing applies for 2 and 4 doors configurations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t worry, though. To help you find the perfect one for your specific Jeep Wrangler model, we have prepared a comprehensive guide with essential things to consider before committing to buying one and 9 of the best Jeep soft tops we could find. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope it helps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft Top vs. Hard Top<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not many manufacturers provide as many customization options for their cars as Jeep does with its Wrangler SUV. And, if the factory options aren\u2019t enough for you, there is an ocean of aftermarket tuners with enough products to boggle your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that not just any soft top will do here. Choosing the right type of top for your Wrangler is an important decision as it sure affects your truck’s overall appearance but can also be a security concern. Still, the final decision is really a question of personal preference\u2014we can point out the advantages and disadvantages of each option, but you’ll be the judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Gold
Soft top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Jeep
Hard top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with the most crucial consideration: security. Indeed, it is no secret that any burglar can simply use a pocket knife to cut a soft top and gain access to your Jeep. If you decide to go the soft top route, there’s really not much you can do but bring valuables with you when leaving your vehicle unattended. Meanwhile, hard tops are considered much safer and a lot more secure, but of course, they need to be left at home if you decide to go for a topless drive, which can be a significant drawback if it starts to rain halfway into your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, it’s much easier to enjoy open-air driving with a soft top, as putting it down only takes a few minutes, and it can be stored in the trunk. Moreover, some Jeep soft tops below also come with foldback sunroof features where you don’t even need to leave the driver’s seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, remember that it is only worth purchasing a soft top if your geographical region allows for warm summer months. Soft tops are unsurprisingly not the best in winter. The smart thing to do is get a hard top and a soft top, use the hard top in the winter months and store it away during the summer season to enjoy a nice and sunny drive every now and then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Consider When Buying a Jeep Soft Top<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility is probably the most critical factor to consider since it will really be of no use if it doesn’t even fit your Jeep Wrangler model. Always check and double-check the application list and ensure the soft top you choose is compatible with your Jeep’s generation, model year, door configuration, and trim level to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft top material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another important aspect is the quality of the material used for the soft top. Most models these days are made of multi-layer hybrid material, sufficient for everyday use. However, if you frequently subject your SUV to abuse, or frequently drive off the beaten paths, in trails where branches and flying rocks could damage a cheaper fabric, it’s in your best interest to go for a thicker, more resistant material, even if that means spending a few extra bucks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to remember that a thinner material will often be significantly noisier when driving at high speed. It might not be that much of a drawback if you mostly use your soft top off-road, but it might be a bit annoying on long highway drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Installation requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since we are talking about aftermarket Jeep soft tops here, there is little to no standardization regarding the mounting hardware or even the type of fastening mechanism used. Almost every soft top is unique and requires a specific installation process using distinct hardware pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good Jeep soft top should be straightforward to install and remove so you can easily switch between hard and soft tops when required. One of the main reasons to install a soft top on your Jeep is to enjoy a top-down drive on demand. It defeats the purpose of having a soft top if even the thought of opening the roof exhausts you to the point where you\u2019d rather continue the drive as is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the soft top you choose shouldn’t force you to make any permanent changes to your Jeep; all hardware parts should be designed to work with the existing mounting points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security aspects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An inherent disadvantage of using a soft top is compromising your Jeep\u2019s security. There is no escaping the fact that any thief can gain access to your Jeep’s content by merely cutting through the soft top\u2019s fabric (not that it’s that easy to cut, but any determined thief equipped with a sharp-enough knife could get in). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no fool-proof solution to this flaw aside from trying to make the thief’s life as complicated as possible by choosing a soft top made of a thicker material and with thicker windows. Moreover, most Jeep soft tops mentioned below come with several safety features to enhance your vehicle’s security. Features like locking zippers and hidden access points go a long way in deterring criminals from trying to break in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Admittedly, airflow or aerodynamic effect isn\u2019t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the best Jeep soft tops (it’s not like Wranglers are that aerodynamic to begin with, but a soft top surely doesn’t help). However, it is a factor that demands consideration. Off-roading is a 5-mph sport, but when cruising down the freeway at 70 mph, disturbed airflow over the vehicle can result in excessive wind noise and dynamic imbalance or instability in extreme cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Soft Top for Jeep Wrangler YJ (1986-1995)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Sierra Offroad Soft Top<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Sierra<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The first entry on our list is the Sierra Offroad soft top designed to fit all Jeep Wrangler YJ models, built between 1988 and 1995. Sierra\u2019s soft top is made from its unique black \u201cDenim Vinyl\u201d material, a 2-ply composite material that closely resembles denim in appearance. Still, it may look like denim, but that doesn’t mean it is built like it. On the contrary, premium marine-grade fabrics are used to help prevent fading even after years of use. Moreover, the heavy-duty zippers work smoothly to ensure easy operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Sierra Offroad soft top’s most notable feature is the tinted windows dark enough to block unwanted UV rays from entering your Jeep without affecting visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you drive a YJ Wrangler, no other option can beat the Sierra Offroad soft top for the price. You get a durable fabric, strong zippers, and a three-year limited warranty, all this for less than $200. Furthermore, the top is built according to factory specifications, so there are no fitment issues whatsoever\u2014simply can’t go wrong with this one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlighted features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n