It’s likely that as a proud Wrangler owner, you subscribe to the idea that you didn’t choose the Jeep life; the Jeep life chose you. You’ve fully embraced this lifestyle, splurging on the latest parts and accessories and taking every opportunity to ride doors off, top down. You can take your Wrangler beyond fair-weather fun with a high-quality soft top.
Reasons to Invest in a Soft Top
Jeep Wranglers provide an incredible sense of freedom. Every part of your Jeep plays a key role in enjoying the full experience. Getting a soft top, especially, is one of the best ways to customize your ride just how you want it. Here are four reasons to go with a soft top:
1. Convenience
A soft top is just straight-up easier to wrangle, no pun intended. It’s significantly lighter than a hardtop, making installation and removal smoother and faster. When you’re cruising in the open air and Mother Nature gets fickle, you can quickly put the soft top back before the storm hits. Plus, the top simply folds up when not in use, making storage a piece of cake.
2. Versatility
Soft tops come in a variety of colors, styles and fabrics that can dramatically alter the look and feel of your Jeep. Like a fine wine, you can pair your soft top according to your preference—half doors, full doors or no doors. You can also remove the back and side windows as you like. No matter the look you’re going for, there’s a soft top to match.
3. Affordability
With so many options available, you can find a soft top to fit any budget. They are priced lower than hardtops, so you can feel free to use that leftover cash for other Jeep accessories (speaker upgrade, anyone?). Practically speaking, soft tops are also much cheaper to replace than hardtops in the event of an accident or other damage.
Complete Soft Tops
Whether you want to swap out your hardtop or your current soft top has gone on its last adventure, a complete soft top gives you just what you need to enhance your Jeep’s appearance and vibe. Kits typically include the works—canvas, windows, folding frame and hardware.
It can be tough choosing from hundreds of options. Some factors to consider are brand, price, materials, compatibility and durability. To jumpstart your search, here are our top ten picks of complete soft tops for your Jeep Wrangler:
Bestop is truly the best-of-the-best and the Trektop is no exception. Easy to close, this soft top also features storage pockets for small items.
This updated design has a spring-assisted mechanism to help raise and lower the soft top.
The new combo top functions as a primary full top for off-road and everyday use.
Removable side and rear windows convert this soft top into an open safari top. Wild!
The Trailview Soft Top is constructed from premium 30 oz. black diamond sailcloth for lasting durability.
The Sprint Top offers a flip-back panel for quick open-air access at an affordable price.
Ride in style with a capital S as the Supertop is now available in the same fabric used in sports and luxury cars.
The patent-pending Guide Track System is designed to enable one person to easily shift the top. Plus, there’s a sunroof. What more do you need?
This comprehensive kit comes with clear windows for enhanced visibility.
Enjoy all the fun of a Trailview Soft Top complete with bells and whistles such as window storage, removable zipper pulls and a fold-back sunroof.
Replacement Soft Tops
They say nothing lasts forever and this rings true for soft tops. No matter if you’re an avid off-roader or a casual cruiser, the elements take their toll on your top, and eventually, you’ll need a new one. Replacement soft tops are available from the most reputable brands and come in a variety of colors. They also can have clear or privacy tinted rear windows, which are legal in all fifty states. Replacement soft tops are more cost-effective because they’re made to use the original soft top frame.
How To Install a Soft Top
So you’ve got your top. Now, how the heck do you put it on? Familiarizing yourself with installation will allow you to enjoy all the features of your soft top to the fullest extent. Use the quick guide below to get started:
- Lift the soft top onto the frame and slide it forward until the latch clicks.
- Fold the header towards the front until it reaches the windshield.
- Secure the top into the latches above the door frames.
- Bring down the rear sail flaps and hook them into the rail above the taillights.
- Line up the rear window in the tailgate area and push it into place. Zip up the window.
- Position the quarter windows with Velcro and zip them into place. Tuck the retainers into the door rails and body of the Jeep.
- Secure the header latches.
Owner’s manuals contain more detailed instructions. Installation can be done solo, although it always helps to have an extra set of hands available. If you’re a first-timer and the process seems a little intimidating, you can schedule a professional to install your new soft top.
Time to Hit the Road
Choosing the right soft top increases the value, comfort and style of your vehicle. It means you’ll be able to enjoy your Jeep for miles to come. With so many options, lean on a trusted team of experts so you can focus on exploring the open road.
