Bestop Sunrider Issue

[Trojan_Actual]

Hi all. I got a Sunrider for my JLU Sahara and installed it exactly like the instructions said.

Two things I noticed right away....1) the driver side latch was WAY too easy to unlatch while the passenger was requiring a lot more effort. 2) while driving approx 50-70 mph, I’d get a flutter from the top on the back middle part. Around every 30 seconds.

I removed and reinstalled the top twice, installing it the old installation way by doing door rails on the Jeep first, then I did the install with door rails on the top first. No change.

I reached out to Bestop and they recommended adjusting the driver latch to make it latch tighter. Did that and took it for a test drive. Flutter still there. I then adjusted the passenger because it was still requiring a excessive of effort to close. Did that along with the driver to make the effort needed mirror. Drove it and still have material flutter.

So I know it’s a “soft top”, and if it’s supposed to do this then I can accept it (kinda), but it seems like it isn’t supposed to. Not at this level. Anyone deal with this at all? I love this top and would love any help. Thank you!

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[Cthehentz]

I ordered mine today, I really hope this isn't an issue...

 

[BillG]

Sounds like a fluke of some kind. Mine has been installed since they were introduced without any issues, except that the instructions left a lot to be desired.

 

[Trojan_Actual]

Sounds like a fluke of some kind. Mine has been installed since they were introduced without any issues, except that the instructions left a lot to be desired.

You’re not getting any top material flutter at all? Damn. This is my only gripe...everything else is perfect...no leaks, road noise is almost identical to hard tops (twill).

 

[BillG]

You’re not getting any top material flutter at all? Damn. This is my only gripe...everything else is perfect...no leaks, road noise is almost identical to hard tops (twill).

No flutter, leaks, or anything.... just increased road noise, but that’s expected. Something is definitely not right with yours, but I can’t say what. Bestop is known for helping, I’d contact them or message them on here.

 

[Bestop]

Hi all. I got a Sunrider for my JLU Sahara and installed it exactly like the instructions said.

Two things I noticed right away....1) the driver side latch was WAY too easy to unlatch while the passenger was requiring a lot more effort. 2) while driving approx 50-70 mph, I’d get a flutter from the top on the back middle part. Around every 30 seconds.

I removed and reinstalled the top twice, installing it the old installation way by doing door rails on the Jeep first, then I did the install with door rails on the top first. No change.

I reached out to Bestop and they recommended adjusting the driver latch to make it latch tighter. Did that and took it for a test drive. Flutter still there. I then adjusted the passenger because it was still requiring a excessive of effort to close. Did that along with the driver to make the effort needed mirror. Drove it and still have material flutter.

So I know it’s a “soft top”, and if it’s supposed to do this then I can accept it (kinda), but it seems like it isn’t supposed to. Not at this level. Anyone deal with this at all? I love this top and would love any help. Thank you!

Definitely give our customer service team another call. They aren't in the office this weekend but you should be able to get through to them Monday. Their number is 800-845-3567 and are in the office between 8am-5pm Mountain Monday through Friday.

- the Bestop team
www.bestop.com

 

[jludave]

You’re not getting any top material flutter at all? Damn. This is my only gripe...everything else is perfect...no leaks, road noise is almost identical to hard tops (twill).

I just received and installed my Sunrider on Thursday. I have zero flutter and both latches require the same amount of effort to close. I actually think my JLU is quieter with this top than the freedom panel tops. I was getting what I thought was quite a bit of wind noise with the stock panels. I also was getting a very tiny bit of water infiltration during a heavy rain, that I have yet to figure out where from, with the stock panels. I'm hoping the Sunrider eliminates the leak. Bestop claims that none of their products should ever cause a leak. I had a Sunrider on my '15 JKU and it was always tight as a drum and leak free.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Updated Sunrider Installation Instructions in the thread here:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/question-about-bestop-sunrider-install.47348/page-2#post-1062206. ​

If you don't want to go and read another thread, here is the Bestop link for the updated instructions from the above thread:

http://assets.bestop.com/files/_bes...ms.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=forum​

Maybe the updated instructions will shed some light on the fluttering issue.

In background, I was following the thread linked above, as my son just installed a Sunrider in his JLU, and he is happier than a pig in you know what. So of course I had to order one myself for my own JLU. I'll follow the updated instructions when my Sunrider arrives next week. (Ordered from Amazon, Prime delivery is stretching out...)

 

[Trojan_Actual]

Updated Sunrider Installation Instructions in the thread here:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/question-about-bestop-sunrider-install.47348/page-2#post-1062206. ​

If you don't want to go and read another thread, here is the Bestop link for the updated instructions from the above thread:

http://assets.bestop.com/files/_bes...ms.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=forum​

Maybe the updated instructions will shed some light on the fluttering issue.

In background, I was following the thread linked above, as my son just installed a Sunrider in his JLU, and he is happier than a pig in you know what. So of course I had to order one myself for my own JLU. I'll follow the updated instructions when my Sunrider arrives next week. (Ordered from Amazon, Prime delivery is stretching out...)

I wish it was a simple instruction problem....but I've installed the top the old way and the new way and have the same result.

 

[jludave]

I wish it was a simple instruction problem....but I've installed the top the old way and the new way and have the same result.

Can you post up some pictures of your top? Try to get pics of both sides where the z-clip connects and possibly one of the entire top when closed.

 

[Trojan_Actual]

Can you post up some pictures of your top? Try to get pics of both sides where the z-clip connects and possibly one of the entire top when closed.

Sure can. Been working like a mad-man, but I will get them up as soon as possible.

 

[Trojan_Actual]

Can you post up some pictures of your top? Try to get pics of both sides where the z-clip connects and possibly one of the entire top when closed.

Here ya go!

 

[jludave]

Here ya go!

That all looks good to me. Mine basically looks the same. I haven't been out on the highway since I installed mine, due to the stay at home order in NY. I have been out locally at about 40mph and haven't perceived any flutter. I suggest getting someone to video what you're experiencing and then reach back out to Bestop. I've found their support very responsive and I'm sure they'll get you sorted.

 

[Rploaded]

Mine will flutter too from time to time. I can recreate it by driving behind a semi, that makes it bang around pretty good on the middle section. I just got over it when @Bestop didn’t seem to have a solution when they first came out.

 

[jludave]

Well, I spoke too soon about my Sunrider. Today we're having the first moderate/heavy rain since I installed my top on Thursday of last week. I'm have a substantial leak which seems to be coming from my driver side A pillar. It's been pouring all day and supposed to rain on and off the next few days. Not too happy, to say the least. I opened a ticket with Bestop and sent in a bunch of pictures. I'm waiting to hear back. I had zero issues with the Sunrider on my '15 and I was one of the first to purchase and install it when they first came out. I may have to put my freedom panels back in. This is extremely disappointing.

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