Hard Top Replacement with Built-In Tent

[81bronco]

Following up here from a comment in the post about the new Rooftop Tent patent from Jeep. I mentioned there that I had ordered one of the replacement tops from China with an integrated tent. It was finally delivered yesterday and I was able to uncrate and install it this morning.

Overall thoughts so far:

• It is nicely made and sturdy. The fiberglass finish looks great on the outside - it's smooth and could probably be prepped and color matched pretty easily.
• It fits almost perfectly - body lines match well and once it is completely bolted down it is solid.
• Given its low profile - a height increase of only 3" over stock - the mattress is on the thin side as I figured it would be and will most likely not be enough. There is some extra space inside when closed though, so a thicker mattress could be added.
• The part on the inside of the Jeep is really nice - fully covered in black fabric.
• I really like the entrance to the tent from where the rear seat would be (mine is removed).
• The gull-wing windows are really nice. Looks to be quality automotive glass. For some reason, I was thinking they were going to be plastic.

Install was pretty straightforward. No instructions included at all - but basically bolts to where the original top does in the back and then four additional bolts (included) through the roll cage by the doors. There was some "extra" hardware included as well that I am not sure about. I'll send a message to my contact to ask about that when I can.

Something to keep in mind that is not obvious from the website, but I knew about from talking with the factory... This is intended to replace a factory hard top - as such some items from the factory top are expected to be transferred over:

• The rear glass, including wiring and washer hose
• The freedom panel clamps behind the sun visors

I have not transferred the window over yet - will probably do that tomorrow. I don't think I will transfer the freedom top clamps - the bolts in the front through the cage are doing a good enough job there I think.

Ordering Process, Shipping

• Not going to lie - the ordering process is a bit worrisome. The manufacturer has just started selling these in the US, and the website does not give the warm fuzzies when you are about to order. I have a friend that works with Chinese manufacturers though and I had him check them out beforehand.
• When you order through the website, you do not pay. After checkout, you get information about how to pay. Currently, the only method is a wire transfer. Trying to assure your bank that you are not being scammed when you want to wire a large sum of money to someone in China is a fun process.
  
• The contact at the factory does communicate very well and answered a lot of questions I had throughout the process. Their main form of contact in the US is via Instagram - but I used WeChat on the suggestion of my friend. WeChat is the most used app in China for such communications. (Just remember time zone differences)
• The price on the website includes shipping/customs/etc. from China to a US port and takes roughly 45 days. After it reaches the port, it will be taken to a nearby warehouse for you to pick up. After ordering on the site and wiring the money, you arrange which US port you want.
• Mine was shipped to Savannah, GA. I paid extra for a company to deliver it from the warehouse to a friend's business near me (a place with a forklift that could unload the truck).
• The crate is huge (8' 8" in x 5' 5" x 2' 8") and heavy (550lbs) and the top is packed well.
• My buddy luckily also has a huge crane on his service truck, so the install was quick.

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[Deke]

Is access to the entrance blocked with 2 people sleeping in the tent?

 

[Flip]

Its very cool. Heavier than I thought. 550lbs wow.

Enjoy

 

[81bronco]

Its very cool. Heavier than I thought. 550lbs wow.

550 is the full shipping weight. The top itself is just over 200lbs (100 more than the stock top).

 

[81bronco]

Is access to the entrance blocked with 2 people sleeping in the tent?

The entrance hatch is two pieces, so one side could be opened without disturbing someone sleeping on the other side.

 

[Toledo Born]

Following up here from a comment in the post about the new Rooftop Tent patent from Jeep. I mentioned there that I had ordered one of the replacement tops from China with an integrated tent. It was finally delivered yesterday and I was able to uncrate and install it this morning.

Overall thoughts so far:

• It is nicely made and sturdy. The fiberglass finish looks great on the outside - it's smooth and could probably be prepped and color matched pretty easily.
• It fits almost perfectly - body lines match well and once it is completely bolted down it is solid.
• Given its low profile - a height increase of only 3" over stock - the mattress is on the thin side as I figured it would be and will most likely not be enough. There is some extra space inside when closed though, so a thicker mattress could be added.
• The part on the inside of the Jeep is really nice - fully covered in black fabric.
• I really like the entrance to the tent from where the rear seat would be (mine is removed).
• The gull-wing windows are really nice. Looks to be quality automotive glass. For some reason, I was thinking they were going to be plastic.

Install was pretty straightforward. No instructions included at all - but basically bolts to where the original top does in the back and then four additional bolts (included) through the roll cage by the doors. There was some "extra" hardware included as well that I am not sure about. I'll send a message to my contact to ask about that when I can.

Something to keep in mind that is not obvious from the website, but I knew about from talking with the factory... This is intended to replace a factory hard top - as such some items from the factory top are expected to be transferred over:

• The rear glass, including wiring and washer hose
• The freedom panel clamps behind the sun visors

I have not transferred the window over yet - will probably do that tomorrow. I don't think I will transfer the freedom top clamps - the bolts in the front through the cage are doing a good enough job there I think.

Ordering Process, Shipping

• Not going to lie - the ordering process is a bit worrisome. The manufacturer has just started selling these in the US, and the website does not give the warm fuzzies when you are about to order. I have a friend that works with Chinese manufacturers though and I had him check them out beforehand.
• When you order through the website, you do not pay. After checkout, you get information about how to pay. Currently, the only method is a wire transfer. Trying to assure your bank that you are not being scammed when you want to wire a large sum of money to someone in China is a fun process.
  
• The contact at the factory does communicate very well and answered a lot of questions I had throughout the process. Their main form of contact in the US is via Instagram - but I used WeChat on the suggestion of my friend. WeChat is the most used app in China for such communications. (Just remember time zone differences)
• The price on the website includes shipping/customs/etc. from China to a US port and takes roughly 45 days. After it reaches the port, it will be taken to a nearby warehouse for you to pick up. After ordering on the site and wiring the money, you arrange which US port you want.
• Mine was shipped to Savannah, GA. I paid extra for a company to deliver it from the warehouse to a friend's business near me (a place with a forklift that could unload the truck).
• The crate is huge (8' 8" in x 5' 5" x 2' 8") and heavy (550lbs) and the top is packed well.
• My buddy luckily also has a huge crane on his service truck, so the install was quick.

 

[Toledo Born]

Following up here from a comment in the post about the new Rooftop Tent patent from Jeep. I mentioned there that I had ordered one of the replacement tops from China with an integrated tent. It was finally delivered yesterday and I was able to uncrate and install it this morning.

Overall thoughts so far:

• It is nicely made and sturdy. The fiberglass finish looks great on the outside - it's smooth and could probably be prepped and color matched pretty easily.
• It fits almost perfectly - body lines match well and once it is completely bolted down it is solid.
• Given its low profile - a height increase of only 3" over stock - the mattress is on the thin side as I figured it would be and will most likely not be enough. There is some extra space inside when closed though, so a thicker mattress could be added.
• The part on the inside of the Jeep is really nice - fully covered in black fabric.
• I really like the entrance to the tent from where the rear seat would be (mine is removed).
• The gull-wing windows are really nice. Looks to be quality automotive glass. For some reason, I was thinking they were going to be plastic.

Install was pretty straightforward. No instructions included at all - but basically bolts to where the original top does in the back and then four additional bolts (included) through the roll cage by the doors. There was some "extra" hardware included as well that I am not sure about. I'll send a message to my contact to ask about that when I can.

Something to keep in mind that is not obvious from the website, but I knew about from talking with the factory... This is intended to replace a factory hard top - as such some items from the factory top are expected to be transferred over:

• The rear glass, including wiring and washer hose
• The freedom panel clamps behind the sun visors

I have not transferred the window over yet - will probably do that tomorrow. I don't think I will transfer the freedom top clamps - the bolts in the front through the cage are doing a good enough job there I think.

Ordering Process, Shipping

• Not going to lie - the ordering process is a bit worrisome. The manufacturer has just started selling these in the US, and the website does not give the warm fuzzies when you are about to order. I have a friend that works with Chinese manufacturers though and I had him check them out beforehand.
• When you order through the website, you do not pay. After checkout, you get information about how to pay. Currently, the only method is a wire transfer. Trying to assure your bank that you are not being scammed when you want to wire a large sum of money to someone in China is a fun process.
  
• The contact at the factory does communicate very well and answered a lot of questions I had throughout the process. Their main form of contact in the US is via Instagram - but I used WeChat on the suggestion of my friend. WeChat is the most used app in China for such communications. (Just remember time zone differences)
• The price on the website includes shipping/customs/etc. from China to a US port and takes roughly 45 days. After it reaches the port, it will be taken to a nearby warehouse for you to pick up. After ordering on the site and wiring the money, you arrange which US port you want.
• Mine was shipped to Savannah, GA. I paid extra for a company to deliver it from the warehouse to a friend's business near me (a place with a forklift that could unload the truck).
• The crate is huge (8' 8" in x 5' 5" x 2' 8") and heavy (550lbs) and the top is packed well.
• My buddy luckily also has a huge crane on his service truck, so the install was quick.

Will you have room for a solar panel?

 

[Grateful1]

Hey hey now. I see you did get the new rooftop/tent in and installed. Wow. it looks great. I bet the process was sketch. Do not forget to review after a camping trip and drive around. 100 pounds isn't a lot but it should be noticable being on top. Low profile. I may have to invest in this or a similar one.

 

[azjl#3]

Following up here from a comment in the post about the new Rooftop Tent patent from Jeep. I mentioned there that I had ordered one of the replacement tops from China with an integrated tent. It was finally delivered yesterday and I was able to uncrate and install it this morning.

Overall thoughts so far:

• It is nicely made and sturdy. The fiberglass finish looks great on the outside - it's smooth and could probably be prepped and color matched pretty easily.
• It fits almost perfectly - body lines match well and once it is completely bolted down it is solid.
• Given its low profile - a height increase of only 3" over stock - the mattress is on the thin side as I figured it would be and will most likely not be enough. There is some extra space inside when closed though, so a thicker mattress could be added.
• The part on the inside of the Jeep is really nice - fully covered in black fabric.
• I really like the entrance to the tent from where the rear seat would be (mine is removed).
• The gull-wing windows are really nice. Looks to be quality automotive glass. For some reason, I was thinking they were going to be plastic.

Install was pretty straightforward. No instructions included at all - but basically bolts to where the original top does in the back and then four additional bolts (included) through the roll cage by the doors. There was some "extra" hardware included as well that I am not sure about. I'll send a message to my contact to ask about that when I can.

Something to keep in mind that is not obvious from the website, but I knew about from talking with the factory... This is intended to replace a factory hard top - as such some items from the factory top are expected to be transferred over:

• The rear glass, including wiring and washer hose
• The freedom panel clamps behind the sun visors

I have not transferred the window over yet - will probably do that tomorrow. I don't think I will transfer the freedom top clamps - the bolts in the front through the cage are doing a good enough job there I think.

Ordering Process, Shipping

• Not going to lie - the ordering process is a bit worrisome. The manufacturer has just started selling these in the US, and the website does not give the warm fuzzies when you are about to order. I have a friend that works with Chinese manufacturers though and I had him check them out beforehand.
• When you order through the website, you do not pay. After checkout, you get information about how to pay. Currently, the only method is a wire transfer. Trying to assure your bank that you are not being scammed when you want to wire a large sum of money to someone in China is a fun process.
  
• The contact at the factory does communicate very well and answered a lot of questions I had throughout the process. Their main form of contact in the US is via Instagram - but I used WeChat on the suggestion of my friend. WeChat is the most used app in China for such communications. (Just remember time zone differences)
• The price on the website includes shipping/customs/etc. from China to a US port and takes roughly 45 days. After it reaches the port, it will be taken to a nearby warehouse for you to pick up. After ordering on the site and wiring the money, you arrange which US port you want.
• Mine was shipped to Savannah, GA. I paid extra for a company to deliver it from the warehouse to a friend's business near me (a place with a forklift that could unload the truck).
• The crate is huge (8' 8" in x 5' 5" x 2' 8") and heavy (550lbs) and the top is packed well.
• My buddy luckily also has a huge crane on his service truck, so the install was quick.

You need to become dealer for them

 

[81bronco]

Will you have room for a solar panel?

There are rails on top (an option) that would allow for mounting solar panels.

 

[Grateful1]

You need to become dealer for them
[/QUOTE

Wear did I out that extra couple grand?

 

[SadRobot]

This is really cool. Can you show some pictures of inside the tent? 4drs always get the coolest stuff.

 

[GMONEY]

This is really cool. Can you show some pictures of inside the tent? 4drs always get the coolest stuff.

Except for the fact they have 2 extra doors

 

[NJRadioGuy]

I wonder how it compares to the Ursa Minor.

 

[81bronco]

Finally got a chance to get out and try it out. Headed to eastern Kentucky for part of the Kentucky Adventure Trail with some friends. Terrible weather and historic flooding, but we managed to miss most of it. Still had a lot of rain. Stayed completely dry inside with the rain fly down. Did not have good airflow that way, though and I forgot my fans, so it got a little muggy a couple of nights.

I still need to do some rearranging of my interior setup (custom platform) to make it easier to get into, but overall it did really well.

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