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Hardtop VS premium soft top

1quick1

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Stupid question all: the dual top option also includes the rear wiper/defroster hardware as well, right?

I mean it would certainly make sense---but---had to ask--sometimes FCA does weird things.

Yes.
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BostonBilly

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This is exactly why when I get around to buying my jeep I am getting a hardtop at a minimum if not going with the dual top straight out the door depending on after market options. I actually like the aftermarket options a little better for the soft top options right now like the spider web shades and some of the Trektops/Adventure tops over the OEM tops.
I ordered a 2 door and it isn' an option right now. I also read on here (I think) that it won' be an option on the 2 doors cause of space. They couldn' get both in or on a 2 door
 

liquids

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the dual top option also includes the rear wiper/defroster hardware as well, right?
Right ... kind of. The hard top rear window has them built in. When you have that off the vehicle, the soft top doesn't have them.

I'll be going with dual tops here in MI. Rear wiper and defroster necessary during rush hour in winter. Top down flexibility necessary in summer.
 

TTEChris

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I went with the premium softop this time around. Every other JK I had ended up getting switched to a variation of the Besttop trektop(They all started with the hardtop.)
The hardtop just takes up too much space when it's not installed, and getting it off is a pain without a hoist or someone else other than my wife(She's 5'1") to help me get it off
 

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MotoOverland

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I went with the premium softop this time around. Every other JK I had ended up getting switched to a variation of the Besttop trektop(They all started with the hardtop.)
The hardtop just takes up too much space when it's not installed, and getting it off is a pain without a hoist or someone else other than my wife(She's 5'1") to help me get it off
Is a premium softop a workable option for an urban wrangler with off-street parking? I assume there is no insulation at all. True?
 

Mid-life Wrangler

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Dual tops ended up being my final last second switch. I like the looks and insulation of the hard top, but the ease of going topless during the warmer months with the new soft top is hard to beat.
 

cbasil

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(I have a Hard Top, sadly.) I've rode in a JKU with the Premium Soft Top and it was nice & quiet. The neighbors who own it have had it on year round, this is their second winter with no issues. So I'd personally feel comfortable only having the Premium Soft Top year round. The ease of being able to go topless vs. the Hard Top seems awesome to me.
 

BDJeep1

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I decided to just go with the premium soft top. I had a dual top on my 2015 JK HR. I am expecting the JL soft top will be a bit quieter than the JK soft top with the sound reduction technology and all the aerodynamic improvements: angled windshield, front grill bend, air tunnel redesigned mirrors, etc. Also the added brackets/struts in the top should help with wind buffeting.
 

CantThinkOfAHandle

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The one thing I can't get past about the top soft is needing to remove the rear window any time I want full access to the cargo area, which would be often. I don't get why the window couldn't hinge or something.
 

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wanderer

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How would the noise of the premium soft top be vs the old jku hardtop
 

Indio

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I went with the premium softop this time around. Every other JK I had ended up getting switched to a variation of the Besttop trektop(They all started with the hardtop.)
The hardtop just takes up too much space when it's not installed, and getting it off is a pain without a hoist or someone else other than my wife(She's 5'1") to help me get it off
This electric winch (runs on household current) just arrived today. Got it off eBay for $75. I'll be using it to raise our basement ping pong table to the ceiling, for when we are using the weight bench underneath. But if it works well and seems strong, I will get another one for the garage, to lift Jeep hardtops. I used to remove my CJ7 hardtop by myself, by walking it off the tail end on my back. But that was a bear. Not interested in throwing my back out these days.

Jeep Wrangler JL Hardtop VS premium soft top Winch_lr
 

wanderer

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I rigged a hoist in my garage and used straps to lift the top off. Then I just pushed while hanging on toaplywood shelve and stored that way
 

ThirtyOne

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The one thing I can't get past about the top soft is needing to remove the rear window any time I want full access to the cargo area, which would be often. I don't get why the window couldn't hinge or something.
I would go to a dealer when they come in and try it for yourself. It's been a while but I just don't remember this being a big deal on my last Wrangler. And that was a YJ where everything related to the top was more difficult.
 

wanderer

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I decided to just go with the premium soft top. I had a dual top on my 2015 JK HR. I am expecting the JL soft top will be a bit quieter than the JK soft top with the sound reduction technology and all the aerodynamic improvements: angled windshield, front grill bend, air tunnel redesigned mirrors, etc. Also the added brackets/struts in the top should help with wind buffeting.
I missed the part about the added rackets and struts is that explained some where?
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