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Stupid Question - Why did Jeep discontinue the padding on the roll bars?

JimmyZ

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Stupid question, but the curiosity is killing me. Why did Jeep discontinue the padding on the roll bars?
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JimmyZ

JimmyZ

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They saved one whole MPG by going bare metal and plastic.
I hope there is actually a better reason. I don't mind the look of the current "nude" rollbars, however, I imagine there has to be a logical thought process behind the discontinuing.
 

Uhdinator

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Maybe due to less likely to bump your head on them because of different shape ??? not sure, my last jeep was a TJ and they where much different of course.
 
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JimmyZ

JimmyZ

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May due to less likely to bump your head on them because of different shape ??? not sure, my last jeep was a TJ and they where much different of course.
Good thought. I've just been pondering this for a while and finally got around to asking the "professionals" here 😄
 

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Jebiruph

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I think the plastic covers provide the cushioning now instead of the foam padding. This came up a while back and I thought somebody was making covers, but I haven't seen anything for a while.
 

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The new roll bars are painted body color so probably just for the looks.
 

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The Wrangler builds faster with the plastic trim covers. I like the appearance of the plastic trim better.
 

TravisRogers

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I remember the old roll bars being really skinny. The pads beefed them up and made them look better.

The JL’s roll cage is much more than bars now—it’s really a frame with large openings. In fact, when you look at the JLU from the top, you’re really just looking at a couple of sunroofs.

The first time I took the top off I was surprised by how open it didn’t feel. Putting pads on the cage would just close it up even more.
Jeep Wrangler JL Stupid Question - Why did Jeep discontinue the padding on the roll bars? 77321A81-E802-4B3B-9BE1-F211BB499018
 
 



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