Sunrider for Hardtop Seal Problem

[Scopedog]

I recently purchased a 2023 JLU High Tide. It's my fifth Wrangler and my fourth Unlimited (first Jeep was a 2000 TJ) so I have experience with Wranglers. The High Tide is over all my favorite so far (the only major change I want is to eventually get a hard, soft, or hybrid fastback-style top). I installed the included Sunrider and after a few days I noticed that the seal at the front corner was twisted in a concerning way.

All my Wranglers have leaked in various ways and I've always done my best to fix the leaks. I don't know if this particular peculiarity will lead to a leak yet but I'm wondering if other owner's front seal looks the same way with the Sunrider on. It doesn't seem like the door gasket puts much pressure on the seal from a geometric standpoint but if I can fix this before it rains, or a carwash, I would like to. I tried regular double-sided tape and it didn't stick to the seal. I have some heavy duty double-sided tape but I haven't tried it yet. I don't want to try Shoe-Goo or polyurethane, because if it works, it might form a permanent seal between the Sunrider and the seal.

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[Rhinebeck01]

Sure wish you had mentioned the exact product you are having the issue with.

I gather you are not talking about the Sunrider for Hardtop manufactured by Bestop that is available from Bestop or from Jeep and branded Jeep.

Yes, the issue you are having could also be an issue with the Sunrider for Hardtop, but to this date no posts mentioning a similar issue as with your product.

 

[Slippery Pete]

Sure wish you had mentioned the exact product you are having the issue with.

I gather you are not talking about the Sunrider for Hardtop manufactured by Bestop that is available from Bestop or from Jeep and branded Jeep.

Yes, the issue you are having could also be an issue with the Sunrider for Hardtop, but to this date no posts mentioning a similar issue as with your product.

The High Tide comes with the Sunrider made by Beat Top but with the Jeep logo.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I recently purchased a 2023 JLU High Tide. It's my fifth Wrangler and my fourth Unlimited (first Jeep was a 2000 TJ) so I have experience with Wranglers. The High Tide is over all my favorite so far (the only major change I want is to eventually get a hard, soft, or hybrid fastback-style top). I installed the included Sunrider and after a few days I noticed that the seal at the front corner was twisted in a concerning way.

All my Wranglers have leaked in various ways and I've always done my best to fix the leaks. I don't know if this particular peculiarity will lead to a leak yet but I'm wondering if other owner's front seal looks the same way with the Sunrider on. It doesn't seem like the door gasket puts much pressure on the seal from a geometric standpoint but if I can fix this before it rains, or a carwash, I would like to. I tried regular double-sided tape and it didn't stick to the seal. I have some heavy duty double-sided tape but I haven't tried it yet. I don't want to try Shoe-Goo or polyurethane, because if it works, it might form a permanent seal between the Sunrider and the seal.

The High Tide comes with the Sunrider made by Beat Top but with the Jeep logo.

Ok .... I thought the Hide Tide was also avail with a soft top....

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@Scopedog

Regardless of which offering you are having issues with, do read through this whole thread.

You will find pics that display how the gasket correctly lays, etc.. Also, you will find info on latch adjustment and more.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/the-sunrider-for-hardtop-for-the-all-new-jeep®-wrangler-jl-is-here.14932/

 

[Scopedog]

It's Sunrider for hardtop. I corrected the thread title. I'll read the recommended thread and maybe contact Bestop directly. Thanks!

 

[Rhinebeck01]

It's Sunrider for hardtop. I corrected the thread title. I'll read the recommended thread and maybe contact Bestop directly. Thanks!

The @Bestop rep here, may do you a solid and provide you with pics as to how that gasket is to look/how it lays, hints, etc..

Reality is your Sunrider for Hardtop is branded Jeep so you will have to deal with JEEP on this...
Bestop customer service will refer you to Jeep...

Perhaps another forum member has the same concern and ..... and they will reply here.

 

[Punk'in Tide]

My 23 high tide doing the same thing with sunrider top but only on drivers side. the drivers side bar is wrapped when I put a straight edge on it passenger side is straight I took mine off it will ruin the seal to me.

 

[Sssuperdave]

@Scopedog

Regardless of which offering you are having issues with, do read through this whole thread.

You will find pics that display how the gasket correctly lays, etc.. Also, you will find info on latch adjustment and more.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/the-sunrider-for-hardtop-for-the-all-new-jeep®-wrangler-jl-is-here.14932/

There are 38 pages on the link. Can you narrow it down?

 

[Scopedog]

My 23 high tide doing the same thing with sunrider top but only on drivers side. the drivers side bar is wrapped when I put a straight edge on it passenger side is straight I took mine off it will ruin the seal to me.

Did you address the issue to the dealership or Bestop? The Sunrider was a very significant selling point to me. If the Sunrider doesn't work I'll be very disappointed. I can't imagine how Jeep can help if Bestop designed the top. I guess I would need differently designed seals from Jeep or a differently designed Jeep-branded (@Bestop) Sunrider.

 

[Scopedog]

Part of my issue is that I have a front location JL Alien Sunshade that I want to put on but if the @Bestop designed Sunrider doesn't work it'll be basically a waste. This Jeep was purchased on, and the Sunrider was installed on, 16 June (9 days ago as of this post).

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Did you address the issue to the dealership or Bestop? The Sunrider was a very significant selling point to me. If the Sunrider doesn't work I'll be very disappointed. I can't imagine how Jeep can help if Bestop designed the top. I guess I would need differently designed seals from Jeep or a differently designed Jeep-branded (@Bestop) Sunrider.

One of the reasons in my past posts regarding a sunrider for hardtop that I say get the SR from Bestop rather then Jeep is because of the lifetime warranty on the Twill, SR from Bestop which is is terrific .

With the Jeep branded SR the warranty is 3 yrs., or 36,000mi. And ... and your support, etc. will be from Jeep dealer not manufacturer of the SR.

 

[SaintNick]

Did you address the issue to the dealership or Bestop? The Sunrider was a very significant selling point to me. If the Sunrider doesn't work I'll be very disappointed. I can't imagine how Jeep can help if Bestop designed the top. I guess I would need differently designed seals from Jeep or a differently designed Jeep-branded (@Bestop) Sunrider.

The Sunrider was also a selling point for me, but because I knew I could sell it.

 

[Punk'in Tide]

Did you address the issue to the dealership or Bestop? The Sunrider was a very significant selling point to me. If the Sunrider doesn't work I'll be very disappointed. I can't imagine how Jeep can help if Bestop designed the top. I guess I would need differently designed seals from Jeep or a differently designed Jeep-branded (@Bestop) Sunrider.

Taking mine to dealer next week . With hard tops on seal works perfectly. On mine there's something off on drivers side the plastic bar that mount to roll bar beam its bent down were it pushes down on seal making it fold over. Sunrider top is nice

 

[donmontalvo]

I just picked up and installed a BesTop Sunrider (twill). Install was easy except that the Z ends of the wires no longer exists…now you have two allow nut/bolt jobbies that are almost impossible to put in and secure. Notice I said *almost*.

Total install toon under an hour. Incredible craftsmanship. Very quiet when closed, and when opened of course there is wind noise, as os the case with all convertibles. I love how silly smooth it is to open and close. I also love how the thicker twill is very sturdy compared to the cheaper material.

I struggled with the choice of getting a soft too vs a Sunrider. Since I have a Camp Kitchen, i like the extra security of having a hard top. Since I have a kennel for my dog, taking the freedom top off was a PITA since it leaves little room for camping stuff.

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