Traveling with top off....

[Willysfan]

Hey guys, I'm headed up to the Sierra for the 4th of July. I've been thinking going topless. What has been your experience with traveling topless? Any pitfalls I'm not thinking about? How about rain? Summer thunderstorms are pretty common up in the mountains so I am thinking of just bringing a tarp large enough to cover the cab.

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[AndyMcConnell]

I would at least get a trail cover from Smittybilt, Bestop, or even the Mopar one. Worth $100 - $200 for something that you can put on pretty quick and is fitted for the vehicle and keep most of the water out even in a serious storm. We have the Smittybilt that was just over $100 bucks and it has kept a solid rain out overnight a couple of times for us.

 

[6.2Blazer]

There a bunch of places that make covers specifically for this reason. This one is $70 at Quadratec, and a bunch of options on Amazon. Just an option, but would think it would fit a lot better and be more convenient than a generic tarp and bungees.
I will say if you just go with a tarp and bungee, make sure you have the tarp strapped down good and snug and the bungees are not resting over part of the body that could get scratched or smudged. If the tarp is not tight and snug it will flap around in the wind and can either damage the paint or blow the tarp off.

 

[Willysfan]

There a bunch of places that make covers specifically for this reason. This one is $70 at Quadratec, and a bunch of options on Amazon. Just an option, but would think it would fit a lot better and be more convenient than a generic tarp and bungees.
I will say if you just go with a tarp and bungee, make sure you have the tarp strapped down good and snug and the bungees are not resting over part of the body that could get scratched or smudged. If the tarp is not tight and snug it will flap around in the wind and can either damage the paint or blow the tarp off.

Good point, I didn't think of that. I was just thinking of a tarp because I'm in a 2 door so pretty limited space but I'm looking for a cab cover now. Thanks

 

[Mine&Hers]

Rain Gear trail cover, little pricey but we’ll worth it.

 

[NOIDEAWIAM]

I drove 3.5 hours topless to a national park. It was fun but here are my recommendations. Have a top on standby. Anything that can cover the jeep while driving and while parked. This can help keep you cooler and keep the elements and tree debris out. The wind noise is a lot after a while. Blasting the radio and shouting for conversations can get a bit old and tiring. WEAR SUNSCREEN and drink water! Bring a hat for everyone in the rig too. You wont want to be torched if it gets really sunny. Even though the wind feels cool and nice, the sun can get to you, burn you and wear you out. Any gear inside of the jeep needs to be bolted down in a lockable box. EVERYONE will be looking in your jeep as they pass by it, no matter what. Also, have fun! It is something to prepare for if you are not used to it. Staying hydrated and cruising down the road topless it an absolute blast!

 

[Willysfan]

I drove 3.5 hours topless to a national park. It was fun but here are my recommendations. Have a top on standby. Anything that can cover the jeep while driving and while parked. This can help keep you cooler and keep the elements and tree debris out. The wind noise is a lot after a while. Blasting the radio and shouting for conversations can get a bit old and tiring. WEAR SUNSCREEN and drink water! Bring a hat for everyone in the rig too. You wont want to be torched if it gets really sunny. Even though the wind feels cool and nice, the sun can get to you, burn you and wear you out. Any gear inside of the jeep needs to be bolted down in a lockable box. EVERYONE will be looking in your jeep as they pass by it, no matter what. Also, have fun! It is something to prepare for if you are not used to it. Staying hydrated and cruising down the road topless it an absolute blast!

Thanks for the advice. I will be solo on this trip but hat and sunscreen for sure!!! It’s about a 7 hour drive to get to where I’m going. About half of that on highway. And I will definitely be keeping everything secure in the Jeep.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Bikini top, warm clothing like motorcycle gear, and a wool blanky for your legs.

 

[AcesandEights]

I've had the top and doors off for at least a couple months. It's rained heavily, the wind has whipped and the temps have dropped. It's all part of the fun. The advice I would give is everything lighter than a a few ounces will blow out while you're driving. Other than that, don't overthink it.

 

[NOIDEAWIAM]

Thanks for the advice. I will be solo on this trip but hat and sunscreen for sure!!! It’s about a 7 hour drive to get to where I’m going. About half of that on highway. And I will definitely be keeping everything secure in the Jeep.

I forgot one more thing, Blast the tunes! and when you're driving in populated areas, find a death metal version of "Baby Shark" and let her rip!

 

[bonniejf]

I drove 3.5 hours topless to a national park. It was fun but here are my recommendations. Have a top on standby. Anything that can cover the jeep while driving and while parked. This can help keep you cooler and keep the elements and tree debris out. The wind noise is a lot after a while. Blasting the radio and shouting for conversations can get a bit old and tiring. WEAR SUNSCREEN and drink water! Bring a hat for everyone in the rig too. You wont want to be torched if it gets really sunny. Even though the wind feels cool and nice, the sun can get to you, burn you and wear you out. Any gear inside of the jeep needs to be bolted down in a lockable box. EVERYONE will be looking in your jeep as they pass by it, no matter what. Also, have fun! It is something to prepare for if you are not used to it. Staying hydrated and cruising down the road topless it an absolute blast!

In addition to all these excellent tips, what I found the most annoying while riding topless for 3.5 hrs was the wind in my eyes. I had on some Maui Jim sunglasses but I was wishing for goggles.

 

[C.Sco]

Does anyone make a Trail cover / rain cover type of thing that you can still use while you're driving? The standard trail covers are great if you're already at home or your campsite and leaving the Jeep parked, but what about for when a mountain thunderstorm hits while you're still driving?

Rain Gear trail cover, little pricey but we’ll worth it.

What makes it better than the cheaper options? Their website is thin on information and just has a cartoon drawing of the cover, no pictures. And the link to the installation instructions seems to not be working. So I can't really tell what makes this cover worth the price, hoping you could provide more info.

 

[NWJeepr]

Maybe I'm a buzzkill/no-fun on the topless thing. I've done a long trip, topless, and wouldn't do it again. At my destination, and topless for wheeling? Absolutely. Long freeway trips--nope. This is where a soft top is awesome. Put it down for a little bit. Put it up in anticipation of a storm.

The comments about sun/wind and not being able to leave the Jeep anywhere unattended are real. Auditory fatigue is also real. Wind noise and trying to listen to any music or a handheld radio is an assault on the ears. Now get off my lawn

 

[five9dak]

Glasses, hat, water, discrete skin colored in the ear plugs for highways. If you have a bikini top use it, or the top section of the soft top, leave it up. Spray on sun screen for forearms and lower legs.

I kept my TJ open/doorless from easter to thanksgiving and had a 70 mile daily commute for 7 years. Hearing protection is the most important.

 

[Willysfan]

Love this community, ANY Jeep question I have gets answered quickly and with great info. Thanks all.

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