New trektop nx model
02-20-2011, 05:43 AM
#27
JK Freak
That depends on several factors...
The Trektop is much less expensive up front. It doesn't require a frame, using the sport cage as the frame. Installation is initially faster and easier with much less hardware and no bows to install. Many like the "fastback" look. It completely rolls up and stows behind the back seat, but be sure you bungee it to the rear bases of the sport bars, or it may blow out or parachute on you. Remember, it is not attached to the Jeep when rolled up. Removal is very fast, even with just one person.
Disadvantages are several. You can't unzip the side windows. The tailgate bar must be removed to load bigger pieces of cargo. Rather than over-center lever locks on the windshield, it uses screws with large knobs that can be a pain to align correctly. Fitment of the header is critical, or it WILL leak. It takes longer to erect, which can be a problem if a sudden rain shows up. The door surrounds are bolted on through the sport bar, and cannot be removed without tools. This prevents one from using the Freedom top panels as a hard bikini top without bringing tools and storage for the hardware. One more issue... The door surrounds have a tendency to damage the upper rear corner of the door seal, wearing a hole if not properly aligned when installing them. So, simply taking the surrounds on and off requires care.
I own a Trektop, and I like it. It has some annoying characteristics, but none are show stoppers. As soon as the weather warms enough, I'll install it for another summer. For now, the warmer, quieter and more convenient Freedom top is on the Jeep.
Below:
From last spring, the Trektop is rolled up and stowed behind the back seat. I keep the seat in the Jeep because I have to haul around my 3 year-old grand daughter often (she loves the Jeep).
This photo, taken around the 4th of July (same parking lot in historic Stony Brook), shows the top up....
The Trektop is much less expensive up front. It doesn't require a frame, using the sport cage as the frame. Installation is initially faster and easier with much less hardware and no bows to install. Many like the "fastback" look. It completely rolls up and stows behind the back seat, but be sure you bungee it to the rear bases of the sport bars, or it may blow out or parachute on you. Remember, it is not attached to the Jeep when rolled up. Removal is very fast, even with just one person.
Disadvantages are several. You can't unzip the side windows. The tailgate bar must be removed to load bigger pieces of cargo. Rather than over-center lever locks on the windshield, it uses screws with large knobs that can be a pain to align correctly. Fitment of the header is critical, or it WILL leak. It takes longer to erect, which can be a problem if a sudden rain shows up. The door surrounds are bolted on through the sport bar, and cannot be removed without tools. This prevents one from using the Freedom top panels as a hard bikini top without bringing tools and storage for the hardware. One more issue... The door surrounds have a tendency to damage the upper rear corner of the door seal, wearing a hole if not properly aligned when installing them. So, simply taking the surrounds on and off requires care.
I own a Trektop, and I like it. It has some annoying characteristics, but none are show stoppers. As soon as the weather warms enough, I'll install it for another summer. For now, the warmer, quieter and more convenient Freedom top is on the Jeep.
Below:
From last spring, the Trektop is rolled up and stowed behind the back seat. I keep the seat in the Jeep because I have to haul around my 3 year-old grand daughter often (she loves the Jeep).
This photo, taken around the 4th of July (same parking lot in historic Stony Brook), shows the top up....
Last edited by Widewing; 02-20-2011 at 06:24 AM. Reason: typo
