Hi all, last week I transitioned from a '05 TJ to a new '14 JKU and I had a question regarding the smittybuilt CRES. Does anyone know if I would be able to use the system with the soft top installed? To clarify, the soft top would be down, but will the CRES fit over/around the folded down soft top?

The safari straps were my first choice, but they are currently on backorder for 3 weeks. I will be moving from PA to AZ in a week and a half and I'd like to have the top down when I can while driving cross country and not have to worry about my bikes and miscellaneous belongings blowing out of the jeep. I did also check out dirty dog straps and they would arrive a tad too late. After this trip, I will invest in something nice/American, but I just need something cheap like the CRES for the interim. I would appreciate any insight, thanks.

 

I have them on mine and leave the soft top there. Just put the top down and pull the sides out of the cres and switch the rear window bar out and good to go. Fits over with a little bit of stretching. Safari straps can stay on though without doing anything.

 

Doesn't sound like money is a concern if you want to buy one set for the trip and your permanent set after..... So my idea would be use that money you'd be spending on the cheap ones and pay for overnight or 2 day shipping for the Dirty Dog ones!!! Great product!!!
just a thought