I have a 2014 with the sunrider top. When I go to close the top, the latches near the sun visors just don't reach. It seems to take me 5-10 min to get them to clip. Anyone have any suggestions? I did some searching myself and can't really find any reason why. Even on a warm day, the latches are about 1/2" short. All of the bars are in the track and I don't see anything glaring as to the cause. I would expect the top to close, and the latches easily reach the metal loops under the visors. And yes the visors are out of the way

 

I've run into this too - the easiest work around (but still sort of a pain) is to unhook the rear portion of the soft top from the tub surround in the back, then you can easily attach the header clips by the windshield and then re-attach the rear to the tub surround.

Takes a minute or two, but easier than wrestling with the header bar.


How old is your soft top? It usually gets easier as the top wears in a little.

 

Just saw 2014 - i'd try the work around for now - they usually do get a little easier as they wear.

 

Is the top locked in on the sides above the doors?

 

^This is what works for my 2014. I have to get the pins locked in before I can latch the front.

 

Try to spread out that latch, it can be "manipulated" to reach further. I just put a new 2014 top on yesterday, first time was a bear. Had sunrider open today and just now latched it up no problem after only 36 hours in the jeep.

 

No problems with my 2014. You do have to have the pins latched. Without them, it won't fit right. Spread the latches fully open, too.

 

Same on my 2012. Gotta get the side latches above the doors to "click" in place. Easiest was for me is to push forward and down (more forward) on the top above the latches. Get em to click into place, and the header clamps should reach easily.

Sent from my unstable mind

 

On my 2 door 2008, I don't release the pins above the door unless I'm taking the top entirely down/off. When opening the sunrider top, I unfold/un clip the plastic side pieces above the doors NOT the locking pin, release the header clamps above the visors, with the visors unclipped and swung just out of the way then fold the sunrider back, being carful that it's folded in a Z not just back. Be sure to use velcro straps to hold it in the folded position near the pivot point. IF you release the pins, then you MUST unclip the sail portion near the rear corners of the tub. I stopped folding the entire top back after spending many too many minutes doing so in a sudden shower.

 

I will respond to all who offered assistance...

-Unlocking the real sail flaps doesn't really help much, the top is locked into place in the door surrounds, so that doesn't offer much help.

-The top has been on for about 2 months, and hasn't loosed up much. Hopefully it does

-As mentioned above the top is locked above the doors, that is what makes latching it difficult, it just doesn't reach.

-I do try to open the latches as much as possible, but it still doesn't touch the opening where the latch is supposed to lock.

I wasn't sure if there was some secret or trick to do this...it doesn't sound like it. Thanks to all who offered suggestions.