My '13 JKU came with hard top only. Taking it off/on is a chore so I thought I'd just use the Freedom panels for topless, works fine. But now I'm thinking about using a soft top in the summer, hard top in the winter, and just doing the swap twice a year.

Is there a soft top that's compatible with my hard-top JKU? That is, something that could stay in the fold-down position when the hardtop is installed? Or would I end up having to remove/install retainer clips on the body and all sorts of other hardware each time I do the swap? I'm aware of the factory Sunrider top but I'm thinking more like full-off top (or does Sunrider also fold all the way down?)

 

I have both tops and don't know how I could do without either. You'll have to remove soft top hardware in order to switch to hard and vice versa. Its incredibly easy, door surrounds, tail gate bar and a couple screws and your soft top is off. Hard top is even easier when you do the switch in fall/spring. The sunrider does fold all the way down, I have it and love the sun rider feature. I'd keep both especially if you have snow in the winter. (Just noticed you're in New England, in which case i'd definitely have both)

 

I would definitely recommend a soft top for the summer months. It makes your Jeep much more enjoyable sine it takes less work to go topless. Which lets face it is one of the only reasons to own a Jeep.

There are two tops I would recommend for you to look into. The first is the Trektop NX by Bestop. It's a frameless soft top that can be ran as a full top or a s a bikini top. It also has the Sunrider feature like the factory top does. There are a ton of Jeeps running this top and everyone (including myself) are extremely happy with it.

Second is the Bestop Supertop NX. This tops is designed to be a factory style soft top. Meaning that it fits, looks and is built just like a factory top. It has the fold down feature you're looking for to go topless very quickly, and also has the Sunrider feature. Both of these tops you'll need to completely remove to mount your hardtop. there actually isn't a soft top that you can use with a hardtop installed.

We have both tops in stock and ready to ship. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help out!

-Zach

 

My best suggestion is to find some one with a soft top that will let you swap with him for the weekend. Many people do not like the feel after a few miles.

 

I just kept watching craigslist and yesterday scored a brand new 2013 dual top take off premium soft top.

 

I live in Maine too. Looking to sell our 2013 premium soft top with all hardware and windows. Was only on the jeep for a week. Let me know if your interested and maybe we can meet up. Looking to get $900.00

 

BIG THANKS for letting me take that soft top off your hands, and for making the drive down to my 'hood this morning. I got home and installed it in 30 minutes, it went on without a single snag. Looks great, and it's incredibly quiet just like you said. Had about 1.5 hours of drive time with it today, including highway time. When I got home, folded it all the way down and enjoyed topless while running a couple more errands.

VERY happy camper, thanks to you and the jk-forum.

 

Which one is more versatile; the Trek or the Trek NS, I could not tell from the product pictures... Help, I want to order but not sure which one to get. I have a 2011 Shara and live in the Northern Va area, we get all types of weather here...

 

Hey I'm in Alexandria. If you wanted you could take a look at my trek top. It's not the nx version. But it's water tight and just fine for this nova weather.