In Search for a Summer Jeep Top to Suit Your Needs

I have a Jeep with a hard top.  It was superb and durable and gave me the protection I needed.  However, it was not advisable for summer.  I asked a friend on what Jeep top is appropriate and he suggested I purchase a summertop:  the  Bestop Bikini or Safari Top.  I went to a Jeep accessories and parts dealer and look for these two summer tops.  Here is what I found out.

The Bikini Jeep top protects the front area, the reason why it was named such.  This top gives you the opportunity to feel the air.  It also protects you from intermittent rainfall, dust and getting sunburn.  It is also easy to install; however, your passengers are not protected from dirt, dust, falling debris and the scorching heat of the sun.

The Safari Jeep top covers both the front and rear seats.  Thus, you do not need to worry of flying debris, dirt or dust to hurt your passengers.  They also get protected from the sun’s heat and erratic rainwater. 

Advantages of a Summer Jeep Top

·         It gives you the opportunity to enjoy the open air without getting sunburned and wet from irregular rain showers. 

·         You get to see a lot of what is ahead like the panoramic view.

·         It costs less than hard tops.

Disadvantages of a Summer Jeep Top

·         It does not give you much shield during sudden change of climate as well as from insects and flying objects.

·         The windshield channel will have to be removed if you want to reinstall your hard top or soft top.

Who Should Get a Summer Jeep Top

·         those who live in dry climates with infrequent rainfalls; 

·         those who has a garage to safeguard their Jeep during bad weather conditions;

·         those who use their vehicle only for fun driving on a fine sunny day; and

·         those who do not mind bad weather, insects, dust, etc. 

Choosing the Best Soft Jeep Top

It is always nice to drive when the weather is pleasant – not cold or hot but just right.  However, you must realize that weather conditions have changed these past years because of global warming.  It gets too hot and rains come suddenly so you need to be prepared at all times.  Giving you protection while driving are Jeep tops.  A Jeep soft top can safeguard you from sudden rain showers even on a sunny day.  Soft tops come in different styles and kinds; but which of these suits you best?

Bestop Half Top.  This puts together the Windjammer, Bikini and Duster Deck Cover tops in one.  It protects the front seat and has a fold-back sunroof so you can feel the fresh air while driving on a sunny day.  Providing maximized ventilation is the zip-out back window with a fitted mesh screen.  The kit consists of hardware with a warranty of one year.  It is made of excellent quality fabric.

Replace-a-Top.  The Bestop Replace-a-Top is the best option for a used up original soft top.

Replace-a-Top Sailcloth.  Made from a better quality fabric than the replace-a-top, this is another Bestop item.  Both insulation and temperature control are better.

The Supertop.  It features zip-out disposable windows and hardware so it is best recommended with top-less Jeeps.   It is made of excellent fabric that easily gets back to its original form regardless of any climate conditions.

Sunrider Jeep Top.  An easy-to-install top with a flip-back sunroof, it gives you the chance to savor the fresh breeze on the road.

The Tigertop.  This Jeep soft top is ideal for vintage Jeep owners.  It is modern yet has a traditional era style.

Pavement Ends Jeep Top.  Buy this top if your budget is tight.  It has all the essentials and is available in various designs.  You can order the flip top with sunroof as add-on.

The Brief Top.  It is more fade-resistant and defies stretching; however, it is less sturdy.  It is not too vulnerable to various weather conditions.  Marine grade fabric is used for this Jeep top.