Jeep Tops - An Overview

The greatest standard feature of all Jeep Wranglers is the ability to customize with different Jeep tops based on seasonal changes, and manufacturers certainly know how to maximize this versatility.

But then, Jeep tops are one of those parts that can get a tad confusing due to the number of different options and styles available. Industry manufacturer Bestop alone offers over a dozen options for your Jeep tops, and that's not even considering what you're going to do about doors and windows.

So to make your shopping and customization easier, here's a brief overview of a few of the various styles of Jeep tops:

Hard Tops

Hard tops offer superior insulation and protection, and also give your vehicle the appearance of a standard vehicle or SUV. They give your Jeep a rugged and complete look and feel, and are often equipped with popular vehicle features like power windows, rear window defrosters, and dome lights.

Pros: Tough and rugged protection; heavily insulated for colder weather; packed with great features; available in a single piece model, or a 2-piece model with a removable front section.

Cons: Can sometimes be more difficult to install without a hoist; hard to store without a custom storage cart of some kind.

Standard Soft Tops

Jeep soft tops are where the versatility really kicks in, with a wide availability of soft tops and accompanying Jeep parts. These sleek and stylish Jeep tops offer plush comfort, are easy to install, and sometimes offer inventive features like rollback sunroofs or replaceable skins for customizable color and material.

Pros: Sleek, plush comfort in a variety of fits and materials; easy to install or remove; aftermarket versions equipped with great features like rollback sunroofs, exchangeable skins, and more.

Cons: Not as much insulation in cold weather; road noise more prevalent than with Jeep hard tops.

Halftop-style Soft tops

Halftop-style Jeep tops are designed to encase the cockpit to prevent wind and other elements from entering. Halftops can be achieved in two ways: purchasing a bikini top, windscreen, and deck cover combination, or an all-in-one halftop unit (all-in-one units are only available from Bestop).

Pros: A trimmed-down version of Jeep soft tops; uniquely stylish; features like fold-back sunroofs and zip-down rear windows complete the package; easy to install and remove.

Cons: No space to tote cargo or install rear seats.

In summation

Overall, choosing the right Jeep tops are a matter of personal comfort. Oftentimes, many people will purchase multiple tops and change them out depending on the season. However you decide to customize your Wrangler is up to you.

Billy Han is a Web Copywriter for Transamerican Auto Parts.

Transamerican Auto Parts is a leading retailer in truck, SUV and Jeep Parts from large brand names like Bestop. Bestop manufactures Jeep Tops, Doors, Bumpers, and other Jeep Accessories.