Soft top in the winter

gaa · 11-22-2005, 01:17 PM

I was wondering how much snow a soft top roof can support if I drive it during the winter. Will the roof rip or tear if a lot of snow and ice acumulates on it?

waywardfool · 11-22-2005, 02:57 PM

i've been topless for about 5 years...but... in past years, i've had up to 20" of snow on mine... then one time about 2 to 3" of wet ice/sleet combo -- that was heavier, but no problems. My bestop was older, and I was really just waiting to see if it would pop or not. YMMV

solitudetree · 11-22-2005, 03:23 PM

When I went to look at my 81 CJ5 before I bought it, it hadn't been moved since winter had set in. It had 12" of snow on top that I had to remove before I could get in and take it for a test drive.

If you're driving it, the snow won't accumulate on it except when it's parked. What ice is on it will either probably stay there or blow off as well.

Common sense works here. If you see a lot of snow on top, clean it off if you're not driving it. Depending on the age of the top and how well it's been cared for is what will really determine how much weight it can hold.

If you're worried about your top, I would also consider doing the chevy blower motor upgrade to your Jeep. It will also help keep the top warm when you're driving.

11-22-2005, 03:23 PM	#3
solitudetree Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 645 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	When I went to look at my 81 CJ5 before I bought it, it hadn't been moved since winter had set in. It had 12" of snow on top that I had to remove before I could get in and take it for a test drive. If you're driving it, the snow won't accumulate on it except when it's parked. What ice is on it will either probably stay there or blow off as well. Common sense works here. If you see a lot of snow on top, clean it off if you're not driving it. Depending on the age of the top and how well it's been cared for is what will really determine how much weight it can hold. If you're worried about your top, I would also consider doing the chevy blower motor upgrade to your Jeep. It will also help keep the top warm when you're driving. __________________ [COLOR=DarkGreen][FONT=Century Gothic]All the Jeeps I've owned 79 CJ5 258 six with a weber (current vehicle) T18/Dana20 81 CJ5 258 six (driven out of Alaska thru Canada in winter with a softtop) 75 Jeep Wagoneer 360V8 79 Jeep Cherokee 258 six [/FONT][/COLOR]