Soft Top Aerodynamics (All windows on/off?..side windows on/off?..Rear off only?) - JeepForum.com
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Unread 09-28-2009, 12:57 PM   #1
Dashash
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Soft Top Aerodynamics (All windows on/off?..side windows on/off?..Rear off only?)
Question:

Which soft top setup yields the most aerodynamic Jeep? The least?

I've always wondered this because I was driving around the other day with the side windows off and the rear window on and I felt like I was dragging a parachute behind the Jeep (but could have just been me tricking myself).

Anyone know how much of a gas mileage hit we take when we remove the side windows, rear windows, or both?

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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:03 PM   #2
rainmn
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"Aerodynamic" and "Jeep" shouldn't be used in the same sentence.

That's like asking if a brick would be more aerodynamic after grinding down the corners a little.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:05 PM   #3
2005X
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windsheild down, top off, doors off. thats the best way
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:06 PM   #4
EvilM0nkey
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I can hear the "out of the butt" experts already lol
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:07 PM   #5
Dashash
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I ask because, like many jeepforum members, I drive my Jeep daily, 95% on road driving. I definitely notice a MPG hit when the top's down completely as opposed to up.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:19 PM   #6
jd_goldcombat
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I have a 2001 4 cyl, 5 speed. I have 31 inch tires. I can absolutely tell a difference between soft top and no soft top performance. 5th gear actually has some applicable use when the top is on. No top....5th gear is worthless.
Aerodynamics better with top on. Has to be.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:27 PM   #7
TheBoogieman
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I think Jeeps are like women,the ride is much better when they're topless and dirty.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 01:30 PM   #8
j_bydesign
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I agree... topless and dirty! just don't tell my wife! LOL! I think this a question best asked of the Myth Busters?
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Unread 09-28-2009, 03:21 PM   #9
jgorm
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I get almost 2mpg better with the top up and all windows in compared to top down. The more windows you add, the better it will be. I roll with the top down 95% of the time.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 04:04 PM   #10
Pillswoj
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As I don't have air conditioning...

I have noticed that the rear window in with the door windows open is worst. Rear window out with door windows open and/or side windows out is best, top down is somewhere in between the two.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 04:06 PM   #11
dflesher65
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I get better MPG with the top on and windows installed than with no top on.
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Unread 09-28-2009, 06:28 PM   #12
DesertJeep2002
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Seems to be the same for me, the only thing that messes my MPG up is the WIND. When its windy here it feels like I'm always going uphill. I Lose around 2-3 MPG... That's what I Get for driving a box on wheels...
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Unread 09-28-2009, 07:20 PM   #13
southtxdstroyer
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aerodynamic.........

to paraphrase the best explanation i have heard... its a brick with a tent strapped to its ***
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