[LittleDemon12]

Live in upper Michigan in the snow belt. We get some pretty Crazy winters up here and I was wondering if my soft top will be okay in the winter. Can it handle it? Any worries I should have?

[paul84043]

We never had any problems here in Utah, but most likely don't get as cold as you. I would think youd still be fine. The soft top really does a good job and Jeep heaters can strip paint. The only problem I ever had was not being able to clean my back window when I wanted to.
No big deal really.

[MrFusion]

I'm new to Jeeps and what I've read on here is that the soft tops do fine in the winter but you need to be mindful of the plastic windows when they are cold. They get brittle so you want to be careful with them until they warm up.

I'm trying to decide if I should spend the money on a hardtop for the colder months or just stick with the soft top. With the cost of the hardtop and the storage issues when using the soft top, I'm leaning to skipping the hardtop.

I'd like to see what others have to say...

[mabar]

Northeast Ohio. Lots of snow sometimes, and sometimes very cold. No problems with the soft top.

Just remember: DO NOT TOUCH, SCRAPE, WIPE, ETC., the plastic windows when the temperature is below freezing. The plastic windows can be easily damaged or cut in very cold weather.

Mabar

[jwmbishop]

I don't think it would be a problem - except water when frozen can split boulders and you are exposing the seams and fabrics to that brutality. Probably shorten the life - but the burning question is: will that shortness beat the regular UV breakdown in the fabrics and plastic? I kinda doubt it. I believe it will still fall apart within the same life span - but just be more sudden when it does... of course ya'll that tolerate that cold weather are rougher than I (and know way more about "surviving" it than I) - I simply can not survive when the avg temp runs below 50 so have little experience with long term winter weathering!

[ozjeep]

Like posted earlier, the only problem I ever see is not being able to scrape the rear window. But that's only ever been a minor annoyance as it'll thaw off eventually.

[LittleDemon12]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate it. Another quick question. How much do hard tops go for? Preferably new. Thanks again.

[OregonVette]

I've seen them used go for $700 to $1200 (new /used) on Craigslist.


I bought the dual top group, we put the hard top on end of October and put the soft top on mid-may.

The soft top is JUST fine in the winter months IMHO. You simply cannot scrape the back window obviously. But, these suckers are so well engineered and fitted (IMHO) that as for heat & sound retention, you will be just fine. I love this latest generation Wrangler & its soft top design. The first year of ownership, it took a couple of weeks to figure it out but hell, anymore I can put the soft top on, raise it, lower it, in just a matter of minutes. Love

[LittleDemon12]

Originally Posted by OregonVette

I've seen them used go for $700 to $1200 (new /used) on Craigslist.

I bought the dual top group, we put the hard top on end of October and put the soft top on mid-may.

The soft top is JUST fine in the winter months IMHO. You simply cannot scrape the back window obviously. But, these suckers are so well engineered and fitted (IMHO) that as for heat & sound retention, you will be just fine. I love this latest generation Wrangler & its soft top design. The first year of ownership, it took a couple of weeks to figure it out but hell, anymore I can put the soft top on, raise it, lower it, in just a matter of minutes. Love

That makes me feel a whole lot better thank you. I had faith in the very durable soft top. We are coming up fast on winter and I was scared I wasnt prepared not having a hard top. I am used to harsh winters and if it is a little cooler in the wrangler I can handle that. As long as the vehicle and it's parts are okay I am okay. Thanks again.
OIIIIIIIO

[Furyguy]

NW Pa here, in the Lake Effect snow machine like you. My 2012 has a soft top and I was surprised how well it does. The Jeep has a heater you can cook weenies with, and mine has heated mirrors, so visibility was never a problem. It also never seemed cold or drafty. Just use care withthe windows like the others have stated.

[LittleDemon12]

Originally Posted by Furyguy

NW Pa here, in the Lake Effect snow machine like you. My 2012 has a soft top and I was surprised how well it does. The Jeep has a heater you can cook weenies with, and mine has heated mirrors, so visibility was never a problem. It also never seemed cold or drafty. Just use care withthe windows like the others have stated.

Great thanks! OIIIIIIIO

[jwmbishop]

Look at it this way.

If it DOES rip and dump 50 lbs of snow in your lap one morning you will be WIDE AWAKE WHEN YOU GET TO WORK!!!

[MrFusion]

Originally Posted by jwmbishop

Look at it this way.

If it DOES rip and dump 50 lbs of snow in your lap one morning you will be WIDE AWAKE WHEN YOU GET TO WORK!!!

Good point!

[1AAdam]

i had a soft top on my TJ and winter was never a problem! once it was warmed up a bit u could just sit in your driveway and punch the roof to get the snow off of it!

[JeepCares]

Also - don't use de-icing chemicals on the soft top windows.

Use warm water only if you must clean the window quickly. (Don't use HOT water.)