Soft Top Vs Hard Top: Which Should You Choose for Summer?
If you love to camp, kayak, or go on muddy off-road adventures during the spring and summer months, chances are you own a Jeep or plan to buy one. The rugged vehicles are excellent for outdoors enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. As you begin to search for Jeep Gladiator aftermarket parts, you may be wondering the differences between Jeep soft tops and hardtops. Consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which one to buy.
Pros & Cons of a Jeep Soft Top
Perhaps the biggest benefit to choosing a soft top for your Jeep is the versatility. When the weather is beautiful and sunny, remove the top to enjoy the breeze as you drive. Rainy weather allows you to replace the top to protect yourself from the elements as you make your way from Point A to Point B. A soft top is easier to store as well since it folds to fit into smaller spaces. Finally, a soft top for a Jeep is much more affordable, starting at about $200.
There are disadvantages to a soft top as well. As affordable as one is, it is also easy to damage. If you’ll be going through a lot of dense forests, it may easily tear on branches. A soft top also won’t offer much protection if you plan to drive your Jeep during the winter. The lack of insulation makes your heat work harder, not to mention makes for a noisy drive. Perhaps the largest disadvantage is the lack of security. A thief can easily tear into a soft top if he or she sees something valuable in your vehicle.
Benefits of Hard Tops in Extreme Heat
If you need more durability for your Jeep, a hardtop is a better choice. The solid construction can withstand wind, rain, a dense forest, and much more. It also provides more protection if you are in an accident. A hardtop has better insulation as well. It will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer since the heating and cooling won’t need to work as hard. If you plan to travel long distances or camp a lot with your Jeep, a hardtop is the better choice for storage space. You can use it to attach a roof rack that will hold your camping gear, kayaks, and everything else you need for your adventures.
Of course, a Jeep hardtop isn’t perfect. The durability means you sacrifice ease of use. If you want to take the hardtop off for a day of fresh air while you travel, you’ll need a second person to help you remove it. Then, of course, you’ll need plenty of space to store it, and putting it back on is often even harder than removing it. A hardtop is also more expensive to replace if you damage it.
From soft tops and hardtops to Jeep Wrangler lift kits, parts and accessories you can purchase for your Jeep are practically endless. Researching well before buying anything ensures you get exactly what you need and create an experience you can enjoy for years to come.
