Going Topless

[Bundy1]

My family and I do plenty of camping and usually take in a few tracks whilst away.

I was wondering what sort of time frame it takes to take the hard top off once practiced, and is this something most do when away, or do you usually remove the top before leaving home.

I like the idea of travelling to our base with the hard top on, and going topless whilst there, then putting it back on for the trip home.

I've no experience with the Jeep tops, and am waiting for my first Jeep to arrive in May.

[SeaComms]

To be honest I have never heard of some one removing the hard top when on a trip, its usually either done before hand or not at all.

Removing it isnt hard once practiced once or twice, its simply 6 bolts, disconnect the rear window wiring then lift off. The trick is to do it with the rear window open and the tailgate closed and one person either side. If its a 2 door you and the missus can do it no problem, if a 4 door its a little heavier and I know my missus would not (she can just do the 2 door top with me).

My hard top sits in the garage most of the year, if doing a longer camping trip for example I will swap back to the hard top as it makes it easier to pack the vehicle right up.

I guess if you wanted to you could create a small block and tackle arrangement to take with you and sling it up a tree, back up to the tree and lift the top off

[Boutime]

Adventurer1, welcome the the great world of Jeeps.

I agree with SeaComms. Personally I always have the soft top on when I go camping. Easy to fold down or back up if the weather changes. Just need to make a plan with rolling and storing the windows when the soft top is down. And yes do not loose any of the gear when you are bouncing around the track with the top down... lol.

[tcf]

I find it easy to remove just the freedom panels and leave the main section in place. Still get a great open air feel. I dont run the soft top for lack of security, plus can't use it with my roofracks.

[Theozwalrus]

We love the soft top and only run the hard top for a few months thru June July August usually. We keep the soft top folded down and the side windows under the jeep mat in the back. As for stuff falling out ..... Well you can see what we did to sort that out ;0) personally I would not go away with the hard top and remove it on site as I feel it is too easily damaged but each to their own. I have rigged up a lift in my car port for it but my carport is 2.8 metres high so I have plenty of room to park under it while it is up there so I am fairly lucky with that.

[walldog]

Yep love having the top down, tops of the half doors off, quintessential Jeeping

[Bundy1]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, and to tell the truth I hadn't even thought of just going away with the soft top on, guess I'm not used to having that option.

Walrus I love the cargo netting idea for keeping everything in.

You might have to put up with a few silly questions from me over the coming months, while I wait for the arrival of my Jeep. The whole Jeep thing is new to me, so please be patient.