Bestop Sunrider Install and Review 2024 (2 Door)

[lwilliams34]

Hello All,

I thought I would post a review of my experience with the @Bestop_Team Bestop Sunrider for my 2024 Big Bend 2 Door.

Before purchasing I did a lot of research here on the forum and read just about every review, install, challenge, and "fix" thread out there.

Thanks to the following threads for their input on the subject which proved to be very helpful during the process. There is also some spill over regarding the Bestop in the thread for reducing wind noise on the hard top, so will include that link also.

Bestop has been making some modifications to the overall product design and installation process since it was first introduced. I received the latest iteration of the 2 door model with the instructions dated 4/24. During the process when I called customer support several of the people answering phones did not have the latest installation and design instructions available to them which I found discouraging and frustrating. The Bestop online install video for the 2-door has not been updated as well. I was able to follow portions of it, but the final steps were different.

Eventually I realized that I was on my own for the most part and had to rely on the forum and my own ingenuity to resolve the issues.

The biggest issue I had was with the lowering clamp brackets (new) that fit on the back side of the bestop unit and provide additional stability by overlapping the hard top. Originally there was just a center mount bracket that attached the unit to the hard top. The new design includes the two brackets on each side of the center bracket. They mount on the bestop unit itself, but do not attach to the hard top.

They simply lay on top of the hard top surface using a step bracket. My issue is that the bolts provided to secure the brackets to the bestop are not long enough. I was barely able to get the M6 nut to catch while pressing down on the bestop unit itself. The issue is that the provided bolts do not have threads at the tip, so you lose about 1/8" of thread. I ended up stripping one of the M6 nuts because I could not get it on straight due to the lack of threads and how the step bracket bend is designed.

I ended up purchasing new bolts and nuts with full threads (same length) and had no issues getting everything secure.

After installation I had some issues with wind noise at the front of the Sunrider, but thanks to the previous thread on this forum I was able to adjust the passenger side striker plate bracket forward which provide a more secure clamp down on that end.

I also ended up putting some weather stripping along the front edge of the Bestop where it meets the second layer of rubber seal at the front of the Bronco.

The last adjustment was adding foam to the metal support bar (secured by a velcro wrap) that runs horizontally across the sunrider. This reduced the vibration and snapping noises coming from that support bar.

You can find the detailed instructions for these alterations within the threads I will list below.

Overall Impressions:

The unit is built very well and I love the design look of the unit (black twill fabric option).

It is really a game changer to be able to open and close the top without worrying about carrying the hard top panels or getting caught in the rain.

The hinges are a bit stiff yet, so I have to stand on the hoop steps and pull the unit a bit to get it started either up or down.

One big tip is to make sure that you lower the sun visors when latching or unlatching the unit.

My Bronco sits outside so It has been in numerous rain storms parked as well as driving and no leaks so far.

Wind Noise is more pronounced than with the hard top and depending upon the direction of the wind and whether the hwy has barriers, etc it will vary. But it is acceptable for me and the benefits of dropping the top outweigh the extra noise. If I was going on a long road trip I would probably put the hard top back on depending upon the length and situation.

My daughter drove in the Bronco shortly after the install and commented that it was no different that her friends Jeep soft top.

I think the unit is a good value and should last a long time with proper care. I am happy with the unit and what it provides. I think Bestop as a company is growing and having a few challenges with customer support getting up to speed. I did get quick responses from emails and call backs, so that was a positive.

Here are the links and some pictures of my process.
.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bestop-sunrider-wind-noise.33040/page-3

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bestop-sunrider-wind-noise.33040/page-2

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-plus-bonus-fix-for-bad-adhesive.64146/page-5

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bestop-sunrider-wind-noise.33040/page-7

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bestop-trektop-flapping-noise.73760/page-2


HARD TOP Wind Noise Thread:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...dition-plus-bonus-fix-for-bad-adhesive.64146/
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[Kstiff]

I have the Sunrider for the 4 door. The bolts for the clamps are too short on mine as well! Hopefully they will spend and extra nickle and provide longer screws in the future.

 

[lwilliams34]

I have the Sunrider for the 4 door. The bolts for the clamps are too short on mine as well! Hopefully they will spend and extra nickle and provide longer screws in the future.

Did you end up replacing the bolts? I just went to Home Depot and purchased new units.

 

[HighVelocity]

Why does it seem like I'm the only one who hasn't had a problem installing or using my Sunrider?

 

[lwilliams34]

Why does it seem like I'm the only one who hasn't had a problem installing or using my Sunrider?

Overall it was a very simple install.
The new design has a few issues such as the bolts and the top support bar stability. Wish they would have addressed that with the new design.
My impression is that they (Bestop) have been perfecting the design of the Sunrider for the Bronco based upon issues such as fitment, leakage, wind noise etc.
In the original install instructions there were plastic spacers that needed to be put into several areas. Some guys had issues with the thickness of the washers and had to install a thinner unit or left it out all together. Maybe there are variances within the Bronco production itself which makes the install a bit challenging.
The product is worth the compromises for the benefits it achieves.

 

[SpringTXOR]

I came up with the weatherstripping on the bar to keep the flag flapping sound down on my Trek top. I was going to replace the foam with some 5/8 heater hose.

 

[Roger123]

I had to get longer bolts for mine as well (Gen2).

 

[CDB]

I had one installed by Bestop on my 2023 Bronco 4 door last summer. It leaked horribly. I had one on my 2019 Wrangler for 4 years and it never leaked. Just picked up 2024 Bronco (2023 was rearended and totaled). I'm nervous about trying it again.

 

[HOSSMAN]

Cool review, thanks for sharing! I have eyed these but have been hesitant as I don't see many with them (or any in my area at least). I have the JTops bikini on mine now, would be cool to have this and pop it open and peal back the JTop for last min. topless fun (no pun intended...or maybe so lol).

 

[lwilliams34]

I came up with the weatherstripping on the bar to keep the flag flapping sound down on my Trek top. I was going to replace the foam with some 5/8 heater hose.

yeah, one of the links I shared discusses this topic. There are several options.. I went with the softer a/c vent foam. I attempted to put the round gap sealer up there but that proved to be too tight and created a bulge in the top. Others have used the weather seal harder foam with adhesive, but as one guy pointed out the adhesive may melt creating a mess. The foam I used seems to do the trick and closes the gap around the rod and the velcro swill wrap which was causing the snap, crackle and pop sounds.

 

[lwilliams34]

Cool review, thanks for sharing! I have eyed these but have been hesitant as I don't see many with them (or any in my area at least). I have the JTops bikini on mine now, would be cool to have this and pop it open and peal back the JTop for last min. topless fun (no pun intended...or maybe so lol).

its really nice and convenient. I'm loving it. (and no I don't support McDonalds... lol)

 

[lwilliams34]

I had one installed by Bestop on my 2023 Bronco 4 door last summer. It leaked horribly. I had one on my 2019 Wrangler for 4 years and it never leaked. Just picked up 2024 Bronco (2023 was rear-ended and totaled). I'm nervous about trying it again.

I'm not sure what the structural differences are between the 2 and 4 door model of the sunrider. The 4 door obviously covers more real estate and greater chances of leakage. The 2- door is so small and compact, super light and a shorter area to manage.
The best thing you could do would be to reach out to Bestop with your concerns and see if they can address them or have addressed them with their latest product release.
Not sure if they are still active on these forums, but THEY SHOULD BE.
I just don't understand why a company would not listen to feedback, especially about a reoccurring issue such as the bolts and the support rod that was mentioned.

 

[lakesinai]

I'm not sure what the structural differences are between the 2 and 4 door model of the sunrider. The 4 door obviously covers more real estate and greater chances of leakage. The 2- door is so small and compact, super light and a shorter area to manage.
The best thing you could do would be to reach out to Bestop with your concerns and see if they can address them or have addressed them with their latest product release.
Not sure if they are still active on these forums, but THEY SHOULD BE.
I just don't understand why a company would not listen to feedback, especially about a reoccurring issue such as the bolts and the support rod that was mentioned.

I believe it's the opposite, the 4dr Sunrider is shorter than (covers less real-estate) than the 2dr. The 2dr panels are longer than the 4dr front panels, because the 2dr is missing the mid-panel. I have the Skyrider, which covers two rows on the 4dr and that is alot of real estate.

 

[lwilliams34]

I believe it's the opposite, the 4dr Sunrider is shorter than (covers less real-estate) than the 2dr. The 2dr panels are longer than the 4dr front panels, because the 2dr is missing the mid-panel. I have the Skyrider, which covers two rows on the 4dr and that is alot of real estate.

Sorry, my bad, I thought the Sunrider for the 4 door covered both front and rear. You are correct, the Skyrider does the whole length.
Then I guess I am not sure why the 4-door model leaked.
Maybe the new design I got is the same for the 2 and 4 door?
.

 

[TUNGSTANG]

Thanks for the write up OP. I've had mine installed on my 2Dr for about 4 weeks and my experience was exactly as you stated. My clamp brackets have been sitting on my bench cause there is no way they can be secured with the parts supplied. I'll be picking up the nuts/bolts you specified. Thanks again.

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