Newbie Question - Soft top Configuration

[cgskipper]

New to this whole soft top deal and the owners manual is clear as mud. It’s ok to drive with the soft top up and attached to windshield with the rear side and rear windows out, correct?

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[broadicustomworks]

Yes. Most refer to that as "Safari Mode".
Not only is it ok, but preferable as it gives you a great open-air feeling while protecting you from harsh sun in summer all day and/or light drizzly stuff.

 

[BroncoA512021]

Plenty of videos about the soft top etc on YouTube

 

[Sanndmann3]

Curious if there are any speed limitations for 1/2 open with all the plastic windows installed?
worried about "ballooning" at freeway speed...

 

[Brian_B]

Curious if there are any speed limitations for 1/2 open with all the plastic windows installed?
worried about "ballooning" at freeway speed...

I just did this at 80MPH today - no issues.

I admit they do snap a bit when a big truck or stuff side wind hits, and a car wash is kinda scary - but driving is no problem at pretty much any speed. I’ve never had one pop out

 

[lakesinai]

New to this whole soft top deal and the owners manual is clear as mud. It’s ok to drive with the soft top up and attached to windshield with the rear side and rear windows out, correct?

I prefer to think of these vehicles as boats, operating on the water. As such, there are rules of the road and safe operating procedures, but there is a huge amount of "User discretion" required, and a high chance of "Operator Error" in vehicle operation. That is because not only does the off-road environment resemble the open water with its lack of defined "road", but the endless capacity for vehicle modification increases the opportunity for things to go wrong. For example, there are often no speed limits in boating. It's the operator's responsibility to know the characteristics of their vessel, understand and evaluate the sea conditions, wind and bearing and how it affects what a safe operating speed is. Additionally, it's the operator's responsibility for the safety and comfort of passengers, and speed and sea conditions, as well as managing vessel enclosures (canvas & hatches) that keep weather out for safety or comfort, or let the weather (sun & wind) in when it increases the comfort of passengers.

That's why these forums are so important. Manuals can outline capacities and procedures for operation, but best practices come from not only knowledge but experience and wisdom. The the OP is wise to ask other operator's experience with enclosure use. In the end, though user discretion due to situational operating conditions, speed and passenger safety and comfort will be our first concern.

 

[Brian_B]

I prefer to think of these vehicles as boats, operating on the water.

I never thought of it that way but you are not wronf

 

[Nc211]

The windows are not going to pop out due to any speed. They're clipped into the soft top via multiple clips along the top of the window. They're also held in very tightly along the bottom via the tunnel rails (which are a PIA to line up with sweat in your eyes....).

I drive mine in Safari mode every chance it's not raining or freezing. Been 90mph+ that way with no issues, and have also seen that speed with the back windows in and door windows down.

 

[Brian_B]

The windows are not going to pop out due to any speed. They're clipped into the soft top via multiple clips along the top of the window.

I guess I should say - if the soft top is properly adjusted, yeah they won't pop out. I have heard of a couple of folks where it has, but it's usually boiled down to the top not having been adjusted properly and the windows fit too loosely or the window wasn't popped into the rear track well enough. And even when that does happen - yes, the clips kept it from flying out in the ditch.

 

[TheKim]

I just did this at 80MPH today - no issues.

I admit they do snap a bit when a big truck or stuff side wind hits, and a car wash is kinda scary - but driving is no problem at pretty much any speed. I’ve never had one pop out

Having the soft top half open in the car wash is pretty intense, I bet it was kinda scary.

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