Slide out tailgate vs. dual tops?

Fillups

Sep 24, 2023

Looking at 2024 B&P and weighing the dual top option vs. slideout tailgate, which cannot be ordered together. I'm playing with Everglades, but this dilemma could apply to other trims. However, pricing varies due to EG including the MIC top standard. I'm probably more in the hard top camp, but had a soft top at the Rodeo and had found it to be fine in high heat and some driving up to 55 .mph or so. It sounds like the softy has also had subtle improvements this year.

I'll also mention that it seems like a pain to switch out seasonally, so if I change to the softy, I'd sell the MIC top, which I would assume would sell for a nice sum, compared to the upcharge for dual tops at least. So financially, the dual top option could be quite profitable. Anyone know market value for a lightly used 4-door mic-top, complete?

The math, as I see it: Everglades dual top option is "only" $1350 for the option, but it removes the slideout tailgate, which I would want eventually. I think it's $1000 to 1200 depending on sales. So assuming I'd buy the tailgate later, now the true cost to add dual tops is $2500 ish. For this price or less, I could switch to a Besttops slant back some future date, which is probably better all-around softy from reading reviews. I like the slant back look more on the 2-door, but that's another thread... So, the dual top option seems to make more sense if not planning to replace the tailgate slider, right? Or am I missing anything?

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Laura

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Sep 24, 2023

Fillups
Looking at 2024 B&P and weighing the dual top option vs. slideout tailgate, which cannot be ordered together. I'm playing with Everglades, but this dilemma could apply to other trims. However, pricing varies due to EG including the MIC top standard. I'm probably more in the hard top camp, but had a soft top at the Rodeo and had found it to be fine in high heat and some driving up to 55 .mph or so. It sounds like the softy has also had subtle improvements this year.

I'll also mention that it seems like a pain to switch out seasonally, so if I change to the softy, I'd sell the MIC top, which I would assume would sell for a nice sum, compared to the upcharge for dual tops at least. So financially, the dual top option could be quite profitable. Anyone know market value for a lightly used 4-door mic-top, complete?

The math, as I see it: Everglades dual top option is "only" $1350 for the option, but it removes the slideout tailgate, which I would want eventually. I think it's $1000 to 1200 depending on sales. So assuming I'd buy the tailgate later, now the true cost to add dual tops is $2500 ish. For this price or less, I could switch to a Besttops slant back some future date, which is probably better all-around softy from reading reviews. I like the slant back look more on the 2-door, but that's another thread... So, the dual top option seems to make more sense if not planning to replace the tailgate slider, right? Or am I missing anything?

I am a big fan of dual tops and that’s how I ordered my original build (but, subsequently this option was cancelled not available in 2021) so I opted for the hard top. Eventually, I gave up the hard top for the soft top in order to receive my Bronco since the MIC was so heavily constrained in 2021.

I have dual tops for both of my Jeeps and I swap them both seasonally (live in NY). Hard top goes on for Thanksgiving and swapped out for soft top before May. It’s not difficult to make the switch but does require 2 people. The ease of the soft top for nice weather is awesome and the convenience of hard top for winter and colder weather is nice so this works for me. FWIW my colleague has a hard top and is looking for a soft top for the warm months because removing the hard top daily for nice weather is a PITA

From a financial standpoint you have noted that ordering the dual top is the most efficient use of capital and each top has a premium price in the secondary market. The slide out tailgate can be ordered after the fact and subsequently installed so it makes no sense why they don’t simply offer it with the dual top but hey, Ford’s B&P and roll out of the Bronco continues to be a unique experience. (I’ll save that rant for another day).

Tl:dr I would suggest the dual top and order the slide out tailgate separately.

- 2023 Raptor / Shadow Black / MGV (DOB 8/30/23)
- 2023 Heritage Limited Edition / Robin’s Egg Blue / 4dr / (stolen from my dealer 11/15/23)

Splaktar, Laura

Sep 24, 2023

I wasn't looking for a dual top. I just went in to test drive a Bronco for the very first time. They had two new ones and several used ones at jacked up prices. The green one was a soft top with aftermarket wheels and a lift by Rough Country. Then I saw the 23 Bronco Big Bend hard top. Sure no SAS but it did have the optional rear locking diff with "better" gearing. And in the back seat and cargo area was the soft top. I bought it. But the problem was the soft top. The dealer is about 45 minutes away. I had the dealer store my soft top because there were three of us on the day of purchase.

Anyway I installed the soft top in about a week after I figure out a lifting system in my garage. I have a secondary lift to remove the soft top which is HEAVIER than the hard top. With the lift I can take it off by myself. I like to have a spotter though when putting it back on.

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Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)

Laura, Fillups

Sep 24, 2023

Personally I’d get the dual top. You can sell the MIC for a good amount (I’m interested if you’re close) and buy the slide out online - you cannot buy the hard tip online. The slide out tailgate is limited due to GVWR but can be added later.

Outer Banks / 4DR / 2.3L / Auto / Catcus Grey / Lux / Soft Top / Sasquatch

R11, Laura

Sep 24, 2023

Bschurr
From a financial standpoint you have noted that ordering the dual top is the most efficient use of capital and each top has a premium price in the secondary market. The slide out tailgate can be ordered after the fact and subsequently installed so it makes no sense why they don’t simply offer it with the dual top but hey, Ford’s B&P and roll out of the Bronco continues to be a unique experience. (I’ll save that rant for another day).

Tl:dr I would suggest the dual top and order the slide out tailgate separately.

From some stuff I've seen online, they say the slide-out tailgate makes the cargo area sit too tall to get the soft top strapped down for shipping. But I'm not sure I buy that, looks like there is room above in pics I've seen. And the slider still has cargo D-rings, so seems lame not to offer both. But at least the price for dual tops seems to be adjusted - less for the EG trim since the MIC top is standard.

Good to hear you switch out seasonally with other rides. That was my initial plan if going with dual, but I'm still not sure how much hardware needs to come off or if some of the tracks can stay on, etc. I'm lucky to park in a garage most the time, but winter driving / road trips in Ohio still bring crappy / unavoidable weather.

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Laura, Bschurr

Sep 24, 2023

BobN
I wasn't looking for a dual top. I just went in to test drive a Bronco for the very first time. They had two new ones and several used ones at jacked up prices. The green one was a soft top with aftermarket wheels and a lift by Rough Country. Then I saw the 23 Bronco Big Bend hard top. Sure no SAS but it did have the optional rear locking diff with "better" gearing. And in the back seat and cargo area was the soft top. I bought it. But the problem was the soft top. The dealer is about 45 minutes away. I had the dealer store my soft top because there were three of us on the day of purchase.

Anyway I installed the soft top in about a week after I figure out a lifting system in my garage. I have a secondary lift to remove the soft top which is HEAVIER than the hard top. With the lift I can take it off by myself. I like to have a spotter though when putting it back on.

Thanks for the info and pics. I looked at a lift for my 2-door hard top, but my garage gets a lot of multi-purpose use and it would have not been high enough to get up and out of the way. I installed a heavy-duty shelf that's working well so far, but I've been able to leave it off for couple months as I don't need it for daily driving.

Are you able to comment on the process to swap back - does all the hardware need to come off to go back to hard top? Or can some stay on to save time?
I'm also curious if the Besttop is any easier to swap back n forth, which would lead me back to keeping the tailgate slider. If it's too much of a PITA to change seasonally, that's when I would decide to sell the MIC top I guess.

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Sep 26, 2023

Fillups
Thanks for the info and pics. I looked at a lift for my 2-door hard top, but my garage gets a lot of multi-purpose use and it would have not been high enough to get up and out of the way. I installed a heavy-duty shelf that's working well so far, but I've been able to leave it off for couple months as I don't need it for daily driving.

Are you able to comment on the process to swap back - does all the hardware need to come off to go back to hard top? Or can some stay on to save time?
I'm also curious if the Besttop is any easier to swap back n forth, which would lead me back to keeping the tailgate slider. If it's too much of a PITA to change seasonally, that's when I would decide to sell the MIC top I guess.

When I take the soft top off, the only other parts that need to come off are the C pillar brackets. Three easy bolts per side and that's done. The hardest part is lifting the dang 101 lbs of soft top off the vehicle without scratches. If you have both types of panel covers like I do, you just switch those out. They have to come off anyway to remove the soft top.

Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)

Fillups, Laura

Sep 26, 2023

Curious on the wait time for dual tops these days? I know it's hard to pinpoint with the other factors that play in. But the option still feels like a myth after how many times Ford advised people to drop it 😅

~~2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top~~
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeep~~s: stock '89 XJ and~~ 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s

Fillups, TK1215

Sep 26, 2023

Laura
Curious on the wait time for dual tops these days? The option still feels like a myth after how many times Ford advised people to drop it 😅

The unicorns are out there. Mine was just sitting on a dealer's lot forlorn and calling me. At the time I wasn't too excited about it. Also I get to experience the problems with tops in both factory flavors. Soft top is the old passenger rear window pops out while driving (last time we were going about 80 mph when it happened) or just about every time I open the rear hatch. The hard top occasionally leaks, moisture at the drivers' side a pillar. Eventually I will have the dealer resolve these minor issues. :)

Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)

Fillups, Laura

Sep 26, 2023

BobN
The unicorns are out there. Mine was just sitting on a dealer's lot forlorn and calling me. At the time I wasn't too excited about it. Also I get to experience the problems with tops in both factory flavors. Soft top is the old passenger rear window pops out while driving (last time we were going about 80 mph when it happened) or just about every time I open the rear hatch. The hard top occasionally leaks, moisture at the drivers' side a pillar. Eventually I will have the dealer resolve these minor issues. :)

Ah, the quirks ...

BobN

Sep 28, 2023

#10

For what its worth- I have the sliding tailgate on mine and I like it quite a bit. Its a good seat and it levels out the floor when the seats are folded down. The slide out is very stout as well- I have used it as a step and its solid. As many have said, you can add it in later (though its real expensive from the parts department), and it can mess with the interior dimensions for some accessories in the back (like Molle panels and some of the security enclosures, so think about how you want to set up the bronco for how you are using it).

I also have the soft top and its fine. Functionally, I think it works well- its easy to flip back, and move into a convertible position. The looks on it though leave a little to be desired however. If you can accommodate it climate wise, I think it is a good option for the truck. I know I wouldn't be driving around as much with the top open if I had a hard top.

I think switching between a full hard top and full soft top might be a little much. I run soft top from Labor day to Memorial day and then use a bikini top in the summer. I guess I think of the soft top as still having more fiddle factor than not. I think you are probably better off just picking one and going with it.

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

Fillups, Laura

Sep 29, 2023

#11

@Fillups have you considered the retractable front row (Bestop Sunrider) as an option? I got that with the hard top and slide out tailgate and I love every bit of them both! It gives me the best of both worlds. And Bestop now has a larger version covering both the front and back seats.

Trista • 22 Outer Banks • Cyber Orange • 4Dr • 2.3L • Lux • Roof Rails • Slide Out Tailgate • MIC w/ Retractable Front Row Twill (Sunrider) • Ord 2022.03.04 • Prod 2022.08.24 • Built 2022.08.30 • Ship 2022.11.18 • Del 2022.12.10 • Met her and named her Stella 2022.12.10 • Brought her home 2022.12.12

Fillups, Laura

Sep 29, 2023

#12

Mal
For what its worth- I have the sliding tailgate on mine and I like it quite a bit. Its a good seat and it levels out the floor when the seats are folded down. The slide out is very stout as well- I have used it as a step and its solid. As many have said, you can add it in later (though its real expensive from the parts department), and it can mess with the interior dimensions for some accessories in the back (like Molle panels and some of the security enclosures, so think about how you want to set up the bronco for how you are using it).

I also have the soft top and its fine. Functionally, I think it works well- its easy to flip back, and move into a convertible position. The looks on it though leave a little to be desired however. If you can accommodate it climate wise, I think it is a good option for the truck. I know I wouldn't be driving around as much with the top open if I had a hard top.

I think switching between a full hard top and full soft top might be a little much.

Glad to hear you like the tailgate slider. I'm not planning on any added molle panels or storage systems, but will add a tailgate table. My guess is the slider can't be extended with a tailgate table folded down, but probably not a big deal there, as long as there is room to install a table and not hit the slider when all closed up.

I do want the slider either way, but when I see the 4-doors cruising around with the top folded all the way back, it just looks fun! And I hate that the slider is so expensive from suppliers, but I could wait for a 20% off sale hopefully. And the OEM soft top is not a vendor option (and when it is, I"m sure I could not justify the cost). I like the looks of Besttop when up, but not when folded back. And reviews seem to be mixed about more road noise.

I'm sure it's some work to change out, but if it's just twice a year, seems doable, and avoiding midwest winter weather should extend the life. I may need to pay @BobN a visit, sounds like he has the process down!

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Sep 29, 2023

#13

Laura
Curious on the wait time for dual tops these days? I know it's hard to pinpoint with the other factors that play in. But the option still feels like a myth after how many times Ford advised people to drop it 😅

Agreed, it feels a little too good to be true. At least if you want both tops. I saw a dealer video on YT that reminded me, and also have seen a couple listed for sale with the option / see the photos of the seats folded down, so they must be shipping!

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Laura

Sep 29, 2023

#14

tlc13
@Fillups have you considered the retractable front row (Bestop Sunrider) as an option? I got that with the hard top and slide out tailgate and I love every bit of them both! It gives me the best of both worlds. And Bestop now has a larger version covering both the front and back seats.

Good reminder. And yes - I looked at the front row version for my 2-
door, but I still wanted the option to remove the full hard top and the sunrider seemed to complicate removing the back / big section. BUT I with the Skyrider option, where it opens over both rows, seems like a good option, if you decide to keep the back section on all times.

Although not fond of the color mis-match between the twill black and MIC gray colors. I wish they were closer in color, but only seen photos (not in person).

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

tlc13

Oct 06, 2023

#15

Fillups
I'm sure it's some work to change out, but if it's just twice a year, seems doable, and avoiding midwest winter weather should extend the life. I may need to pay @BobN a visit, sounds like he has the process down!

Ah, the process. It is an ever changing process. I have two processes. One for the hard top that involves a winch and electricity. It is pretty smooth up and down. The other process for the soft top involves four pulleys and is not as smooth. Process improvement, will include adding another winch for the soft top.

About the winters? I grew up in Indiana and Michigan winters. I was in the USAF for the 78 Blizzard in Ohio. My convertible Camaro (68 -327, 3-speed) rolled thru the snow like it was 4WD. LOL. I was extremely lucky to get to work at the base hospital that day. I also served in North Dakota (Why not Minot? Freezin' is the reason) and then Alaska. I have had my fill and then some of winters. Oh, now that I have live in sunny (hah) Florida since 1993, I have been acclimatized to what passes for winter here. Mostly rain, wind and freezing temperatures ( you know, anything below 65 degrees F. )

Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)

Fillups

Oct 06, 2023

#16

BobN
Ah, the process. It is an ever changing process. I have two processes. One for the hard top that involves a winch and electricity. It is pretty smooth up and down. The other process for the soft top involves four pulleys and is not as smooth. Process improvement, will include adding another winch for the soft top.

About the winters? I grew up in Indiana and Michigan winters. I was in the USAF for the 78 Blizzard in Ohio. My convertible Camaro (68 -327, 3-speed) rolled thru the snow like it was 4WD. LOL. I was extremely lucky to get to work at the base hospital that day. I also served in North Dakota (Why not Minot? Freezin' is the reason) and then Alaska. I have had my fill and then some of winters. Oh, now that I have live in sunny (hah) Florida since 1993, I have been acclimatized to what passes for winter here. Mostly rain, wind and freezing temperatures ( you know, anything below 65 degrees F. )

Ha, '68 Camaro convertible - ultimate winter transportation! My version of that was my '83 Mustang convertible with the 3.8L v6. Worst snow storms I ever experienced were in that car! With good tires, it was hard to stop actually...

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

BobN

Oct 07, 2023

#17

Fillups
With good tires, it was hard to stop actually...

I have a WW2 Ford GPW (jeep) and I found that with good tires it was hard to stop too. The tires were and are OEM style non-directional tires and I found out what that meant. With a light dusting of snow on a paved road in North Dakota, the jeep would move but any any direction other than the one I wanted to go in. But other than snow on pavement, it will go anywhere and over anything. It doesn't like to go into six feet of water, I found out that the hard way by stopping at the edge of a "puddle". I even walked out into it to check the depth. Easy less than 18 inches of water were I walked. Though hilariously a little to the right there was a deep hole and the jeep rolled partly into it. Had to hire a semi size wrecker to pull it out. What fun days those were. All this not far from a paved road. LOL. Sadly no pictures of that fun.

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Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)

Fillups, Gyoja

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