Best Top vs OEM Soft-Top vs Sunrider Top?

FirstBronco

Oct 25, 2021

Hard top is shipped, and on the way. Looking into soft-tops and the sunrider. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 25, 2021

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Dec 11, 2021

#20

Twill is a better fabric, think fully retractable is ford preying on gullible customers, think its just the $1700 topknot option

for what its worth, parked convertibles out in the winter as my parents and sister use the garage as storage and had no issues with soft tops, so doesnt deter me from getting one and installing it

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

Jan 05, 2022

#21

JeepersCreepers
No personal experience with anything but the OEM 4-door soft top, which I like a lot so far.

I have a Bestop TrekTop NX for my TJ which has been a great soft top. It has many configuration options and I use them all. Bestop is widely regarded as the best soft top manufacturer and I would personally agree with that statement based on my experience. I'd limit my search to Bestop personally.

Different strokes for different folks comment: the Sunrider concept is sort of neat but I have to admit I've always thought it was a rather "thin" improvement for the time and trouble it takes to install. With the hard top, the front panels pop out and go in the cargo area pretty easily. Why not just do that? At least, that's my thinking. I've always been a bit perplexed as to why anyone would bother with the Sunrider. Personally I'd just go with a full soft top with the features you want or leave the hard top on. FWIW Bestop's soft top will allow you to pull the front section back leaving the front two seats open to the sun and air, just like the Sunrider. I use it in my Jeep all the time.

-JC

Hi JC,
Just received my Sunrider today!
Hopefully I'll have my Bronco by March!
What appeals to me is how quick and spur of the moment it can be put down and then back again from the drivers seat. You go out on a day trip with rolling rainstorms and it can go up and down several times throughout the day. -or maybe you're just going for a fifteen minute ride to the park and want some quick sun and air -it's versatility and simplicity really shine!
-Raz

Deano Bronc, SuperMike

Feb 16, 2022

#22

I finally received my Sunrider (Ford accessories version) and installed it. Pros: Amazing to just flip the latches and open the top in a few seconds, but still have the ability to close up for weather/security. Cons: LOUD in comparison to the hard top.

Bottom line, great for hard top owners to get some sunshine without dragging top panels around. Fun for sunshine season where rain might pop up unexpectedly. Not great for long drives as the wind noise (closed) is brutal.

BN 0232 Bronco "Skwach" - 4 Dr FE, Lightning Blue, MIC/NP
New acquisition - Ranger Lariat Tremor, Rapid Red "Quake" (Skwach's little brother)
Other fun stuff: Honda Pioneer 1000 dirt toy (Need hitch!)

SuperMike

Apr 07, 2022

#23

I installed the Sunrider last Saturday and really like it. It did take some adjusting to finally get it to seat correctly and it does make a difference with the wind noise. I have a 2dr so I can only speak for that installation but NOT using the supplied plastic washers on the back bolts helps snug the top and get a better seal. There is a thread in another Bronco forum about this, several guys have removed the washers and all have found it to be a better fit. Also adjusting the front latch hooks on the windshield by loosing the bolts and moving towards the front of the car helps it latch tighter.

Really great just to unlatch and throw the top back without having to futz with the front panels.

2023 Bronco 4Dr Wildtrak

FatbikerJo Bronco, Jakob1972

Apr 07, 2022

#24

TheShark
I installed the Sunrider last Saturday and really like it. It did take some adjusting to finally get it to seat correctly and it does make a difference with the wind noise. I have a 2dr so I can only speak for that installation but NOT using the supplied plastic washers on the back bolts helps snug the top and get a better seal. There is a thread in another Bronco forum about this, several guys have removed the washers and all have found it to be a better fit. Also adjusting the front latch hooks on the windshield by loosing the bolts and moving towards the front of the car helps it latch tighter.

Really great just to unlatch and throw the top back without having to futz with the front panels.

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Very cool -- thanks for posting! Appreciate the advise... I'll try to remember this, if I ever get a Bronco! :p

Wildtrak ⁞ 4 DR ⁞ HOSS 3.0 ⁞ Area51 ⁞ Lux+Leather ⁞ Tow ⁞ MIC+Sunrider Top ⁞ Res 5/11/21, Rec'd 9/30/22

TheShark, Jakob1972

Apr 07, 2022

#25

TheShark
I installed the Sunrider last Saturday and really like it. It did take some adjusting to finally get it to seat correctly and it does make a difference with the wind noise. I have a 2dr so I can only speak for that installation but NOT using the supplied plastic washers on the back bolts helps snug the top and get a better seal. There is a thread in another Bronco forum about this, several guys have removed the washers and all have found it to be a better fit. Also adjusting the front latch hooks on the windshield by loosing the bolts and moving towards the front of the car helps it latch tighter.

Really great just to unlatch and throw the top back without having to futz with the front panels.

View attachment 33182

View attachment 33183

Love Love Love the AMB.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

TheShark

Apr 07, 2022

#26

Can’t wait to go topless with her now

Just need to see the instructions or video on how to remove the panels

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

Deano Bronc

Apr 07, 2022

#27

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

Apr 08, 2022

#28

Speed Devil
Can’t wait to go topless with her now
View attachment 33216 View attachment 33217 View attachment 33218 View attachment 33219
Just need to see the instructions or video on how to remove the panels

I see you got the TrekTop. I'll be curious to see how you find the wind noise compared to the HT and your overall impressions.

2023 Bronco 4Dr Wildtrak

Speed Devil

Apr 08, 2022

#29

TheShark
I see you got the TrekTop. I'll be curious to see how you find the wind noise compared to the HT and your overall impressions.

letcha know next week

overall though I wont regret my decision, since never wanted the hard top at all

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

Apr 08, 2022

#30

I finally got to take the Bronco out on the highway since I made the adjustments and removed the washers to the Sunrider. I have to say it did make a difference, I'd say the wind noise is about on par with the HT, maybe even a little less.

2023 Bronco 4Dr Wildtrak

Deano Bronc, SuperMike

Dec 28, 2022

#31

TheShark
I finally got to take the Bronco out on the highway since I made the adjustments and removed the washers to the Sunrider. I have to say it did make a difference, I'd say the wind noise is about on par with the HT, maybe even a little less.

Based on what I’m reading in these posts I shouldn’t have the deafening wind noise on the freeway I’m experiencing with my Sunrider, correct?

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

SuperMike

Dec 28, 2022

#32

tlc13
Based on what I’m reading in these posts I shouldn’t have the deafening wind noise on the freeway I’m experiencing with my Sunrider, correct?

Is it open? I am assuming not.
Do you have a roof rack or light bar across the front that might create extra wind noise. But it sounds like it needs adjusting it is not compressing the seals properly.
Just a thought.

Dec 28, 2022

#33

I gotta check the seals on mine, might have gotten loose on my Bestop

If it's all good and still as noisy as she is, c'est la vie

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

Jakob1972

Dec 29, 2022

#34

TheShark
I installed the Sunrider last Saturday and really like it. It did take some adjusting to finally get it to seat correctly and it does make a difference with the wind noise. I have a 2dr so I can only speak for that installation but NOT using the supplied plastic washers on the back bolts helps snug the top and get a better seal. There is a thread in another Bronco forum about this, several guys have removed the washers and all have found it to be a better fit. Also adjusting the front latch hooks on the windshield by loosing the bolts and moving towards the front of the car helps it latch tighter.

Really great just to unlatch and throw the top back without having to futz with the front panels.

Hey what side steps are those? Did you have to alter them in any way to fit the the factory mud flaps?

Dec 29, 2022

#35

I saw a top today on YouTube called Mastertop. I checked the website and they only had Jeep top. Must be a prototype or I got the name wrong.

Dec 30, 2022

#36

Jakob1972
Is it open? I am assuming not.
Do you have a roof rack or light bar across the front that might create extra wind noise. But it sounds like it needs adjusting it is not compressing the seals properly.
Just a thought.

Ha! Nope, not open. 😜 I honestly think the service guys at the dealership didn’t put it on 100% correctly. I also had a massive flood in my front passenger floor the other day. So I took my baby back to the dealership and they ordered the parts to fix a known issue with leaking and put my front hard panels back on until we can get the known issue addressed. Once they do that they will re-install the Sunrider. If it’s still too noisy when I get it back, I will try to fix it myself. 💪

Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

Dec 30, 2022

#37

tlc13
Ha! Nope, not open. 😜 I honestly think the service guys at the dealership didn’t put it on 100% correctly. I also had a massive flood in my front passenger floor the other day. So I took my baby back to the dealership and they ordered the parts to fix a known issue with leaking and put my front hard panels back on until we can get the known issue addressed. Once they do that they will re-install the Sunrider. If it’s still too noisy when I get it back, I will try to fix it myself. 💪

Did you follow the info that @TheShark posted? If so, I'm curious to know if that helps...

It did take some adjusting to finally get it to seat correctly and it does make a difference with the wind noise. I have a 2dr so I can only speak for that installation but NOT using the supplied plastic washers on the back bolts helps snug the top and get a better seal. There is a thread in another Bronco forum about this, several guys have removed the washers and all have found it to be a better fit. Also adjusting the front latch hooks on the windshield by loosing the bolts and moving towards the front of the car helps it latch tighter.

https://thebronconation.com/general...top-vs-sunrider-top-t.7160/page-2#post-165736

My Sunrider is still in a box. No sun right now to ride with. I'll likely dig it out in May.

Wildtrak ⁞ 4 DR ⁞ HOSS 3.0 ⁞ Area51 ⁞ Lux+Leather ⁞ Tow ⁞ MIC+Sunrider Top ⁞ Res 5/11/21, Rec'd 9/30/22

Dec 30, 2022

#38

SuperMike
Did you follow the info that @TheShark posted? If so, I'm curious to know if that helps...

https://thebronconation.com/general...top-vs-sunrider-top-t.7160/page-2#post-165736

My Sunrider is still in a box. No sun right now to ride with. I'll likely dig it out in May.

The service guys at the dealership merely took the Sunrider off and put my hard top panels back on while we wait for the parts to fix the known issue of the leak. Once they do that, then they will reinstall my Sunrider. I told the service advisor who wrote up my ticket on Wednesday the info that TheShark posted. I’m hoping they take it all into consideration when they reinstall it. But, if it is still crazy noisy, I will definitely take matters into my own hands and fix it myself.

SuperMike

Feb 14, 2023

#39

Installing the Bestop Trektop on my 2dr tomorrow. It's supposed to be 70-something so that's about as good as it's going to get for a while here in KY as far as putting on a new top. Got a trip planned to the FL Keys first of March, gotta get that softie on before we leave.

On Order, 11/15/21: MY22 Badlands 2-dr, Carb Gray, 2.3L, 7spd, SAS, Lux Reorder, 9/23/22: MY23, dropped tow.
Sche'd Production: 11/28/22, Modules Live: 11/30/22. Delivered 12/02/22.

SuperMike

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