There are numerous advantages to selecting a Jeep hardtop over a soft top. However, there is usually one major issue. It is not easy to remove a hardtop. As a Jeep owner, you may occasionally yearn for the freedom of driving in the open air.

Given how difficult it is to remove the hardtop, this is a luxury that you may not be able to enjoy. What if getting some fresh air while still keeping the hardtop attached to the car was possible?

The Bestop Sunrider for hardtop is designed to allow cool air into your cabin without removing the hardtop.

The Sunrider is a replacement for your hardtop’s Freedom panels. It is retractable and can be opened whenever you need to enjoy nice weather while driving or parked.

Many Jeep hardtop owners can enjoy open-air driving while keeping their hardtop attached to the Bestop Sunrider.

The Sunrider exposes more than just the front seats to the sky. It is waterproof, simple to install, and has numerous other advantages.

Before you buy the Bestop Sunrider for hardtop, if you have recently discovered it or if a friend has recommended it. You should be aware of some common issues with this hardtop accessory.

In the following guide, I will discuss common Bestop Sunrider issues and whether it is a worthwhile accessory to purchase.

1. Leaks caused by improper installation

The Bestop Sunrider is installed in place of the Freedom panels. This accessory comes with an installation guide. If you skip a step or make a mistake during installation, you will have leaks every time it rains, or you enter a car wash.

Please keep in mind that this is not a Bestop Sunrider issue but rather the result of poor installation.

If you are not skilled at installing car accessories, consider having an expert install this accessory on your hardtop. This will ensure that there is little leakage.

The Bestop Sunrider often leaks where it meets the freedom panels. Also, even when properly installed, expect leakage in high-pressure car washes.

2. Noisy

You will not appreciate how noisy the Bestop Sunrider is if you spend a lot of time on the highway. It’s a bit softer than the freedom panels.

As a result, it makes a lot of noise when it hits the wind while driving. When the Sunrider is open, the noise level increases.

Wind and road noise are both examples of noise. It’s a fantastic accessory that allows fresh air into your cabin, but you’ll have to deal with noisy rides.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done about the Bestop Sunrider’s noise. Most Jeep owners grow accustomed to it over time.

3. Expensive

A Bestop Sunrider for a hardtop can cost between $800 and $1000. Unless you make money in your backyard, this is a lot of money to spend on a mod that only allows fresh air into your cabin.

If this is a feature that you value, it will be worthwhile in the long run. However, spending a thousand dollars on a Bestop Sunrider might not be such a good idea if you’re on a tight budget.

The Bestop Sunrider’s high price is one of the main reasons most people avoid purchasing it. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a used Sunrider because it may be in poor condition.

4. Fades Eventually

If you live in a sunny area all year, you will need to invest in a good fabric cleaner and protector.

Even though the Bestop Sunrider is made of high-quality materials, the fabric fades over time when exposed to UV rays.

To avoid driving around with a worn-out Sunrider that may detract from the appearance of your Jeep, keep it clean and treat it with a protector regularly. This will keep it looking nice for a long time.

The Sunrider requires more effort than a standard hardtop.

These are the four most common issues raised by Jeep owners who own the Bestop Sunrider. It would be unfair if we didn’t list them. Aside from the flaws mentioned above, the Sunrider has some advantages.  

What Do Customers Think of The Bestop Sunrider For Hardtops?

Bestop Sunrider has 4.5/5 stars on Amazon and other platforms. That means more than 85% of those who own it adore it. It would not have received such high marks if the product had been ineffective.

Here is a roundup of some of the positive Bestop Sunrider reviews:

• Among the many compliments the Sunrider has received, its design has received the most attention.

People with hardtops on their vehicles struggle to remove them to enjoy the open-air experience. The Sunrider takes the place of the Freedom panels and is simple to open and close.

If you are driving on a hot sunny day, simply retract it, and the cabin will receive a cool breeze.

• The Bestop Sunrider is also praised for its ease of installation.

The majority of customers who installed this accessory on their Jeep did so on their own. You simply need to follow the instructions, and you’ll have it fitted in no time.

Remember that your experience with this product is heavily influenced by installation. Avoid leaks at all costs. It’s best to latch it every time you close it.

• It is constructed with high-quality materials.

A couple of Bestop Sunrider reviews mention how it does not leak. If properly installed, you can drive through the rain without fear of water entering the cabin.

• Some Jeep hardtop owners like how the Sunrider looks after being installed.

This is debatable, however, because some people believe it does not look as good as the freedom panels. The appearance is more of a personal preference that you must make on your own.

Also Read: CAN YOU USE ANTI-SEIZE ON WHEEL HUB? (EXPLAINED)

Should You Invest in a Bestop Sunrider for Your Hardtop?

Do you enjoy driving in the open air with the wind in your hair and face? Are you willing to spend several hundred dollars on a luxury feature for your Jeep? Then I would recommend investing in a Bestop Sunrider.

We can all agree that many Jeep owners enjoy being outside. If you have a hardtop on your car, removing it all the time is exhausting and time-consuming. With a Sunrider installation, you will never have to remove the hardtop to enjoy the fresh air.

It is simple to open and close. It’s also simple to set up. What I like best about this feature is that no modifications are required during installation. You only need to clip it in position, and you will be good to go.

You should know the potential drawbacks before purchasing this Bestop Sunrider for your hardtop. The leaks, however, can be fixed with proper installation.

However, you cannot avoid the issues of noise and fading. If you take proper care of your Bestop Sunrider, it will last longer.