When summer is finally approaching, it’s time to start thinking about removing the Jeep’s hardtop and putting it away for a while. It is as simple as removing the hardtop and storing it somewhere. However, if we do it incorrectly and store it carelessly, we might pay quite a high price for that carelessness. We must also consider the price of these hardtops. Based on this reality, what are the best Jeep hardtop storage ideas?
Among the best and most commonly used Jeep hardtop storage ideas are:
- Electrical hoist
- Manual hoist
- Transport cart
- DIY systems
Any of these ideas can be helpful to accomplish the objective; it all depends on the available budget and how much effort you want to dedicate to this task.
The task of storing the Jeep hardtop can be a relatively simple activity if you plan for it. You need to organize the steps, have all the tools and accessories you will need, and maybe help a couple of friends to finish this task much faster. But don’t worry, read on, and you’ll get all the information you need about Jeep hardtop storage.
What Are The Advantages Of Having A Hardtop On A Wrangler Jeep?
Many Wrangler Jeep owners prefer soft tops because they are much easier to remove and put on, plus they are much easier to store. However, there are many reasons why owners of this iconic vehicle only have hardtops as their only option.
Hardtops Are Tougher And Last Longer
Something that generally gives a soft top will do almost no damage to a hardtop. There is no doubt that the hardtop will always be the more durable between the two roof options.
The Hardtop Offers More Excellent Insulation From The Outside
When you have to drive your Jeep in cold or extreme weather, you will appreciate having this type of roof. The hardtop offers far superior insulation from the outside than a soft top. But not only does it have advantages in cold weather, during the summer. You can also turn on the air conditioning. You will notice that all the air stays inside the vehicle without any leakage. Also, hardtops make the driving experience much quieter.
With A Hardtop, You Can Have A Roof Rack
If you are interested in having a roof rack, the hardtop will allow you to do so without any problem. Typically, this roof rack installation will transport bicycles, kayaks, or any other item you want to carry on the hardtop.
How Complex Is It To Remove The Jeep Wrangler Hardtop?
If this is the first time you are removing the hardtop from your Jeep Wrangler, it may not seem like an effortless task. Initially, this process can be a challenge. Everything will depend on the equipment you have to disassemble it.
An important recommendation is to seek the help of another person who has more experience in these disassemblies. Unlike the soft top, which folds very quickly, the hardtop requires special care and techniques. This care will help us not damage it unnecessarily spend on a new replacement.
Essential Elements For The Correct Disassembly Of The Hardtop
It is crucial to consider some tips before properly removing the hardtop from your Jeep. Before starting to remove the hardtop, you should take into account the following:
- You must lift the hardtop in a straight line; you must not tilt it backward without having support to hold it. You should also never drag it along the body of your Jeep.
- You must take care of the weather protection around the top of the hardtop. Reinforcing this area of the hardtop will ensure that it is not damaged.
- You should remove any accessories or electrical connections from the hardtop.
Jeep Wrangler Hardtop Storage Ideas
When the summer is approaching and the heat begins to appear, we know it’s time to think about disassembling the Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop. The hardtop of the Jeep is bulky and heavy, so if it is in our possibilities to look for a tool that will make our life easier every time this process arrives. The critical thing to know is that several options are available for all tastes and pockets. Below, we will review the most popular and ingenious ones.
Electric Hardtop Hoist
The beauty of this type of hoist is that it does not depend on the people’s brute strength. Electric hoists use powerful, heavy-duty electric motors that perform the function of raising and lowering the hardtop.
Although these devices are pretty powerful, they can present problems during installation. These hoists require strong roof support to support the heavy electric motor. However, if you plan carefully, you can get the most out of this powerful lifting system.
In addition, another exciting advantage of this intelligent machine is that it not only serves to lift the roof. It also acts as a static storage device.
The Manual Hardtop Hoist
This system does not rely on an electric motor but on a set of reinforced pulleys that help distribute the weight and evenly lift the Jeep’s hardtop. Generally, this system is less expensive than the electric hoist. Still, it can give us big installation problems and operational obstacles; besides, it will generate substantial wear for the force we will have to use.
However, if the Jeep’s owner installed it correctly, we will have an effective, simple, and economical hoist at our disposal.
Transport And Storage Cart
This storage system has become a popular choice among Jeep Wrangler owners in the last few years. The great advantage is that the trolley serves a triple function: it works as a lift, serves as a practical transport for the hardtop, and is at the same time a storage place.
These carts can be easily placed under the hardtop, lifted, and then rolled without much effort to store it comfortably.
The significant disadvantage of these transport carts is their high cost; however, it is essential to analyze this purchase as a long-term investment. They are heavy-duty trolleys and can last for many years.
Do-It-Yourself Systems
Do-it-yourself hardtop lift systems have the main characteristic of giving free rein to the creativity and available resources of Jeep Wrangler owners. People who love DIY will always prefer this method over the previous ones.
This option can be very similar to the manual hoist. Perhaps its main difference is that everyone creates this system without following a standard pattern. The disadvantage of this system is that the person could often skip vital steps that provide safety and efficiency in disassembling the hardtop.
Things To Consider Before Applying Hardtop Storage Ideas
Removing your Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop can be a nightmare if we don’t do it correctly. But it also can be a systematic and easy experience when we plan correctly. Before implementing the storage idea that works best for you, there are a few things to consider.
Getting The Place And The Space To Store The Hardtop
If we are not very organized and have a messy garage during the winter, it is time to make some changes. In this case, the only thing we can do is clean, tidy, and clear the area where we want to store the hardtop.
The most advisable is to clear the back part of the garage. The explanation is straightforward; this way, the hardtop will be as far away as possible from the parking area of your vehicle, thus minimizing the probability of accidentally damaging it. It also keeps the kids away, so they won’t make it their new playhouse.
Call Several Friends
Before proceeding with the disassembly of the hardtop, it would be an excellent idea to call some friends. Usually, this job can be very complex for one person, especially if you don’t have the proper tools and lifting equipment.
Store The Hardtop Safely
Do not run the unnecessary risk of losing parts such as screws in the disassembly process. If you look closely, the hardtop should have specially designed compartments for storing screws and small parts, essential for reassembly once the cold weather returns.
Can You Store A Jeep Hardtop Upside Down?
Yes, you can store a Jeep hardtop upside down. You need to take proper precautions so you do not damage your hardtop.
The two main things you need to do is put down some padding to avoid scratching or cracking the hardtop, what I have done in the past is put down several pieces of cardboard box (laying it flat) then putting a large movers blanket down. This will create a soft surface with padding that will keep your Jeep hardtop safe.
Is it OK to store Jeep hardtop on its side?
No, you should not store your Jeep hard top in its side, this could damage your hardtop or the side windows. When stored upright the Jeep hardtop has structure on the sides that support the weight of the top itself. When stored on the side the hardtop is essentially “C” shaped and the bottom part of the “C” is supporting weight and the pressure point where you could get stress cracks are on the top portion of the hardtop. This isn’t ideal and could shorten the lifespan of your hardtop.
A Final Thought On Hardtop Storage Ideas
We must recognize that Jeep Wrangles hardtops are not an inexpensive part. Hardtops are large, heavy, and take up a lot of space, which means we must take steps to protect them when we are not using them. This fact should prompt us to implement some of these storage ideas, to take care of our investment and make this task as easy as possible.
