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Marilyn S.
Bought the 30oz twill. Is it okay to take it through the automatic car wash
It is generally not recommended to take the Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop through an automatic "brush-style" car wash, even with the premium 30oz Triple-Layer Acrylic Twill fabric.
Here is the breakdown of why and how you should clean it:
Why Avoid Automatic Car Washes?
Mechanical Damage: The heavy rotating brushes and long hanging strips in automatic washes can catch on the Sunrider’s hardware or side bows, potentially bending the frame or damaging the seals.
Chemical Aggression: Many automatic washes use harsh, high-pH chemicals that can strip the natural finishes of the Twill fabric over time, leading to premature fading or a loss of water repellency.
High-Pressure Seals: While the Sunrider is designed to be weather-tight, the concentrated high-pressure jets in touchless washes can sometimes force water past the bulb seals where the Sunrider meets the factory hardtop.
Recommended Cleaning Method
To maintain the 30oz Twill and ensure the longevity of the hardware:
Hand Wash: Use a soft-bristle brush and a mild liquid soap (like Ivory) or a dedicated convertible top cleaner. Such as: QuadraTop Soft Top Cleaner & Protectant
Low Pressure: Use a standard garden hose to rinse. If using a self-service "wand" wash, keep the nozzle at least 2–3 feet away from the fabric and seals.
Protectant: Since you have the premium Twill, using a protectant like Quadratop Wash & Protectant or Bestop Fabric Care once or twice a year will help maintain the deep black color and hydrophobic properties.
Verdict: Stick to touchless washes if you must use an automatic system, but a hand wash is the only way to fully protect your investment and avoid potential leaks or frame damage.
Here is the breakdown of why and how you should clean it:
Why Avoid Automatic Car Washes?
Mechanical Damage: The heavy rotating brushes and long hanging strips in automatic washes can catch on the Sunrider’s hardware or side bows, potentially bending the frame or damaging the seals.
Chemical Aggression: Many automatic washes use harsh, high-pH chemicals that can strip the natural finishes of the Twill fabric over time, leading to premature fading or a loss of water repellency.
High-Pressure Seals: While the Sunrider is designed to be weather-tight, the concentrated high-pressure jets in touchless washes can sometimes force water past the bulb seals where the Sunrider meets the factory hardtop.
Recommended Cleaning Method
To maintain the 30oz Twill and ensure the longevity of the hardware:
Hand Wash: Use a soft-bristle brush and a mild liquid soap (like Ivory) or a dedicated convertible top cleaner. Such as: QuadraTop Soft Top Cleaner & Protectant
Low Pressure: Use a standard garden hose to rinse. If using a self-service "wand" wash, keep the nozzle at least 2–3 feet away from the fabric and seals.
Protectant: Since you have the premium Twill, using a protectant like Quadratop Wash & Protectant or Bestop Fabric Care once or twice a year will help maintain the deep black color and hydrophobic properties.
Verdict: Stick to touchless washes if you must use an automatic system, but a hand wash is the only way to fully protect your investment and avoid potential leaks or frame damage.
Tifnie B.
How does BesTop Sunrider with sunscreen hold up on freeway driving? In the photo it looks like it isn’t tied down or secure. Does that mean it will flap while doing freeway speeds or in windy conditions?
The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop is widely praised for its stability, and users report no significant flapping or "parachuting" even at highway speeds of 70–85 mph.
While the top may look loose in photos, it is engineered to be high-tension and secure once installed. Here is how it holds up during freeway driving:
1. Security and "Tie-Downs"
The Sunrider does not rely on permanent tie-downs because it is a tension-based system.
Built-in Latching: When closed, it uses heavy-duty header latches that mirror the factory Freedom Panel design to create a weatherproof seal.
Open Position Stability: When flipped back into the open position, the weight of the frame and the folding geometry keep it in place.
Optional Straps: Every kit includes optional hook-and-loop tie-down straps. These are generally not needed for the freeway but are recommended for high-wind conditions or aggressive off-roading to prevent the top from bouncing forward.
2. Freeway Performance with the Sunscreen
If you are using the Bestop Sunscreen (the retractable mesh shade), it is specifically designed to work in tandem with the Sunrider.
No Flapping: The sunscreen features industrial-grade webbing and heavy-duty buckles to ensure a tight fit that filters light without creating wind noise or flapping.
Dual-Function: It is retractable, allowing you to roll it out for shade or back for full sun without needing to uninstall any components.
3. Noise Levels
While secure, it is important to note that any soft-material top will be louder than factory hard panels.
Road Noise: Expect a slight increase in ambient road noise compared to Freedom Panels, especially above 70 mph.
Twill vs. Black Diamond: Choosing the Twill fabric (30 oz.) over the Black Diamond (28 oz.) is highly recommended for highway drivers, as the heavier 3-layer material is significantly quieter and provides a more refined ride.
While the top may look loose in photos, it is engineered to be high-tension and secure once installed. Here is how it holds up during freeway driving:
1. Security and "Tie-Downs"
The Sunrider does not rely on permanent tie-downs because it is a tension-based system.
Built-in Latching: When closed, it uses heavy-duty header latches that mirror the factory Freedom Panel design to create a weatherproof seal.
Open Position Stability: When flipped back into the open position, the weight of the frame and the folding geometry keep it in place.
Optional Straps: Every kit includes optional hook-and-loop tie-down straps. These are generally not needed for the freeway but are recommended for high-wind conditions or aggressive off-roading to prevent the top from bouncing forward.
2. Freeway Performance with the Sunscreen
If you are using the Bestop Sunscreen (the retractable mesh shade), it is specifically designed to work in tandem with the Sunrider.
No Flapping: The sunscreen features industrial-grade webbing and heavy-duty buckles to ensure a tight fit that filters light without creating wind noise or flapping.
Dual-Function: It is retractable, allowing you to roll it out for shade or back for full sun without needing to uninstall any components.
3. Noise Levels
While secure, it is important to note that any soft-material top will be louder than factory hard panels.
Road Noise: Expect a slight increase in ambient road noise compared to Freedom Panels, especially above 70 mph.
Twill vs. Black Diamond: Choosing the Twill fabric (30 oz.) over the Black Diamond (28 oz.) is highly recommended for highway drivers, as the heavier 3-layer material is significantly quieter and provides a more refined ride.
Andrew H.
Is twill better than diamond fabric?
For the Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop, the "better" choice depends on your budget and how much you value long-term durability and interior comfort. While both fabrics are 100% waterproof and engineered for year-round use, the Black Twill is the premium, high-performance option, whereas Black Diamond is the durable, budget-friendly alternative.
Which should you choose?
Choose Black Twill if: You want the quietest ride possible and a "lifetime" solution. The 30 oz. triple-layer fabric provides superior sound dampening compared to standard vinyl. It also maintains its deep black color much longer and carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty, making it the most popular choice for daily drivers.
Choose Black Diamond if: You are looking for a lower price point or prefer a material that is easier to clean after a muddy trail day. It features the same textured vinyl look as a standard factory soft top. While it is thinner and louder than twill, it is exceptionally rugged and typically costs about $150–$200 less.
The Bestop Sunrider in Black Twill is widely considered the superior investment for the JL and JT platforms because it matches the premium feel of the interior and the lifetime warranty ensures you won't have to buy a replacement down the road.
Which should you choose?
Choose Black Twill if: You want the quietest ride possible and a "lifetime" solution. The 30 oz. triple-layer fabric provides superior sound dampening compared to standard vinyl. It also maintains its deep black color much longer and carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty, making it the most popular choice for daily drivers.
Choose Black Diamond if: You are looking for a lower price point or prefer a material that is easier to clean after a muddy trail day. It features the same textured vinyl look as a standard factory soft top. While it is thinner and louder than twill, it is exceptionally rugged and typically costs about $150–$200 less.
The Bestop Sunrider in Black Twill is widely considered the superior investment for the JL and JT platforms because it matches the premium feel of the interior and the lifetime warranty ensures you won't have to buy a replacement down the road.
Andrew H.
What is the difference between twill and diamond fabric?
The main difference between the two fabric options for the Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop comes down to material composition, durability, and noise reduction. While both provide a high-quality open-air experience, the Black Twill is a premium cloth-like material, whereas Black Diamond is a heavy-duty, traditional vinyl.
Key Differentiators
Longevity and Warranty: The Black Twill Sunrider is designed to be a "lifetime" product. It is significantly more resistant to UV fading and wrinkling over time. Bestop backs this with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, compared to the 5-year warranty on the vinyl version.
Cabin Quietness: Because the Twill is a thicker, triple-layer fabric, it acts as a better insulator against road and wind noise. If you frequently drive at highway speeds, the Twill will provide a noticeably quieter cabin experience.
Aesthetics and Maintenance: The Black Diamond Sunrider has a slight sheen and a textured pattern that matches the standard factory soft tops found on many Wranglers. It is generally easier to clean (mud and dust wipe off easily), whereas the Twill’s cloth-like finish can trap fine dust and may require a specialized fabric cleaner to maintain its deep matte look.
Recommendation
If you plan on keeping your Jeep for several years or use it as a daily driver, the Black Twill is the better investment due to its superior noise insulation and lifetime warranty. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to get the Sunrider experience and prefer a material that is easy to spray down after off-roading, the Black Diamond is a very capable and durable choice.
Key Differentiators
Longevity and Warranty: The Black Twill Sunrider is designed to be a "lifetime" product. It is significantly more resistant to UV fading and wrinkling over time. Bestop backs this with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, compared to the 5-year warranty on the vinyl version.
Cabin Quietness: Because the Twill is a thicker, triple-layer fabric, it acts as a better insulator against road and wind noise. If you frequently drive at highway speeds, the Twill will provide a noticeably quieter cabin experience.
Aesthetics and Maintenance: The Black Diamond Sunrider has a slight sheen and a textured pattern that matches the standard factory soft tops found on many Wranglers. It is generally easier to clean (mud and dust wipe off easily), whereas the Twill’s cloth-like finish can trap fine dust and may require a specialized fabric cleaner to maintain its deep matte look.
Recommendation
If you plan on keeping your Jeep for several years or use it as a daily driver, the Black Twill is the better investment due to its superior noise insulation and lifetime warranty. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to get the Sunrider experience and prefer a material that is easy to spray down after off-roading, the Black Diamond is a very capable and durable choice.
Theodore F.
If I buy the option without the sunscreen and change my mind, can I purchase the sunscreen at a later time?
Yes, you can.
Bill C.
What is the difference between the 28 oz black diamond and the 30 oz black twill
The main difference between the Black Diamond and Black Twill Sunrider for Hardtop is the material composition, durability, and overall appearance.
While both replace your factory Freedom Panels with a foldable soft top, the Black Twill is a premium, multi-layer fabric upgrade, whereas the Black Diamond is a standard vinyl-based material designed to match most factory soft tops.
Material Type : Black Diamond - Heavy-duty PVC vinyl
Weight: 28 oz.
Texture: Classic Jeep grain (textured)
Material Type: Twill - 3-layer acrylic fabric
Weight: 30 oz.
Texture: Smooth, cloth-like (luxury look)
Key Differences Explained
Longevity & Warranty: The Black Twill option is significantly more durable and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The Black Diamond vinyl is built for durability but carries a shorter 5-Year Warranty.
Acoustics & Insulation: Because the Black Twill is a thicker, 3-layer material, it provides better sound dampening and thermal insulation than the thinner Black Diamond vinyl.
Aesthetics: The Black Diamond has a textured, slightly shiny finish that matches the look of standard factory soft tops. The Black Twill has a deep, matte-black "cloth" look similar to what you find on luxury convertibles.
Flexibility: Vinyl (Black Diamond) tends to get stiff and harder to fold in cold weather. Twill remains soft and flexible even in freezing temperatures, making it easier to open and close year-round.
Recommendation
Choose the Black Twill Sunrider if you want the quietest ride, a premium appearance, and a lifetime investment. It is the most popular choice for daily drivers.
Choose the Black Diamond Sunrider if you want a budget-friendly option that matches a standard factory soft top or if you frequently deal with heavy mud, as vinyl is slightly easier to hose off than cloth.
While both replace your factory Freedom Panels with a foldable soft top, the Black Twill is a premium, multi-layer fabric upgrade, whereas the Black Diamond is a standard vinyl-based material designed to match most factory soft tops.
Material Type : Black Diamond - Heavy-duty PVC vinyl
Weight: 28 oz.
Texture: Classic Jeep grain (textured)
Material Type: Twill - 3-layer acrylic fabric
Weight: 30 oz.
Texture: Smooth, cloth-like (luxury look)
Key Differences Explained
Longevity & Warranty: The Black Twill option is significantly more durable and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The Black Diamond vinyl is built for durability but carries a shorter 5-Year Warranty.
Acoustics & Insulation: Because the Black Twill is a thicker, 3-layer material, it provides better sound dampening and thermal insulation than the thinner Black Diamond vinyl.
Aesthetics: The Black Diamond has a textured, slightly shiny finish that matches the look of standard factory soft tops. The Black Twill has a deep, matte-black "cloth" look similar to what you find on luxury convertibles.
Flexibility: Vinyl (Black Diamond) tends to get stiff and harder to fold in cold weather. Twill remains soft and flexible even in freezing temperatures, making it easier to open and close year-round.
Recommendation
Choose the Black Twill Sunrider if you want the quietest ride, a premium appearance, and a lifetime investment. It is the most popular choice for daily drivers.
Choose the Black Diamond Sunrider if you want a budget-friendly option that matches a standard factory soft top or if you frequently deal with heavy mud, as vinyl is slightly easier to hose off than cloth.
Chad D.
I have this for my 2021 Gladiator. It does NOT fit our new 2025 Wrangler. The soundbar is a different configuration and the rear mount plate does not fit. Without this piece the rear doesn't seal and there's significant buffeting at speed. I can't find any reference or solution to this, and your description says it fits 2025. We want to buy a second one for our newer Jeep. Please advise.
The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop is still marketed as fitting "2018–Current," but the hardware requirements have changed slightly for the newest 2025 interior configurations.
The 2025 "Rear Mount" Challenge
On older JLs and your 2021 Gladiator, the rear mounting plate (where the "Mushroom Knobs" go through) relied on a specific spacing in the plastic soundbar trim.
The Issue: The 2025 Wrangler has a revised soundbar/sport bar padding that is slightly thicker or differently contoured. This prevents the "Z-bracket" or rear plate from seating flush against the roll bar.
The Result: If that plate isn't flush, the rear "Halo" of the Sunrider can't pull down tight against the hardtop’s main seal. This creates a gap that leads to the significant buffeting and whistling you're hearing at highway speeds.
The Solution
Bestop has addressed this by updating their hardware kits. If you are buying a new second unit, you need to ensure you receive the revised hardware pack.
New Purchase: When you order a new Sunrider in Black Twill or Black Diamond, check the manufacturing date on the box. Units produced in late 2024 and 2025 include an updated "Step 4" in the instructions that accounts for the newer sport bar padding.
Retrofit for your current one: If you want to move your Gladiator's top to the Wrangler, you likely just need the updated mounting brackets. You can contact Bestop Customer Service directly (800-845-3567) and request the hardware kit specifically for a 2025 JL with the refreshed interior.
Installation Tip for 2025 Models
When installing on the 2025, many owners find they have to make a very small incision in the sport bar padding (hidden behind the trim) to allow the rear mounting bracket to reach the metal weld-nut in the roll bar. Without that "reach," the bracket stays too high, and the seal stays open.
The 2025 "Rear Mount" Challenge
On older JLs and your 2021 Gladiator, the rear mounting plate (where the "Mushroom Knobs" go through) relied on a specific spacing in the plastic soundbar trim.
The Issue: The 2025 Wrangler has a revised soundbar/sport bar padding that is slightly thicker or differently contoured. This prevents the "Z-bracket" or rear plate from seating flush against the roll bar.
The Result: If that plate isn't flush, the rear "Halo" of the Sunrider can't pull down tight against the hardtop’s main seal. This creates a gap that leads to the significant buffeting and whistling you're hearing at highway speeds.
The Solution
Bestop has addressed this by updating their hardware kits. If you are buying a new second unit, you need to ensure you receive the revised hardware pack.
New Purchase: When you order a new Sunrider in Black Twill or Black Diamond, check the manufacturing date on the box. Units produced in late 2024 and 2025 include an updated "Step 4" in the instructions that accounts for the newer sport bar padding.
Retrofit for your current one: If you want to move your Gladiator's top to the Wrangler, you likely just need the updated mounting brackets. You can contact Bestop Customer Service directly (800-845-3567) and request the hardware kit specifically for a 2025 JL with the refreshed interior.
Installation Tip for 2025 Models
When installing on the 2025, many owners find they have to make a very small incision in the sport bar padding (hidden behind the trim) to allow the rear mounting bracket to reach the metal weld-nut in the roll bar. Without that "reach," the bracket stays too high, and the seal stays open.
ROBERT D. Y.
Is the retractable sun screen includes?
Yes, when you select the option WITH SunScreen from the drop down menu.
Mike M.
What does moderate snow mean? I live in Minnesota and it is not uncommon to get 8 to 10 inches of snow. Would that cause a soft top to fail?
Snow Capacity & Performance
Moderate Snow (6-12 inches): The Sunrider uses a heavy-duty, reinforced frame and it can easily support a standard overnight snowfall of several inches without collapsing or stretching permanently.
Heavy/Wet Snow: If you are expecting a massive "dump" of heavy, wet Sierra cement or more than a foot of snow, it is best practice to brush it off. Like any soft top, extreme weight over a long period can cause the fabric to sag or put unnecessary stress on the seals.
Tension: Because the Sunrider replaces only the Freedom Panels (the front section), the span of fabric is relatively small compared to a full soft top. This smaller surface area makes it much more rigid and less prone to "pooling" snow than a full-length soft top.
Moderate Snow (6-12 inches): The Sunrider uses a heavy-duty, reinforced frame and it can easily support a standard overnight snowfall of several inches without collapsing or stretching permanently.
Heavy/Wet Snow: If you are expecting a massive "dump" of heavy, wet Sierra cement or more than a foot of snow, it is best practice to brush it off. Like any soft top, extreme weight over a long period can cause the fabric to sag or put unnecessary stress on the seals.
Tension: Because the Sunrider replaces only the Freedom Panels (the front section), the span of fabric is relatively small compared to a full soft top. This smaller surface area makes it much more rigid and less prone to "pooling" snow than a full-length soft top.
David W.
I have a roof rack that extends forward just to the rear seam of the freedom tops. Would that interfere with the operation of the Sunrider?
Whether your roof rack will interfere depends on the vertical clearance and mounting style of your rack.
How the Sunrider Operates
When you flip the Sunrider back, the fabric and its metal frame fold into a "Z" shape. In its fully open position, the assembly rests on top of the rear hardtop section, specifically just behind the main roll bar (soundbar) area.
Stack Height: When folded open, the Sunrider typically stands about 4 to 6 inches tall from the surface of the hardtop. If your roof rack sits lower than this height over the rear section of the Jeep, the top will hit the rack before it can fully open and latch into its safety straps.
Rear Seam Location: You mentioned your rack extends to the "rear seam of the freedom tops." This is the exactly where the Sunrider needs to land when open. If the rack has a front crossbar or a "wind fairing" that sits directly over that seam, it will almost certainly block the top from folding back.
Interference Factors
Platform Racks (e.g., Rhino-Rack, Front Runner): These often extend over the entire roof. Unless the rack is mounted very high (usually over 6 inches of clearance), you cannot flip the Sunrider open.
Basket-Style Racks: If your rack is a basket that starts at the seam and has a vertical front wall, it will prevent the Sunrider from reaching its final resting position.
Crossbar Systems: If you only have crossbars and the front one is placed behind the Sunrider's "landing zone," you should be fine.
How the Sunrider Operates
When you flip the Sunrider back, the fabric and its metal frame fold into a "Z" shape. In its fully open position, the assembly rests on top of the rear hardtop section, specifically just behind the main roll bar (soundbar) area.
Stack Height: When folded open, the Sunrider typically stands about 4 to 6 inches tall from the surface of the hardtop. If your roof rack sits lower than this height over the rear section of the Jeep, the top will hit the rack before it can fully open and latch into its safety straps.
Rear Seam Location: You mentioned your rack extends to the "rear seam of the freedom tops." This is the exactly where the Sunrider needs to land when open. If the rack has a front crossbar or a "wind fairing" that sits directly over that seam, it will almost certainly block the top from folding back.
Interference Factors
Platform Racks (e.g., Rhino-Rack, Front Runner): These often extend over the entire roof. Unless the rack is mounted very high (usually over 6 inches of clearance), you cannot flip the Sunrider open.
Basket-Style Racks: If your rack is a basket that starts at the seam and has a vertical front wall, it will prevent the Sunrider from reaching its final resting position.
Crossbar Systems: If you only have crossbars and the front one is placed behind the Sunrider's "landing zone," you should be fine.