Update on my “stuff” for the Wrangler. These damn things are like adding accessories to an AR!
I picked up a new top from Bestop, the TrekTop NX. It’s an after market soft top that sits on the roll bar in the back and has that “fast-back” look to it.
The best way to describe it is a safari top with side and back panels with good door surrounds to keep the rain out. I’ve gotten wet more than a few times with my safari top. This unit is like a soft top, the rain does not make it in around the doors but you can take the sides and back off. I really like this thing.
If I continue to be good I may get a hi-lift jack or some more interior accessories for the dash etc for Christmas.
Now that I have my Noveske 16" VTAC and a BCM light weight (all set save an EoTech) it’s time to start thinking about bumpers.
+1 On “das Commander” (as my boss calls it - she steals it whenever she can.)
Where handling is concerned, I came to this after owning Benz wagons for almost 10 years, and resigned to the fact of having to seriously step down in performance.
Quite the surprise: its a beast - rock solid handling and very very fast.
Only real drawback - outrageous fuel consumption - 15 miles to the gallon, on a good day…
Ironically the factory trained Mercedes mech doing work on my wagons actually drove a jeep and swore by it. Go figure - but so far he’s been right.
Will post a pick or two when it’s good 'n dirty.
Mopar is actually selling two pick-up bed transformation kits, one for the do it yourselfer and one for bodyshop install. The AEV set-up isn’t street legal. Me, I’m going to sit tight and hope for a factory version with a Fiat diesel in it, word is that something is in the works.
Word is 2014 the Wrangler style Jeep is being discounted on a every year production basis, and a Jeep Truck is being made. Supposedly every 10 years they will bring a new Wrangler style Jeep out.
Been looking at this very top for a TJ. On balance, it would seem to be a pretty ideal solution, but I’m curious how it impacts interior space (not that it really matters). Have you snapped any photos of your install?
OP - have you picked out anything yet? Here’s my take on the matter, as my wife and I just went through the same decision.
I ended up with a 2011 rubicon unlimited in black (actually got the black ops call of duty edition :haha: ) Took a while to find one though apparently black Rubicons are kinda scarce. I’ve driven a '12 and the HP difference, while neat on paper, really wasn’t that perceptible IMO. I’d be curious to dyno a 2011 and 2012 to see the actual ‘meets the road’ HP difference. The new tranny is great, a few MPG better so that’s a plus. With the tires aired to spec and going 67 I still get 21mpg in my 2011.
End of the day, the improved interior was all I really wanted, so I looked at anything after the 2010 models. It’s real cool to have something this rugged with Bluetooth, sat radio, a conventional 2 prong plug, etc. They’re fun - happy hunting!
Sorry, no pics and I just put the hard top back on 2 weeks ago for the season. You do loose a little space but not much at all. I also used this in conjunction with the “FlexATrunk” from Bestop, it was a little tight when I closed the tail gate so I took off the weather stripping from the top section. I ran it all summer without the back seat in, I did bring home a new recliner that I put in the back, I just removed the back panel of the top.
