Soft Tops

Off-road enthusiasts who like the wind in their hair but not necessarily rain or snow at highway speeds often use soft tops for their 4x4 vehicles. Soft tops for Jeeps and other 4x4s are very different than a convertible top on a sedan. A convertible top is permanently attached to the vehicle. When retracted, a convertible top is normally stored in the vehicle's trunk, which is convenient for the driver but will decrease the available cargo room. A soft top on a 4x4 vehicle uses the Jeep's window frames and roll bars, and sometimes a supplemental frame, to support the structure. From an off-roader's perspective, a 4x4 soft top is superior to a typical convertible top because it can be completely removed from the vehicle to free up cargo space, and even when carried on the vehicle it will take up less space than a convertible top.

Some soft tops are only designed to cover the two front seats, leaving the back of the 4x4 open to the air. These tops are referred to as cab tops, bikini tops or brief tops, depending on the manufacturer. Presumably, there is no option for boxer tops. Deck covers also provide partial coverage, but they cover the back of your 4x4. They look a bit like miniature tonneau covers and have the same advantages of protecting your gear from the weather as well as disrespectful bypassers.

Soft tops for 4x4s are made from rugged, waterproof materials. More typically, the tops have layers of material which are waterproof and lightly insulated. The tops have plastic windows which can be clear or tinted, and depending on your vehicle, they can come with door skins as well.

As with many aftermarket parts, 4x4 soft tops are available as either factory replacements or aftermarket upgrades.