soft top windows question in winter time

[Germanshepherd]

hi , this will be my first winter with the TJ. I have the soft top, new top. I did a lot of reading on soft tops in winner but my main concern is the rear window. The temps here can get low as single digits but typically 20-30's. when I go grocery shopping, will I be able to unzip and lift the rear window or will it crack? will the heat of the jeeps heater keep it pliable enough?
wondering how all of you in the colder climates with softop deal with such issues. thanks

 

[Jerry Bransford]

When the vinyl window is frozen in those conditions, it's not a a good idea to to unzip or bend it. I would just open the tail gate and slip the groceries in under the rear window. Only if the top and window was warm from the Jeep's interior heater would I dare to unzip or bend it.

 

[Germanshepherd]

When the vinyl window is frozen in those conditions, it's not a a good idea to to unzip or bend it. I would just open the tail gate and slip the groceries in under the rear window. Only if the top and window was warm from the Jeep's interior heater would I dare to unzip or bend it.

thanks Jerry.. will use some common sense when the time comes.. I can get by by slipping things under the window with just the tail gate open . I do take my dogs places and for that, not sure they will be able to jump in with just the tailgate open and window down. going to test that out tomorrow and see if they can get in with the narrow opening. they are shepherds so not very small dogs but small for shepherds so may be ok.

 

[fourpointzero]

I've survived NJ winters and daily driving + errands such as groceries w a soft top, year round. I think the biggest pain and concern is snow piling on and the constant thought of removal when parked overnight in the snowstorm.


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[fourpointzero]

....i failed to mention, as Jerry stated, I simply open the rear gate and slide items in without unzipping the window(s)


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[Germanshepherd]

....i failed to mention, as Jerry stated, I simply open the rear gate and slide items in without unzipping the window(s)


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Thanks!! Was wondering if having a 2x4 or some PVC tubing to put across the roll bar inside to keep some of the weight off the center and prevent some sagging. Got 28 inches of snow last year.

 

[fourpointzero]

Thanks!! Was wondering if having a 2x4 or some PVC tubing to put across the roll bar inside to keep some of the weight off the center and prevent some sagging. Got 28 inches of snow last year.

I honestly don't know the answer to that question. I just head outside when the snow finishes accumulating and push it off. Or, periodically, I brush it off as it starts to build.

I've never added support.


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[glwood]

Thanks!! Was wondering if having a 2x4 or some PVC tubing to put across the roll bar inside to keep some of the weight off the center and prevent some sagging. Got 28 inches of snow last year.

They do sell an arch support bar with brackets that you can add to the roll bar to prop up the fabric.

Can't remember the name of the brand, though...

Edit:
http://www.morris4x4center.com/skid-row-offroad-top-prop-sr-jp-0106.html

 

[Stinger]

Being in the Utah mountains all winter I saw a lot of jeeps with soft tops. Never saw one suffer from snow load but saw many with damaged Windows from being moved while frozen.