Cab Covers: Raingear vs Bestop

MaxCollins

MaxCollins

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I'm looking to buy a cab cover for my 06 LJ. Raingear and Bestop seem to be the two most recommended here (and the only 2 I can find that even fit the LJ).

Both are about the same price and I'm trying decide between the two. Does anyone here have experience with both of them and willing to comment on why I should choose one over the other? I like the fact that the Bestop uses the soft-top channels in the tub, but other than that it looks heavier/bulkier material than the Raingear cover. From the pictures I've seen the Raingear cover looks to be lighter weight than the Bestop - easier to handle and smaller to store - but I'm not sure if that is true.

I only drive the Jeep when the weather is nice anyway and I want to take my top off and run bikini pretty much year-round. When I'm not driving it the jeep will be parked in the tractor shed (roof, no walls) so the cab cover is just to keep blowing rain and dirt and critters out of it. I have no light bars or any other obstructions to fit over.

Thanks, Max
 
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I can’t comment on the Raingear version, but I have the Bestop I use occasionally for my LJ.

One thing about the Bestop using the soft top channel, the plastic clips are not the whole length of the cover in that area. Only 3 little clips per side. 1 near each end and 1 in the middle. Each one is only about 1-1/2 to 2 inches long. I wish they were full length like the soft top because they pop out easily sometime.

It uses elastic bands to attach to the windshield hinges, tail lights and around the spare tire/carrier/trailer hitch. In my experiences, elastic bands loose their elasticity over time and just become a loose wavy looking strap. New ones could be sewn on at an upholstery shop if it came to that.

I’ve had mine for maybe 3 years, or a little less, and the elastic straps are still fine. I’ve only used it in the spring and fall though. I may start using it real soon and und use it all summer.

It does fit over the Bestop Safari top when it’s installed.
 
I have a Raingear and really like it. My Jeep is a part-time daily driver, so when I commute in it to work, I throw it on when I park (open parking lot, no parking garage). Once I initially got the straps adjusted properly, it only takes about 3-4 minutes to get it on and all cinched down. Been using it nearly 10 years now. When stuffed into its storage bag it is about the size and shape of a stuffed sleeping bag. I toss it in the passenger side floorboard to carry it with me, or it will ride just fine in the back seat if I have a passenger.

One extra thing I like about the Raingear is the provision for mirrors. I have no experience with the Bestop, but pictures seem to indicate that it has no mirror provisions., either the oem mirrors, or something else when the doors are off. The Raingear has slots for mirrors with heavy-duty velcro to close the slots reasonably securely around the mirrors
 
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rouxbicon said:
I have a Raingear and really like it. My Jeep is a part-time daily driver, so when I commute in it to work, I throw it on when I park (open parking lot, no parking garage). Once I initially got the straps adjusted properly, it only takes about 3-4 minutes to get it on and all cinched down. Been using it nearly 10 years now. When stuffed into its storage bag it is about the size and shape of a stuffed sleeping bag. I toss it in the passenger side floorboard to carry it with me, or it will ride just fine in the back seat if I have a passenger.

One extra thing I like about the Raingear is the provision for mirrors. I have no experience with the Bestop, but pictures seem to indicate that it has no mirror provisions., either the oem mirrors, or something else when the doors are off. The Raingear has slots for mirrors with heavy-duty velcro to close the slots reasonably securely around the mirrors
Click to expand...

That is true about Bestop having no provisions for mirrors. I forgot to mention that. If I’m running no doors, I have small motorcycle type mirrors in the tops hinges and just fit the cover around them to the back. If I have my full doors on I just fold the mirrors in.

@rouxbicon , does the Raingear cover snap into the tub track at all like the soft top does, or is it strictly straps?

I‘ve been considering replacing my Bestop cover with one if they will make it in the khaki/tannish material they Mentioned on their page.
 
My Raingear cover hasn't been out of it's bag in 5 plus years but when I used it regularly I loved it. It doesn't clip into the soft top channels. It extends past them and includes adjustable straps for attaching to the body corner, frame, or whatever is available that works best.
 
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I can only comment on the BestTop. There is no top on mine and is stored outside uncovered so the BestTop Trail Cover stays on to keep the rain and critters out and it does a good job of that. As already mentioned, the elastic scraps lose their stretch (mine have anyway) and there are no mirror provisions. Mine has small body mounted mirrors (no doors) and the cover just lies a little crinkled against them but not enough to cause a gap. One other issue is that it will collect rain water between the windshield and cross bar. A taught bikini top may provide more support and remedy this but I made a removable PVC intermediate cross bar to help with the pooling. If you leave the BestTop in the weather it will mildew but cleans up easily with a pressure washer while installed on the Jeep.
To add to a previous comment about the plastic channels that attach the cover to the soft top rails on the tub, mine run the length of each side so it keeps the cover fairly tight and secure. With those and the 4 draw straps that hook to the body under the doors, there is no problems with strong winds loosening the cover or blowing rain in. The only place that is loose is along the tail gate since the elastic that goes around the spare is stretched out. A couple snaps here would make is pretty secure.
 
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BigKID said:
To add to a previous comment about the plastic channels that attach the cover to the soft top rails on the tub, mine run the length of each side so it keeps the cover fairly tight and secure.
Click to expand...

Oh man, they must have changed it up at some point. I feel it would be better with a full length plastic piece.
 
MaxCollins said:
I like the fact that the Bestop uses the soft-top channels in the tub, but other than that it looks heavier/bulkier material than the Raingear cover.
Click to expand...

If Bestop uses a heavier material than Raingear, I'm glad I went with Raingear because it is already "heavy-dutier" than needed. I also have a KC lightbar so that eliminated Bestop as an option.

MaxCollins said:
From the pictures I've seen the Raingear cover looks to be lighter weight than the Bestop - easier to handle and smaller to store - but I'm not sure if that is true.
Click to expand...

From owning the Raingear and watching the Bestop product video, I find that unlikely to be true.
 
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Thanks for all the great feedback. There doesn't seem to be a clear winner here, but definitely cleared up my mis-perception that that the Raingear top was lighter.

I love this forum.
 
I had a Bestop cab cover for my LJ and ended up trading it to a friend for something I can't even remember. The quality was good but it was a beast to use. I didn't keep it long enough to see how it would do in the rain. The material was was probably heavier than it needed to be. Maybe if I was younger and taller I wouldn't have found it be such a pain in the butt to put on and take off. I never even tried to put it back in the bag it came with. I don't think it would have fit.

I have a MOPAR cab cover for my TJ and it's the complete opposite. It's OK in a light rain but not a prolonged downpour. It's a breeze to put on and take off ... much lighter.
 
I am also searching for a cab cover for my TJ. I cannot find one that will clearly state that it will fit over a folded down soft top. I am looking for the following and cannot find a match, any help is appreciated:

- Full doors so I do not need the cover that goes all the way down the side
-Soft top on but folded down
-"waterproof"- I know none are truelly waterproof but I will have sunshade on to prevent water pooling


thanks for any help
 
I have the bestop on one of my LJ's right now with the soft top folded down.

I don't like that it doesn't have mirror provisions and will be getting the raingear for this jeep.
 
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Johnfromphilly said:
I am also searching for a cab cover for my TJ. I cannot find one that will clearly state that it will fit over a folded down soft top. I am looking for the following and cannot find a match, any help is appreciated:

- Full doors so I do not need the cover that goes all the way down the side
-Soft top on but folded down
-"waterproof"- I know none are truelly waterproof but I will have sunshade on to prevent water pooling


thanks for any help
Click to expand...
My Raingear easily fits over my folded down soft top.
 
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coachr45 said:
Which model rainwear there are two?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Good question...it appears one of the two TJ models is designed to fit with a hardtop on or soft top raised up, and the other is designed for no top or soft top folded down. If memory serves correctly, there was only one model when I ordered mine nearly 10 years ago, and i'm pretty sure it is the one designed for no top or soft top folded down. Mine fits nicely with the top folded down.
 

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