Are windjammers functional?
- Thread starter FirstJeep
- Start date
They do block the wind from the rear somewhat. With the doors off, I'm not sure that will help all that much. I ran a windjammer on a couple of previous Wranglers, TJ & JK, but eventually they ended up in a box on the shelf for good. I didn't like how it limits your rear view. IMO only.
You're welcome. I used to see a TJ that ran a bikini/windjammer/tonneau cover year-round, so someone likes what they do!
I did this with Bestop's separate safari top + windjammer + tonneau cover for a while. To the OP, it definitely fun and functional. However, I wish I just had a full soft top to put up and put down whenever the weather permitted. Because with all the separate Bestop pieces, it doesn't keep rain out. Light rain is fine, but anything past that expect to get wet.
I've been running one of Bestop's wrap-around windjammers with my Trektop NX in "safari" mode since early April/late March. Run it top on, top off, window uppers on, just lower doors, and once so far with doors totally removed. I do have one of the sun shades/screens from Alien installed so have yet to run it truly topless.
In my experience there is a noticeable difference in airflow through the front compartment/cab. Particularly it cuts down on the amount of wind blowing in the from the rear. Slight to moderate noise reduction as well (could just be me though). When using my sun shade/screen from Alien I have noticed airflow going "down" behind me. Cross wind/air-flow feels reduced when using just the lower half doors to the point I don't have to tighten down my hat to keep it from flying off. Most of my driving has been in town, but I usually make a 60 mile one-way trip on weekends. So far the only time this year I've had my doors totally removed was in town, so no first hand knowledge for airflow in the cab at highway speeds (hopefully that changes soon).
Cole
TJ Enthusiast
In the summer, sans kids, I usually run the tonneau cover over the rear, windjammer, and half doors (sometimes with the windows but usually without). In my experience you can absolutely tell a difference with significant wind reduction, significant drag reduction and that's even with just the half doors and no window. If you toss your window skins on and have the windows up, you get almost no wind (but what fun is that).
It's nice if you're driving in the early morning and it may be a bit chilly, but the afternoon is looking awesome. Windows up and windjammer and you're golden.
It's nice if you're driving in the early morning and it may be a bit chilly, but the afternoon is looking awesome. Windows up and windjammer and you're golden.
Cole
TJ Enthusiast
Yeah I have the same issue... I'll usually tighten up the straps as much as I can and then just put the seat back. Things seem to work themselves out especially when everything warms up in the sun.
I run my Windjammer in the spring. Keeps the cold air out somewhat in the chilly mornings (35 degrees this morning), but in the afternoon it is cool enough and still allows airflow. I keep my cab cover in the back for days like today when its raining and it sits in the parking lot all day at work.
From a recent thread on the subject of Windjammers:
Adding to that:
In good weather I would sometimes use the Windjammer and sometimes not. The Windjammer substantially reduced wind buffeting at highway speeds and on the trail it dramatically reduced the volume of dust on driver and passenger. Even so, unless I was on a long highway trip I preferred the open air feeling with it stowed away.
See: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/windjammer-question.21413/Mr. Bills said:
Adding to that:
In good weather I would sometimes use the Windjammer and sometimes not. The Windjammer substantially reduced wind buffeting at highway speeds and on the trail it dramatically reduced the volume of dust on driver and passenger. Even so, unless I was on a long highway trip I preferred the open air feeling with it stowed away.
Cole
TJ Enthusiast
I roll mine tight and use 3 ball bungee cords around the roll bar to secure it. Usually it's rolled tighter but haven't done much since winter is still trying to hang around.
I love my windjammer. Like many have already stated, it does help cut down the wind. It makes it so I can run no back windows in my soft top, in the mornings. I do have my uppers on in the morning and top up. Then in the afternoon on the way home I just pull the uppers off and drive home. It does help cut down the wind a lot to me when I have the uppers off and back windows out. Even when I run with the sun roof open, (with alien shade) it makes it so I can easily where my hat and not worry about it trying to blow off.
Only thing I don't like about it, but am willing to deal with it, is that it makes it harder to look back to your left. Creates a blind spot in a way. You have to try to look between the windjammers side material and the soft top. Not to big of an issue but still kind of irritating for me. Of course with the uppers off, it isn't an issue.
Only thing I don't like about it, but am willing to deal with it, is that it makes it harder to look back to your left. Creates a blind spot in a way. You have to try to look between the windjammers side material and the soft top. Not to big of an issue but still kind of irritating for me. Of course with the uppers off, it isn't an issue.
There are definitely trade offs, but it allows your heater to function and keeps wind and rain off your neck on highway runs. I personally run a safari, windjammer, and tonneau cover in the summer and to the trails.