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Can you drive with the hard top glass open?

7298 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  Mudrunner, 
Shots
Maybe this is a dumb question, but I can't find it on a search. This is my 1st Wrangler so this is all new to me, and I hope you all can help.
Can you drive with the rear hatch open on the hard top?
I know people worry about CO, that's not what I'm worried about (I'll have the windows down). I'm talking about if I buy a 2x4 or something that's just a bit too long, yet I don't want to tow my trailer for a single board. Can you drive with the rear glass open on the hard top without ruining it?
Does Jeep have any official word on doing this? Has anyone done it with a JL who has opinions, or experiences they'd like to share?
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M
Obviously its suggested that you don't drive with the rear hatch open, as you can damage the pistons by going over bumps. I don't think you risk doing anything by doing it on the rare occasion however, just take it easy on the road. You'll want to open some other windows as well, just so you don't create a negative pressure zone and pull in exhaust fumes.
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Shots
Thanks for the response.
Yes, it would be rare occasions if at all. I just didn't want to do something to mess up the top or glass, and since I've never had a Wrangler, or any vehicle with a rear hatch, I don't know what can/can't be done. Oddly, Jeep doesn't say anything about it one way or the other. I would think they'd have an official word on either not doing it, or the proper way to do it.
Thanks again, for your insight.
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M
Not a problem. Happy to help. I think in the future Jeep should consider a redesign that allows them to place the rear window in the tailgate instead.
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Shots
That would be cool. Similar to a door window, where it lowers into to door? I guess they could make it like a convertible's door window, that closes against a seal rather than sliding in a track. Hmmmm. That would be very interesting.
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M
I just think it makes more sense from a utility standpoint, and lets face it the hardtops on Wranglers haven't changed all that much in the past decade. As they start to move to EV variants in the coming years, they are going to have to update some of the more primitive designs.
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J
Mudrunner said:
Not a problem. Happy to help. I think in the future Jeep should consider a redesign that allows them to place the rear window in the tailgate instead.
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We'll have to see what rival car makers are doing because very rarely can a car maker compete in a segment but do things drastically different from the rest.

Currently i'm waiting to see what the Fj Cruiser successor will be like.
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M
I don't think there is going to be a successor to the FJ Cruiser. Toyota was showing off the Ft-4X concept for quite awhile, but it seemed more like a test bed for new features. Looks like they decided to offer an Adventure trim on the new Rav4 instead.
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