Jeep Wranglers come in various makes and models. A hardtop Wrangler is a superb vehicle to travel with. But not all of the Wrangler model’s hardtop weighs the same. The top’s weight also affects the Jeep’s total weight and capacity. Do you want to know how much a Jeep Wrangler hardtop weighs?
A Wrangler’s hardtop weight varies on the Wrangler’s model and door numbers. For example, the 4-door Unlimited model’s hardtop weighs 140 pounds which is the same as JKU, JL, and JU’s hardtop weight. On the other hand, a TJ’s top weighs 150 pounds, while a TJ’s canopy weighs 145 pounds.
The Jeep Wrangler JK has the lightest hardtop, weighing only 90 pounds. However, it’s forbidden to carry weight on the top. But some drivers claim that Wranglers can endure up to 150 pounds.
How Much Does A Jeep Wrangler Hardtop Weigh?
A Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop weight depends on many factors. The number of doors in the Wrangler, model, and making year of the Jeep fix the Wrangler’s hardtop’s weight. So, you can’t generalize the Wrangler’s hardtop weight just by the name.
The YJ model’s hardtop weighs 150 pounds, while the TJ model weighs 145 pounds. Surprisingly, the Wrangler LJ has the same hardtop weight as the YJ.
However, with 90 pounds of hardtop weight, the Wrangler JK is the lightest. But the Wrangler JKU, JL, and the JLU model hardtop weigh 140 pounds.
Sometimes people confuse the Jeep’s total weight with the Wrangler’s hardtop weight. In reality, a Wrangler’s total weight depends on its generation and the hardtop’s weight on door numbers.
Here’s a summary of the Hardtop weight distribution of various Jeeps:
Jeep Model | Hardtop Weight |
Jeep Wrangler YJ | 150 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler TJ | 145 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler JK | 90 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler JKU | 140 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler JLU | 140 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler JL | 140 lbs |
Model-wise Weight Variation Of Jeep Wrangler Hardtops
Various people like various types of Wranglers. As a result, the Wrangler’s model has different sizes and hardtop weights. Plus, the hardtop’s three parts also distribute the top weight throughout.
The two tiny pieces of the top weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. But the most prominent part weighs 80 to 100 pounds on average.
Some people claim that the hardtop’s weight changes with the Wrangler’s generation. In reality, the number of doors plays a crucial role.
Wrangler Unlimited
The Wrangler Unlimited model (between 2007 to 2018) hardtop weighs more than 140 pounds if it’s a 4-door Wrangler. There’s no specific weight regarding the 2-door Wrangler model.
Wrangler JL
If you own a 2-door Jeep JL from 2018 to 2022, its hardtop weighs around 110 pounds.
Renegade
A 4-door Jeep Renegade’s hardtop from 2014 to 2022 weighs more than 115 pounds.
Some Wrangler model hardtop’s weight doesn’t depend on door number and year. For example, a Jeep Gladiator’s hardtop weighs 110+ pounds, and a Cherokee weighs around 150 pounds respectively.
Maximum Weight Capacity Of A Jeep Wrangler Hardtop
Before determining the Wrangler’s maximum weight capacity, you must consider some facts. For example, the type of weight, canopy’s strength, materials used in building the top, and many other points affect a Wrangler’s weight-carrying capacity.
The Jeep Wrangler hardtop can easily carry 70 kg or 150 pounds of dynamic weight. However, according to the brand’s guidelines, you can’t carry any weight on the hardtop.
This is where we will discuss these mysterious facts regarding the Wrangler’s weight capacity.
Making Material
Sheet Molding Compound, also known as SMC, is made of resins, thickeners, fiberglass, and polymer resins. These compounds make the top more durable but lightweight.
You can carry tires, roof racks, camping and hunting equipment, and baggage on your Wrangler’s top. But the total weight reaches 150 pounds with tents on the roof.
Many Wrangler owners said they carried more than 200 pounds on the top. But it can create edgy cracks and leaks in the ceiling.
Adding Bar And Roof Racks
Many bars and roof rack manufacturers claim that their accessories can help the Wrangler to carry more than 600 pounds.
However, the SMC roof alone weighs 80 pounds. So, having 600+ pounds seems a bit doubtful.
Dynamic And Static Weight
Static weight means the weight a Jeep can carry when it’s not running. Generally, the Jeep Wrangler JK Rhino can carry up to 800 pounds of static load on the roof. But, the dynamic load is way less than the static weight.
The same Jeep can carry 264 pounds of dynamic weight while driving. This includes the passenger’s weight, carried equipment, and the vehicle’s weight.
Door Numbers
A Wrangler increases in size with the number of doors. For example, a 2-door Wrangler’s canopy can hold 100 to 150 pounds. In contrast, a 4-door Jeep has an increased surface carrying 150+ pounds.
Some Tricks and Tips For New Drivers With Jeep Wrangler Hardtop
If you’ve bought a Jeep Wrangler and are a new driver, we bet you’re excited to open the hardtop. But you can mess it up if you lack experience and guidance. So we’ve some tips you can follow in dealing with the Wrangler’s hardtop.
Latch Releasing
Release the latches inside the Wrangler to open the hardtop slightly. Look in the visor in case you can’t find them.
Electric Devices
Some electrical devices are attached to the Wrangler’s hardtop. If you ever want to remove the hardtop, remove those devices from the Jeep’s top.
The electrical devices control the hardtop of your Jeep Wrangler. Follow the owner’s manual to find the exact positions of these devices.
Find Secure Points
It’s tough for new drivers to locate the secure points independently. Instead, you should follow the Wrangler’s manual to find these secure points.
Secure points may vary depending on the Wrangler’s make and model. It will help to know better about the hardtop on your Jeep.
Look In The Apps
Use an android or iOS app to lower the hoist. It becomes pretty elementary to connect the Wrangler’s hardtop with the hoist if it’s dropped.
The App can show you every detail about the Jeep, including its hardtop weight and crucial points.
FAQs
It’s tough to gather only the information from the analysis about the Wrangler’s hardtop weight. This is where FAQs play a vital role. This Jeep Wrangler hardtop weight-related query will give you detailed information on this topic.
Is removing the Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop by yourself okay?
Yes, it’s perfectly alright to withdraw the Wrangler’s hardtop yourself. However, if you’re a newbie, ask your neighbor or an expert mechanic for a helping hand while removing the Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop.
Can you store the Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop?
You can keep the Jeep Wrangler’s hardtop any time you want. First, follow the hoisting procedure to remove the top and store it simultaneously. Then, you can again install and use it in the winter or rainy season.
Does switching from a hardtop to soft top damage the Wrangler?
Switching from a hardtop to a soft top doesn’t damage the Wrangler. But some cons come with a soft top. For example, washing the soft top is pretty complex; runny mud can harm the engine and electric parts.
What is the average weight of a 2-door hardtop Jeep Wrangler?
The average weight of a 2-door hardtop Jeep Wrangler is 100 pounds, give or take. If you’re buying an older version of a 2-door Jeep Wrangler, the weight may increase to a few pounds.
What is the average weight of a 4-door hardtop Jeep Wrangler?
A 4-door hardtop Jeep Wrangler weighs more than 120 pounds on average. Therefore, the vehicle’s lifetime, design, and model play a critical role while fixing the 4-door Wrangler’s weight.
Is the Jeep Wrangler JK model heavier than the YJ model?
A Jeep Wrangler JK is much heavier than a YJ model. For example, a Jeep JK weighs approximately 4269 pounds. On the other hand, the YJ model’s weight is around 3200 pounds.
Final Words
The Jeep Wrangler has a lot of variations almost in every generation. However, the hardtop’s weight doesn’t change with the generation but with the model and year.
As a result, new drivers often confuse the Wrangler’s total weight with the hardtop’s weight. We hope the discourse about how much a Jeep Wrangler hardtop weighs has provided the detailed information a Wrangler owner needs.
Knowing the hardtop’s weight beforehand helps to choose the ideal Wrangler for a driver. Try to follow the tips if removing the Wrangler’s hardtop for the first time.
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