Bestop Trektop Slantback - “Premium Black Twill” ?

[contented]

I’m thinking about buying the above mentioned top in what Bestop calls “Premium Black Twill”. Due diligence searching isn’t yielding much here on B6G. There’s very little on YouTube for that matter. Has anyone installed one or able to shed any light on the topic?

Thanks. Contented

Sponsored

 

[MilesTeg]

I have one on my 2DR Badlands. It's also the top Ford resells if you choose the "soft top" option for a 2DR. At least in my MY.

Overall, I give it a B grade.

Pros:

• I like the overall look when closed and with side/back windows removed
• quick and easy way to get open air and back -- great where I live where it can go from sunny to a thunderstorm in 5 minutes. It's a great compromise for having the top fully off which is just not wise where I live. I have a bikini top under it as well for sun protection when the roof is folded back.
• The twill fabric is high quality, and water proof so far. I've driven in driving rain/snow and frequently use a spray and wash and the fabric has not leaked. The frame and other parts are also high quality. No complaints about sturdiness, general quality.
• It was easy to install (needed a buddy for one part) but did take a couple hours.
• You can switch back to a hard top fairly easily by removing most (not all) of the soft top hardware. Some things can't be removed easily, like a stick on seal around the bed, but they don't prevent reinstalling the hard top.
• The windows stretch nicely taunt and aren't just floppy like some soft tops. However, getting the side windows in the first time was a bit of a challenge as they were a bit too tight at first. Much better than floppy/saggy windows though!

Cons:

• Fit/finish isn't great, the fabric bunches weirdly above my doors leaving a gap where I can see the frame. See attached picture (front top of driver's side window).
• Cannot use an automatic car wash, and even using a spray and wash is a bit tricksy to not spray water into your vehicle. The fabric doesn't leak, but the main top just has flaps with partial velcro to hold them that only provide water protection for water going "down". Have to be careful to only spray water at a downward angle when washing the sides and back.
• For the 2DR, the top doesn't fold all the way down, it folds over accordian style at the top back. On the 4DR it folds all the way down to the back.

One last note:

I had a bit of a struggle installing mine due to a FORD manufacturing variance. Part of the B pillar on my driver's side is just a fraction of an inch further back than normal, so I had to modify (file) the bottom window bracket to get it in. This also left a gap you can see at the front bottom of the rear window in the attached pic -- only on the driver's side (I could probably fix this with a bit of fiddling). Clearly a FORD issue, not an issue with TrekTop.

 

[contented]

Miles, thanks for the detailed write-up. Much appreciated.

Two questions, how long has it been on? And would you do it over given the chance.

Again, thanks for the info.

 

[MilesTeg]

Miles, thanks for the detailed write-up. Much appreciated.

Two questions, how long has it been on? And would you do it over given the chance.

Again, thanks for the info.

I've only had it for about 10 months. I would buy it again but not without looking for other options I liked more (of which there were none when I bought it). It does what I want, but it's not a slam dunk

 

[Beach_Bum]

Bestop offers their products in a vinyl and a premium black twill. Beyond the outer layer difference, the premium black twill has an intermediary layer that the vinyl does not. Always opt for the premium black twill. The vinyl is cheaper - but it's garbage.

 

[wzntme]

Just an FYI, I just ordered the Sunrider for my 4DR Badlands.. Just got an email saying back ordered for 3-5 weeks.. Which they would put that on there site.. Not sure on the other models..

Sponsored