Ok, so i ordered a Trek Top in April and after waiting a month it finally shipped. i did my research on this forum noting the dates on the posts when people ordered and what model they received, being almost certain that i would receive the tailgate bar version (this is the one i wanted). i even asked the rep on the phone what version they would be shipping to me and they confirmed that it was the version with the tailgate bar. my top finally came in this week. i was excited as i've sold my factory soft top already, and was elated to the fact that i could finally run a soft top / topless again since the weather is nicer. i get the top home and open 'er up. BWAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. it's the old model w/the velcro strip for the rear window. WTF! i even checked on the bestop website and the instructions online show the version with a tailgate bar.

for those of you that have the old model w/the velcro, do you have any problems? do you wish you had the tailgate bar version?

for those of you that have the tailgate bar version, are you happy with it?

i really want to get my hard top off and start enjoying the topless weather. i contacted bestop and they said that the tailgate bar version is still in design stage and that they would start shipping in a couple of weeks. bestop, hats off to you for getting back to me so quickly. they offered to ship me the version that i wanted and even pick up the one that i received in error. but i paid big bux in shipping / duty / taxes (i'm in canada) to get this top up here and i'm not about to shell out more cake to get the new one.

would you install the old model and just be done with it?

or wait for the new model to ship to you?
help me decide friends!

 

i just got mine too. Its the velcro version. I have had it on for 2 weeks with no issues. I think the bar / velcro thing is just preference. I'm pretty sure you could order just the tailgate bar, i know people have gone that route. I plan to keep mine the way it is unless I find an issue.

 

The tailgate bar is optional. All Trektops come with the velcro on the bottom window. As a matter of fact, the tailgate bar does have velcro on it also, but it doesn't line up properly to work with Trektop and not really necessary as the bottom of the window just slides into the groove of the tailgate bar. From what I understand (and I could be wrong)...I believe the tailgate bar was originally meant to be used on the TJ but fits on the JK.

So don't stress over it...if your Trektop has the two tension straps on the inside in the rear and over the front cab on the inside, you have the latest version.

The tailgate bar is nice as you don't have to rip the velcro open every time you open the tailgate, but it also fits on pretty tight so when you do need to remove the tailgate bar it's sort of a PITA (but I'm thinking it will loosen up over time). What I don't like is that there ends up being a gap between the weatherstripping in the corners about the size of a quarter on each side of the tailgate. We actually did get wet carpet earlier this week just from a heavy mist overnight...I think it rolled down the window and into the cargo area. Might need to figure out a fix for that.

 

I forgot to mention...you need to purchase the tailgate bar separately (about $45). I'm surprised Bestop didn't mention that when you talked to them.

 

Mine only has one strap in the front, Nothing in the rear. I assume mine is the old version. Still, no issues thus far. What was the issue with the old version?

 

thanks for your quick replies guys! my concern was

1. old version doesn't have the 2 straps
2. opening the tailgate w/the velcro on it

i gotta check and see if they sent me the one with the 2 straps you're talking about. i know that the tension straps were a big deal / upgrade from the older model. i guess ur both right that it's a preference deal. i dunno. i really just wanna run this top. i may just bite the bullet and install it. then swap out if / when bestop sends the new one.

thanks again guys!

 

they never mentioned it. in fact they said, verbatim "it is still in design stage and will ship in a couple of weeks. let us know what model you want and we'll ship it to you. then we'll pick up the old top when the new one arrives"

seem like a nice bunch of folks...

if i have the version with the tension strap up front and the 2 in the back i think i'll just live with the velcro and install it. it's killing me that i'm running around in this weather w/my hard top still on!

 

I think the old version had the rear tension traps on the outside. The new version them moved them to the inside and added the the strap in the front.

 

Maybe they are coming out with yet another new version that does include the tailgate bar. That would be nice...maybe that would resolve the fitment issues with the weather stripping.

We are still waiting for a warranty replacement on ours. The J hooks on the back window were sewn on incorrectly and it will not stay attached at the top. Been waiting now for at least 5 weeks....
Still using it though....hard top is safely stowed in the garage and just living with the window issue for now.

 

do you want to sell the one you have... i live in Windsor and i am looking for one