by Kellen Wilson
Special to Torque
As Jeep enthusiasts, we inherently understand the allure of an open-air experience in our vehicles. We know the joy we feel after removing those Freedom Panels and looking up to see the sun and sky. But we also know open-air driving is a luxury only available when the weather cooperates.
That’s why I became intrigued with the QuadraTop SkyLite Clear Hardtop Panel. It offers a unique blend of the hardtop's protection and the open feeling of a topless Jeep—altogether providing a compelling year-round panoramic view of the sky regardless of rain, snow, or heat.
The SkyLite Clear Hardtop Panel is specially engineered to seamlessly fit the JK, JL and JT Wrangler, and utilizes a high-quality tinted polycarbonate for superior UV protection while maintaining a tight, weatherproof seal.
Now, let me start by saying I’m an avid Jeeper. I love the Jeep life, and this 2015 Wrangler Unlimited and I have been on and off-road across various parts of the country for the past several years. That said, it’s also made me very particular about the parts I put on my Jeep and how they affect my driving experience.
The first thing that struck me about the QuadraTop SkyLite Panel was the dramatic increase in natural light and visibility. It transforms the cabin, making even routine drives feel more engaging. You can see the stars, clouds and surrounding landscape, regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.
Second, the most common concern I hear about clear top panels is the 'greenhouse effect'—the idea it will turn the inside of your Jeep into an oven. The QuadraTop SkyLite Panel eliminates this with a tint covering the clear top, giving it a distinct dark gray appearance from the outside—effectively reducing UV and heat transfer. I put this to the test, leaving my Jeep in a parking lot to bake on an 80-degree day. I can confidently say there was no noticeable difference in interior temperature compared to the factory hardtop panels.
The installation is remarkably straightforward and is a simple swap for your existing Freedom Panels, requiring no tools. While you do have to make minor cuts in your roll bar fabric to push screws through the roll bar, it’s a very minimal and simple modification. Installation is easy enough that if you did want to go completely topless and doorless, the process is quick enough.
Of course, no product is without issues. And the SkyLite Panel’s seal is probably at the top of most people's minds. Well, this one is engineered for a tight OEM fit, and while I've found road noise to be negligible, you need to take time and precisely tighten down the screws to ensure a quiet, secure fit. Additionally, like any clear material, scratches are a possibility over time. But if you are careful, this shouldn’t be an issue.
That said, in my experience, the benefits of this panel far outweigh any minor drawbacks. The QuadraTop SkyLite Panel provides a unique driving experience, combining the protection of a hardtop with the immersive views of an open-air vehicle. So, if you want to enhance your Jeep's visibility and enjoy panoramic views year-round, it is a worthwhile and highly functional upgrade.