Ursa Minor Pop-Top Jeep JK

[shays4me]

Hi All,

I've finally filmed a massive review video of my J30, this might be the most detailed review of this roof ever.

In detail I go through all the features, optional upgrades, modifications I've made, the price, and cover all the questions I get asked about this thing!
Grab a comfortable chair - this is a BIG one!
-Dan

Now you've got me looking all over the house for that spirit level that I know I have somewhere.........Great video and thanks for a couple ideas!

 

[rustypayne]

Hi All,

I've finally filmed a massive review video of my J30, this might be the most detailed review of this roof ever.

In detail I go through all the features, optional upgrades, modifications I've made, the price, and cover all the questions I get asked about this thing!
Grab a comfortable chair - this is a BIG one!

Let me know if you have any more questions!

-Dan

That is now the definitive review of the Ursa Minor. Between you and Venture4wd it's a great testament to the durability of the tops. On top of that you've both rolled them on the side with nary a scratch.

 

[Drumber]

All you really need at this point is Dan's video and anything Chris @venture4wd has filmed.

 

[mlochowitz]

Can anyone recommend a good dealer or shop in the midwest (I'm in Green Bay, WI) what would do the install or has some done an install in the past? Thanks!!

 

[rustypayne]

Can anyone recommend a good dealer or shop in the midwest (I'm in Green Bay, WI) what would do the install or has some done an install in the past? Thanks!!

I'm in Michigan and drove out to San Diego to get mine a couple years ago. The install only took about half a day and we had a good time camping our way back home.

 

[mlochowitz]

I'm in Michigan and drove out to San Diego to get mine a couple years ago. The install only took about half a day and we had a good time camping our way back home.

Thanks! I ordered my J30 last week and am so excited! It will be ready by May which is perfect. We have been sleeping in the Jeep for the past few years and it works well, but I tired of having to take all my gear in and out to setup the bed.

 

[mlochowitz]

I have a 2014 JK. Based on a post as saw earlier in the thread someone said that the high point of the J30 top is 13" from top of the back glass. I have 13 1/4". I can remove about 1/4-1/2" of trim from the garage door too. This is with a fully empty jeep with the stock rear bumper. The weight of the top and gear might buy me a bit more margin too. I was thinking of adding the solar and rack rails but if I am this close, is it best to not add them and see if I clear first? I didn't expect to be able to make it but if can pull in to the garage this will be such an added bonus. Worst case I swap my 35's for 33's I guess.

 

[JoyRider]

The Ursa has few flaws but the lack of handles on the outside was one for me. I had some handles laying around from a van build that never got used so I mounted them yesterday. Much improved IMO.

Untitled by K A, on Flickr

Untitled by K A, on Flickr

Untitled by K A, on Flickr

Hey, you've had your handles for more than a year... How are they holding up? I just took delivery on my J30 and I sure could use a grab handle to help with closing the top, and also with getting in and out from outside.

 

[86scotty]

Sorry but I can't tell you. I sold my J30 about 6 months ago. While i had it the handles held up great with a good bit of use. If I can remember who I sold it to I'll get you in touch with him. I believe he is a member here.

 

[Yuke]

I'm in Michigan and drove out to San Diego to get mine a couple years ago. The install only took about half a day and we had a good time camping our way back home.

backwoods overland is a east coast dealer in Maryland. A bit of a drive, but not too bad. Come down and explore your way home. Pm me if we can help.

 

[Bruce_B]

Hey, you've had your handles for more than a year... How are they holding up? I just took delivery on my J30 and I sure could use a grab handle to help with closing the top, and also with getting in and out from outside.

I used 1 inch webbing for pull handles and a piece of EMT conduit for a center lift handle. These have held up fine for two years.

 

[RastaPasta]

I'm in Michigan and drove out to San Diego to get mine a couple years ago. The install only took about half a day and we had a good time camping our way back home.

What did you do with your stock top? Did you sell it in the San Diego area or did you drive out there with a bikini top or something? I'm currently figuring out what works best for me. I live in NJ, so shipping would be easier (plus not paying CA tax), but I have family out in AZ so I could make a trip of it if I went to Ursa Minor itself (plus all of the awesome National Parks out there), but driving like 42 hours out there without a roof sounds... loud.

 

[rustypayne]

What did you do with your stock top? Did you sell it in the San Diego area or did you drive out there with a bikini top or something? I'm currently figuring out what works best for me. I live in NJ, so shipping would be easier (plus not paying CA tax), but I have family out in AZ so I could make a trip of it if I went to Ursa Minor itself (plus all of the awesome National Parks out there), but driving like 42 hours out there without a roof sounds... loud.

I have an aftermarket soft top that I put on for the drive out and was able to put the seats down and store it for the drive home. Sold my hard top on CL at home. One thing I didn't think about ahead of time was CA sales tax on the purchase so it was several hundred $ more than I was expecting. My own fault for not realizing it but still it's something to consider.

 

[Dan Grec]

What did you do with your stock top? Did you sell it in the San Diego area or did you drive out there with a bikini top or something? I'm currently figuring out what works best for me. I live in NJ, so shipping would be easier (plus not paying CA tax), but I have family out in AZ so I could make a trip of it if I went to Ursa Minor itself (plus all of the awesome National Parks out there), but driving like 42 hours out there without a roof sounds... loud.

I listed mine on San Diego CL for $1500 about 2 months before I was going to get my Ursa Minor, and it was snapped up right away.
The guy paid a deposit and was more than happy to wait.
When the day came he met me at Ursa Minor's shop, and together we lifted it off my Jeep onto his, then John and the crew installed the J30 onto mine.
I gave the $1500 straight to John, which was a perfect way to reduce the price.

-Dan

 

[RastaPasta]

I have an aftermarket soft top that I put on for the drive out and was able to put the seats down and store it for the drive home. Sold my hard top on CL at home. One thing I didn't think about ahead of time was CA sales tax on the purchase so it was several hundred $ more than I was expecting. My own fault for not realizing it but still it's something to consider.

Yea, not paying tax would save me about $500 or so even with the shipping cost to NJ. However, the flip side of that is it'd be nice to have it professionally installed. I'm sure I can handle it, but still.

I listed mine on San Diego CL for $1500 about 2 months before I was going to get my Ursa Minor, and it was snapped up right away.
The guy paid a deposit and was more than happy to wait.
When the day came he met me at Ursa Minor's shop, and together we lifted it off my Jeep onto his, then John and the crew installed the J30 onto mine.
I gave the $1500 straight to John, which was a perfect way to reduce the price.

-Dan

Thanks Dan! I was thinking about doing the same thing. My Issue is I have the red, body color top which might make it a little harder to sell. I also need to have the holes filled and painted on it because I have the Rhino Rack Backbone setup for my current RTT.