Jeepers! Even though it’s almost Labor Day there's still a lot of summer left and we’ve got time yet to enjoy the open air! (But, if you're done-done-done with summertime and those open Jeep rides, then put a mesh top on your list for Santa and enjoy it next year... and read on for some options to consider!).
Recently, ExtremeTerrain sent me their TruShield FullShade Mesh Top to try out and review, which of course I was happy to do!
The TruShield FullShade Mesh Top provides UV protection on those open-air rides.
After installing and giving the FullShade top a good test in the hot Colorado sunshine, a sudden rain shower, and daily drives morning, noon, and evening, here’s my rating:
Product Quality gets 5/5 stars. This top is made from a heavy duty mesh that's very sturdy. Time will tell, but so far this top seems like it’ll last for years.
Made from heavy-duty mesh fabric, this sunshade full-length top will likely last for years.
Ease of Install gets a rating of 5/5 stars. Approximate install time is 15 minutes with no tools needed. (Once you’ve got the hard top off, of course…) Simply lay the mesh over the top of your open Jeep and attach around sport cage bars with the included bungee cords. Just be careful not to snap yourself in the knuckles with those cord balls if you let go of the bungees…
The quick install consists of bungee attachments at various points on the sport cage and Jeep frame.
Functionality gets 5/5 stars. The XT website Q&A section about this FullShade top states that it blocks 70-80% of the sun, and the mesh is UV-coated. While it doesn’t have an official UV rating, I can tell you that even after 90 minutes driving around in the Colorado sun I wasn’t sunburned in the least – and I would usually burn within 20 minutes in unblocked sunshine at about 5,000 feet altitude. What I like best about this FullShade top is that I get that awesome feeling of riding in a wide open Jeep, without having to cover up from those rays!
Another positive is that this top securely installs with the bungee cords such that there is very little flapping in the wind. Usually during the summer I install a full bikini top on my Jeep and it's difficult to secure taut enough and there’s always wind noise and flapping. But this mesh top installs flush with the sport cage, and since wind can pass through the mesh that helps it stay in place also.
Then there was a nice surprise -- built-in zipper pockets! What?! Yes! When I saw these I was super stoked (since I’m super organized) – there’s a decent-sized pocket at each front corner to use for storage! And, since this mesh top could actually be left on your Jeep under your hard top, you could potentially have this extra storage year round! Just don’t put papers in the pockets if you’ve only got the FullShade on, because they’ll get wet in the rain.
The built-in zipper pockets at each front corner keep errant stuff contained.
The only drawback to this top was that it doesn’t give ANY protection from the rain. But it’s not a rain top, is it, so I’m totally okay with this and it didn’t make me like this product any less. After all, this top is designed for fair-weather Jeeping – just make sure you pack a poncho or rain jacket in your rig for those sudden showers!
Yes, it rains when the sky is blue here in Colorado. But you're prepared for that, right, Jeepers?
Ease of Use gets a rating of 5/5 stars because install is super easy, you have the option of leaving the mesh top on your Jeep all the time, and the zipper pockets keep miscellaneous items contained. ‘Nough said?
Finally, I gave Cost 5/5 stars. I feel it’s a fair price for quality materials that I believe will last for years.
Bottom line is I think this is a solid product. Quality material and workmanship, and it works as intended. I think TruShield and ExtremeTerrain did a great job on this simple way to make your summer Sunday drives more enjoyable!
FullShade on a Sunday drive...
Shop mesh tops here:
Thanks so much to ExtremeTerrain for sponsoring this post. I love your quality product offerings, knowledgeable staff, and fast shipping! All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own. And, thanks to my readers for your support and continued love of all things Jeep and the great outdoors!
by Dawn Gallegos
Dawn Gallegos is the founding editor of the Chicks On The Rocks blog. When she's not working to fund her Jeep habit she's thinking up new ways to inspire others to explore the great outdoors!
About ExtremeTerrain
ExtremeTerrain.com is a leader in aftermarket Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma and Tundra parts and accessories. Located just outside Philadelphia, PA, ExtremeTerrain provides Wrangler, Tacoma, and Tundra owners with fast shipping and enthusiast-level, award winning service, while also ensuring the conservation and protection of off-road trails.