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jpspaz · 08-31-2021, 05:11 PM

Took my '19 JLU on it's first RV trip of about 2500 miles. All was well until I got home. After unhooking to park it in the garage, I noticed that it seemed a little loud in the cabin. Going to work the next day and since then, I have had issues with the hard top. It rumbles with every road imperfection and is creating a pressure sensation in my ear drums. I am a member on several Jeep forums and have spoken with others who are experiencing the same thing (some right off the dealer lot).

What I have tried to fix it:

Removed and refastened the hard top
Placed foam and towels between the top and roll bars (helped a little)
Went to the dealer - was told by the tech who rode with me that he definitely noticed it. Service advisor said it was normal.

I am posting this here in the hopes that someone may have a suggestion. I don't know why this first flat tow trip caused this issue but if I did I might be able to fix it.

The only way to improve the situation is to take off the hard top. With even the front freedom tops off, the noise goes away. Windows open or closed makes no difference although at highway speeds with the windows down there is a buffeting noise as if only one rear window was open. That is also new to this Jeep.

Some of you will undoubtedly say that it's a Jeep and that's how they are. I disagree with that. This isn't my first and might be my last. I've never had this problem before but it might force me to get rid of it.

ROUGHRIDER3 · 08-31-2021, 06:47 PM

Does Wrangler have a air vent in the back somewhere like some pick-ups have?
Is it blocked or not functioning. Sounds as if you are having a pressure build up inside then it suddenly escapes making the pulsation sound. Pressure build up will make top flex and set-up harmonics as well. I have the same problem riding my motorcycle with a big windshield if I do not open the windshield vent a little. I also get a lot of head turbulence without the vent open some. This is due to the vacuum created behind the windshield, the vent breaks the vacuum and things calm down.
Roof flexing is somewhat stopped by your foam rubber and towels.

jpspaz · 08-31-2021, 07:53 PM

There is a vent flap in the rear door. I did check that. It seems to be working normally but others have removed it altogether and seen some improvement.

**Lt Dan** · 08-31-2021, 08:19 PM

I have the same or similar thing with my JKU. It always sounds like a rear window is open slightly. I did not have the same issue with my JK 2dr and I attribute the 4dr doing it to the extra opening and door seals.

nvs4602 · 08-31-2021, 08:49 PM

My daughter bought a sound damping mats for hers mad a big difference.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/boom-mat...4aAlbQEALw_wcB

jpspaz · 09-01-2021, 06:01 AM

I purchased the Mopar sound deadening inserts when I ordered it from the factory.

Winger2 · 09-01-2021, 06:46 AM

Having owned and towed 3 wranglers over the years. There is absolutely no way that flat towing is causing your issue.

Ljwt330 · 09-01-2021, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winger2

Having owned and towed 3 wranglers over the years. There is absolutely no way that flat towing is causing your issue.

Though I haven't owned three Wranglers, only one, but I agree that towing did not cause your issue.

The plastic roof is one large "drum head", waiting to be pounded. Yes, there are air leaks around the seals and the seals somewhat cushion the vibration of the roof panels, but all together, the only way to stop the rumbling is with sound dampening material such as linked in another post. This will not address the buffeting sound from an open window, however, that has a different cause and solution.