Community Forums

Alan_Hepburn · 10-13-2019, 12:02 PM

I've been reading that the Wrangler JK hood latches seem to be a weak point - driving in to a head wind they can stretch, or fail, causing the hood to lift up. The solution seems to be to replace the latches with the newer JL latches.

Our last toad was a smart car, and we had a major issue when towing it: the low pressure directly behind the motorhome, in conjunction with cross winds, caused the hood of the smart car to lift up and try to disappear. My solution was to install hold-down straps on the hood to keep it in place.

So, those of you towing the JK Wranglers: have you experienced any issues with your hoods "fluttering" in the wind back there? The JL latches are only about $65 from a dealer so I might just replace them anyway - they are a simple replacement.

FIRE UP · 10-13-2019, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan_Hepburn

I've been reading that the Wrangler JK hood latches seem to be a weak point - driving in to a head wind they can stretch, or fail, causing the hood to lift up. The solution seems to be to replace the latches with the newer JL latches.

Our last toad was a smart car, and we had a major issue when towing it: the low pressure directly behind the motorhome, in conjunction with cross winds, caused the hood of the smart car to lift up and try to disappear. My solution was to install hold-down straps on the hood to keep it in place.

So, those of you towing the JK Wranglers: have you experienced any issues with your hoods "fluttering" in the wind back there? The JL latches are only about $65 from a dealer so I might just replace them anyway - they are a simple replacement.

Alan,
We've owned, modified, and towed 9 different Jeep Wranglers over a 35+ year period. And, that included Jeep CJ's, YJ's, TJ's and now our present one, a '15 Jeep JKUR. And, I can tell you that, each and EVERY one of those Jeeps Wranglers, had the same kind of hood latch mechanism which, could cause some anxiety while driving at speed, say, about 60-65 mph and either bump up against some head winds or, have trucks pass us going the opposite direction.

Each of those hoods would jump around some. Not one of them EVER broke the factory hood latches, EVER! But, it's still, as stated, does cause some anxiety. So, No, you don't have to go to "JL" style hood hinges if you desire better security for that hood. I don't know if you know all the aftermarket suppliers for Jeep accessories but, there's oh, maybe a ZILLION of them. Quadratech, Northridge 4x4, Amazon, Rugged Ridge and a whole plethora more.

Ours are Rugged Ridge hood latches. That hood can't move a thousandth of an inch. There are plenty of aftermarket styles of hood latches. AS stated, we've been Jeep'n for well over 35+ years and have friends who'd been right along with us, also with many models and years of Wrangler and not one, has EVER had a hood pop up due to factory hood latches failing. They, the factory ones, normally some form of rubber component, WILL STRETCH some, but fail, not that I've ever seen.

But, it's one of those "piece of mind" things that guides us to purchase some aftermarket hood latches. We are very happy with ours. Lots of choices out there without going to the dealer.
Scott

BirchyBoy · 10-13-2019, 02:23 PM

I had the hood flutter for the first time the other night. It’s a little unnerving but not terrible. I have considered the JL patches but it looks like you have to either accept the front of the hood being a tiny bit higher than stock or modify the mounting holes. I may do the Rugged Ridge or similar in the future.

les.warden · 10-13-2019, 02:47 PM

2016 JKUS. After my “flutter” experience, my piece of mind.

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Unicorn Driver · 10-13-2019, 03:45 PM

I get it on mine on occasion, I will replace the latches at some stage.

**Lt Dan** · 10-13-2019, 06:06 PM

If you replace the stock rubber with polyurethane ones the flutter will be eliminated. The poly ones are much stronger and stiffer.

wildtoad · 10-13-2019, 06:49 PM

I have a 2015 jk 2dr ht that I’ve owned for a little over a year. Have never noticed and issue with the hood either while driving or being towed.

Trapper2022 · 10-13-2019, 10:07 PM

Got it. Lived with it for two years and is on my list to fix. Just not that big a deal so haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Enjoy the journey

FIRE UP · 10-13-2019, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildtoad

I have a 2015 jk 2dr ht that I’ve owned for a little over a year. Have never noticed and issue with the hood either while driving or being towed.

I doubt it's even possible to shutter that hood when you're towing the JK due to the fact that, it's basically a vacuum back there. But, as stated earlier, most of the hood shutter comes during gusts of head winds or, when a larger vehicle, like an 18 wheeler or bus or even another motorhome comes at you and, the cushion of air hits the front of your Jeep. That's when that hood can "jump" up a few mm and can cause the heart rate to skip a couple.

I have the same ones shown in the picture a few posts above and I love'm.
Scott

BirchyBoy · 10-14-2019, 08:03 AM

Here’s a link to some good pics on how to modify the new JL latches so you don’t have to drill:

https://www.wranglerforum.com/f354/j...u-2375295.html

Alan_Hepburn · 10-14-2019, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone! Too bad they didn't stay with the latches that were on our 1988 YJ - nice solid metal with no rubber/plastic on them anywhere!
Anyway, I think I'm going to drive, and tow, it for a while and see how it behaves. Then, if I decide to replace them I'm leaning toward the JL latches, at about $65 over the RR latches, at about $100.

Mr_D · 10-14-2019, 05:42 PM

Haven't noticed it on my JKU but I did add a key lock to the center hood latch.

lincolnmath · 10-14-2019, 07:35 PM

I've never noticed it while towing my 015 Rubicon (couldn't see it anyway). However I have noticed the hood lift when passing a semi once it awhile, but wasn't to concerned as there is a secondary safety latch in case something breaks.