Bestop Tailgate Bar Kit Jeep Wrangler JL & JLU Soft Top | 52700-01

Overview

The Bestop 52700-01 Tailgate Bar is the essential soft top accessory for 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL and JLU owners running any Bestop soft top. Engineered to separate the rear window from the tailgate, this black steel bar lets you pop open your tailgate without unzipping or disturbing your rear window — keeping your cargo area accessible and fully protected from the elements. Whether you're on the trail or just grabbing gear at the trailhead, this is the best tailgate bar upgrade for your Jeep Wrangler JL soft top setup.

Key Features & Benefits

• Open Your Tailgate, Keep Your Top Closed — The bar attaches to the bottom of the rear soft top window, decoupling it from the tailgate door so you can open the tailgate while the rear window stays zipped shut and secure.
• Black-Finished Solid Steel Construction — Heavy-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant black finish stands up to scratches, UV exposure, trail debris, and off-road abuse for lasting durability.
• Integrated Rubber Weatherseal — A built-in durable rubber seal runs the length of the bar, engaging each time you zip the rear window to form a watertight barrier and keep rain, mud, and wind out of your cargo area.
• Two Heavy-Duty Retainer Mounts Included — Burly retainer mounts bolt directly into factory hole locations on the Wrangler JL tailgate opening — no drilling, no modifications required.
• Universal Bestop Soft Top Compatibility — Works across Bestop's full lineup of soft tops and rear duster accessories, making it a versatile upgrade or replacement for any Bestop-equipped JL.
• Rugged, OEM-Matched Finish — The textured matte black color scheme blends seamlessly with the Wrangler JL's factory aesthetic so it looks like it was always there.
• Backed by a 1-Year Limited Warranty — Bestop stands behind their product with a one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser.

What's Included

• 1x Tailgate Bar (black-finished steel)
• 2x Tailgate Retainer Mounts
• Full Hardware Kit (mounting screws for factory hole locations)

Specifications

Manufacturer Part #	52700-01
UPC	077848139797
Brand	Bestop
Material	Solid Steel
Finish / Color	Black (Corrosion-Resistant Coating)
Seal Type	Integrated Durable Rubber Seal
Retainer Mounts	2x Heavy-Duty Retainer Mounts
Hardware Included	Yes — Full Hardware Kit
Product Weight	5.5 lbs
Package Dimensions	51"L x 5"W x 5"H
Warranty	1-Year Limited (Original Purchaser)
Prop 65	⚠️ California Residents: See Prop 65 Warning

Fitment & Compatibility

The Bestop 52700-01 Tailgate Bar is specifically engineered for the 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL (2-door) and Jeep Wrangler JLU (4-door Unlimited) models. It is compatible with all Bestop soft tops and rear duster accessories for these vehicles — including the Supertop Ultra, Trektop NX, and Bestop Duster Deck Covers. Important: This tailgate bar is not compatible with OEM (factory) soft tops or any non-Bestop soft top or soft accessory. If your Wrangler was built in 2018, please confirm it is the JL platform (not the JK) before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tailgate bar work with my factory Jeep soft top?
No. The Bestop 52700-01 is designed exclusively for use with Bestop-brand soft tops and accessories. It is not compatible with OEM or other non-Bestop soft tops.

Do I need to drill any holes for installation?
No drilling is required. The two included retainer mounts bolt directly into factory pre-drilled hole locations on the Wrangler JL tailgate opening, making this a true bolt-on installation.

Is this a replacement part or a new accessory?
It functions as both — it can serve as a replacement for a lost or damaged OEM-style tailgate bar on existing Bestop tops, or as a new add-on accessory to upgrade cargo access functionality.

Installation

The Bestop Tailgate Bar is a straightforward, DIY-friendly installation requiring no vehicle modification. The two retainer mounts align with factory hole locations on the JL tailgate opening and secure with the included mounting screws. Once mounted, the tailgate bar is rolled into and integrated with the bottom edge of the Bestop rear window. All necessary hardware is included in the kit. Official Bestop installation instructions are included in the box and available as a downloadable PDF. No professional installation is required.