If you’re looking for some type of protection while the factory full doors are off the Jeep, a good option are steel tube doors. These doors are light and typically have an open design to still provide the open cabin feel, but also provide a steel frame of protection for the occupants.
Tube doors come in a variety of styles to choose from. If you plan on driving on the road and your state requires side mirrors, it’s important to choose a tube door with mirror provisions. Several tube doors have brackets or mounting points for the full door mirrors. However, if your Jeep is equipped with power mirrors, it might be easier to purchase a new set of manual mirrors for your tube doors. Removing power mirrors from the full door could be labor intensive and time consuming.
In addition to mirror provisions, several tube door designs can also accommodate storage straps and cargo netting for an enhanced styling element and storage while on the trail. It’s important to note that although some doors come equipped with locking latches, they aren’t designed to be a suitable security option to prevent any valuables inside the Jeep.
Another point to consider when choosing a tube door is the exposure to the elements. The open design typically found in tube doors, is great at providing air into the Jeep, but it also allows water and other elements from entering the Jeep cabin space. This is an important fact to keep in mind if you plan on doing any water crossing while on the trail. If you choose to do any type of water crossing, a closed half door solution might be a better option to look into.
Body Armor Trail Doors Review and Installation