What Is the Advantage of Jeep Tube Doors Are They Worth it?

Removing the doors for heightened off-road adventures is an easy customization option that many owners feel led them to choose a Jeep. Not many vehicles come with removable doors; many Jeep owners are drawn by the no-door option because it lets them get even closer to the outside world when it’s time to leave the pavement behind. Before you go full-time doorless, however, there are a few issues you may wish to consider.

Jeep Tube Doors vs. No Doors

Because you lose your side view mirrors when you remove the doors from a Jeep, you may need to work out a way to keep your vehicle street legal. There are several U.S. states that require more than one rearview mirror. Some states specify that there must be one interior mirror plus a left-side mirror. Laws change; if you’re not certain what currently applies, it’s a good idea to check and find out.

You may also find that driving without a side-view mirror can be unsettling on a highway or city street. It is possible, however, to have the best of both worlds; this is the primary advantage that tube doors bring you. You can enjoy the no-door experience without losing some of the major benefits of keeping your factory-installed doors. Installing tube doors, for example, enables you to attach side-view mirrors and remain street legal in those states with stricter mirror laws.

Many tube-door replacement kits come with mirrors, but you can also get side-view mirror add-on kits for those models that don’t. Be sure you choose a tube-door set that was designed for your specific vehicle model. It usually takes most do-it-yourself folks about two hours to install a full four-door set with some basic tools.

Tube Doors Provide Extra Safety

The tube door best-of-both-worlds advantage includes greater safety. Driving fully doorless leaves you without anything between you and another vehicle in a collision. Getting hit in the side by another vehicle or motorcycle in a “T-bone” collision while driving fully doorless can significantly increase the chances of serious injuries. In a no-door rollover situation, you wouldn’t have anything to stop you from hitting the ground or pavement.

Tube doors also provide your legs with protection from branches and other ground debris that would otherwise come up into your cab when you’re off-roading. There may be some extra risk involved in a doorless off-road expedition through previously uncharted terrain. With tube doors installed, roaming wild animals will also face a barrier that helps you avoid taking on any “uninvited” passengers. You’ll appreciate the extra protection of tube doors when you ride through an off-road location where you’re not sure of what to expect.

They Still Have an Open Feel

Because they consist of an open framework of tubes, you won’t feel as though you’re “boxed in,” which is one of the primary reasons many Jeep owners decide to replace their factory-installed doors with tube doors. It’s not unusual for Jeep owners to get excited about the open-air effect even when they’re making their way through paved-road urban terrains. The basic point behind tube doors is that they provide the feeling of fresh-air openness while also offering drivers and passengers greater safety.

The tubes that make up the framework of tubular doors are made of steel or aluminum and typically painted black, but they come in a range of colors and framework designs. In spite of the open spaces between the tubes, the doors are rugged enough to provide the needed extra security. Tube doors can also be fitted with lightweight storage pouches that can hold easily accessible emergency items such as first aid kits.

Designed To Increase Visibility From the Inside

Visibility can play a vital role when you’re off-roading in rough terrain; tube doors are designed with that factor in mind. When you’re climbing over an obstacle or coming down from one, the openings between the tubes give you a clear line of sight. This can better guide your way in or out of a tight area and also help you avoid bottoming out when there are boulders or logs protruding from the ground.

It’s great to have a second set of eyes riding with you, but you may not always have a spotter along to help you gauge your approach to an obstacle. The clear line of sight provided by the open spaces in tube doors can allow you to safely navigate a rough trail that could otherwise cause harm to you or your vehicle.

Although it may be cheaper to remove your factory doors before you go off-roading and then reinstall them when you hit the streets again, it can become rather impractical. Tube doors offer a more practical solution that enhances the off-road experience, provides greater safety and also keeps you street legal in states with side-view mirror laws. Overall, that makes a set of tube doors well worth the investment.