Yeah you want to minimize the stretch so when you do want it sealed good that stretch will help things seal up better.

 

Mine has been stored in a detached garage in winter and goes for 2+ months without really being bothered. I'd rather latch the top and "stretch" it than deal with critters potentially getting in. I'd much rather leave off the 5% chance of critters getting in and stretch the top than have a very slight risk of getting my wires eaten behind the dash. The top is a wear item. The rest of the interior is not.

 

They can get into the interior with the top latched. It is insane what they can get into. I always hook the hooks, just not completely latch so it is mostly closed. Most time for me though, if they get in anywhere it is under the hood. Traps or glue traps next to each tire can help with that. But they can get into all sorts of spots and find their way into the interior if they really want to. Most wanted to next in the air filter area when they got under my hood. I actually had good luck with the traps near both sides of the tires.

 

Fair enough. Just seems like a real easy path to leave open for very little gain.

 

I always left the roof up, just enough to get the wrinkles out and reduce creases. Not overly tight with latches just enough to give a gentle stretch.

 

The roof is down for about 6 months or more using the tonneau cover to prevent UV damage and keep things clean. For a road trip the tonneau is removed. Winter time when it is raining, I keep it latched up and have never had a drop of leakage. I usually keep it covered inside the garage along with a battery tender. All I get are crease marks on the bottom sides when the top is down.