Front runner slimline 2 rack

[superiorkayaking]

Hello all,

I searched this on the forum and have not found a lot on the Frontrunner slimline 2 rack.

If there is a good thread on this could someone let me know? If not, does anyone have one and are you happy with it? I really was ready to order a Gobi, but then heard about the slimline 2. I like the fact that it is full length, it attaches to the roll bars, and the attachments do not necessitate addition of additional bars for a yakima or thule hookup.

I'm going with a 2.5 AEV lift on a 2013 JKU Rubicon, and this rack is going to be used more for camping, canoeing, kayaking and some trips to MT and CO. Maybe a roof top tent someday, too. I like the idea of the Frontrunner as it is so versatile with its accessories. The interior storage rear rack and the rear slider, look good, too. The more I think about it, the more I think I am sold on the slimline 2. I also know that Gobi has a very strong following, however.

This is my first post and I am new to this, so any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Longtallsally]

We have succumbed to the fact that we will need a rack sometime soon with 2 big dogs and the little one. So I looked at both options you are, and I'd get the Gobi. I think the Frontrunner is a very quality product and probably very strong, but you can't use the soft top with one, and you have to remove it to put the hard top on. Now if you never take your hard top off, or put it on, then probably not a big deal. However, I personally prefer to have the soft top on for hard core trips and have the hard top on most of the rest of the time as it is quieter and the AC doesn't have to work as hard.

 

[GetOutThere]

I'm looking at the Slimline 2 for my rack choice as well. Love all the accessories, love how robust it is, love the low profile look of it when empty, and it's very light weight.

I'm just having commitment issues because I'd have to keep my hard top essentially permanently mounted... I have other things I want first, but if it was rack buying time, I'm pretty sure this would be the one.

 

[Longtallsally]

I'm looking at the Slimline 2 for my rack choice as well. Love all the accessories, love how robust it is, love the low profile look of it when empty, and it's very light weight.

I'm just having commitment issues because I'd have to keep my hard top essentially permanently mounted... I have other things I want first, but if it was rack buying time, I'm pretty sure this would be the one.

To the defense of front runner, you can use it with the hard top off- you just remove the rack, remove the HT, then reinstall the rack.

But there is no option with the soft top, which marked it off our list.

The gobi seems the best value for full functionality. The Garvin rack is probably nice and I had one on my YJ for years, but it a bit more money and a more instrusive install.