Gobi Rack Removal

[mb2xs]

How easy is it to remove the hardtop with the rack on? In the summer I like to go topless and then need the rack for camping. If leaving the rack on is quit and doesn't drop the MPG I can do that and then just pull the whole top +rack when I want the wind in my hair.

I see what you mean, so with the Front Runner you have two options:

1) Remove just the roof rack, separately from the hard top. For this, you need to remove the 4 bolts on each of the 4 supports, so 16 bolts total. Not something you want to do every weekend.
2) Remove the roof rack and hard top together. For this, you need to only remove a total of six bolts. One from the forward attachment points, and two from the rear attachment points/supports on the roll cage. 6 total, pretty easy.

 

[mb2xs]

I looked at this option as well and talked to the FrontRunner guys at the Expo. Nice rack, but I got the impression it would not be easy to remove the top once installed. Also the idea of drilling 16 22mm holes in my roof was not attractive to me.

Believe me, drilling 16 22mm holes in the hard top was not something I was looking forward to! Measure six times, drill once. The instructions provided are very good and since I've had it on for a few months now, no leaks. However, I did go above and beyond with the gaskets/seals around the holes to ensure there was no rattles, squeaks or leaks. I'm happy to provide more info or pics if anyone is interested, I haven't seen many others with this rack yet.

 

[dstock]

Even with the Yakima tracks mounted on my old JK, and a thorough amount of sealant, I still had to tighten them up every so often to avoid leaks. That was a permanent setup. The on and off with the Frontrunner seems like it would be asking for trouble.

Don't get me wrong I really like the majority of the Frontrunner products, and if you were going to leave your hardtop on all the time it seems this would be a good way to go. All depends on your plans, switching tops, etc.