JKU FrontRunner Roof Rack

[taz223]

To each his own. To me, there is nothing quick about removing the hard top on our Jeeps, so the additional 15-20 minutes it would take to unbolt the rack, remove the top, and then reinstall the rack isn't a big deal. Do I plan on doing it often? Most likely not. Could I if I wanted to? Absolutely. I've never owned a Gobi, heard nothing but good things about them. The reason I chose this rack over a Gobi for my personal Jeep was the strength to weight ratio, the fact that it is mounted to actual structural components of the Jeep in 6 places, the price & availability (half the price of a moderately set-up Gobi + available now, not 2 months from now), and also the availability of additional components without mixing and matching and modifying to make something work. It, along with the AEV rack seem to be much better suited to accomodating the installation of a RTT, etc. because of the flat decking. Apples to oranges, Dodge to Chevy. People who have this rack will swear by it, people who have Gobi will swear by them, people who home-built their rack will swear by it. Each offers distinctive advantages and disadvantages.

 

[Beowulf]

What I find interesting is the number of people that ask about how easy it to go topless when they have rack. Most everyone I know what has a rack never goes topless. With the soft top guys they just remove the windows. With the hardtop it just never happens. People think that tipping a rack and going topless would be so easy and it is not. It is a huge pain. The most I see is the once a year switch between hard and soft, but even that does not happen every year.

For me, once I go with a rack, that will be the end of the topless option. I want a rack for an RTT. I am not going to take off the RTT so I can tip the rack to take a top off and tipping with an RTT to remove a hardtop would be interesting to say the least.

But, as has been said, everyone has different needs and taste. I'm glad to see yet another option on the market.

 

[Beowulf]

I do have one big question though. Is there enough room to run the Front Runner Table under the rack?

 

[Beowulf]

Can someone explain to me why you need the Tent Mount kit for the FR Rack? Couldn't you just mount the tent directly to the slats of the rack?

http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...-RUNNER-SLIMLINE-RACK-TENT-MOUNT-KIT-p95.html

 

[taz223]

I do have one big question though. Is there enough room to run the Front Runner Table under the rack?

Yep, it works the same as the other FR racks did as far as being able to mount underneath or on top (or to the sides for that matter).

 

[Beowulf]

I think I answered my RTT question. It looks like the slats are slightly lower than the outside rail. Makes sense why you need a few mm tall riser.

 

[taz223]

Can someone explain to me why you need the Tent Mount kit for the FR Rack? Couldn't you just mount the tent directly to the slats of the rack?

http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...-RUNNER-SLIMLINE-RACK-TENT-MOUNT-KIT-p95.html

I'm going to speculate a little bit here because I have not actually put my hands on a Front Runner tent yet, but I think that this kit is primarily made for mounting Front Runners tents to the rack. Having looked at the rack and looked at my RTT (not a Front Runner), I don't see why you couldn't bolt it to the slats of the rack. Don't hold me to that, we should have a FR roof top tent in the shop before too long and I'll get some pics up.

 

[Beowulf]

Definitely keep us updated on the RTT mounting.

 

[Vince1]

What I find interesting is the number of people that ask about how easy it to go topless when they have rack. Most everyone I know what has a rack never goes topless. With the soft top guys they just remove the windows. With the hardtop it just never happens. People think that tipping a rack and going topless would be so easy and it is not. It is a huge pain. The most I see is the once a year switch between hard and soft, but even that does not happen every year.

For me, once I go with a rack, that will be the end of the topless option. I want a rack for an RTT. I am not going to take off the RTT so I can tip the rack to take a top off and tipping with an RTT to remove a hardtop would be interesting to say the least.

But, as has been said, everyone has different needs and taste. I'm glad to see yet another option on the market.

So you're thinking you will mount the RTT permanently? That would suck for a number of reasons (mpg, weight distribution, etc). I only put the RTT up for camping trips. The rest of the time it is for other types of storage. The Gobi takes standard Yakima racks, so bikes, skis, kayaks, and other stuff go up there (including lights). I've often used it one-way for hauling lumber, and yes, while having the top down. Versatility is why I bought a JK, I think the AEV rack is very limiting.

 

[Beowulf]

I'm pretty sure I would have the RTT on the rack from April through Nov. I do too many trips per year to want to take it off for just a couple of weeks and then put it right back on the next week. Plus, I am very spontaneous for a quick overnighter or quick weekend get away.

Having said this, I do have a ceiling hoist system in my 15' garage that I could easily lift and lower it into place. I'd only do this to save wear and tear on the tent. My total daily drive is only 15 minutes.

I do want to keep this about the FR rack though. What are some good ideas on how to mount a Hannibal Awning to the FR rack?

 

[TreeTopFlyer]

This is still my favorite rack

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

There are much cheaper ways to sling load a Jeep

 

[X-plorenow]

Nice, what rack is it?

This is still my favorite rack

 

[TexasTJ]

Nice, what rack is it?

It's a Custom Rack that a Forum Member built.

 

[FR-Adventure Girl]

Wow, guys thank you for all the positive feedback. If you want more info on the Front Runner Slimline II check out this link:

http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...ACK-EXTREME-JEEP-WRANGLER-JK-5-DOOR-p301.html

Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions...