Kargo Master 5025-1 (74" x 52") on Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (2005) (LJ)

[CRJeepin]

Finally getting a cargo basket for my Kargo Master cage and at one time had planned on this exact model, as it'll fit nicely on my roof which is about 83" long (soft top length - Congo cage extends further by about 6" total). Also will be perfect for a tent platform if I want to go that route later.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12138_3003_07.htm

Anyone have this combo? Likes/dislikes?
If not I'll be happy to post it up when it comes in

Really wondering if I can do the kayaks on top with it or not, might be too darn high and unstable.

Here's the jeep with just the Congo cage, crossbars and a pile of junk (Thule box + 2 kayaks). Stake sides going on the trailer now, then having a high canvas top made.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Can you report on the effect of the congo cage on wind noise and gas mileage? I feel stupid asking this when we are talking a soft top jeep with MT tires, but, well it ain't the first time I have asked a stupid question... and another... soft top up and down? is the rack in the way?

John

 

[CRJeepin]

I track my gas mileage but rarely have a "clean" tank. Most trips in the jeep are to go offroading, camping, or a combination of both. When half the tank is burned off road it's hard to tell what kind of highway mileage it gets.

I have filled up once recently towing the loaded trailer down to VA (without roof rack or cage on the jeep) and was surprised to report 19 mpg, which is my normal "empty jeep" highway mileage. I believe it's because I take it slower with the trailer, normally keeping it to 58 mph or so. Without the trailer I'll cruise at 65 and get about the same 19 mpg.

I did do a trip last spring with the roof rack + cargo box, no trailer or kayaks, and kept it around 55 mph. Mileage was about average, maybe 17-18 instead of 19. Biggest factor in my experience is vehicle speed.

Wind noise - yes there is some but nothing extraordinary. No whistling or particularly annoying sounds.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

I have that rack too, but not the basket. I just use it to carry my canoe. Wrapping the front edge of the rack with some 550 cord helped quiet it down. Just a dozen or so twist evenly spaced. Some kind of physics, but it works.

 

[wild1]

Congo Cage

I have a Congo Cage and the standard length rack on my LJ Rubicon. I put my kayaks on top of the rack with the hulls flat with no real issues. If you mount them on their sides it's going to get pretty high. I saw a setup where the owner had run a long set of load bars across the top of the congo cage and had his kayaks mounted on their sides along the outside edge of the rack. This would keep them at the same height as you currently run them but kick them outboard a bit. I have done this with mountain bikes and they worked fine.

 

[CRJeepin]

Thanks for the reply & photo. Interesting to see the shorter basket on there.

It's hard to see in my photo but there's actually a Thule cargo box in between the kayaks. Don't think that would fit if we laid them flat.

Based on the feedback here I'm rethinking the strategy, will post up if I go ahead with the basket.

 

[Zeep]

CrJeepin, what rear bumper are you running? Sorry for being off topic.

 

[CRJeepin]

Buddy of mine from NC made it. Here's a pic, this is the day I swapped my 35s for 33s...but only good pic of the bumper I could find.

Really like the bumper, it's worked well for a lot of years.