Roof rack for 2 door JK, Freedom Top, and Autohome

[jacobconroy]

Hi all,
I've been lurking for a couple of years, and finally decided to start building an overland/boon docking system for my 2 door JK. Right now I'm vacillating between an carbon fiber Autohome Maggiolina or Columbus...but the real hassle has been determining which roof rack system to buy.

I like the idea of the Slimline II but it's 100 lbs. Their accessories look great. But, I can't get them to verify that it will fit a 2007 Jeep in writing (which makes me nervous about shipping charges). Their website states that it fits 2010 and up, but I was told on the phone that it fits all JKs. Fine, but the guy didn't sound too sure about it. I need a promise.

A Gobi stealth is listed as 65 lbs. and is popular, but sits awfully high. The raised light bar in the front will just increase the necessary RTT height. Maybe an option.

These might work and be very light:
http://www.rackoutfitters.com/jeep-wrangler-2-door-rhino-rack-vortex-sg-black-2-bar-roof-rack-07-16/
http://www.rackoutfitters.com/jeep-...vortex-2-bar-backbone-silver-roof-rack-07-16/
(hope I'm allowed to link other sites), but I can't find specs to verify that the backbone system in the rear would combine with one of the gutter racks in the front to form a level mounting plane. If I just used the backbone system and mount the Autohome with just two bars (the front bar being behind the Freedom panels) would that be enough to secure the Autohome (with 3 feet of unsupported RTT hanging out there)?

A system that would allow me to remove the RTT and racks without help would be awesome (I don't have any structures to mount a lift on). Being able to go topless with the rack + RTT would be a big plus as well (Slimline II). If I had to buy a different rack for the Freedom Top, and one for mounting on the roll bars in summer....that would be an option.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate some input from Folks that have seen these systems in the flesh. Other suggestions are welcome. Thanks All!

 

[Mass_Mopar]

I don't have anything to really add to your specific 2-door situation, but I do have one comment for you.

The idea of going topless with the tent & rack up there sounds fun, but in my experience it's unbearably windy. I pulled just the 2 panels above the front seats off with my RTT up there and the wind hits the front of the RTT and comes straight down on the front seats lol. It's unbearable above about 15 mph. Again, your experience would be different with the tent you're considering, just something to keep in mind as a possibility.

I like my backbone system on my 4 door. I have my CVT RTT mounted on 2 bars and so far it's worked well. You might be able to center your tent over the 2 bars and let it overhang the spare tire a bit. In your situation I'd probably look pretty hard at the gobi rack, and customize it a bit (cut it) to suit your needs.

We just had a good size roof rack discussion here, you might find some useful info
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/143217-jk-4dr-Rhino-Backbone-Roof-Rack

 

[jacobconroy]

Thanks Mass_Mopar. I hadn't thought about the wind being redirected by the RTT (too busy wondering if I would regret the loss of views). I suppose I could just take the whole top/RTT off when I need to go topless but I'll need to rig up some way to have a lift.

I'm liking the Gobi idea too. Pretty sure I can slide the top out from under it with minimum fuss.

The Slimline folks got back to me and assured me that it will work on a 2007 (Thanks FrontRunneroutfitters!) and reminded me to be careful when installing it due to 2 door roll bar location variance. Good tip. As far as going topless with the Slimline... perhaps unbolting it, raising it an inch with some outboard legs, and sliding the top out would work. Hmmm.

I'll check out that Backbone thread. 'Preciate it.