AEV JK rack is up on Quadratec

[dstock]

Wow, the new Eezi-awn rack looks a lot like the AEV rack.

Looks like the Eezi-Awn has some advantages in the ability to use yakima and thule bars and mounts. Downside is it does not attach to the roll bar. I already have yakima tracks on my JK but wouldn't be comfortable putting the weight of a RTT up there without the tie in to the roll bar, even though others have done so.

 

[Beowulf]

I was looking at the basket platform only. Hopefully AEV will sell their interior mounting brackets alone so people can use whatever they want on the outside.

 

[AEV Conversions]

I'll try to answer a few of the questions asked:

The reason its not "full length" actually has nothing to do with the freedom panels, keeping those fully functional was just a bonus of our top goal which was low wind resistance/noise. As we moved the leading edge of the rack back from the windshield, wind noise was noticeably reduced. This rack can easily carry more than you should ever load a JK with so its really a moot point.

The rack sits about 2.5" off the roof and is 1.625" thick, so it adds less than 4.125" to the overall height when you factor in the curve of the roof is being taken away.

Keep in mind that the absolute goal with this rack was to make something that was, as we say "liveable", meaning its easy to live with and doesn't interfere with your life or your enjoyment of the vehicle. Our Tire Carrier had the same goal and its seems to be much appreciated. Lets face it, though the cool exo racks look great, (especially on a Rover which has a 65mph top speed and you can't hear the rack over all the other stuff anyway (and yes, I'll admit it, I love rovers too)). I wouldn't go so far as to say when I see one on a JK, I think "oh that person has no idea" rather I think "wow, that person wants that look so bad that they are willing to live with all the creaking, wind noise, reduction in mileage etc for something that probably gets used once a year if that." Racks are great for hauling bulky lightweight items, try to load them up with heavy stuff and they hurt performance horribly. That's something I'm not willing to live with and I think most of our customers or colleagues (like Scott Brady, Dave Yegge, Chris Wood) would certainly agree that Racks and RTT's have a place, but ideally not as a permanent fixture. We made this rack to behave as if it wasn't there because lets face it, they become permanent fixtures. That's why its lightweight extruded aluminum and that's why its sold without the top rail primarily. The top rail is really just for looks, but we offer it. The rack is far more useful as just a strong flat platform that is easy to put stuff up on.

dh

 

[Haggis]

That was a great post... I for one appreciate a product developed from a real life, sensible approach rather than making a product to achieve some "look ". And if I were to find myself with a JK someday, that's the kind of product I would want. Now if you made a set up for an LJ ...well...

 

[jaxs1984]

I really HOPE/WISH they would come out with a 2DR version. If not, I think the GOBI is the next best thing for a 2DR. I heard real world first hand experience with the frontrunner track mount system on the hard top causing some issues in the wild.

 

[Deleted member 48574]

AEV (DH's) response was measured and well informed. He's (she? -- sorry for gender norming) is spot on with the comment about racks becoming permanent fixtures. Sure, they CAN look cool. But utility in my opinion should trump all.

It's too bad I didn't have this rack a year ago; I might not have gone through the work of building my own. Though, I admit, modding my hardtop was a bit of a hurdle. There's always that looming 'trade in value' to consider - and the fact that a rack in my mind negatively impacts the Trade Value is due to exactly what DH is talking about. Mileage reduction, noise, squeaks, etc. are all things you sort of have to live in with most racks.

But then, sometimes the built-in Sirius isn't much better

Either way it's nice to see an option designed from a slightly different perspective (utility as a DD/expo as opposed to utility as a pure Expo as many Gobis and high-end racks seemingly are designed)

Cheers
Craig

 

[JFarris]

Once you install the rack, how easy is it to pull the top off, if it's connecting to the cage through the top?

 

[irishcoffee]

Off-topic:
Similar welded rack but older on the Aus market, just perfect for your Rtt:
http://www.blackjackwelding.com.au/...e=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=38&category_id=2

A non welded but requires hard top drilling have also the Guys from Asfir4x4 which did one from Alu as well:
http://www.asfir.com/NewsFullEN.asp?ID=13
For the last one price is a bit spicy though...

Cheers
John

 

[JeepinJon]

Once you install the rack, how easy is it to pull the top off, if it's connecting to the cage through the top?

When I saw this rack last week it looked like it would have two bolts at each corner holding the rack through the roof to the support. I would guess to take the roof off this would add to 8 more bolts if you leave the AEV brackets in place to get the roof off.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero:I have plenty of faith in AEV products, but

Here's another choice-

It's the MBRP/Quadratec-"Off Camber" rack-

Each rack, no matter who mfgs it, has pros and cons--do your home work-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[JeepinJon]

Each rack, no matter who mfgs it, has pros and cons--do your home work-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

I completely agree. Each person will have different expectations and desires out of what they want in a roof rack, and different price ranges.

With all of the options out there this is just another option to look at and choose from.

 

[Beowulf]

I see that AEV has formally introduced their Rhino Pioneer Rack.