Gobi Rack Removal

[mrshish]

I'm looking at getting a RTT for my JK but don't want a roof rack on all the time. I was looking at going with the rack system from out4x4 but after no response to a couple emails asking if they ship to the US they are off the list. Now I'm thinking a Gobi rack might do it. The question is how easy would it be to remove the rack when I don't need it?

It looks like two bolts in the back and a couple on the A pillar next to the hood. With the size and weight I don't know if that is going to be something reasonable or not. If you have a Gobi please share your thoughts.

 

[dstock]

I can tell you I just installed one on my JK. I plan on doing the same with mine, take it off when I don't need it.

It's pretty straight forward, two bolts in the back and then 2 bolts each side at top of windshield frame portion if you want to leave the windshield part on.(they also sell a quick release for these windshield bolts so you just have 2 big wing nut like objects).

If you want to remove the windshield frame portion as well, it's another 3 bolts each side. Really very easy.

Rack weighs about 90-100 lbs. I believe, gf and I can lift it off no problem.

It's really well made, very happy with my purchase. I didn't want to drill my roof, having done so with my last JK. I didn't have any issues per say but never really put much weight up there with the Yakima track set up.

The Gobi is so sturdy and seems very well thought out, to me it is worth the cost.

 

[pilosopo]

I had to remove it once after installing and never want to do it again.

It is only a few bolts, but once removed it's an unwieldy. Lining everything up when reinstalling, though not difficult, is something I prefer not to go again.

I don't mind it up there. With the low gearing of my Rubicon I effectively had no change in MPG, and ultimately, I've come to like the look.

I now have lights and an autohome Columbus up there all the time and wouldn't want it any other way.

I have a manual JKU Rubicon and with all that stuff up there and now heavy 33s get the same 16mpg mixed driving that I've always had. So the only advantage to removal is that I can fit into a parking garage. But even then that's only if I remove everything, and I'm not doing that now that I have lights up there

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

 

[dstock]

I had to remove it once after installing and never want to do it again.

It is only a few bolts, but once removed it's an unwieldy. Lining everything up when reinstalling, though not difficult, is something I prefer not to go again.

Can you elaborate on the "lining everything up part? The only place place for any adjustment of the bolts is where the rack is attached to the crossbar in the rear during the initial install. Once that is set, it doesn't need to be taken apart for removal and everything else has a fixed location so I am a little confused about your statement.

For the OP, I have a 2.5 inch lift and 285/70 Duratracs and I can still clear my 7ft garage opening when the rack is unloaded.

 

[pilosopo]

Can you elaborate on the "lining everything up part? The only place place for any adjustment of the bolts is where the rack is attached to the crossbar in the rear during the initial install. Once that is set, it doesn't need to be taken apart for removal and everything else has a fixed location so I am a little confused about your statement.

For the OP, I have a 2.5 inch lift and 285/70 Duratracs and I can still clear my 7ft garage opening when the rack is unloaded.

You're correct.

In my case, I removed the rear loop when I removed the rack as it made it easier for me to store.

So when I went to reinstall I attached the rear loop so as to locate the rack but not so much as to lock it in place. I then did like the instructions and attached the rear loop to the lower mounting points.

Swinging the whole assembly forward, like you said, you simply have to line up the 4 holes at the front. You must have a better method than me because I still have to do that, it doesn't simply fall into place.

I then make sure the rear is located properly and then I tighten everything up. And then after all that attach the ladder.

Like I said, not difficult, just something I'd prefer not to do again.



Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

 

[dstock]

You're correct.

In my case, I removed the rear loop when I removed the rack as it made it easier for me to store.

So when I went to reinstall I attached the rear loop so as to locate the rack but not so much as to lock it in place. I then did like the instructions and attached the rear loop to the lower mounting points.

Swinging the whole assembly forward, like you said, you simply have to line up the 4 holes at the front. You must have a better method than me because I still have to do that, it doesn't simply fall into place.

I then make sure the rear is located properly and then I tighten everything up. And then after all that attach the ladder.

Like I said, not difficult, just something I'd prefer not to do again.



Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

I see, I could see how removing the rear crossbar would add more time, I'm going to leave mine attached when stored.

 

[pilosopo]

If you have the space for it that would make the most sense.

Personally I found nothing to be gained removing the rack but leaving the light bar.

No reduction in noise, no improvement in MPG, no greater ability to enter a low structure, etc.

So I just leave it on now.

I'm assuming you're going to remove the whole thing?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

 

[dstock]

Yes, I'll be removing the whole thing, mostly just need it for camping. Really love the look of it though and haven't noticed much in the way of mpg loss so who knows..it may stay on!

 

[mrshish]

If you have the space for it that would make the most sense.

Personally I found nothing to be gained removing the rack but leaving the light bar.

No reduction in noise, no improvement in MPG, no greater ability to enter a low structure, etc.

So I just leave it on now.

I'm assuming you're going to remove the whole thing?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

Yes, I plan to remove the whole thing for all the reasons you stated.

 

[mb2xs]

Check out the Front Runner half rack

I was in your shoes trying to figure out which roof rack to get for my JK recently, so I thought you might want to know about another option.

After much searching, I finally decided to go with Front Runner's slimline II Half Rack, it's worth checking out (even though it's a more permanent install, it still can be completely removed). It's small and light enough (~60 pounds) to not be noticeable in my MPGs and you can still remove the front freedom top sections with it on. I plan to leave it installed year-round as I have no problem getting into my garage with it on and honestly you barely ever notice it's up there.

Here's a link: http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...ACK-EXTREME-JEEP-WRANGLER-JK-5-DOOR-p337.html $904.99 and free shipping too.

I really like it, happy with the quality and price.

With the tent on the roof, I also put on a Yakima crossbar/raingutter towers with a fairing to direct the wind up and over the tent. When I don't have the tent on top, I just leave the Front Runner rack on without my Yakima fairing. The rack itself doesn't make any noticeable noise or whistling. I had the yakima stuff leftover from my old XJ which I used to have the roof top tent on.

Here are some pics:











Let me know if you'd like any more info or pics. Hope this helps! It's tough finding the 'right' rack for the JK, I think this one is a solid choice, no question it can hold the weight, the rack's brackets that install on the roll cage are bomber.

 

[pilosopo]

I think any efficiency benefits will be tied to whether or not your JK is a Rubicon or not.

My Rubicon is geared so low that even on 295/70R17 I still does like 2500 RPM at 70

Got 16.5 MPG fully loaded in the trip from this photo. Get the same thing empty.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

 

[dstock]

Nice Rubi!

Seems we have similar tastes!

 

[pilosopo]

Sure do, lol.

Nice. I'm happy to see the gobi works with the ARB rear bumper.

I'm running the mopar steel one but would like to get the matching rear.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

 

[mrshish]

I was in your shoes trying to figure out which roof rack to get for my JK recently, so I thought you might want to know about another option.

After much searching, I finally decided to go with Front Runner's slimline II Half Rack, it's worth checking out (even though it's a more permanent install, it still can be completely removed). It's small and light enough (~60 pounds) to not be noticeable in my MPGs and you can still remove the front freedom top sections with it on. I plan to leave it installed year-round as I have no problem getting into my garage with it on and honestly you barely ever notice it's up there.

Here's a link: http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...ACK-EXTREME-JEEP-WRANGLER-JK-5-DOOR-p337.html $904.99 and free shipping too.

I really like it, happy with the quality and price.

With the tent on the roof, I also put on a Yakima crossbar/raingutter towers with a fairing to direct the wind up and over the tent. When I don't have the tent on top, I just leave the Front Runner rack on without my Yakima fairing. The rack itself doesn't make any noticeable noise or whistling. I had the yakima stuff leftover from my old XJ which I used to have the roof top tent on.


Let me know if you'd like any more info or pics. Hope this helps! It's tough finding the 'right' rack for the JK, I think this one is a solid choice, no question it can hold the weight, the rack's brackets that install on the roll cage are bomber.

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.

 

[dstock]

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 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.