JKU hardtop reinforcement?

[IPA]

I've always used Yakima crossbars and accessories to transport my kayaks and other cargo on my various vehicles, so I'd really like to install Yakma Control Tower tracks on my JKUR's hardtop. However, such a load on the hardtop is not approved by Jeep, and looking at the construction of the hardtop (it's just to keep out weather and noise, not structural), it's easy to see why.

I like the Garvin and Gobi rack systems, but would really prefer something that mounts to the top rather than the body of the vehicle. I'm leaning towards a Frontrunner or AEV "through the top to the rollbar" style rack, but I also like to remove the hardtop entirely on occasion.

Does anyone know of a way to reinforce the OEM hardtop so that it can safely handle a significant (~150-200#) load on occasion for on-road or mild off-road driving?

 

[IndyRubicon]

I'm no structural engineer, but would mounting the tracks on top and then some metal support bars on the underside (going left to right) work?

 

[Comanche Scott]

There are racks with internal reinforcement structures that bolt to the Sport Bar. There are also racks that bolt to the side panels of the top.
Other than that, the top section is very thin. Even with flat stock underneath the rails, it would probably end up cracking with the jarring forces of off-road driving.

I have the Yakima rack with the 42" rails. I'd be comfortable up to about 100 lbs static all up weight (including the rack and accessories), maybe 150lbs if it is packed really tight.
This rack has a rocket box on top, and it works great for light bulky stuff like sleeping bags, camp chairs, Mother-in-laws broom, etc..

 

[HRPINDC]

Rhino rack has a system that's like Yakima, but has an internal support structure. Check it out here http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/backbone

A little pricy in my opinion, but perhaps a good solution for you.

 

[IPA]

Thanks for the replies, guys. That Rhino rack looks like what I had in mind.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I'd tell you all about the MBRP JK/JKU Rack, but you may not be here so I won't waste the space-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[Comanche Scott]

:sombrero: I'd tell you all about the MBRP JK/JKU Rack, but you may not be here so I won't waste the space-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

I think a post on hooking pontoons would be more fitting.
All the sudden the drought out here, kind of pales in comparison.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: The OP is looking for a JKU Rack--

I think a post on hooking pontoons would be more fitting.
All the sudden the drought out here, kind of pales in comparison.

Notta boat

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[Comanche Scott]

Yeppa boat

http://www.gizmag.com/watercar-panther-amphibious-jeep-acura-jet-boat-water-fun/28099/

:elkgrin:

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Awesome-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[GFA]

That rhino rack is nice but man is it pricey. Before I bought a Gobi I put many miles on yakima rails, towers and crossbars on the roof of my JKU. I think the most I ever put on them was about 200lbs but it held it without issue.

 

[IPA]

The Rhino Rack looks like exactly what I'm after. Thanks guys.

 

[tarditi]

Terraflex just came out with a system that does not use the hard top surface to bear the load:

https://teraflex.com/shop_items/563234ea05a25c5bb190f3df

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=NWvu1XF5KD0

 

[dstock]

Terraflex just came out with a system that does not use the hard top surface to bear the load:

https://teraflex.com/shop_items/563234ea05a25c5bb190f3df

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=NWvu1XF5KD0

Interesting, video claims "easy hardtop removal", curious to see more installation details...

 

[jscherb]

Teraflex is showing their new rack here at SEMA, they're using a cutaway hardtop to demonstrate how it bolts through the hardtop to brackets attached to the roll bars...