Kargo Master Congo Cage installed (2005 LJ)

[CRJeepin]

Picked this up on Craigslist for $120 and another $20 for new hardware direct from Kargo Master, and am very happy with it! It's really well made, lots of little details and the company was great to deal with when I called up about the hardware. Next up is a basket for it, 4Wheel Parts has the largest (74" long) basket for $330 shipped, plus $40 for the mounting brackets. Then will be all set for some backwoods campin.

Really like how it goes on and off, just unbolt the two front bolts, walk it back, have a helper remove the two hinge bolts and it's off. Very easy and about 10 minutes if you include opening a beer and looking for the wrenches.

Not sure why they sell the crossbars, except maybe on a TJ you need them to clear the roof -- but I can definitely put a canoe up top like it sits now without hitting the roof. Didn't think I'd be able to.

Some photos here for install reference, I did drill the 5/16" hole in the back as recommended for extra strength. Have to find a new place to mount my CB antenna but otherwise it's all good. I have corner guards on and drilled straight through them and the body.

CR

 

[Zeep]

Looks good. Who's rear bumper are you running? I like how the lower corners wrap in tight. Is the reciever tow rated?

 

[LawnDart-XJ]

Looks great .....one of my favorite model Jeeps.

 

[CRJeepin]

Bumper was made for me by a jeepin buddy. It was an even tighter look before I put a 1" Body Lift on, but need the BL to fit the tummy tuck trans skid. I do tow with it, it's tied into the rear crossmember with 6 bolts and has frame tie-ins on the side.

Have lifted the jeep up high enough to change a tire on the trail by jacking up under the "wings", so it definitely is made right!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Dig your jeep. Always have. We wheeled together at URE a few years back with the Rubicon Owners forum, I believe.

I like the rack. Are you putting a basket up there or what is your intended purpose?

John

 

[CRJeepin]

Thanks man, yep we did Uwharrie a few years ago. Was on 35's then I believe but dropped down to metric 33.5x10's a year and a half ago.

Just plan to throw a basket on it for backcountry camping and beach trips. The cage and basket will be off most of the time, threw it on to make sure I had all the parts before dropping $400 on the basket as I picked up the cage on CL.

 

[wild1]

congo cage

Be careful taking this rack on and off. I have one on my LJ and it broke at the rear connections where the they are welded into the back hoop. This happened on both sides. One of the things that may have contributed to the failure was that I took it on and off just the way you suggested. It's really quick and easy to do it that way but it focuses a lot of force on the rear connections. Kargo Master replaced my cage but I noticed in the instructions they now say to take the rack apart at both the front and back and to remove it by lifting it straight up and then back.

 

[CRJeepin]

Good info, thanks. I'll watch the welds, if they look like they're starting to crack I'll weld gussets on it.

 

[wild1]

Kongo cage

Another thing you might think about is rotating the long roof tube so the raised area is
straight out to the side and redrilling the tube for the retaining bolt. It takes away the hunch back look and I don't think it effects the strength. You can do this with out taking the rack off in about 15 minutes. You need to check that you have enough room between your rack and soft top.

 

[CRJeepin]

Yeah, thought about that. I plan on putting a basket up there though and figured the bumps might help keep the basket square on the rack. Also not sure if they're there to allow you to raise and lower the soft top with the prop rod up -- Kargo Master is sending me a prop rod so I'll find out soon enough.

I dropped the cage off tonight, only took a couple minutes -- definitely a great mod!