LJ /TJ Hardtop Roof Rack?
- Thread starter JavaDog
- Start date
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I think maybe garvin has a hardmount setup for their roofrack.
Having owned a kargomaster congo cage, I wish now that I'd considered what you're considering. (ton's of weight, lots of vibration, etc from the kongo.)
I'd also look into what they did with the J8, with a very low profile roofrack that connected to a hardened/reinforced set of roof ribs on the inside.
further still definitely look at the bajarack and a set of thule surface mounts. very light, strong rack and you can't beat thule or yakima for quality.
Having owned a kargomaster congo cage, I wish now that I'd considered what you're considering. (ton's of weight, lots of vibration, etc from the kongo.)
I'd also look into what they did with the J8, with a very low profile roofrack that connected to a hardened/reinforced set of roof ribs on the inside.
further still definitely look at the bajarack and a set of thule surface mounts. very light, strong rack and you can't beat thule or yakima for quality.
NOMADIC_LJ
Explorer
I would worry about stress cracks to the fiberglass. It's not designed to carry ANY weight so even light weight will affect it. Just food for thought.
jeffy
Observer
I don't have a LJ/TJ but I do have a rack mounted to my YJ hardtop. The PO installed the old Con-ferr rack which have these hinge like plates that bolt to the top. Or more precisely though the top. There are grommets on the inside and probably the outer side as well. I've seen no leaking what so ever. No cracking either. The plate distributes the weight evenly. Each plate has a 2x6 footprint and there are 6 plate all together. IIRC, the top can handle around 300lbs. The majority of the weight is on the sides not the top so there is no bowing.
If I was going to buy one, (and I've thought about replacing mine), I would look at the Gavin Wilderness Track Rack (http://wildernessracks.com/roof_wild_tracks.html). They use long tracks like what you find on most SUV's. I think they look nicer especially when the rack is off. Gavin makes a rack with 4" sides as well as one with 6" sides. The rack measures 48"W x 60"L. not sure what the weight rating is but I'm sure it's more then the top can handle
If I was going to buy one, (and I've thought about replacing mine), I would look at the Gavin Wilderness Track Rack (http://wildernessracks.com/roof_wild_tracks.html). They use long tracks like what you find on most SUV's. I think they look nicer especially when the rack is off. Gavin makes a rack with 4" sides as well as one with 6" sides. The rack measures 48"W x 60"L. not sure what the weight rating is but I'm sure it's more then the top can handle
College Kid
Adventurer
Hi have a Thule set up on my TJ, I don't carry much weight up there. but I do run a ski box and a ski rack a the same time. Box is for Boots, poles, ski cloths, and carry 2 pairs of ski's or 2 snowboards no problem. Although I have I do notice side winds more I havn't noticed any adverse affects.
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jrueppel
Adventurer
I mounted Yakima rack rails on my JK Hardtop. 3 years later would still totally recommend it to anyone. Very easy to do. Yes a little scary to drill the first hole but it's worked out great. No leaks, easily carries the weight. Wind noise goes up a bit, and be careful loading the rocket box with too much weight. (i.e over 75-100lbs) For the last Smith Rock trip we ended up being the support vehicle for others and pushed on the cargo weight limits. When the Road Shower was loaded up with 50lbs of water as well you could tell it. At 70mpg on the highway the back end would wallow a bit changing lanes. Nothing super scary but you could tell parking that weight up there changed the center of gravity a bit.
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jeffy
Observer
Thanks! Yes, the front sits on stock YJ leafs while the rear is on some Trailmaster 4" leafs.
Just make sure you measure twice and only drill once. Might want to start off with a smaller pilot hole and work your way up so it easier for the drill bit to cut though. The bit will have less a chance to hang while cutting as well.
hollaback55
Explorer
LJ Hardtop
installed thule tracks on my hardtop this winter after much debate. has worked flawlessly with no leak issues thus far. the tracks are well made, come with rubber gasket sliders for underneath and rubber washers. some silicon around the bolts and dabbed on the holes once drilled is key.
installed thule tracks on my hardtop this winter after much debate. has worked flawlessly with no leak issues thus far. the tracks are well made, come with rubber gasket sliders for underneath and rubber washers. some silicon around the bolts and dabbed on the holes once drilled is key.
JavaDog
New member
That is it! Beautiful Jeep, and that is exactly the set up that I want. Your Jeep is now my wallpaper.:26_7_2:
hollaback55
Explorer
Lj
thank you, its my 2nd LJ and built to conquor all. check out the photo album, i'll be adding to is at periodically. i'm starting a m101cdn build with a matching paint job this spring. hoping to have it ready by mid may early june.
thank you, its my 2nd LJ and built to conquor all. check out the photo album, i'll be adding to is at periodically. i'm starting a m101cdn build with a matching paint job this spring. hoping to have it ready by mid may early june.