Roof Rack on JK

[Milehi explorer]

Hello All, I recently added a full length roof rack to my Sahara. I am hoping to go with a RTT in the next year or so. These pictures don't show but I have also added some lights, hi-lift and a shovel/axe combo onto the rack. It seems to be plenty strong and I can easily walk on it.

However, it did cost me about 1 mpg but I suppose that is to be expected.

 

[Rockcrawler]

Looks good, can you post some close-ups of the mounting points?

 

[Milehi explorer]

Looks good, can you post some close-ups of the mounting points?

Sure, the front mounts to the windshield mount and the rear has two holes drilled through the corner and then backed with a steel plate. Seems pretty strong but I guess time will tell! The picture quality isn't the best as I took these a few minutes ago in my garage but if you need another picture, just let me know.

 

[ventura911]

Ever since I saw old Defenders with overloaded racks, I've liked the look. Of course, I've got enough sense to understand the high COG issues, too, but I still like the looks!

How much noise does the rack produce? Any whistling sounds? I'd think the hard top would minimize any noise, but I'm wondering how it sounds with the soft top or topless, too.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Milehi explorer]

The noise really is negligible, especially with the hard top. I have not used the rack with my soft top but I would guess that it really doesn't add that much noise. I did run it with the front panels on the hard top off and noticed no whistling.

Obviously with this rack it would be easy to overload it but if you pack the light stuff up top it isn't much of an issue. For me it is an easy way to carry my hi-lift, shovel, tent, etc...

 

[6Pins]

Nice, what brand?

:safari-rig:

 

[goodtimes]

Looks good, can you post some close-ups of the mounting points?

gee...why do you want to see details? :sombrero:

BTW...I'm back at it...

 

[Hilldweller]

It looks like a Garvin rack...

Are those the stock 18" Sahara wheels? Or did you get some Rubi take-offs?
And it looks like you added spacers to compensate for higher COG, right?

I really like racks; I came very close to getting one but opted for the Conqueror trailer instead.

 

[TheGillz]

It isnt' the Garvin, Its Wild Boar. Same one I want. Although I recomend rear corner guards with the setup.

 

[Milehi explorer]

It is the Wild Boar rack. I agree with the corner guards although I am going to forgo them for the winter for budget reasons since I won't be carring that much weight up there until spring (primarily recovery gear, skis, tarp, camp table, etc...)

 

[Milehi explorer]

It looks like a Garvin rack...

Are those the stock 18" Sahara wheels? Or did you get some Rubi take-offs?
And it looks like you added spacers to compensate for higher COG, right?

I really like racks; I came very close to getting one but opted for the Conqueror trailer instead.

They are Rubi take-offs, couldn't pass up 5 wheels and tires for $600 and good eye, I did add spidertrax wheels spacers for a wider stance which has made this Jeep very stable. It really is hard with this much wheel base and track width to make it feel tippy, obviously you can do it but it is not as easy as you would think, even with a couple of hundred pounds up top.

Eventually I will probably go to a 16" wheels with 255/85's but probably not until the BFGs wear down a bit.