wilderness roofrack - how stable is it?

[SeaRubi]

So, after last year's feeble effort of crafting a roofrack on my own (in 24hrs) I've resolved this year to just give up and .. buy one.

What kinds of experiences have the Expo crew had with the Garvin Wilderness rack?

Does it stand up to heavy abuse while under load? When I was building mine, I was going to use a total of 6 supports - 2 rear, 2 side, and 2 on the front. With an LJ I kind of worry about how well it'll take getting shaken to death on some of our usual routes in eastern washington. thanks for any feedback.

cheers

 

[LUISJG]

its heavy and wind noise is bad.

look at cargomaster. better choice in my opinion

 

[SeaRubi]

as in, Kargomaster?

 

[pwc]

Go, Isaac, Go!!!

 

[Wild Kingdom]

Roof Rack:

Isaac, you're an intelligent dude. :clapsmile

 

[SeaRubi]

well Luis, you are definitely on to something -

http://www.truckracksplus.com/invitem.asp?id=174

I found the "congo cage" online for the unlimited, and it's only $315. This deal is screaming "Surco" basket to me :victory:

 

[SeaRubi]

Isaac, you're an intelligent dude. :clapsmile

well, I really don't want one - but my hopes of customizing the interior to fit all of us and our gear just ain't gonna happen with only a tail rack. for those that don't know ... we've got me, spouse, 6yo child, and a 70lb collie dog that's taller / longer than most 100lb dogs.

For sure the back seat is going to go, and I'm going to use a good bucket for my daughter, and use the other half for cooler storage. I can't afford an Engel, but these Coleman 12v jobbers look kind of interesting for the price. Not an ideal solution but for $100 it might be a start.

 

[calamaridog]

For sure the back seat is going to go, and I'm going to use a good bucket for my daughter, and use the other half for cooler storage. I can't afford an Engel, but these Coleman 12v jobbers look kind of interesting for the price. Not an ideal solution but for $100 it might be a start.

I'd stick with a regular cooler.

 

[pwc]

I'd agree.
And better yet!! Buy me the DuoZone thingy for my Engel and I'll make you ice while we drive!!
That's actually not a bad idea....except for the sloshing water part. Well, jsut throw in some of those gel ice packs and we're good.

 

[RoundOut]

SeaRubi -- check Gander Mt.

I have one of those, but I didn't pay $100. Gander Mountain had them on sale for $45 ($50 less 10% Scout discount). I looked at the one on display and it looked real cheap. If you read carefully, you'll notice that it is not a true refridgerator and only drops the ambient temperature about 35 degrees. In other words, if the outside air is 75, you would have 40 in the fridge. It would have to get pretty cool at night to ever freeze anything in it. For $45, it looked like a decent deal. I figure if it lasts for a few trips, it will save that much in ice. Our idea was that we could keep it in the A/C vehicle, which would always be around 70 degrees, and keep things pretty cool.

Check your local Gander Mountain, and if they still have them, they'll probably let it go for $49.99. It was a close-out item.

well, I really don't want one - but my hopes of customizing the interior to fit all of us and our gear just ain't gonna happen with only a tail rack. for those that don't know ... we've got me, spouse, 6yo child, and a 70lb collie dog that's taller / longer than most 100lb dogs.

For sure the back seat is going to go, and I'm going to use a good bucket for my daughter, and use the other half for cooler storage. I can't afford an Engel, but these Coleman 12v jobbers look kind of interesting for the price. Not an ideal solution but for $100 it might be a start.

 

[njtaco]

I have one of those, and it works fine if you have a lot of battery, drive a lot, or have 110V convertor for it and can plug in. Oh, it has no thermostat, so on a 60 deg day it will freeze your food. :REOutIceFishing: Well, some of it. :smilies27 In moderate temps it works for me, but I have to pay more attention to it than I'd like.

I'm saving up for an Engle/Norcold. I suggest you do the same. :chef:

A fridge review: http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/index.php

 

[stjjames]

I really want one of these . . . Apparently they've discontinued the small 33qt & large 60qt, in favor of the median sized 44qt. Wonder where I could pick up one of the discontinued models for cheap ?

 

[SeaRubi]

I have one of those, and it works fine if you have a lot of battery, drive a lot, or have 110V convertor for it and can plug in. Oh, it has no thermostat, so on a 60 deg day it will freeze your food. :REOutIceFishing: Well, some of it. :smilies27 In moderate temps it works for me, but I have to pay more attention to it than I'd like.

I'm saving up for an Engle/Norcold. I suggest you do the same. :chef:

A fridge review: http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/index.php

thanks all for the feedback (and for the tip on the sale!) Engel for sure is the way to go. Having pulled many a cold beer from PWC's Engel 45 I'm definitely sold on them but our first trip of the year is fast approaching this spring and I don't have the $$$ for one.

I know the ambient-30deg solution is cheap; my expectations are similarly low. I was kind of figuring that with a 2-liter ice bottle inside it would work / pack down better than a cooler, and I like keeping a bit of ice on hand to mix up a few isaa-ritas :friday:

if it can keep the ice around a day longer and some meat cool it will have met my requirements for the lonely wilds of the PNW ... i.e. not the Baja or Sahara.

NOW! enough hijacking my own thread - let's hear about those racks!! Seems like more folks have an Engle than they do a roofrack. I was thinking with an Engle and a tail-rack I could get by but, I need to carry 2 jerry cans of fuel and 2 or more of water. With 2 on the tailgate that still leaves 2 to go somewhere else.

:coffeedrink:

kind of begs the question - how much can others stuff on top of a tail rack??

 

[cshontz]

I kinda like the Wilderness racks - they come in a variety of sizes and configurations, they are sturdy, extremely accessorizable (that a word?), and quality seems to be pretty good. I've not compared Wilderness weight with other racks, but I can say that it posed no inconvenience. It would be near the top of the list if I had a Wrangler TJ, but I think you are wise to research.

I would also consider Bestop's system if there is an application for a long wheelbase TJ. I saw it at SEMA Off-Road last year, and it seemed light, durable, and innovative - although not particularly sexy. The modular plastic trays are nice, and open up multiple storage options.

 

[LUISJG]

well Luis, you are definitely on to something -

http://www.truckracksplus.com/invitem.asp?id=174

I found the "congo cage" online for the unlimited, and it's only $315. This deal is screaming "Surco" basket to me :victory:

Thats what i did ,,if i remember correctly i had the 60x50 surco rack on it,
real light and price is great check with summit racing they charge only 10 for shippng on the surco..

the congo cage ,,they used to sell it with out the hump i dont know isf they still do.