Need a strong roof rack for a Jeep JK

FrontRunner has a picture of a Jeep hanging from a crane. The crane is attached to the FrontRunner rack which is attached to the Jeep. More of a pulling force demonstration, and most racks won't be used for that purpose, but I think it gives some idea of how strong the metal is.
 
My two cents, YMMV and all that...

I had a Gobi rack on my JK and while it was capable, it did add a certain amount of noise and a noticeable 1-1.5 MPG drop even when empty as I take the RTT off when we aren't using it. Also, under heavy loads even when adjusted properly it can move around a little while traversing harsh roads. While I've only experienced the Gobi style of rack, I believe that any rack with A-Pillar supports is going to experience the same issues. While the Frontrunner rack is obviously very sturdy the full length version ruins the lines of the Jeep in my opinion. I also wasn't a fan of the 16 x 22mm holes that need to be drilled into the roof!

I still wanted the option of mounting our RTT on the JK when it's not on the trailer so I decided to go with the RhinoRack Backbone system and the 3/4 length Pioneer rack. The hole drilling in the hardtop is minimal in comparison to the Frontrunner, and the entire hardtop can be removed with the rack in place. I hear no additional wind noise at highway speeds with the rack empty. I'm really impressed with the overall sturdiness of the rack and unlike the Gobi rack, accessories are available for immediate purchase.

Here's a quick pic from after the install:
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We'll see how it holds up long term, but so far I'm very happy with how it turned out and the options it allows.
 
I went with the LOD sliding roof rack. Little bit heavier than most but the entire top slides back to create an awning and allows me to remove the hardtop and still hold my RTT.
 

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I think the Garvin Expedition is pretty hard to beat myself. Although I don't own a Jeep any longer, I went with one of their rail mount Expedition racks for my truck shell. Their quality is superb.

That LOD sliding rack mentioned earlier intrigued me. If you are looking for something and don't need to have a roof top tent in the open position it looks like an interesting option. Instant shade awning and throw a tarp on it and you have an all weather awning also.

-Curtiss
 
Since a few years (4 or 5, I don't recall) I have a Warrior Products Renegade roof rack because I was looking for a fastback style RR (for obvious reasons - a full length roof rack looks silly on an open Jeep or one with a fastback IMHO).

It is solid, but you definitely need the wind shield. Mine came a few days after the rack and it reduced the noise above 40mph by 90%. You still hear something, but that is normal for any RR or light bars.

Overall I recommend it.

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No but it will allow for it as there are adjustments and a bracket i believe to lift it higher to compensate for the soft top. The only issue i can see is the labor involved in putting the top up and down on a reoccurring basis as I assume most soft top owners would normally do. The rack allows for it but it is not the quickest process.
 
Schvamla said:
No but it will allow for it as there are adjustments and a bracket i believe to lift it higher to compensate for the soft top. The only issue i can see is the labor involved in putting the top up and down on a reoccurring basis as I assume most soft top owners would normally do. The rack allows for it but it is not the quickest process.
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Thanks. I like the look of the pro better, but want to retain the ability to drop the soft top. I’ll have a look at the KMS sport rack, i think that’s designs to be a bit easier to release the spreader bars.
 
Northernlady said:
I have the KMS Kargo Master Congo Rack and it works excellent for my application and my budget. I added the Catwalk across the cowl and the side steps at the door hinges to make it easier for me to access the tent during setup and takedown. View attachment 82503View attachment 82504
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You look like you’re running the sport vs the pro rack. Have you ever run it with the soft top? Is it relatively quick to disconnect the front bars and raise them to allow for the soft top to be opened?
 
2nd the Front Runner Outfitters Slimline 2 rack. Love mine!
 
Roam Wild Overland said:
You look like you’re running the sport vs the pro rack. Have you ever run it with the soft top? Is it relatively quick to disconnect the front bars and raise them to allow for the soft top to be opened?
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I do not have a soft top to try with it but when I first got the rack on it released and moved fairly easily
 
I have been looking into getting a rack for my Jeep as well, but my wife had gotten me the sunrider for the hardtop. I want to be able to use that and many racks seem to block that area. The options I have seen are the Rhino back bone or something the Barricade or Smittybilt racks.
 
Jeff B said:
I have been looking into getting a rack for my Jeep as well, but my wife had gotten me the sunrider for the hardtop. I want to be able to use that and many racks seem to block that area. The options I have seen are the Rhino back bone or something the Barricade or Smittybilt racks.
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If it would ever stop raining here in SoCal, I'll put on my Throwback (similar to Sunrider) and take some pics of it with the RhinoRack.
 
nobody has a Trail Fx/ Smittybilt / Barricade style rack? Honestly, I love the Gobi but the price is insane and the wait time, I was told 8 months when I inquired in December. And they said it could be even longer than that. That's ridiculous and apparently they don't answer calls or emails you simply pay and hope that some day in the future you get it, with no updates on the progress. I cannot wait that long, I was thinking about getting a Barricade roof rack for my Jeep. Any input? It may not be the prettiest but it works just fine for a RTT and gear. And you can still remove the hard top with 2 people by removing the cross bars.
 
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