Cargo Rack project completed on the JKU

  • HTML tutorial
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
I finally got around to getting my new Warrior Renegade Cargo Rack on today. Got off work early and got it installed in a couple hours. As you all probably know, not a lot of storage space in a Wrangler.

I have a question, will an air dam really make a lot of difference for wind noise? Around town is fine. But when I got on the highway, it sounded like a pack of wolves causing a ruckus up top. So, I'm going to order the air dam. Just curious for those who have carriers on top, if it makes that big of a difference.

I think I also need more lights. So I'm going to add a couple LED's front and rear on the rack.



 
  • Like
Reactions: SLO Rob and XPlore
Laughing Otter

Laughing Otter

Rank VI
Founder 500
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

3,128
13973 State Hwy 112, Sekiu, WA, USA
First Name
Ansa
Last Name
Langer
Member #

0261

I love the sound of wolves causing a ruckus! Awesome. In my experience, if you're going to carry a good amount of gear up there, the air dam helps by deflecting the air up and over your gear...thus creating less drag, which = better handling and mileage. Short or long trips, it adds up. Also, did you adjust or beef up your suspension...very important if you're going to store lots of heavy gear up top.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShawnR
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
Laughing Otter said:
I love the sound of wolves causing a ruckus! Awesome. In my experience, if you're going to carry a good amount of gear up there, the air dam helps by deflecting the air up and over your gear...thus creating less drag, which = better handling and mileage. Short or long trips, it adds up. Also, did you adjust or beef up your suspension...very important if you're going to store lots of heavy gear up top.
Click to expand...
I had my 2" budget boost removed and had a 3" Zone lift installed last month. Had the front axle sleeved and gussetted since I'm eventually moving up to 35's. I don't plan on putting too much on top. Primarily camping equipment and maybe a kayak or paddle board. I found the air dam for $99 so I'm going to order it. My wife hasn't rode in it yet with the rack on, but she is going to hate the noise. I'm sure it's amplified since I'm running a soft top.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Laughing Otter
Laughing Otter

Laughing Otter

Rank VI
Founder 500
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

3,128
13973 State Hwy 112, Sekiu, WA, USA
First Name
Ansa
Last Name
Langer
Member #

0261

When you strap the kayaks on top...use a mini bungee cord to attach the kayak straps (if they are wrap around straps) to the bottom of the rack...reason for this...as the strap runs under your rack and freeway air flows through...lol, it's like a gigantic banjo cord and will make an awful strumming noise...and loud...as it vibrates against your top. Did I word this right, or did I confuse you?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShawnR
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
Laughing Otter said:
When you strap the kayaks on top...use a mini bungee cord to attach the kayak straps (if they are wrap around straps) to the bottom of the rack...reason for this...as the strap runs under your rack and freeway air flows through...lol, it's like a gigantic banjo cord and will make an awful strumming noise...and loud...as it vibrates against your top. Did I word this right, or did I confuse you?
Click to expand...
Lol, I think I know what your talking about. Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
 
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
gandrimp said:
Twist the strap once or twice, that will stop the banjo noise.

The rack looks good and sturdy.
Click to expand...
Thanks. It's rated to 650lbs so I hope it holds up well. I won't put near that amount of weight on it. But it's nice to know it can handle it.
 
Byron Eby

Byron Eby

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,652
Sacramento, CA
Member #

0907

ShawnR said:
I finally got around to getting my new Warrior Renegade Cargo Rack on today. Got off work early and got it installed in a couple hours. As you all probably know, not a lot of storage space in a Wrangler.

I have a question, will an air dam really make a lot of difference for wind noise? Around town is fine. But when I got on the highway, it sounded like a pack of wolves causing a ruckus up top. So, I'm going to order the air dam. Just curious for those who have carriers on top, if it makes that big of a difference.

I think I also need more lights. So I'm going to add a couple LED's front and rear on the rack.



Click to expand...
That looks rad! Too bad 4Runners don't have capabilities like that. Nicely done, pal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShawnR
stoney126

stoney126

Rank VI
Founder 500
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,278
Napa Ca
First Name
Robert
Last Name
Stoner
Member #

0408

Rack looks good. The air dam helps. I have a garvin rack on mine. I bought mine used and it was already attached. Out of curiosity I removed it just seems if it actually did anything. I'm tempted to download a decibel app and see what the actual difference is.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShawnR
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
Byron Eby said:
That looks rad! Too bad 4Runners don't have capabilities like that. Nicely done, pal.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Fortunately though, 4runners have a larger cargo carrying capacity. If i could afford it, I'd have a 4runner too. My sister has a sequoia, and it's been a very dependable vehicle for many years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Byron Eby
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
stoney126 said:
Rack looks good. The air dam helps. I have a garvin rack on mine. I bought mine used and it was already attached. Out of curiosity I removed it just seems if it actually did anything. I'm tempted to download a decibel app and see what the actual difference is.
Click to expand...
Would have loved a Garvin or Gobi. Unfortunately though they don't make a fastback version. The only other one that I know of is Wild Boar, which was a few hundred more.
 
Byron Eby

Byron Eby

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,652
Sacramento, CA
Member #

0907

ShawnR said:
Thanks. Fortunately though, 4runners have a larger cargo carrying capacity. If i could afford it, I'd have a 4runner too. My sister has a sequoia, and it's been a very dependable vehicle for many years.
Click to expand...
It is definitely a toss up between cargo space and off road capabilities. I think the Jeep would take the win for now.
 
ShawnR

ShawnR

Rank VI
Launch Member

Influencer II

3,316
Bettendorf, Iowa, USA
First Name
Shawn
Last Name
Reimers
Member #

0782

Service Branch
Army
Byron Eby said:
It is definitely a toss up between cargo space and off road capabilities. I think the Jeep would take the win for now.
Click to expand...
Off the production line, I don't think you can beat a Jeep. But I've seen some very capable 4runners and other vehicles that would run circles around me. The older I get, the rougher the ride seems to be. I've contemplated long and hard about getting a 4runner or Pathfinder, but just can't give up my Wrangler. Almost had the wife convinced we needed to trade in the Grand Cherokee though. Maybe someday.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Byron Eby
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom