Roof rack for JKU

[MOAK]

I have been researching the rack options, and it seems there are three ways to go.

1. Gobi - a fan favorite. While I am not a fan of the install around the bumper and front end, not drilling into the hard top is always preferred.

2. Frontrunner and AEV - both are pretty similar though I prefer the AEV, drilling into the roof, difficult to remove, and folks seem to think best just to leave it on, especially with the Frontrunner.

3. Eezi-awn k9 - not really that adopted as others. However, easy on and off compared to others. Does not hold as much, but that might be a good thing. How much weight do you really want up top? More than 200lbs? While I think Eezi-awn is a great company, and their rep here in the US is one of the best it seems (hat tip to Paul), I can not shake the feeling of failing fiberglass due to roof weight.

I would appreciate any insight from this really informed community. My goal is to only use the rack a few times a year. I also don't want to carry a lot of weight on top. Awning, Max Tracks, recovery gear, chairs, and tables, about 170 lbs total.

No RTT, no water or fuel, no pull-pall or hi-jack or shovel.

 

[stoney126]

I run a garvin roof rack and really dig it. do have to drill into the body though at the back. I like the Gobis low profile. I think @Narbob runs the aev and seems to really like his.

 

[Narbob]

I'm using the FrontRunner 1/2 rack on my Jeep and I do like it. However, to do it again I'd probably go with a Gobi full rack. I wasn't very comfortable drilling 16 holes through the roof and of course the front 8 were off by about .08", RTV becomes your friend! I only use it for MaxTraxx, shovel, an occasional duffle bag, awning and to hang two side and rear led's.

 

[boehml]

Personally, I don't like roof racks because they increase your height, COG and mostly look goofy on Jeeps. If I were to get one though, It would be the Rhino Rack Backbone. It's removable, and can use their Pioneer tray or platform.

 

[Lassen]

I've been researching roof racks for me and in the process came across this YT video for the Smittybilt Defender rack: . Maybe this is an option for you. Looks pretty well built and rather simple and non-intrusive install.

 

[pdxplorer15]

I ran the Kargo Master Congo rack on my JK (2 dr, but they make a 4 dr version). It was very solid. I liked that it bolted to the frame and windshield hinges. Like the Garvin, it will tilt back so you can remove your hard or soft top without removing the rack. I had to make my own light mounts, as the rack didn't have a provision for them. It looks a little goofy with no top and the basket, but it worked for me. IMO, they look better on JKU's and the design has evolved a fair bit since my early generation version.

http://kmsafaristore.com/en/jk-congo-pro-cages/188-jk-congo-pro-4-door-kit-.html

 

[Travis Barker]

I've been looking at roof racks too, leaning towards the Frontrunner. But kinda scared of the drilling holes thing. I found this YT vid kind sells me on their roof rack.

 

[Travis Barker]

If I don't go with frontrunner, I will most likely go with Gobi. Buddy of mine has one on his JKU and loves it.

 

[Dayton Sweet]

The pioneer back bone system and rack seems ideal, but you are talking well over 2.5k for that system, and when all you are looking to put up there is ideally not that much weight. After riding with a jeep top heavy, that is not something I generally want to do. The AEV rack is sourced by the Rhino Rack folks, and assembly etc looks pretty good. If money were no option... but honestly it always is.

This is why the K9 seemed like a good way to get the same low profile as the AVE, Rhino Rack, and Frontrunner, but less invasive. While it can't hold as much weight, that it not a goal. When the rack is not on you just have two very low profile tracks. The other plus is welded, no bolts. The big fear is supporting just using the fiberglass.

 

[ShawnR]

I run a Warrior Products Renegade roof rack. Really like it for tossing camping gear and stuff up there. It's completely bolt on and doesn't take very long to remove. Mine is the fastback version.

I put the air dam on it because it's noisy as hell.

 

[ShawnR]

The pioneer back bone system and rack seems ideal, but you are talking well over 2.5k for that system, and when all you are looking to put up there is ideally not that much weight. After riding with a jeep top heavy, that is not something I generally want to do. The AEV rack is sourced by the Rhino Rack folks, and assembly etc looks pretty good. If money were no option... but honestly it always is.

This is why the K9 seemed like a good way to get the same low profile as the AVE, Rhino Rack, and Frontrunner, but less invasive. While it can't hold as much weight, that it not a goal. When the rack is not on you just have two very low profile tracks. The other plus is welded, no bolts. The big fear is supporting just using the fiberglass.

I see you're down the road from me in Burlington. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Dayton Sweet]

Actually, for some reason, when I posted, it was under someone's else's id. I am actually in Virginia.

 

[ShawnR]

Actually, for some reason, when I posted, it was under someone's else's id. I am actually in Virginia.

That's weird. Welcome to the forum either way.

 

[MOAK]

OK GUYS,,,,the original post on this was not my post.. I don't own a JKU, and I already have a rack... I've been hi-jacked,,, but I will add my 2 cents to the OP from Virginia that posed the question....... I shopped for a rack for my 80 series for nearly 2 years, himming and hawing over this and over that...... I knew I wanted aluminum, I'd been the heavy, high maintenance steel route before. I knew I wanted to deal with an organization that was world renowned, I knew I wanted a rack that I could integrate into our overlanding style.. Up top we carry a 60 +/- lb tent, a pair of treds, a shovel, a propane tank, and a 125 watt solar panel... Once all of my criteria was met, then I went with Frontrunner for one major reason... price... True, that full rack was 1200, any quality rck will be at least 1,000. But the shipping is absolutely free. Since I bought the rack I've also added a propane bottle holder, an awning, a couple of extra eye rings, and some expo rails around the rear corners and back. I've also added a couple of extra slats for the ends of the tent roll bag.

 

[Travis Barker]

That's been happening a lot lately

 

[Dayton Sweet]

Just so you know, it was not an intentional hack. I was logged in as me when I wrote the question. Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.

 

[pdxplorer15]

Just so you know, it was not an intentional hack. I was logged in as me when I wrote the question. Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.

That happened to me as well yesterday. I came to the site and was already logged on, but as someone else. I logged out and logged back in as me. Weird.

 

[9Mike2]

I went with the Smittybilt Defender rack, it lets me take the rack off with six bolts if needed.
It reminds me of my old Con-Fer rack I had on my 78' Chief, plus I couldn't afford the Gobi or the LOD rack that that a friend has.....

 

[Dayton Sweet]

I am the actual Dayton Sweet, all good here. That is odd getting likes for 2 comments I didn't even make lol

 

[Anchor Mtn]

It's good to mention that on a JK make sure you get a rack that's supported by metal. If the rack mounts through the hardtop, make sure it has brackets that go through to the roll cage like the Frontrunner or Teraflex racks. Going through the roof to actual structure is what gives those racks the ~600lb ratings. The unsupported hardtop is only good for about 200lbs (and that's pushing it for offroad use) including the weight of the rack.

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