ARB BASE Rack Installation on JLU Wrangler

[Boondoggler]

Are there anyone out there that have installed the ARB BASE Rack mounting kit on a JLU? (mine is 2021).
Would like to hear other's experience (and perhaps pick your brain on lessons learned) before biting the bullet.

Need/Want a Roof Rack mounting system that uses frame structure to support weight. Narrowed down to several; Rhino Rack Backbone & ARB BASE Rack. For many reasons, prefer the BASE Rack. However, the installation instructions is pretty LACKING (and that's being nice, given the need to drill through the roof).

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[WannFly]

following. I am interested to know the same

 

[Lightguy]

Following! Looking at the same rack, but very limited details anywhere.

 

[Boondoggler]

Update:

Have confirmation that a larger Base Rack platform will fit on the JL Fit Kit (Rails).
I have chosen to use a larger platform as my RTT is much longer than the default platform (61x51).

ARB is supposed to be coming out with a RTT adapter that will make mounting certain RTTs much easier given the low profile of the Base Rack.

If you've acquired the digital (pdf) instructions to review prior to making a final decision, it may not be the right revision. The paper instructions in the box is impossible to read and see. ARB finally has a digital version of the instructions available that matches the paper one in the box. That revision should reflect August 24, 2020 w/ a complete Fitting Instruction # 37800050. Do Not use other versions, as drill hole locations is what changed.

 

[ColoradoMike]

Yikes, not sure why you want to install something that requires drilling through the roof if not necessary. I installed the Garvin Adventure Full Rack on my 21 JLUR. It attaches to the frame and body bolts, no new drilling, and can handle 600 pounds static and 300 pounds dynamic. I have had it on for five months and very happy with it, and if I ever want to, I can remove it and return the Jeep to full-stock (at least as far as the rack goes...).

 

[Boondoggler]

Yikes, not sure why you want to install something that requires drilling through the roof if not necessary. I installed the Garvin Adventure Full Rack on my 21 JLUR. It attaches to the frame and body bolts, no new drilling, and can handle 600 pounds static and 300 pounds dynamic. I have had it on for five months and very happy with it, and if I ever want to, I can remove it and return the Jeep to full-stock (at least as far as the rack goes...).

As with most everything, it is based on (1) Needs dictated by intended usage, and (2) Individual taste, right?

Weight is a big concern, as I have a JLUR 4xe, so at curb weight of over 5200 lbs already, an exoskeleton style rack is not good use of of my GVWR. The only thing the rack will carry for me is a hard-shell RTT (and those are just too expensive to risk damage), so with a dynamic rating of over 385lbs, the Base Rack minimizes the probability of damage and allow my overlanding journeys to ford tougher trails (requiring rock crawling) to reach desired destinations. The rack height I need in order to clear the garage door to ceiling hoist the RTT for storage dictates a low profile rack system. And lastly, returning it to "stock" is not a high priority concern for me, given all the other mods I will be doing for this overland rig; so having a permanent roof rail (the rack platform comes off easily) is acceptable to me.

That, in a nutshell, are the key thought processes in my choosing the Base Rack; and I definitely prefer a fully welded rack/platform versus all the other low profile systems that are pieced together like a puzzle.

 

[sudamericanrocker]

I`ve installed the ARB roof rack on my Jeep (Sahara JLU).
In my case, the only "problem" I had is with the length of the bolts, as they don`t consider my inner insulation on the roof (those black things sticked to the hard roof top on some jeeps, like the sahara).

Also, I am the person that likes to tighten as hell the bolts... and that doesnt seem to be a good idea here, as the mounting kit tend to bend the roof channels (or structural linear squared waves... i don`t know how to call them really).

I can happily send you pictures of the details... for now i`ve only got some of my jeep with the roof rack installed in use.

Roofrack makes no noise. happy with that. And i`ve got the aluminium one, which also its a great option.

 

[Boondoggler]

I`ve installed the ARB roof rack on my Jeep (Sahara JLU).
In my case, the only "problem" I had is with the length of the bolts, as they don`t consider my inner insulation on the roof (those black things sticked to the hard roof top on some jeeps, like the sahara).

Also, I am the person that likes to tighten as hell the bolts... and that doesnt seem to be a good idea here, as the mounting kit tend to bend the roof channels (or structural linear squared waves... i don`t know how to call them really).

I can happily send you pictures of the details... for now i`ve only got some of my jeep with the roof rack installed in use.

Roofrack makes no noise. happy with that. And i`ve got the aluminium one, which also its a great option.

Hearing from someone who has actually DIY...is like discovering a new species
I would love to hear & see what you've done and what challenges you had to deal with; there's just not much to the provided instructions or public knowledge base.

Let me start a "conversation" with you....

 

[Lightguy]

I`ve installed the ARB roof rack on my Jeep (Sahara JLU).
In my case, the only "problem" I had is with the length of the bolts, as they don`t consider my inner insulation on the roof (those black things sticked to the hard roof top on some jeeps, like the sahara).

Also, I am the person that likes to tighten as hell the bolts... and that doesnt seem to be a good idea here, as the mounting kit tend to bend the roof channels (or structural linear squared waves... i don`t know how to call them really).

I can happily send you pictures of the details... for now i`ve only got some of my jeep with the roof rack installed in use.

Roofrack makes no noise. happy with that. And i`ve got the aluminium one, which also its a great option.

Amazing!! Yes would love to hear the whole story & very curious on how the interior looks.
Can the hardtop still be removed easily or is it a lot more taking things apart?

 

[sudamericanrocker]

Hi Lightguy,

well, first of all, I must clear up that it was not me personally who installed the rack on the first place, though I was there around looking all the time. It took about 2 and a half hours for 2 people. Don`t know the exact mounting kit part number (as they sell this as a complete set here in my country), but here you have a picture for reference.

After a week of use, i decided to re-arrange the mounting rails (they were not completely as parallel as I wanted to), and also tried to put the washers to the nuts (they didn`t fit due to the headliners). If the rack is well located, then it is easy to loosen one rail, arrange it, fix it on position and after that loosen the second rail. This way, the base rack keeps its position.

On the top part, there are a couple of bolts that are difficult to tighten due to the aluminium mesh. On the inner roof, there are two bolts that are harder to set, they are located over the speakers. From my point of view, this is the part where you will need assistance of another person.

Drilling on the roof accepts some displacement, and even though the people that installed my rack did it from upside down, i would consider doing at least some of them upwards. (specially the couple that are over the backdoor seats (of course, the two of them that are not over the speaker.).

Removing the roof after this... I have`nt tried that yet. It is not impossible, but i definitively will need some help of another human. Above all, due to the weight added. I will send pictures if I decide to remove it. Basically it means a couple of bolts and nuts extra, but also means that procedure will be a little different (probably more a movement from upside-down than pushing it forward from the back _as I did before the base rack).

Hope this helps. The rack base is so far very good. No noise on high speeds.

Best regards!
R.

 

[Lightguy]

Hi Lightguy,

well, first of all, I must clear up that it was not me personally who installed the rack on the first place, though I was there around looking all the time. It took about 2 and a half hours for 2 people. Don`t know the exact mounting kit part number (as they sell this as a complete set here in my country), but here you have a picture for reference.

After a week of use, i decided to re-arrange the mounting rails (they were not completely as parallel as I wanted to), and also tried to put the washers to the nuts (they didn`t fit due to the headliners). If the rack is well located, then it is easy to loosen one rail, arrange it, fix it on position and after that loosen the second rail. This way, the base rack keeps its position.

On the top part, there are a couple of bolts that are difficult to tighten due to the aluminium mesh. On the inner roof, there are two bolts that are harder to set, they are located over the speakers. From my point of view, this is the part where you will need assistance of another person.

Drilling on the roof accepts some displacement, and even though the people that installed my rack did it from upside down, i would consider doing at least some of them upwards. (specially the couple that are over the backdoor seats (of course, the two of them that are not over the speaker.).

Removing the roof after this... I have`nt tried that yet. It is not impossible, but i definitively will need some help of another human. Above all, due to the weight added. I will send pictures if I decide to remove it. Basically it means a couple of bolts and nuts extra, but also means that procedure will be a little different (probably more a movement from upside-down than pushing it forward from the back _as I did before the base rack).

Hope this helps. The rack base is so far very good. No noise on high speeds.

Best regards!
R.

Awesome!! Thank you for the details description as well as the numerous detail photos - this helps a lot on deciding. Your install looks fantastic nice & clean! It also appears fairly easy to remove the top with the rack in place. I have a lift so the extra weight won't be an issue for me.

 

[TylerDurden7]

I ordered this 61x51 kit for my 2021 JLUR.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/arb-jeep-wrangler-base-roof-rack-kit-base261.html#customer_q_and_a

I took a bit of a leap of faith with no videos out there showing someone else installing it nor any install instructions available to preview on ARB's website. I did contact ARB, and the rep was nice enough to send me install electronic copy of instructions (attached).

I'm hoping to install it in within the next few weeks. I'll report back on how the install went, wish me luck!

 

[Boondoggler]

I ordered this 61x51 kit for my 2021 JLUR.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/arb-jeep-wrangler-base-roof-rack-kit-base261.html#customer_q_and_a

I took a bit of a leap of faith with no videos out there showing someone else installing it nor any install instructions available to preview on ARB's website. I did contact ARB, and the rep was nice enough to send me install electronic copy of instructions (attached).

I'm hoping to install it in within the next few weeks. I'll report back on how the install went, wish me luck!

I also have a 2021 JLUR. I opted for the 72x51 platform due to the size of my RTT.

I did (AM) having issues with the install. As you've said, there is very little (none) online on the install or review of this roof rack. But before you use the instructions you received by email, that is not the updated installation document. According to the ARB rep, there is some differences related to hole drilling & locations. I've attached the updated version for you.

My box came all jumbled up (see pic), but after doing an inventory, only the rubber gaskets were missing, so the store (4 Wheel Parts) were able to get the missing parts sent to me. However, the huge issue I am having is the Rear Support Arm (welded assembly they call it) is 4-5 inches short of the hardtop (see pics). It has been 10 days since I've notified 4 Wheel Parts, but so far they have only forwarded my email to ARB (seems really weird that the "largest auto part retailer" have no way to reach their ARB contact except through email.

So before drilling any holes in your jeep, walk thru the instructions and double check your rear support arm will reach the roof. They tried to tell me that it's supposed to slide up the clamp of the bracket. But there is no way that is correct as no tiny clamp is going to support 285 lbs of dynamic weight spec and prevent the vertical post in the clamp to slide down (which will destroy the roof).

Thomas

 

[TylerDurden7]

I also have a 2021 JLUR. I opted for the 72x51 platform due to the size of my RTT.

I did (AM) having issues with the install. As you've said, there is very little (none) online on the install or review of this roof rack. But before you use the instructions you received by email, that is not the updated installation document. According to the ARB rep, there is some differences related to hole drilling & locations. I've attached the updated version for you.

My box came all jumbled up (see pic), but after doing an inventory, only the rubber gaskets were missing, so the store (4 Wheel Parts) were able to get the missing parts sent to me. However, the huge issue I am having is the Rear Support Arm (welded assembly they call it) is 4-5 inches short of the hardtop (see pics). It has been 10 days since I've notified 4 Wheel Parts, but so far they have only forwarded my email to ARB (seems really weird that the "largest auto part retailer" have no way to reach their ARB contact except through email.

So before drilling any holes in your jeep, walk thru the instructions and double check your rear support arm will reach the roof. They tried to tell me that it's supposed to slide up the clamp of the bracket. But there is no way that is correct as no tiny clamp is going to support 285 lbs of dynamic weight spec and prevent the vertical post in the clamp to slide down (which will destroy the roof).

Thomas

Thanks for the updated instruction copy and update. I still have not started the install but I checked my parts, and if the tube rests on the lower bracket plate then it does look short like you noted, if however I slightly telescope the tube up, it makes contact with the hardtop and still is within the clamp boundary. In the printed install instructions, it instructs to drill a 4mm hole into mounting tube, but says nothing about telescoping the tube up, wondering if this install does require telescoping to position prior to hole drilling. That would mean though that ~1/4 of the total load would be resting on a screw per side, which doesn't seem right or safe. What a bummer.

I also emailed ARB about this issue.

FWIW: This is the video that I watched that turned me on to this rack, it's good to see it least working on a JLUR. I'm assuming he must have received the correct sized tubes.

 

[ArtC]

I also have a 2021 JLUR. I opted for the 72x51 platform due to the size of my RTT.

I did (AM) having issues with the install. As you've said, there is very little (none) online on the install or review of this roof rack. But before you use the instructions you received by email, that is not the updated installation document. According to the ARB rep, there is some differences related to hole drilling & locations. I've attached the updated version for you.

My box came all jumbled up (see pic), but after doing an inventory, only the rubber gaskets were missing, so the store (4 Wheel Parts) were able to get the missing parts sent to me. However, the huge issue I am having is the Rear Support Arm (welded assembly they call it) is 4-5 inches short of the hardtop (see pics). It has been 10 days since I've notified 4 Wheel Parts, but so far they have only forwarded my email to ARB (seems really weird that the "largest auto part retailer" have no way to reach their ARB contact except through email.

So before drilling any holes in your jeep, walk thru the instructions and double check your rear support arm will reach the roof. They tried to tell me that it's supposed to slide up the clamp of the bracket. But there is no way that is correct as no tiny clamp is going to support 285 lbs of dynamic weight spec and prevent the vertical post in the clamp to slide down (which will destroy the roof).

Thomas

I also have a 2021 JLUR. I opted for the 72x51 platform due to the size of my RTT.

I did (AM) having issues with the install. As you've said, there is very little (none) online on the install or review of this roof rack. But before you use the instructions you received by email, that is not the updated installation document. According to the ARB rep, there is some differences related to hole drilling & locations. I've attached the updated version for you.

My box came all jumbled up (see pic), but after doing an inventory, only the rubber gaskets were missing, so the store (4 Wheel Parts) were able to get the missing parts sent to me. However, the huge issue I am having is the Rear Support Arm (welded assembly they call it) is 4-5 inches short of the hardtop (see pics). It has been 10 days since I've notified 4 Wheel Parts, but so far they have only forwarded my email to ARB (seems really weird that the "largest auto part retailer" have no way to reach their ARB contact except through email.

So before drilling any holes in your jeep, walk thru the instructions and double check your rear support arm will reach the roof. They tried to tell me that it's supposed to slide up the clamp of the bracket. But there is no way that is correct as no tiny clamp is going to support 285 lbs of dynamic weight spec and prevent the vertical post in the clamp to slide down (which will destroy the roof).

Thomas

Tyler: The instructions from ARB are not very good at all and I ran into the same issue. you need to lift up the rear support arms to meet the hard top and then tighten the 4 bolts holding the round tube. Then you secure it with a self taping screw as shown on page 9.

Art

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