4X4_Itshowweexplore
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- Thread starter
- #1
Good day fellow Jeep enthusiasts.
Ever since I purchased my JLUR I had been patiently waiting since 2018 for the Rhino-Rack Backbone system to be released as I wanted to get away from the creaky exoskeleton roof rack set-up I had on my LJ. I purchased the backbone system as soon as it was released with the pioneer platform and quick release legs. I completed the install myself following their step-by-step guide and only had one self-induced problem with regards to drilling into the hard top. I mounted the quick disconnect legs and attached the pioneer platform. However, the connections between the casters attached to the hard top and the rack legs are only secured with one bolt (M10 x 20mm) in the center( see attached pictures). Roughly one month into use and only 1 off-road excursion and the rear caster mounting holes were completly stripped and are no longer holding the rear legs to the casters.
As I see it other than Rhino-Rack customer service responding to my emails inquiring about this design flaw my only option for safe continued use of this set-up is to drill and tap thicker gage bolts to firmly secure all leg mounting points to the casters. This may require drilling an additional hole through the hard top to secure the mounting points to the casters with a nut and lock washer combination on the inside of the Jeep to give me piece of mind while out on the trial.
It makes sense that the rear legs would wear quicker than the generally center mounted front and middle ones considering the jerk they would experience (jerk is the rate of change of acceleration) during off-road travel.
Any thoughts on how to remedy this situation and ensure safe travel on & off road?
Semper Fi,
JP
Ever since I purchased my JLUR I had been patiently waiting since 2018 for the Rhino-Rack Backbone system to be released as I wanted to get away from the creaky exoskeleton roof rack set-up I had on my LJ. I purchased the backbone system as soon as it was released with the pioneer platform and quick release legs. I completed the install myself following their step-by-step guide and only had one self-induced problem with regards to drilling into the hard top. I mounted the quick disconnect legs and attached the pioneer platform. However, the connections between the casters attached to the hard top and the rack legs are only secured with one bolt (M10 x 20mm) in the center( see attached pictures). Roughly one month into use and only 1 off-road excursion and the rear caster mounting holes were completly stripped and are no longer holding the rear legs to the casters.
As I see it other than Rhino-Rack customer service responding to my emails inquiring about this design flaw my only option for safe continued use of this set-up is to drill and tap thicker gage bolts to firmly secure all leg mounting points to the casters. This may require drilling an additional hole through the hard top to secure the mounting points to the casters with a nut and lock washer combination on the inside of the Jeep to give me piece of mind while out on the trial.
It makes sense that the rear legs would wear quicker than the generally center mounted front and middle ones considering the jerk they would experience (jerk is the rate of change of acceleration) during off-road travel.
Any thoughts on how to remedy this situation and ensure safe travel on & off road?
Semper Fi,
JP
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