Maximus-3 JL Roof Rack System

[American Jeeper]

I just got my rack installed (long version) after a couple minor issues. One major OMG/PIA issue was that I installed the Hotheads liners a couple months ago. Easily doubled the installation time!

But I do now have a problem with the relocated satellite antenna. When driving east it looks like the Freedom panel metal latch is blocking the signal. Have you (or anybody else) seen this?

I bet those got in the way as it’s pretty tight up there in the front. I just unfastened my brackets to do an install today.

I haven’t had any issues with satellite reception unless I am near tall buildings or in the middle of nowhere, neither of which is a factor of the relocation.

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[c2m2h3]

Deek T,

Can you elaborate some on the difficulty of the Rhino Rack Maximus-3 Mounts with the HotHeads ? I don't have either (YET) but I also plan on doing both as you have.....I assume the Rhino Rack should be mounted first and THEN the HotHeads,.....Do the HotHeads then need to be trimmed around any brackets ? Any tips would be helpful....

Also, I am concerned about the relocation of the Satellite Antenna in that, as I'm sure this is the same for everyone, my Satellite Antenna WILL BE extremely important for using my Navigation ....I plan on being in the mountains and not much signal from anything else will be available.....

Chris

 

[RichieRugs]

Any current discounts or promotions? Best rack on the market, I’m convinced. Also any good installers to recommend in Los Angeles?

 

[American Jeeper]

Any current discounts or promotions? Best rack on the market, I’m convinced. Also any good installers to recommend in Los Angeles?

I am sure Matt at @Maximus-3 will give you the forum discount! Would @RebelOffRoad install?

 

[55WillysWagon]

@55WillysWagon, both the Long 76" x 54" and Short 60" x 54" provide a strong ample base to mount a Roof Rack Tent (RTT) The main factor is the tent's mounting dimensions. If the RTT's mounting dimensions fall inside the rack's dimensions - you should be golden. The tent's body can overhang the rack, nothing wrong there.

Pairing a tent is typically straight forward, but rare cases require different RTT mounting hardware. The short rack can hold many different tents, especially the ones that fold in half. Long story short, the Maximus-3 roof rack is great for holding most RTT's

@Maximus-3, Do you think that the satellite antenna still needs to be moved for the 60" long rack?

 

[Maximus-3]

@Maximus-3, Do you think that the satellite antenna still needs to be moved for the 60" long rack?

For the best reception, yes I recommend relocating it with the short (60"). We relocated it on our company JL with short rack.

 

[Maximus-3]

I am sure Matt at @Maximus-3 will give you the forum discount! Would @RebelOffRoad install?

Any current discounts or promotions? Best rack on the market, I’m convinced. Also any good installers to recommend in Los Angeles?

@RebelOffRoad rocks. Yes, they have installed the Maximus-3 rack system before (and our other great parts) - give them a call.

I can offer a 5% JLWF discount + free shipping over $200 orders. You would need to call your order into 248-821-6654 so we can apply the discount.

 

[55WillysWagon]

For the best reception, yes I recommend relocating it with the short (60"). We relocated it on our company JL with short rack.

Thank you. Can you also confirm whether or not the lower half front brackets need to be removed to install the soft top? I know the rear brackets probably do.

 

[Maximus-3]

Thank you. Can you also confirm whether or not the lower half front brackets need to be removed to install the soft top? I know the rear brackets probably do.

Unfortunately we do not have a soft-top in our fleet, so it's hard to say for certain.
But to be on the safe side, I would remove all brackets when switching to soft-top. Feel free to give it a try and let us know how it goes.

 

[DeekT]

Deek T,

Can you elaborate some on the difficulty of the Rhino Rack Maximus-3 Mounts with the HotHeads ? I don't have either (YET) but I also plan on doing both as you have.....I assume the Rhino Rack should be mounted first and THEN the HotHeads,.....Do the HotHeads then need to be trimmed around any brackets ? Any tips would be helpful....

Also, I am concerned about the relocation of the Satellite Antenna in that, as I'm sure this is the same for everyone, my Satellite Antenna WILL BE extremely important for using my Navigation ....I plan on being in the mountains and not much signal from anything else will be available.....

Chris

Hi Chris,
Sorry this is so late. Was on a trip to Tennessee to pick up a CVT RTT.
My elaboration is: "VERY difficult"! To do it over again I would probably have tried more effort to remove the Hotheads first. I initially tried but figured I would have to destroy them to get them off. The best method IMO would be to install the Maximus-3 first, then you can take your time and custom fit the Hotheads for a very clean look.

The GPS antenna does not get relocated. I was concerned about its reception but after the roof rack was on I checked the individual satellite signals and all were very strong. With the RTT on the rack I never checked the individual satellite signals but the GPS was working.

The Sirius-XM antenna is another story. Once relocated it seems the signal gets blocked by the hardtop latch when traveling east. I have never had an issue with reception until after the antenna was relocated. I'm going to try and figure out a way to relocate the antenna away from the latch. I would appreciate it if others would respond if they had this same experience.

Hope this helps.

Deek

 

[c2m2h3]

Thanks, Deek.
Last Q......when the Rhino Rack is mounted first and then the HotHeads, what if any part of the HotHeads needs to be trimmed ?


Chris

Hope the trip was nice....Tennessee is great !

 

[DeekT]

Thanks, Deek.
Last Q......when the Rhino Rack is mounted first and then the HotHeads, what if any part of the HotHeads needs to be trimmed ?


Chris

Hope the trip was nice....Tennessee is great !

The brackets pretty much go through the center of four of the Hotheads panels. You could maybe just put slits in the panels for the bracket to poke through where I had to cut out large holes for the entire bracket. Or you could leave those four out entirely. Or maybe even cut them in half and use velcro to mount so they are removable when needed.

Someone in this thread (I think) said they worked with Hotheads to modify the panels. Maybe reach out to them. They could have panels made specifically for the Maximus-3.

Deek

 

[c2m2h3]

Thanks Again !!

Chris

 

[Sklosinski]

Hi @voodoo11, thanks for the question. Basically the Maximus-3 mounting bracket system marries the rack to the sport-bar (through the hardtop) In order to remove the hardtop you have to unbolt the brackets from each other or remove the bolts that go through the hardtop. Hope this pictures helps clear things up. Otherwise please give us a call and we will talk you through it. 248-821-6654
Cheers!

It looks like you had to remove the factory head liners in these pics. Were you able to reinstall them?

 

[Shepherd12]

Any news on the 2-door rack?

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