Mopar Roof Rack Spacing

[bueller44]

So what kind of weight rating does this roof rack have? I know I saw many roof racks on JK's using the rain gutters, and many of those rain gutters had been destroyed from the rack - most kelly due to having too much weight on it. Just curious if they are different with this specific roof rack / JL rain gutter combo.

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[bjeep1983]

Yea, front one 7" from the panels. I can't think of any reason you can't though.

Lol. I knew I should have read the instructions. Thanks.

 

[Forgettable1]

it looks exactly the same to me. And the rack seems to distribute the load directly to the roof and not the gutter. I plan on attaching a canoe for local (non hwy) trips. Just can't see how it's be an issue.

As I see it, they don't recommend attaching to the freedom panels because if they did, someone would un latch their panels while driving and lose their load (because idiots are why we can't have nice things). So FCA by default advises against using the rack for watercraft because the load bars would then be too close together to adequately support said watercraft.

Just received my mopar rack from Qtech (who was awesome as always). One thing to point out. i was wrong in thinking the load was transferred to the roof by the rack tower. It looks like it does in the pics, but it does not. 100% of the load is transferred to the rain gutter. The rack comes very close to the roof, but it does not distribute the load to the roof in anyway. (unless you want to be pedantic and call the rain gutter part of the roof)

 

[Forgettable1]

So what kind of weight rating does this roof rack have? I know I saw many roof racks on JK's using the rain gutters, and many of those rain gutters had been destroyed from the rack - most kelly due to having too much weight on it. Just curious if they are different with this specific roof rack / JL rain gutter combo.

Would you mind sharing some links ? I've been unsuccessful in finding any pics of cracked rain gutters from a roof rack. Over the years, I've seen it mentioned in the various jeep forums, but can't find a pic.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

is there an actual engineering difference in the gutters on the main hard top vs the freedom panels? Meaning is the guidance against putting them on the freedom panels strictly related to the removability panel itself?

For light loads, Im having a hard time coming up with a plausible reason NOT to attach to the freedom panels.

I don't think the issue is the weight of the load but rather aerodynamics. The issue is the lifting force created by the load on the roof rack when the Jeep is moving. The lift can be substantial. Only FCA knows the lifting forces that the freedom panels can take before failure.

 

[Forgettable1]

I don't think the issue is the weight of the load but rather aerodynamics. The issue is the lifting force created by the load on the roof rack when the Jeep is moving. The lift can be substantial. Only FCA knows the lifting forces that the freedom panels can take before failure.

good point. im going to have to be mindful of top speed and buffeting from opposing traffic on tight rural highways.

 

[k9jackie]

Lol. I knew I should have read the instructions. Thanks.

I think this is going to help me.... accidentally threw away my instructions! LOLOL

 

[Saejin]

I spaced mine based on the cargo rack I installed. Didn’t even realize the instructions had measurements to use. Also, had to adjust the width of one of the crossbar footings and tweaked the brackets a bit so they would sit flush against the outside of the rain gutter when I bolted them down.

I remove mine when not in use. Since I have a cargo rack installed it all comes off as one piece which makes it easy.

Long term plan to to install a platform base rack that bolts to the roll cage. I’m leaning towards the Rhino Rack Backbone system and 72x56 platform. On the JK this is rated 269lbs dynamic and 700lbs static. Perfect for a rooftop tent, etc.

Right now current setup hauls light camping gear, shovel, and hilift jack.

For the OP, would think you could mount to the freedom panels no problem. Just you won’t be able to remove them with the rack on of course.

 

[Saejin]

Here’s how I store it when not in use.

 

[Saejin]

And this is what I plan to get once rhino rack releases it for the JL. Uses an internal frame system for the rear that mounts to the bolts holding the hardtop on. And for the front it mounts to the roll bar. Of course this means drilling holes in the hardtop, but it’s a Jeep and leaks anyway.

 

[Mattyp1214]

And this is what I plan to get once rhino rack releases it for the JL. Uses an internal frame system for the rear that mounts to the bolts holding the hardtop on. And for the front it mounts to the roll bar. Of course this means drilling holes in the hardtop, but it’s a Jeep and leaks anyway.

Most people that have them say it doesnt leak anyway

 

[Krondor]

And this is what I plan to get once rhino rack releases it for the JL. Uses an internal frame system for the rear that mounts to the bolts holding the hardtop on. And for the front it mounts to the roll bar. Of course this means drilling holes in the hardtop, but it’s a Jeep and leaks anyway.

This will be the rack for me as well. Only down side, I think, is that it will not be as easily removed once installed.

 

[Saejin]

Nope. It’s easily removed. You can remove it with it still installed on the hard top or separate it from the hard top. It had three mounting locations on each side. The four in the rear mount through the hard top to an internal frame. The two up front just rest on the roll bar with some adapters.

Also, you can get quick releases for the legs allowing you to take off the platform and leave the mounting plates in place which are not even noticeable.

All in all this is the best low profile rack systems I’ve seen. Just need them to design it for the JL. For right now my megawarrior will do and I can still use it after the platform is installed which is awesome.

Can’t wait.

 

[Swadewade]

I know this is an old post, but do you remember what kind of radio antenna you have? Your jeep is one of the coolest IMO. I also like how you removed the “Wrangler Unlimited” stickers. I had done the same and just installed these racks over the weekend. Thanks in advance.

 

[MMalone]

Since I installed the rack last night my sat radio has been cutting in and out ... no issues prior. Anyone else having this issue? Might have to mess with the placement of the rack if it continues to interfere.

I know this is an old thread, but having the same issues with my new rack. did you find proper placement to correct issue?

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