It's 80 or so, not 40.I read that the hardtop only supports 40#. Will your yaks exceed that? I was looking at an eco-skeleton to overcome the weight.
Drop the top, foam on roll bars and strap down? Thats what i am trying this weekend.
I was using the sport rack foam blocks and strapping them to the kayaks, and used that for transport on hard top and roll bars.How did that work out??
I think the issue with gutter mounts is uplift more than load weight.Figured I would chime in, though I’m in a 2008 JKU. I have a 90 pound kayak that I have been topping with the Thule Rapid Gutter and Aero Bars setup. I have made about 6 30 mile (each way) trips with some light 65 mph highway driving. I have not had a single issue, but I am starting to get nervous with everyone having bad feelings about mounting to the gutters with that much load, especially on the freedom panels. Like I said, no issues at all yet, but now I am trying to talk myself out of getting the backbones system instead. I use the Rhino T-Loader to easily get it loaded and unloaded. And I’m a small 5’7” dude. What do you all think?
Since you asked... I think you are risking the safety of those driving near you. The aerodynamic lifting forces of this set-up are likely quite high. There is a reason why Jeep does not want folks mounting racks to the freedom panels.Figured I would chime in, though I’m in a 2008 JKU. I have a 90 pound kayak that I have been topping with the Thule Rapid Gutter and Aero Bars setup. I have made about 6 30 mile (each way) trips with some light 65 mph highway driving. I have not had a single issue, but I am starting to get nervous with everyone having bad feelings about mounting to the gutters with that much load, especially on the freedom panels. Like I said, no issues at all yet, but now I am trying to talk myself out of getting the backbones system instead. I use the Rhino T-Loader to easily get it loaded and unloaded. And I’m a small 5’7” dude. What do you all think?
Took me the longest time to figure out why you don't have a gutter all the way along your hard top. Simple solution: upgrade to a JL so you can attach it to the hard top . Theoretically your front and rear tie downs should prevent too much lift on that freedom panel, but attaching anything to the freedom panels would scare me.Figured I would chime in, though I’m in a 2008 JKU. I have a 90 pound kayak that I have been topping with the Thule Rapid Gutter and Aero Bars setup. I have made about 6 30 mile (each way) trips with some light 65 mph highway driving. I have not had a single issue, but I am starting to get nervous with everyone having bad feelings about mounting to the gutters with that much load, especially on the freedom panels. Like I said, no issues at all yet, but now I am trying to talk myself out of getting the backbones system instead. I use the Rhino T-Loader to easily get it loaded and unloaded. And I’m a small 5’7” dude. What do you all think?
As long as your gutter-mounted rack system is not attached to the freedom panels, you should be fine carrying such a short/light kayak. For more peace of mind, front and rear tie downs are a good idea too. I would be more concerned if the front crossbar was mounted to the freedom panel and the kayak was long (like a sea kayak).I read this entire thread and I'm more confused now than when I was before I started. LOL
Does anyone know the weight limit of the JLU(s) gutter rails? I keep hearing 80-ish pounds, but I can't seem to confirm that anywhere. And I'm having a HELLUVA time finding a system that will work for my kayak or SUP, in the summer and skis in the winter. I definitely do NOT want an exoskeleton rack as I want to be able to take the roof on/off, as well as switch back and forth from the freedom top to the soft top (I do not need a roof rack system with the soft top).
Am I correct to be concerned about the gutter cracking with a gutter mount crossbar system, or should I be looking at a backbone system? I only ever carry one 44 lb 11' kayak (or paddleboard) at a time (and 1-2 sets of skis), but I hit the water at least 3-4 times a week for two months out of the year (over 30 minutes of highway driving to get there).
Am I overreacting?
That makes sense. Thanks! (My freedom tops will be removed soon and replaced with the sun rider, so that won’t be a problem.)As long as your gutter-mounted rack system is not attached to the freedom panels, you should be fine carrying such a short/light kayak. For more peace of mind, front and rear tie downs are a good idea too. I would be more concerned if the front crossbar was mounted to the freedom panel and the kayak was long (like a sea kayak).