rain gutter rack mount, any issue?

[Dadgummit]

The DeeZee roof rack is just gutter mount and lots of people are using it for rooftop tents. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/dee-zee-rack-for-roof-top-tents.45757/

I have this one and have used it a few times for carrying camping equipment and it is rock solid.

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[Centurion07]

You CAN put a lot of weight, especially static weight on the gutters. I've done it myself, even on the freedom panels.

Is it a great idea? Nope, because in the end, it's just little rain gutters holding it all together. This is true, regardless of any bolts or experience Ole_Congenial or Ole_Cuddly has to offer.

If you want strength, something like a Maximus-3 system works great, but it has trade-offs if you like running topless on occasion.

If you're just going to carry lightweight stuff, then just get something rated at 100lbs dynamic or more and you should be fine.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

Weight isn't the only issue to consider with gutter-mounted roof rails. Aerodynamic lifting forces and moments can be very high depending on the item (eg cargo box, kayak) being carried on the rack.

 

[AndySpill]

The DeeZee roof rack is just gutter mount and lots of people are using it for rooftop tents. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/dee-zee-rack-for-roof-top-tents.45757/

I have this one and have used it a few times for carrying camping equipment and it is rock solid.

Please do note OP, for better or worse, that some of the weight load of this rack is on rubber pegs I believe that interface with the hard top, in addition to the gutters....

 

[LukeDagny]

I have personally used this ( Amazon.com: Snailfly Black Roof Rack Fit for 2007-2025 Jeep Wrangler JK JL Gladiator JT 2&4 Door Cross Bars Crossbars : Automotive )

The Yakima racks I use mount the same way, which is the same as the Mopar racks. I may not have exceeded the 100# limit, but I'm close when I haul two Heritage 9.5 kayaks. The kayaks are supposed to weight 40# each, plus the weight of the racks.

I think whatever rack system you choose, stay under the weight limit and you'll be fine.

If you don't trust the OEM rain gutters, you can add some rain gutter brackets, if you don't mind drilling some holes into your top. I used these on a fiberglass truck cap to haul multiple canoes. The weight would have been well over 100# with these brackets.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y08002.html

 

[BRuby]

It is seem quite expensive to find wrangler specific rack amount, so I want to build my own from aluminum extrusion parts.
Any issue with rain gutter rack mount, how much load does it take?
like this one
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0D31F3QBJ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3V8KM657SOFDN&psc=1

Post this pic years ago. Using a Yakima gutter mount is fine. No stress cracks nothing. Take off the rack and you would never know what load was up there. This is around 150lbs or maybe a bit more static. 16' glass comp canoe plus 3# - 14' hard racing paddleboards comp and carbon. Bouncing on a heavily rutted with huge potholes FSR back to civilization. Highway probs was around 60mph for a few hours. So dynamic wind load was pretty massive with that much windage. But just tie it down properly - drive within reason - and you should be good. Not speculation or guesses or BS. Actual. Best not to exceed 60mph.

 

[Centurion07]

Like others, I carried kayaks and SUPs. IF you can tie down your load to the hood, bumpers, whatever, you mitigate some of the lift forces.
Still doesn't get you around the weight limit or the chance to crack gutters - not the "best" idea, but it may work fine.

 

[rforbes]

If I remember correctly Jeep says their gutter-mounted rack can hold a max of 100 pounds dynamic. That's including the weight of the bars. In other words: they can't hold much. At all.

And I am not sure I would even put that much weight up there.

 

[IdowaJeeper]

On my Tundra's Leer topper, I wanted a roof rack that was flat for hauling lumber, kayaks, and other longer items. Plus, I had a bad experience with wind noise and drag using basket racks in the past.

So, I bought some ladder racks and bolted them to the top, then found this rack for under $200...

Amazon.com: WILDROAD Car Roof Platform, Universal Roof Flat Rack 69" x 47" x 1.3" Heavy Duty Roof Rack Platform with Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net, Ratchet Straps and Anti-Rust Sealant Fits for SUV Truck Cars : Automotive

It works great! No noise and when you average 13mpg, not really noticing any decrease, lol.

I'll have to check the dimensions of the JL's top, but will likely use the same rack mounted on good quality gutter mount cross bars.

No way will I ever have a rooftop tent, and usually just need to grab a couple of 2x6s or some other item that is over 5.5' long, so 150lb limit is fine.

 

[LazyJL]

Our 2020 JLR has had a Maximus-3 through the roof, into the roll bar mount for three years . It has been trouble-free carrying two 14' sea kayaks down many rough roads, plus many leads of lumber.
It is a pain to install and eliminates easy removal of the top, it works for us,.
I bought the roof mounts and internal support pieces with rack or crossbars, Instead of commercial racks, Unistrut bars are used, allowing all sorts of mounts to be made and used.

 

[IdowaJeeper]

I have personally used this ( Amazon.com: Snailfly Black Roof Rack Fit for 2007-2025 Jeep Wrangler JK JL Gladiator JT 2&4 Door Cross Bars Crossbars : Automotive )

I ordered the racks and they came in today. Installed them and am very happy with the quality and sturdiness. I have my platform rack on the way and would not hesitate to haul a couple of hundred pounds up there properly distributed.

 

[donmontalvo]

To be clear, I have first hand knowledge of an iKamper coming off a "big brand" roof rack system where six stainless steel screws pulled loose from their mounting. This is not my imagination nor is it a maybe. Check your system often.

The screws are designed to be fuses. Drive into a low overhang and your RTT gets knocked off your roof...but your roof doesn't get ripped off your Jeep.

I haven't read the whole thread, but I have the same goal as the OP.

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