rain gutter rack mount, any issue?

[modeler]

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

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[LukeDagny]

I use a Yakima roof rack that was made for rain gutters. It wasn't Jeep specific. I actually bought it used off of Craigslist, years ago.

 

[Ratbert]

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.

 

[Ole_Robby]

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.

We have this one on our 4 door.

Jeep JL Roof Rack - Standard Basket | BajaRack – Bajarack Adventure Equipment
And the third pic shows it's weight load.

...

And it holds this much..

 

[Hard Rock Jeep]

If you plan to do any off-roading, I cannot imagine that a gutter mounted roof rack will give you good service, and it may create immense liability if it comes loose and something flys off on the highway. Just saying...

 

[AndySpill]

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

To @Ratbert's point, if the Mopar rack is rated at 150 pounds https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/removable-roof-rack-kit-jeep-wrangler-jl as a result of the limitations of the gutters, please appreciate that that strongest aluminum extrusion design you create will likely have the gutters as its weakest link.

While it might be true that increasing the number of places to which your DIY attaches to the gutter might not only balance the load, but spread it out, since you ask about load please know that there is both the dynamic load, which invariably is less, and the static load. Still more, as pictures above depict, it's not simply how much weight is placed on the rack, but how that weight is dispersed, as well as the shape of the object carried above.

For example, and for argument sake an owner could put a kayak above that easily falls short of the weight requirements, and yet have all sorts of problems at high speeds given the object's more aerodynamic tendency to want to rip off from the rack and sail down the highway.

 

[Ratbert]

We have this one on our 4 door.

Jeep JL Roof Rack - Standard Basket | BajaRack – Bajarack Adventure Equipment
And the third pic shows it's weight load.

...

And it holds this much..

That's static load, not dynamic.

 

[Ole_Robby]

If you plan to do any off-roading, I cannot imagine that a gutter mounted roof rack will give you good service, and it may create immense liability if it comes loose and something flys off on the highway. Just saying...

I'll let you know. It has locking screws in the installation screws that hold it on quite good. I would guess it would take trying pulling a trailer to get if off.

Other folks imaginations and 'may'bes really don't concern me much at this point.

 

[Hard Rock Jeep]

It has locking screws in the installation screws that hold it on quite good.

Other folks imaginations and 'may'bes really don't concern me much at this point.

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.

 

[Ole_Robby]

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.

I have looked through this posting a few times and I can't seem to find the place in it where I asked for your opinion. And I can't figure out how you are coming up with the idea that I somehow care about your 'firsthand knowledge' or prowess in off-roading or anything. If I have somehow given you that impression I sincerely apologize.

 

[Ratbert]

I have looked through this posting a few times and I can't seem to find the place in it where I asked for your opinion. And I can't figure out how you are coming up with the idea that I somehow care about your 'firsthand knowledge' or prowess in off-roading or anything. If I have somehow given you that impression I sincerely apologize.

Woah, the new guy has an insanely thin skin and hasn't figured out how the internet works.

 

[Ole_Robby]

Woah, the new guy has an insanely thin skin and hasn't figured out how the internet works.

And the old guy is either gods mouthpiece or just full of himself.

 

[Ratbert]

And the old guy is either gods mouthpiece or just full of himself.

Wait, I can't be both? Damnit.

Or I can also be an ass and correct your grammar by saying that it's "God's mouthpiece".

 

[Ole_Robby]

Wait, I can't be both? Damnit.

Or I can also be an ass and correct your grammar by saying that it's "God's mouthpiece".

Thanks, you have made my point.

 

[rcadden]

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 )

Along with this ( 150 Lb. Capacity Roof-Mounted Steel Cargo Carrier (harborfreight.com) )
*Note* I wouldn't really recommend this carrier again. It's very small, only ~half as wide as the Jeep roof is. However, I do like that it's short enough that I can mount it far enough back to still open my Sunrider without issue.


with the latter loaded with one of those cargo bags and a bunch of fully-laden suitcases for an ~18hr drive on the freeway with no damage to my rain gutters or roof.

I think if you have 3 rails instead of 2, you'd have a better distribution of the weight, which would provide a bit more leeway with the weights.

I wouldn't put a rooftop tent on that setup, but if you're hauling gear, you'd probably be OK.

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