Roof Racks - Soft Top

[Adventure Rack Systems]

I have reached out to get more info about the Maximus-3, since it looks like you can install the brackets and then use the rack with or without the hard top (meaning, it then seems you could use it with a soft top Jeep).

Any other roof racks that you're aware of that can be used with the soft top, that don't mount to a hard top? I'd like to run without a top for 6 - 9 months a year and would take the rack on and off depending on season/weather, but don't see mounts or brackets that work without a top. I'll mount a roof top tent if I can find the right soft top rack or mounts.

Ideas?

Our system works perfectly with soft-tops, hard-tops or topless. It's also fairly easy to remove should you want to install/remove your tops. Check it out here: https://adventureracksystems.com/jl-wrangler-4-door-pro-rack-system.html

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[AcesandEights]

I appreciate the post, but that rack is for a four-door, and this thread is in the two-door specific forum.

Also, that rack is priced at least three-times what I would pay for that design. I realize you are in business to make money, but ~$2,000 for a skeletonized rack is really expensive. I hope you sell every one you make, but you won't sell one to me at that price.

 

[AnnDee4444]

I appreciate the post, but that rack is for a four-door, and this thread is in the two-door specific forum.

https://adventureracksystems.com/jl-wrangler-2-door-pro-rack-system.html

 

[AcesandEights]

Thanks. Now can you reduce the price by 70%?

 

[Merc]

Update:

I went ahead an ordered this, fortunately in time. Just went on Extreme Terrain website, and it's now out of stock! Guess I know what I'll be doing Saturday morning. Will post pictures and install.

Update

 

[Ferhdemerak]

https://adventureracksystems.com/jl-wrangler-2-door-pro-rack-system.html

Yeah I loved kargo master racks for my jk. But since they merged with metal cloak the price doubled at the minimum. I remember paying for my kargo master safari cargo rack around 1000cad 6years ago. Now the ARS equivalent is like 4000$..... So yeah I looking at other options aswell. All of us are not youtube influencer with either deep pocket or sponsorship.

 

[AcesandEights]

I had a KargoMaster on my XJ and felt the same way when I found out they had gone up so much in price. How do contractors with truck racks do it, wow.

 

[Holokai2195]

https://adventureracksystems.com/jl-wrangler-2-door-pro-rack-system.html

That’s still quite a hefty price for such a minimal set up. I am also in the market for something similar, but for that same amount of money, there are other options with more features. Thanks for your contributions though.

 

[AcesandEights]

A thread from the dead. Thanks for reviving this. I have an update.

There are bolt holes already where you need them; rear of where the door surrounds mount and in front of the sound bar (between the two). Additionally, you can use the rear bolts for the soft top tracks.

I purchased one 10-foot section of Superstrut; although, I purchased from Lowes, so it has a different name. You can use the "shorter" (not as tall) strut, but I used the 1 5/8" x 1 5/8" because it is stronger. I also used a .5" or .75" nylon washer in the front and a 1/8" or 1/4" nylon washer in the rear, under the struts to maybe protect the paint/metal of the Jeep.

I cut them 47" and 52" (front/rear) long, if I remember right. You need bolts for the front ones and use the stock bolts for the rear. You need fender washers too.

You now have two "cross bars". I then easily mounted my CVT awning and a Harbor Freight roof rack. $36 in Superstrut, about $8 in bolts and washers and $99 for the roof rack. All told, I'm in it for less than $150 and at those lengths it has a load rating of something ridiculous with minimal deflection.

I then took the $2,000 I saved going this route and put it into a mutual fund that earns me 6% a year, obviously reinvesting with compounding interest. So, my DIY earned me close to $10k over a 30 year period. What am I going to do with all of that money you might ask? Well, I'm going to Disneyland.

 

[Aonar]

Our system works perfectly with soft-tops, hard-tops or topless. It's also fairly easy to remove should you want to install/remove your tops. Check it out here: https://adventureracksystems.com/jl-wrangler-4-door-pro-rack-system.html

Looking at your system, I need to ask: I have your @Metalcloak JL Wrangler Crawler "Narrow Width" Rear Bumper. Is there an option for use with this one? THX!

 

[tumblingdown]

Noob here.

I'm thinking about a rack for my 2dr JL softy. Came across this review which shows the Gobi causing soft top rub and rear support denting the rear body panel

Has anyone else has similar issues with the Gobi (Stealth) rack?

Cheers.

 

[TCogs1]

I built mine for ~ $700 bucks for my 4 door.. now i am cutting smaller for my 2024 2 door.. it just 80-20 hardware and a couple brackets i fabed up from 3/16 SST.. if you dont have the cash DYI.. I can help..

 

[TCogs1]

I built mine for ~ $700 bucks for my 4 door.. now i am cutting smaller for my 2024 2 door.. it just 80-20 hardware and a couple brackets i fabed up from 3/16 SST.. if you dont have the cash DYI.. I can help..

 

[Tredsdert]

It really does defeat the purpose of a soft top to throw a roof rack on there. Especially if it's a more bulky permanent type of roof rack. At that rate you might as well just go ahead and purchase a hardtop and throw a rack on top of that.

I mean why the heck would you buy a soft top and then make it so you can't remove it? That defeats the whole purpose of owning a soft top.

 

[TCogs1]

It really does defeat the purpose of a soft top to throw a roof rack on there. Especially if it's a more bulky permanent type of roof rack. At that rate you might as well just go ahead and purchase a hardtop and throw a rack on top of that.

I mean why the heck would you buy a soft top and then make it so you can't remove it? That defeats the whole purpose of owning a soft top.

mine rotates on hinges so i can go full open top (rack still there to haul whatever) or remove it in minutes.. not that hard.. do not believe all the marketing...

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