Roof racks?

[ornglj05]

So I’m gonna start upgrade my 2023 JLU and one of the first things on my list is a roof. Anyone have any recommendations on one? I’ve found this one which I really like it’s the look and functionality I’m looking for.

https://tkmauto.com/products/tkmaut...2018-2024-jeep-wrangler-jlu-4-doors-full-size

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[TrailMax]

I'm happy with my Pioneer platform from Rhino Rack, and the Backbone system increases the load capacity of the rack.

Initially I was leery of having to drill into the hardtop, but no leaks after more than a year so far and it would be easy to re-seal if any leaks do start in the future.

 

[ornglj05]

I’ll take look into that one thank you trailmax

 

[Adv_aw8s]

We have been running the rhino rack pioneer platform with backbone and it has been solid. We ran it for about a year with a tent on it. It went from Colorado all the way to the Brooks range in Alaska. We toured all around Alaska for three weeks and it was solid. It has been all over Colorado too. We since sold the tent and now the roof rack just holds different gear for our adventures. When I hit the rocks and we do some rock crawling it's eight, 8mm bolts I believe and the rack lifts right off.

 

[ColoradoMike]

What do you plan to put on this rack, under which conditions? What does this rack say is its weight limit, static and dynamic? I can't find that anywhere on the link you posted. Some racks are only designed to carry 50 pounds under dynamic stress; mine can carry 300 pounds dynamic and 600 static (Garvin Adventure Full Rack). Nobody can recommend a rack for you without knowing what you plan to put up there/do with it.

 

[Fonzilla85]

This post hits all the key areas. Just to drive the point home, think about what you want to put on the rack and how much that’s going to weigh. There are some other adjustments and issues you’ll have to deal with but this should be #1.

 

[AndySpill]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/roof-rack.126164/post-2637660

 

[ornglj05]

Mainly gonna use it for camping gear, firewood shovels and high lift jack. Says its load capacity is 600 pounds but didn’t see any other info about what Coloradomike mentioned.

 

[R3TRO]

I use this one from Quadratec... works great for my camping needs! All aluminum and no noticeable wind noise. I have a Sunrider top and the length is perfect to accommodate this or removal of the freedom panels. Been on for 2yrs with no issues.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

Your system will sit on the drip rail which has a weight limit of about 150 lbs. basically worthless. Add the rhino rack and now you can carry quite a bit. Can’t remember the while moving weight limit but static and stopped at a base camp site the rack will support 900 lbs. The system will support 3-4 adults in a tent.

The backbone is not that hard to install, read through the instructions a few times and watch a video for it and just take your time.

The backbone system is designed for use with a hard top, not sure what you will need with a soft top.

We added it to our Jeep so we can use the Thule Hullivator system for 2 kayaks. With 2 Hullivators and 2 10-foot kayaks we are pushing 180-200 lbs so we opted for the back bone system

 

[ColoradoMike]

Your system will sit on the drip rail which has a weight limit of about 150 lbs. basically worthless. Add the rhino rack and now you can carry quite a bit. Can’t remember the while moving weight limit but static and stopped at a base camp site the rack will support 900 lbs. The system will support 3-4 adults in a tent.

The backbone is not that hard to install, read through the instructions a few times and watch a video for it and just take your time.

The backbone system is designed for use with a hard top, not sure what you will need with a soft top.

We added it to our Jeep so we can use the Thule Hullivator system for 2 kayaks. With 2 Hullivators and 2 10-foot kayaks we are pushing 180-200 lbs so we opted for the back bone system

Yeah, you mentioned the key thing.... ANY system that mounts to the rain gutters is a bad idea, in my opinion, unless you plan to put very little weight up there.

 

[AndySpill]

I use this one from Quadratec... works great for my camping needs! All aluminum and no noticeable wind noise. I have a Sunrider top and the length is perfect to accommodate this or removal of the freedom panels. Been on for 2yrs with no issues.

I like it, as I do the one from Bestop with twice as many rain gutter mounting points...

https://www.bestop.com/products/gra...eep-2018-2023-wrangler-jl-4-door/?sku=4147101

It's currently marked down to $200 from $499. I have no affiliation with Bestop and don't own this rack.

 

[AndySpill]

Your system will sit on the drip rail which has a weight limit of about 150 lbs. basically worthless. Add the rhino rack and now you can carry quite a bit. Can’t remember the while moving weight limit but static and stopped at a base camp site the rack will support 900 lbs. The system will support 3-4 adults in a tent.

The backbone is not that hard to install, read through the instructions a few times and watch a video for it and just take your time.

The backbone system is designed for use with a hard top, not sure what you will need with a soft top.

We added it to our Jeep so we can use the Thule Hullivator system for 2 kayaks. With 2 Hullivators and 2 10-foot kayaks we are pushing 180-200 lbs so we opted for the back bone system

Awesome Doug, but you've committed to running a hardtop and drilling through it. Then again, it's got to be cheaper than a comparable weight bearing rack that attaches to the cowl and body, as much as that permits top changes/no top/ and no holes in a top.

Racks are the classic example of tradeoffs.

 

[Hercules]

Pioneer rack with Maximus 3 mounts. Yes, driller through the hardtop, but have had no issues in 40k mi over 3 years. I’ve had RTT up there and other gear. Love the versatility, and its overall aesthetic. Just 4 additional bolts to take the top off if I wanted which I seldom find myself doing. 300lb dynamic, 900lb static limit is awesome.

 

[Vinman]

I have the Rhino backbone with Pioneer rack. No complaints or issues in the 3 years it’s been installed.
While I don’t remove the hardtop it is only 2 additional bolts to remove but of course the rack stays with the top so if you want the rack while topless it won’t work.

I was initially really reluctant to go with a platform instead of a basket I really like the versatility of it. I made about 10 eye-bolt tie-downs that slide in the platform slots for infinite tie-down points.

I had the Garvin basket style on a couple of previous LJ’s but after have the Pioneer I prefer the lower profile it has.

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