SUP on crossbars

[WI_Sarge]

What’s the consensus of paddle boards on these crossbars? Most the rack systems I see just mount to the rain gutter. The force from driving on the highway makes me think it would crack the rain gutters right off. Any solutions? I saw on older thread for hitch mounted rack.

There is a set of used rhino rack vortex bars for real good price, but I’m hesitant to put a board on that.

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[WI_Sarge]

The mopar crossbars specifically state not for boards.

 

[OminousSkitter]

There’s a lot of lift from the board if you drive highway speeds. However, people have used gutter-mounted racks for lighter RTTs without cracking the gutters, and I’d imagine there’s a fair amount of dynamic load (lift and weight) from some of those. I would think if you tie the nose/tail down, it should be OK. Personally, I went with a Maximus-3 system that bolts into the roll cage.

 

[Centurion07]

SUPs on Amazon chineseum bars, kayak on Rhino Rack HD bars. 75+ mph, 100s of miles. No problem other than the gutter mounts on the Rhino Rack bars don't stay on tapered freedom panels for s**t.

 

[WI_Sarge]

With the 4 door, the crossbars would be on the hard top, not the freedom panels. Not much choice with a 2 door.

 

[Wulfgott]

I personally do not believe I would trust the rain gutter mounts for that usage. However, I have relatives as well as friends that do and have used gutter mount rails on their jeep without issues. So far I have seen them carry surf boards and paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, etc. So, there is that and they all seem pretty solid. I have not seen a broken gutter yet that I recall.

While I do have the Vortex cross bars on my jeep (3 of them). Mine are mounted via the Backbone system. (I REALLY want to change out the bars to a pioneer roof rack, but don't have the funds currently). While I also have paddle boards, mine are the inflatable kind. I only transport them on top inflated, for very short distances such as from my campsite to the lake. So it is a non-issue for me so far.

I am also sure there are a lot of people out there whom use the gutter mounts though or similar mounts and have not had problems as well. I think it all boils down to what you are willing to trust/risk and how exactly you are using it as well as what they are rated for. (dynamic load taking into account wind as well, and Distance, time, speed, etc... )

 

[Centurion07]

I personally do not believe I would trust the rain gutter mounts for that usage. However, I have relatives as well as friends that do and have used gutter mount rails on their jeep without issues. So far I have seen them carry surf boards and paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, etc. So, there is that and they all seem pretty solid. I have not seen a broken gutter yet that I recall.

While I do have the Vortex cross bars on my jeep (3 of them). Mine are mounted via the Backbone system. (I REALLY want to change out the bars to a pioneer roof rack, but don't have the funds currently). While I also have paddle boards, mine are the inflatable kind. I only transport them on top inflated, for very short distances such as from my campsite to the lake. So it is a non-issue for me so far.

I am also sure there are a lot of people out there whom use the gutter mounts though or similar mounts and have not had problems as well. I think it all boils down to what you are willing to trust/risk and how exactly you are using it as well as what they are rated for. (dynamic load taking into account wind as well, and Distance, time, speed, etc... )

Yep. My fishing kayak was pushing the limits of my confidence, which is why I switched to a trailer. SUPs we're a non-issue.

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