TrailRax - Pak Rax

[Stevel Knievel]

I purchased a Pak Rax ( Model: TR-PR-JL-S )

I have a 2023 Rubicon JL 4XE

ISSUE: After mounting the PakRax several hundred times, I can not get this thing to mount to the jeep completely securely.
There is always a little bit of give and movement at the "lower hooks" that go under the edge of the hard top roof (side)
This creates a knocking sound inside the the Jeep while driving... Extremely annoying
I try to get this thing tight against my jeep, but can't get it to not move... it's pissing me off

In addition, This mount has also damaged my hard top,.. with the rubber shock absorbors rubbing the paint off of my hard top !
Now I have to add protective rubber tape in the areas of contact to protect my jeep from further damage !

QUESTION: Is anyone experiencing these issues ? (especially the loose fitting Rax mount)
Is there some kind of trick to mounting this thing that I'm missing ?

Needless to say,.. I'm Not a happy "wheeler" with this product.. they need to re-engineer this mount (IMO)

Any insight or information, much appreciated, thanks

Sponsored

 

[SadRobot]

Mine always secured fine but the wind would catch the pax and knock them around no matter how much I tightened them. The sound drove me insane. I tried different positions for the pax as well as some foam strips between the pax and the rack. Still made a horrible banging noise.

Yes on the paint damage on hardtop. Mine chipped away some paint on top and bottom where mounted.

Sold it.

 

[DonH63]

Anybody have a better solution for side-mounted carriers?

 

[SadRobot]

Anybody have a better solution for side-mounted carriers?

I don't but I will say if I ever mount my Rotopax again I'd get the spare tire mount. I think anything side mounted is going to make noise. Wind is just too strong that anything on the side is going to end up making noise I think.

More likely is that I'll sell the Rotopax too and try to get an 20L Wavian off ebay.

 

[DonH63]

I don't but I will say if I ever mount my Rotopax again I'd get the spare tire mount. I think anything side mounted is going to make noise. Wind is just too strong that anything on the side is going to end up making noise I think.

More likely is that I'll sell the Rotopax too and try to get an 20L Wavian off ebay.

I may end up going that way, just hate to hang more stuff on the tailgate. I had thought to add a roof rack but then it wouldn't fit through the garage door.

 

[SadRobot]

I may end up going that way, just hate to hang more stuff on the tailgate. I had thought to add a roof rack but then it wouldn't fit through the garage door.

Same problem for me. My hardtop just scrapes its way through my garage door. Can't go any higher.

 

[DonH63]

Same problem for me. My hardtop just scrapes its way through my garage door. Can't go any higher.

The garage ceiling is high enough that I could easily add another panel to the door, but that means hiring someone to remodel the garage opening, add the panel, and extend the rails on the opener (assuming it can handle the extra weight and travel). And of course the door is 30 years old so they'll want to replace the whole thing, blah.

In the long run I may replace the rear bumper and at that point ensure I can mount stuff on the bumper instead of the tailgate. In the meantime, I'll probably buy one of those spare tire hanger thingies. So far I've been OK but it's gotten low a time or two, and if we ever camp out again on a longer run I don't want to have to run back to town for gas to start day two.

 

[John VonJeep]

I may end up going that way, just hate to hang more stuff on the tailgate. I had thought to add a roof rack but then it wouldn't fit through the garage door.

I really like my Drago mount. It’s well-fabbed and fits within the existing garage-footprint of the Jeep.

https://dragojeepproducts.com/products/rotopax-mount-holder-bracket-for-mopar-tire-carrier

 

[SadRobot]

The garage ceiling is high enough that I could easily add another panel to the door, but that means hiring someone to remodel the garage opening, add the panel, and extend the rails on the opener (assuming it can handle the extra weight and travel). And of course the door is 30 years old so they'll want to replace the whole thing, blah.

In the long run I may replace the rear bumper and at that point ensure I can mount stuff on the bumper instead of the tailgate. In the meantime, I'll probably buy one of those spare tire hanger thingies. So far I've been OK but it's gotten low a time or two, and if we ever camp out again on a longer run I don't want to have to run back to town for gas to start day two.

Same again. Garage is tall enough but opening is not. I'd have to remodel the opening and get a new door. I've already bought a new opener to even be able to fit the Jeep in as it is. I had to remove the long rail and instead install a jackshaft opener at the front of the garage next to the door.

 

[DonH63]

I really like my Drago mount. It’s well-fabbed and fits within the existing garage-footprint of the Jeep.

https://dragojeepproducts.com/products/rotopax-mount-holder-bracket-for-mopar-tire-carrier

That looks great! I know a couple of others I saw would not work with the Mopar reinforced tailgate mount, so this looks like a winner. If I have the mount with the accessory holes? Or is that a separate thing? I'll have to look at mine.

Edit: I have the holes, have caps on them (I think), so thinking I'll get one of these. Sent them a note; is it Al or steel? Didn't think to ask if they have a discount, though their site lists a 20% off Memorial Day sale (nothing off on this mount, however).

Is there anything between the bracket and mount to prevent rubbing/scraping/squeaking? I did not see instructions on their website, nor if it comes with mounting HW.

 

[ChuckQue]

I’d beef up the tailgate hinge and use a spare tire mount. There’s some simple ones that use an endless loop ratchet strap to secure it. I have the American Adventure Lab spare tire platform I’ll use to carry extra fuel or water when the trip warrants it but that’s an expensive solution if you won’t use the cargo portion.

 

[Terrymo]

If you don’t want something mounted 24/7 here’s an option
https://rockslideengineering.com/product/ez-rack-kit/
10% off with code expeditionbuilds10 on any RSE products thanks to our own @ExpeditionBuilds

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have the setup on both Jeeps and never had an issue. I don't keep the Rotos on unless I am carrying gas and I installed PPF where they mount to the lips. The locks rattle like mad but I don't have them on either unless I am going to be away from the Jeep with the Rotos installed.

All in all, I don't really use them much and I just have 1 installed on the Driver's side of both Jeeps because I think they look cool.

 

[Westymike]

Mine don’t rattle much when full…. More noticeable when empty. It does rub the plant, but I started adding clear protectant stickers under the pads. I mind if preloaded the mounts as I installed them.

 

[DonH63]

Drago is getting some mounts in soon, probably going to order one. I asked about install instructions and they said it's just a simple bolt on (so, no instructions). My Mopar reinforcement has caps over what I presume are the accessory holes; anybody know if they just pop out? Look like they are just plastic caps but I haven't tried to deal with them yet. I don't want to have to pull everything if I don't have to.

Oh, and thank you @John VonJeep as Chief Enabler and Spender of Other People's Money (in addition to his own).

Sponsored