Using a Thule roof rack with a soft op

[Wingman]

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[flipboltz]

Any mods needed to have this on?

 

[55WillysWagon]

I was wondering if the top would support this. I'd like to do the same to carry paddle boards or a kayak. I suspect it's not advised but I wonder what the rated load is?

 

[Wingman]

Any mods needed to have this on?

No, Standard OEM top and Std Thule mounts and bars. I may use this Fri if I need the space, but may not

 

[intentsrig]

Hmm yeah I wonder the weight rating on those plastic rain gutters. Let us know how it works out lol

 

[Hayseed_JLUR]

Would not trust this at all. The plastic is not strong enough - no, I have not tested it but seen them break when dropped. They are held on only by the four plastic clamps and the soft top itself. I would not chance it on the highway at all. They are not designed for load - just to help seal the doors and hold the windows on.

If it works let us know because I am looking for a good solution to my soft top rack need.

 

[entropy]

https://www.hitchmount-rack.com/

That's what I have. Supports more weight than any rack even on a hard top, unless you get a cage.

I load two kayaks on it.

 

[Woodynj]

https://www.hitchmount-rack.com/

That's what I have. Supports more weight than any rack even on a hard top, unless you get a cage.

I load two kayaks on it.

Never seen this. Is it stable? Seems like it would wobble with just the single connection to the vehicle.

 

[daveprice7]

I wonder how much weight this could be rated for if aluminum/steel replacement gutters were manufactured. Seems like a worthwhile endeavor for a rack manufacturer to target soft top owners.

 

[entropy]

Never seen this. Is it stable? Seems like it would wobble with just the single connection to the vehicle.

It doesn't. It has 3 straps that stabilize it. I drove 2 kayaks on this thing over extremely high winds around the Mojave desert. You can also attach bikes to it and other cargo. It is a good system, it works, and you don't have to worry about your top or rain gutters or whatever.

It is kinda expensive though for what it is.

 

[BoiledDogs]

Been looking at options to mount my skis in the winter on my soft top. Was this a one time proof of concept or have you been using the rack like that? What's the maximum weight you've thrown on top of the rack?

 

[NelsonB]

Wingman, I know this an OLD thread, but what were the results of using the Thule rack with the nylon gutters on your JL?

 

[sixfive34]

It doesn't. It has 3 straps that stabilize it. I drove 2 kayaks on this thing over extremely high winds around the Mojave desert. You can also attach bikes to it and other cargo. It is a good system, it works, and you don't have to worry about your top or rain gutters or whatever.

It is kinda expensive though for what it is.

Do the kayaks have to be centered for weight? (I'd like them as far forward as possible) I'm looking at using this while towed behind an RV and don't want any additional length off the back of the Jeep, if possible.

 

[FunWagon]

I was wondering if the top would support this. I'd like to do the same to carry paddle boards or a kayak. I suspect it's not advised but I wonder what the rated load is?

Me too. Looking to carry sup(s) or a kayak on soft top, but still be able to fold top down when not carrying cargo.

I wonder how much weight this could be rated for if aluminum/steel replacement gutters were manufactured. Seems like a worthwhile endeavor for a rack manufacturer to target soft top owners.

I was thinking the same. What if a manufacturer like @Bestop made metal gutters for jeeps with soft tops for use with removable roof racks that attach to gutters. The gutters attach to the roll cage so if made from metal then should be stronger. At least three manufacturers I know of make roof racks that attach to rain gutters.

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