What are you guys using for roof racks?

[Plongson]

Good grief, this probably been discussed a thousand times and buried somewhere in threads, but my search found squat.

What are you guys using for roof racks? I hate to drill holes but I will if necessary, I don't need a ladder or one that mounts with tubes down to the frame. I would like a cage style that is EASILY removed and stored when not needed, preferably rail mount. I would haul firewood, etc for camping and the nasty stuff I don't want inside...probably with a net payload of 200 lbs.

The Rhino Rack Pioneer line look nice but their site lacks detail on how it's mounted...and it's $$$

What are soem suggestions??

TIA! Paul

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[Amaruq]

Hmm. It’s not buried. It’s literally stuck to the top of the sub-forum.

 

[Joshrs]

I use the rhinorack backbones with pioneer platform.

We had some serious rain this weekend and I’m sad to report my roof leaks now.
Just something to consider if you go the drill into roof route.

I now have to remove the entire thing and my RTT. And go to town with the silicon
Huge pain In the arse. In hindsight I should have used more silicon the first go around.

If I had the choice again....I would not purchase the system. I’d opt for something that doesn’t require drilling !

 

[Plongson]

Hmm. It’s not buried. It’s literally stuck to the top of the sub-forum.

Thanks...guess I missed it...Sorry

 

[Rustydog]

Pioneer 6 foot platform mounted with Maximus brackets.

 

[chacomaya]

I have a Gobi on order since February. It's rumored to be ready to ship late this month, but I have my doubts. Gobi is notorious for long lead times even without a pandemic, but now they are claiming extra production delays. However, living in the PNW there is no way I'm gonna drill my hard top, especially since I will have a RTT mounted to it and re-sealing the holes will be a real PITA, as noted by @Joshrs .

 

[BullMoose1776]

I chose the Yakima 1A gutter Mounts with 58" bars. I put the Load Warrior Basket on them. I love the set up because I can take it off and keep it out of the way.

 

[chacomaya]

I chose the Yakima 1A gutter Mounts with 58" bars. I put the Load Warrior Basket on them. I love the set up because I can take it off and keep it out of the way.

That's what I'm running now. Unfortunately they cannot take the weight of a RTT. But if you aren't putting a lot of weight up top, those are a totally decent option.

 

[dsievert66]

I use the rhinorack backbones with pioneer platform.

We had some serious rain this weekend and I’m sad to report my roof leaks now.
Just something to consider if you go the drill into roof route.

I now have to remove the entire thing and my RTT. And go to town with the silicon
Huge pain In the arse. In hindsight I should have used more silicon the first go around.

If I had the choice again....I would not purchase the system. I’d opt for something that doesn’t require drilling !

I read that silicon does not hold up long term and it's recommended to use Butyl sealant if you can find it. I'm currently considering the pioneer platform with the backbone system to gain more storage place when the dog's are with us traveling. I'm not a big fan of the external rack systems as it makes it tough to remove the hard-top and there are few choices out there. Hopefully, you can fix the leak.

Does anyone know if the smaller length pioneer racks e.g. 60" will fit with the back-bone system? I drive a lot with the freedom panels off and would hate to lose some of the opening due to the extra overhang of the 72" pioneer rack.

 

[Plongson]

I was about to order the Rhino when I did some research and found it was made in China...and not in the USA or Australia where the company is based. Unfortunately I have a real bias toward Chinese products (and have for a while). Call me crazy, but I'd rather go without than buy Chinese...especially for the price of the Rhino system.

I don't need one yesterday so I'll continue my search for something made in the USA...

 

[IronScott]

I was about to order the Rhino when I did some research and found it was made in China...and not in the USA or Australia where the company is based. Unfortunately I have a real bias toward Chinese products (and have for a while). Call me crazy, but I'd rather go without than buy Chinese...especially for the price of the Rhino system.

I don't need one yesterday so I'll continue my search for something made in the USA...

I bet you can find a local fabricator who can build a custom one. I know that's common in my area. Buy American, buy local, get exactly what you want.

 

[Plongson]

I have a shop and a great powder coater here in town. I was kind'a avoiding fabbing something up in favor of purchasing something American made...but...If I could find a source for the gutter supports, I'd just build one...we have benders, wirefeeds and MIG welders. I'd just have to take the time and knock one out.

I like the Mopar gutter mounts but wouldn't need the cross bars...kind'a pricey for just four mounts.

Ideas??

 

[Jabarsetti]

DeeZee makes a one that is gutter mounted and has a huge payload. I am almost certain that it's made in China also though. However, it's rated for a RTT and has a seperate system that can be used over the Freedom Panels, you can also buy seperate cargo basket for storage on those panels. It looks like a really nice set up. I have been searching for something also. traveling/Camping with 2 Adults, 1 teenager, 1 younger kid, 2 65 lb+ dogs doesn't leave a cm of room for anything. Times like this I miss having a truck bed!

 

[Plongson]

I'll check out DeeZee. Thanks for the intel...I'm with ya on the truck bed...although I just sold a one ton Cummins to get a diesel Jeep...LOL but I do miss a truck bed at times.

 

[Plongson]

Well guess what...I called DeeZee in Des Moines IA and they told me the rack I'm looking at is MADE IN IOWA! Guess who is going to get an order...

I'll still need to come up with a basket or tray, but we're on the right track.

Here's the link: DeeZee JL Roof Rack

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