Cab + Bed Rack solution

[WILL1E]

New to Gladiators and just picked up my '20 Gladiator a month or so ago. I'm starting to investigate rack solutions as I would like to be able to haul things like a canoe, extension ladder and maybe someday down the road invest in a rooftop tent setup. Given the price of Jeep accessories I'd like to do this in stages if possible. I'm thinking i would start with the cab rack and then add the bed rack (must work with a roll up tonneau cover).

So what rack systems would ya'll recommend for over the hardtop and which one for the bed (with tonneau) that would look nice (like it's all the same style/design) and provide a nice even/level carrying surface?

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[Trout Safari]

I am pleased with the UpTop system over my cab. It is very sturdy, has 4 contact legs to the top and can carry things without doing damage to the top or making any rattle noise. The cross bars are also solid and do not flex or bounce. For the rear I went with Zroadz system. Lots of features here and I love the quality.

 

[WILL1E]

what sort of investment cost is that setup?

Does the rack split over the freedom panels so you can still utilize those?

 

[GOCAMPN]

There are a ton of options, some full length, some only the back half. Some cost a couple hundred while others reach over 1k. Some brands do really good about making them compatible with certain accessories with pre-drilled mounting holes etc.

I run the Rugged Ridge half rack, it leaves the front of my Jeep roof accessible and is designed to hold 4 LED light pods across the front.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Roof Rack with Basket | Rugged Ridge

Of course if you don't want the lights too it will look like it's missing parts but otherwise I like the rack. It holds a good amount of weight from what I've put up there and it has a lot of different "holes" for my ratchet straps. There are no real mounting points already installed but most of the panels are flat metal so you could drill them yourself possibly. If you choose this rack be careful to order the correct size, they make a half size and a full size and the advertising is identical.

 

[WILL1E]

@GOCAMPN how much space is between the rack and top? Looks pretty tight like there might be some rubbing when loaded or when the jeep is bouncing on rough terrain.

 

[Trout Safari]

what sort of investment cost is that setup?

Does the rack split over the freedom panels so you can still utilize those?

Yes, the rack is actually 2 different sections so you could remove the front rack and panels. Here is the link. https://www.uptopoverland.com/products/alpha-jeep-gladiator-full-cab-rack-1

 

[MER21]

New to Gladiators and just picked up my '20 Gladiator a month or so ago. I'm starting to investigate rack solutions as I would like to be able to haul things like a canoe, extension ladder and maybe someday down the road invest in a rooftop tent setup. Given the price of Jeep accessories I'd like to do this in stages if possible. I'm thinking i would start with the cab rack and then add the bed rack (must work with a roll up tonneau cover).

So what rack systems would ya'll recommend for over the hardtop and which one for the bed (with tonneau) that would look nice (like it's all the same style/design) and provide a nice even/level carrying surface?

MAX Modular Gladiator PRO-MAX: https://www.max-modular.com/jeep-gladiator-bed-racks

 

[GOCAMPN]

@GOCAMPN how much space is between the rack and top? Looks pretty tight like there might be some rubbing when loaded or when the jeep is bouncing on rough terrain.

It's close enough that you can't really stick your hand between the roof and the rack. I can stand on it without it flexing. And generally, if not 100% of the time - taking into account static load vs dynamic, your roof gutters will fail before the rack does. But you should be fine up to a couple hundred pounds.

 

[RodRecket]

I dont have any plans on going over the roof with my JT but adventure racks (metalcloack) is going to be good quality and looks like you can build it up over time.

https://metalcloak.com/metalcloak-adventure-rack-systems.html#subCategory0

 

[jeepers29]

Northridge has the rhino rack on sale right now. Am thinking about that and getting rid of my M416 trailer.

 

[jeep1]

Northridge has the rhino rack on sale right now. Am thinking about that and getting rid of my M416 trailer.

The roof top rhino rack backbone system is very sturdy, but you do have to drill the hardtop to pass the bolts through to the internal braces.

I have the rhino rack backbone rack and the reconn-deck on my JT and have been pretty happy with it so far.

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