EXTREME ROOF RACK KIT - BY FRONT RUNNER - anyone have it installed?

[syreeves]

Has anyone installed one of these:
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/jeep-gladiator-jt-2019-curr-extreme-rr-kit.html

I'm interested in this because Front Runner says it will support 660lbs - I think this is because the rear mount is supported by the internal roll cage not the fiberglass top and the front is supported by all metal down to the cowls. Freedom panels can still be removed. I want to be able to carry long and heavy stuff on the roof without losing the bed or compromising access to the bed. I'm not interested in an ARE, RSI, RLD etc. I don't care about never being able to remove the rear roof section because I live in Minnesota. Freedom panel access is enough for me.

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[CerOf]

That’s intriguing. Looks like how it mounts to the roll bar allows for a bit of movement so the hardtop won’t crack?
I’d want to see it in person first.

the front is just how the gobi mounted on my old jku.

 

[syreeves]

That’s intriguing. Looks like how it mounts to the roll bar allows for a bit of movement so the hardtop won’t crack?
I’d want to see it in person first.

the front is just how the gobi mounted on my old jku.

Yep - i think this will support a lot of weight. Would mean I don't need to use space above the bed which leaves me with a lot of flexibility (ATV, dirt bike, other loads etc).

 

[syreeves]

I found this site which shows the vehicle Front Runner used - no info on installation, specs or anything.

https://charlesandhudson.com/jeep-gladiator-roof-rack/

 

[Moss831]

I found this site which shows the vehicle Front Runner used - no info on installation, specs or anything.

https://charlesandhudson.com/jeep-gladiator-roof-rack/

I've been looking at this rack too. On Front Runner's website the installation instructions require drilling holes in the rear roof panel. Kind of like drilling a hole in a brand new boat to install a transducer? never had a boat sink but would be bummed if my new roof leaked. i'd like to see one installed before pulling the trigger.

 

[bgenlvtex]

Looks solid, that is waaaaaay more weight than I would put up that high, so it should have plenty of capacity

 

[syreeves]

Looks solid, that is waaaaaay more weight than I would put up that high, so it should have plenty of capacity

Totally Agree - don't plan on having that much weight up there ever - except for static sleeping. Assume a RTT weighs 150lbs. I weigh ahem, just over 200, and my wife is around 120. Add sleeping gear, or whatever and thats about 500lbs. I don't think the factory hard top will take that kind of weight. For example take a look at this rack - uses the drip rails and even though it uses 4 feet per side I don't think I want to try 500lbs on that. Heck I'm not even sure I want a 150Lb tent up their bouncing around off road...

https://rooftopoverland.com/collect...ucts/eezi-awn-jeep-gladiator-k9-roof-rack-kit

 

[syreeves]

I've been looking at this rack too. On Front Runner's website the installation instructions require drilling holes in the rear roof panel. Kind of like drilling a hole in a brand new boat to install a transducer? never had a boat sink but would be bummed if my new roof leaked. i'd like to see one installed before pulling the trigger.

Yep - I agree - drilling holes in the hard top makes me nervous (22mm holes x 4!!! - I read the install directions - these are not simply through holes for bolts!!!). And that is why I'm trying to find out information from anyone who has actually mounted one of these Front Runners. Anyway - hope someone who has eventually comes across this thread

 

[syreeves]

I've been looking at this rack too. On Front Runner's website the installation instructions require drilling holes in the rear roof panel. Kind of like drilling a hole in a brand new boat to install a transducer? never had a boat sink but would be bummed if my new roof leaked. i'd like to see one installed before pulling the trigger.

I found another alternative from GOBI: https://www.gobiracks.com/product/jeep-gladiator-stealth-rack·-multi-light-setup/

This rack requires NO drilling and is designed to enable removal of the Freedom Panels. Not sure if you can remove the whole top. But static load of 600lbs and dynamic load of 300lbs fits my requirements. I like the ladder at the back. I also like the side bar configuration (round profile) which means I can use universal Yakima roof rail clamp towers). Don't think this is compatible with any hard bed toppers (RSI, ARE, Leer, RLD etc). Bet this makes a ton of wind noise - probably no different than the Front Runner. Anyway - definitely an option I should consider...

Anyone have one installed?

 

[bgenlvtex]

I found another alternative from GOBI: https://www.gobiracks.com/product/jeep-gladiator-stealth-rack·-multi-light-setup/

This rack requires NO drilling and is designed to enable removal of the Freedom Panels. Not sure if you can remove the whole top. But static load of 600lbs and dynamic load of 300lbs fits my requirements. I like the ladder at the back. I also like the side bar configuration (round profile) which means I can use universal Yakima roof rail clamp towers). Don't think this is compatible with any hard bed toppers (RSI, ARE, Leer, RLD etc). Bet this makes a ton of wind noise - probably no different than the Front Runner. Anyway - definitely an option I should consider...

Anyone have one installed?

They should have hinged it the other way

 

[jayqwellin]

Installed the slimline 2 roof rack kit for the JT the other day. Got a good deal for $1350 out the door.

Pros:
-Reasonably priced.

-Looks good.

-Powder coating is good.

-Appears reasonably sturdy. Can shake the whole truck by pushing on the rack without the rack/foot rails moving.

-Instructions were good.

Cons:
-Easily the most tedious/annoying install I've done so far on my JT.

-The fit is "meh". Some of the tracks have burrs that prevent smooth operation. One of the inner brackets barely lined up with the outer foot rails. I dont know if the existing holes on my particular JTs roll bar were unique, but that was a close one. I discovered this little tidbit of information after I had already drilled the 22mm holes in my hard top. Had these two items not lined up, I would have had to drill more holes in my hard top and plug the misaligned holes with the provided plug kit.

-One combined slat was damaged upon arrival so I had to wait for a replacement before assembling. Didnt take long to arrive, 3 days, but still.

-The provided hardware was of questionable quality at best. I used my own hardware for alot of the joints--the provided nuts were so weak that you couldnt torque them enough. Some stripped with little effort.

-The rack itself uses Allen bolts which strip ridiculously easily.

Overall I'd buy again since there isnt really another option for a roof rack that is not guttermounted. The Gobi rack required OEM rock rails. I love my aftermarket sliders so the gobi rack was out of the question for me.

 

[CMac]

Marshall is on this forum...I can't remember his handle.

 

[syreeves]

Marshall is on this forum...I can't remember his handle.

Yes- I've seen all is YT videos. He is doing interesting stuff with solar panels. I like his channel as he is definitely putting thought into his mods.

 

[CMac]

Yes- I've seen all is YT videos. He is doing interesting stuff with solar panels. I like his channel as he is definitely putting thought into his mods.

Just hit me.....he's @TheHops

 

[TheHops]

Frontrunner racks installed front, and rear. Solid pieces of kit for sure. I've had it on for several months now without issue. Not a single leak.

Just be sure to measure, measure, mark, measure, measure, measure, mark, measure one last time *then* drill.

Side note: I did swap out the solar slide for now. I just couldn't get adequate exposure! I may revisit it in the future for v2.0, but for now I just have a 100W panel hard mounted to the front roof rack (installed in the picture below, but not visible).

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