Need some help picking a roof rack

[KurtP]

Hey folks. Im looking for a roof rack for my gladiator, and need some help choosing a good option.

requirements:
-no cutting or drilling to mount. I wont be loading it down very heavy, just looking for some extra basket space. So id like it to channel mount

-as quick releasing as possible. I cant imagine anything that doesnt drill being that hard to don/doff, but i want to maintain the ability to use my freedom panels

-possibly interested in a “half length” size.

recommendations appreciated.

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[NHyde]

Hey folks. Im looking for a roof rack for my gladiator, and need some help choosing a good option.

requirements:
-no cutting or drilling to mount. I wont be loading it down very heavy, just looking for some extra basket space. So id like it to channel mount

-as quick releasing as possible. I cant imagine anything that doesnt drill being that hard to don/doff, but i want to maintain the ability to use my freedom panels

-possibly interested in a “half length” size.

recommendations appreciated.

I have not purchased this roof rack, but I use the Bed Rack and it’s a great item. Check out the JCR Roof Rack here; https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRK.html

 

[mike921921]

I'm wary of attaching anything to that (fiberglass) roof.... ?
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...aler-jeep-cares-refuses-to-warranty-it.63209/

 

[KurtP]

I'm wary of attaching anything to that (fiberglass) roof.... ?
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/?-2020-jlur-hardtop-defect-cracked-1-250-miles-jeep-dealer-jeep-cares-refuses-to-warranty-it.63209/

he drilled through his top.

 

[mike921921]

he drilled through his top.

Yes, I read the post. Even the JCR rack mentions a 100lb dynamic ROAD rating, which doesn't seem worth the trouble (and risk) to me.

 

[XJADDICTION]

I like Yakima load bars and gutter mounts. Easy to remove or slide back to get the freedom panels off. Plus all the products that Yakima has to accessorize for your needs. I am sure Thule and others are fine as well.

And... ? if you are looking for greater value look for people selling lightly used Yakima mounts, load bars and accessories. Yakima has been around a long time and people sell them used for less $$$.

 

[Gmac03]

Rhino rack has internal structural supports, never owned one so no clue as to quality/reliability/ease.

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/pro...ck-backbone-and-rcl-legs-unassembled_jc-00288

 

[Gmac03]

Great install video as well...



Not sure I’ll ever get a roof rack, but this would be in the running.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Dont get one that screws into your top or this could happen to your rig
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...aler-jeep-cares-refuses-to-warranty-it.63209/

 

[MikeR1]

Hey folks. Im looking for a roof rack for my gladiator, and need some help choosing a good option.

requirements:
-no cutting or drilling to mount. I wont be loading it down very heavy, just looking for some extra basket space. So id like it to channel mount

-as quick releasing as possible. I cant imagine anything that doesnt drill being that hard to don/doff, but i want to maintain the ability to use my freedom panels

-possibly interested in a “half length” size.

recommendations appreciated.

It seems like the Front Runner Slimline II roof rack perfectly suits your needs

 

[Oneshotlucky]

It seems like the Front Runner Slimline II roof rack perfectly suits your needs

This is the one I’m looking at! And yes you can take the freedom panels off! Seriously heavy duty. Wife says I gotta wait til Xmas! https://adventureracksystems.com/jt-gladiator-adventure-rack-systems.html

 

[mrmo]

I have not purchased this roof rack, but I use the Bed Rack and it’s a great item. Check out the JCR Roof Rack here; https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRK.html

that looks like a nice piece, I too am very wary of a gutter mount with the fiberglass panels. Assuming the load is pressing down but the lateral load of the equipment in the wind at speed (interstate) pulling on the rack would worry me. I dont want any damage to the roof panels

 

[MPMB]

I'm wary of attaching anything to that (fiberglass) roof.... ?
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/?-2020-jlur-hardtop-defect-cracked-1-250-miles-jeep-dealer-jeep-cares-refuses-to-warranty-it.63209/

He also overloaded his roof.

Per his thread, he had on the rack:
2 20# propane tanks - 40# x 2 = 80# (propane is 4.2# a gallon)
2 paddle boards - 30# x 2 = 60#
Weight of rack, hardware, tie-downs - 40# (JCR full rack for the JT is 45#)

That's at minimum 180# of weight on the roof.

The manual states what the roof can and cannot hold. Fiberglass is not strong enough for most things to be stored up there. That's why I cringe when I see a bunch of gear up on a roof, including a jerry cans of fuel and/or water. Fluids are one of the worst things you can store on a poorly-supported rack system roof, bed, or otherwise.

I'll be getting a couple small boxes for up on my half rack to throw lightweight stuff in there like jackets/rain gear and some recovery stuff. My other option was a solar panel, but we're going a different direction with our RTT that opens other avenues for solar.

 

[mrmo]

After this subject string I started looking, and low and behold, Mopar makes a set for the JT, $240, fit the rain rails, but specifically says not to attach to the front removable panels. If they sell them I would think they have been vetted to work in this application

 

[MER21]

He also overloaded his roof.

Per his thread, he had on the rack:
2 20# propane tanks - 40# x 2 = 80# (propane is 4.2# a gallon)
2 paddle boards - 30# x 2 = 60#
Weight of rack, hardware, tie-downs - 40# (JCR full rack for the JT is 45#)

That's at minimum 180# of weight on the roof.

The manual states what the roof can and cannot hold. Fiberglass is not strong enough for most things to be stored up there. That's why I cringe when I see a bunch of gear up on a roof, including a jerry cans of fuel and/or water. Fluids are one of the worst things you can store on a poorly-supported rack system roof, bed, or otherwise.

I'll be getting a couple small boxes for up on my half rack to throw lightweight stuff in there like jackets/rain gear and some recovery stuff. My other option was a solar panel, but we're going a different direction with our RTT that opens other avenues for solar.

Hey folks. Im looking for a roof rack for my gladiator, and need some help choosing a good option.

requirements:
-no cutting or drilling to mount. I wont be loading it down very heavy, just looking for some extra basket space. So id like it to channel mount

-as quick releasing as possible. I cant imagine anything that doesnt drill being that hard to don/doff, but i want to maintain the ability to use my freedom panels

-possibly interested in a “half length” size.

recommendations appreciated.

Have you considered a bed rack: https://www.max-modular.com/jeep-gladiator-bed-racks-1/max-modular-22-high-aluminum-bed-rack

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