Rack options

[Judd]

Building up my Gladiator as an Overland type of rig and will be sleeping in the sleeper top two days a week due to work. Need a roof rack. Prefer a full rack, not the rail type rack. Have some pretty specific criteria hence to post.

1. Need functionality of the front freedom panels so to rack will need enough clearance to slip those panels out.

2. The reason for the rack is primarily will be as a mounting place for a 30x50 solar panel that will be mounted sideways across the rear of the top. but I'm hoping I can find a rack that will accommodate not only that 30x50 solar panel, but as a mount for a few more accessories like a shovel, axe or what-not. If a full rack can't be found that fit's my criteria, I suppose I could run a cheap set of rail type racks just to mount that solar panel and mount other equipment to molle panels that I plan to mount over the sleeper top's side windows. Just prefer something that kills a few birds rather than just one,

3. Cost is a biggie. I know I can buy one of those Gobi Rack tubular racks but those prices are hard to swallow. Prefer to spend less than $500 but would love it to be closer to $250. I suppose I might entertain up near $1K if the rack really ticks all my needs.


The rail racks on the sleeper are for carrying kayaks or a canoe and more importantly, I'm thinking about installing an Out Equip 12V AC unit between those racks so the solar is a no-go back there.

Any ideas????

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[JTdiRtyD]

I don't know that you'll find a full rack that allows use of the freedom panels. I'd also say your price point is going to be hard to find anything that is solid unfortunately.

JCR makes a half roof rack that allows freedom panels to be removed. It uses extruded aluminum for the cross bars so its really easy to attach things to it. Might be able to mount shovel and axe to the sides.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRK.html

You might be able to make your own out of extruded aluminum. 8020.net is usually the go-to place but they get spendy. Tnutz.com is far cheaper but is sometimes limited on what they have in stock.

 

[Free2roam]

Modular Roof Rack for the Jeep gladiator – TrailRax https://trailrax.com/products/trail...for-the-jeep-gladiator?variant=46192870555815

 

[djthumper]

I don't know what you are going to find in that budget. https://adventureracksystems.com/jt-gladiator-adventure-rack-systems.html

 

[Judd]

Anyone use this rack?
https://www.hookeroad.com/products/...-top-rack-b7011s?_pos=19&_sid=2db800adf&_ss=r

It mounts behind the freedom panels. It's roughly 40.25×53.5 so it will hold that 30x50 solar panel with a smidge of room left over for a couple pieces of equipment. Man, really wish the rack extended out past the front cab mout say a foot or two.

I'm beginning to think I'll just use roof rack rails like I have on the topper. Maye later whittle up a rack to bolt onto the rails later using steel tubing and expanded metal.

 

[Judd]

This looks promising.
https://www.ledfactorymart.com/prod...sC_yfwn01qFTmPhf40U4SxdPsBDLFXoRoC9XwQAvD_BwE


Looks like the brackets that attatch to the roof attach to the rack in slots. Looks like you slide to adjust them to where ever you want. Anyone have this rack?

 

[Judd]

Bingo, like this-

https://www.amazon.com/MONOKING-Cro...311375091e2b9832d13a40c&qid=1750316274&sr=8-8

 

[Judd]

Pricey but it seems to have enough clearance to slip the freedom panels out from under. I think the front roof brackets would mount just behind the freedom panels.

Easily large enough for that 30x50 solar panel and a shovel, axe, maybe a hi lift.

Anyone try one?
https://www.amazon.com/CALLIERT-Alu...40c&qid=1750317785&sr=8-18&xpid=4xX8P_O1jOvv6

 

[Stan H]

Pricey but it seems to have enough clearance to slip the freedom panels out from under. I think the front roof brackets would mount just behind the freedom panels.

Easily large enough for that 30x50 solar panel and a shovel, axe, maybe a hi lift.

Anyone try one?
https://www.amazon.com/CALLIERT-Alu...40c&qid=1750317785&sr=8-18&xpid=4xX8P_O1jOvv6

Nah, tear up my roof no thanks bed rack all the way dude

 

[exsploroverland]

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/jeep-gladiator-jt-2019-current-slii-roof-rack-kit.html
I have this one for sale, was on jeep for less six months, DM for price if interested.

 

[HooliganActual]

@Judd You have probably already considered this, but the real problem with all of the roof racks you've linked to is that they mount to the gutter, which is not a real load bearing place to attach to. I realize that you say the rack will only hold a solar panel, but load is load and stress on those gutters will always be there risking damaging those gutters.

Personally, I went a different way:

These are the prices I paid 2 years ago:

• Rhino Rack Backbone system $664
• Rhino Pioneer Platform 48"x56" $865 (there are a multitude of dimension options for the platforms)
• Rhino RCL Locking Leg (Set of 4) $200

I know this is steeper than the budget you cited in your original post but the real difference here is that the Rhino Backbone is mounted through the roof and into the roll cage (sport cage). Which means that you have much more stability and load carrying capability.

Personally, I believe in things having dual or triple function; so while I could have gotten away with a less expensive, gutter mounting option to hold just the solar panels, I now have a rooftop platform that I could also carry extra gear on if/when needed that I won't have to worry about overloading.

Again, I realize this option is more than you were asking for, but it's good to know the options you do have available to you and this one might help to "future-proof" needs that might arise (like needing more storage capability while in transit). And yes, I can take off the Freedom panels.

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