Roof rack wiring...how the heck would it be done?

[Dewyaw]

I’m looking to add some storage space and JCR has what I’m looking for in a half size roof rack...doesn’t interfere with Freedom panels, can pretty much install it and forget it. They offer a light package for it that would help illuminate the camp area. (Bonus: are there any other options for a half roof rack I’ve missed?)

I’m looking at my truck and have no idea how to wire it cleanly. I certainly don’t want to drill into the roof. Will I just have to have wiring snaking around the outside?

Does anyone have a roof rack with lights on them? How did you wire up the lights?

I do have the AUX switches.

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[Saltine713]

It would go between the bed and body, then down and towards the underside of the truck to the engine bay. However, the snaking off of that rack to said gap would be visible and it doesn't seem like an easy job to secure it.

I am also in the same boat as you with that rack.

Do you have a bed rack?

 

[Dewyaw]

It would go between the bed and body, then down and towards the underside of the truck to the engine bay. However, the snaking off of that rack to said gap would be visible and it doesn't seem like an easy job to secure it.

I am also in the same boat as you with that rack.

Do you have a bed rack?

I do...I have a Putco Venture Tec rack, haven’t installed it yet. Got it for a fantastic price, but I’m regretting it now because I don’t think I’ll be able to drive out of my garage after loading the RTT on it

yeah, I think im picturing what you’re describing, and the wire coming down from the roof rack, down the backside of the top, into the gap between the cab and bed...that’ll just look terrible. It might be unavoidable though...

 

[DougM55]

I drilled my JK hardtop for the Rhino Rack Backbone rack. No problems at all, but was nerve racking.

If you’re just going with the hardtop half rack and not using a bed rack I would drill the hardtop on the back of the driver’s side on the vertical surface and use a Molex panel mount to seal it and in case you choose not to use the rack in the future.

Then I’d do a quick disconnect where the OEM hardtop rear defroster is in case you want to remove the top.

If going with a bed rack too I’d do the Molex panel mount where the plastic square panel is in the bed in case you want to remove the rack with a weatherproof disconnect right at the passenger side front corner of the bed rack to tie into for the lights on the half rack.

I’ve gotten OEM connectors from https://www.corsa-technic.com. Cheapest prices for low count orders. Great shipping and customer service communications.

I have the Putco rack but no lights on it yet. Awesome rack!

 

[Dewyaw]

I drilled my JK hardtop for the Rhino Rack Backbone rack. No problems at all, but was nerve racking.

If you’re just going with the hardtop half rack and not using a bed rack I would drill the hardtop on the back of the driver’s side on the vertical surface and use a Molex panel mount to seal it and in case you choose not to use the rack in the future.

Then I’d do a quick disconnect where the OEM hardtop rear defroster is in case you want to remove the top.

If going with a bed rack too I’d do the Molex panel mount where the plastic square panel is in the bed in case you want to remove the rack with a weatherproof disconnect right at the passenger side front corner of the bed rack to tie into for the lights on the half rack.

I’ve gotten OEM connectors from https://www.corsa-technic.com. Cheapest prices for low count orders. Great shipping and customer service communications.

I have the Putco rack but no lights on it yet. Awesome rack!

You were able to effectively water-seal the hole? Is that the Molex?

You have the Putco rack too? Tell me about it...what do you like about it?

I was drawn to it because it is really light, and I liked that the hoops are one piece, which seem stronger to me.

Do you have any of the accessories? Tonneau cover?

Maybe you can convince me to keep it...

 

[DougM55]

I only drilled my JK and used all the Rhino Rack components. The Molex is just an example of what could be done.

I just have the Putco rack; no accessories and no tonneau cover. I have the rack adapter brackets from Putco since I don’t have the Rubicon trail rails.

To me the rack looks the nicest. The extruded aluminum is light, smooth, and seamless. The curves match the OEM styling of the Gladiator hardtop. Plus it has the slots to mount accessories. I like it much better than the angular racks popular with the overland crowd. Those look like angle iron or an erector set to me.

 

[Dewyaw]

I only drilled my JK and used all the Rhino Rack components. The Molex is just an example of what could be done.

I just have the Putco rack; no accessories and no tonneau cover. I have the rack adapter brackets from Putco since I don’t have the Rubicon trail rails.

To me the rack looks the nicest. The extruded aluminum is light, smooth, and seamless. The curves match the OEM styling of the Gladiator hardtop. Plus it has the slots to mount accessories. I like it much better than the angular racks popular with the overland crowd. Those look like angle iron or an erector set to me.

Thanks for the pics, completely agree with you on the aesthetics of the rack...it’s a clean look

 

[Saltine713]

I think sealing the hardtop is easier than folks make it out to be. You can grommet each side + flex seal and water WILL not be able to get in. I don't know if I will drill only because I don't trust myself enough to, haha!

 

[Scrambler84]

if the made one at the 10-11 inch mark for half rack I would buy it, it looks pretty nice

 

[Dewyaw]

if the made one at the 10-11 inch mark for half rack I would buy it, it looks pretty nice

Totally agree, I’m having to return it because it’s too tall....hope they take it or else I’ll have one to sell

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