ZroadZ Rack

[4shizzy]

I just installed mine as well. I really wanted to add a Roofnest Sparrow XL, but with the rack sitting down an inch or two below the top of the cab, I don't think it will work. Do any of you have experience installing a hardshell RTT on this rack without having to install another rack on the top of the Zroadz? Any help is appreciated...

https://zroadz.com/i-23915746-2019-...olt-on-2-pc-set-with-hardware-pn-z834011.html

I had the same problem with my smittybuilt XL RRT. I hated the way the tent hangs off the back of the truck. I contacted them about making something to address it and then they made the cross bar accessory that is sold separately to raise the height. Not I’m able to slide the tent slightly over the cab. It’s a pretty heavy duty crossbar. Here is some before and after

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[Wrathis79]

Well, that looks like the answer to my problem...I hate to spend another $300 on top of the cost of the already expensive rack, but if I want to put the tent up up there it looks like I'm going to have to. Thanks for the help and for the link to make it just a little bit easier

 

[CSB]

I love my Zroadz bed rack, mainly because of the gates; it's great for transporting my two Great Danes. BUT, if I were to start again, Zroadz would not be my choice for off-roading. The Zroadz is a nightmare trying to attach equipment; everything is doable but not simple, whereas other products produce all mounting equipment for their product. I have actually debated selling my Zroadz and starting from scratch to save time and money.

 

[Bluejave]

Just got my zroadz rack installed. Hadn't initially considered an awning, but now that I am I'm realizing this wasn't the best rack option for an awning. Anyone with a Zroadz rack been able to fab up some sort of mounting system for an awning?

 

[bradxn]

I stuck a Frontrunner Slimline II rack on top of my ZroadZ rack and mounted an awning to it. The top rack raised the awning to an acceptable level and greatly increased my storage options. Here's a pic showing how the pieces fit together:

There's a picture of the inside of my awning setup here: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/zroadz-rack.27927/page-3#post-593977

 

[4shizzy]

I was in the same conundrum trying to figure out a mounting solution for my OVS 270 awning. Once they came out with the cross bars that made it possible and put it at a proper height. However it’s not straight forward solution.

Even though the cross bars are pretty hefty, I wanted to reenforce it with a C-channel brace inside the cross bar. Use 2ft C channels and drilled three holes through both cross bar and c channel. Two holes for the OVS mounts and the third is towards the other end to hold the C channel in place when I’m removing/installing the awning mounts. I then welded three nuts where I drilled the holes on the C channel so I don’t have to worry about accessing the nuts. Just bolting it in from the top.

Here is the beefy C channel I used to help support the weight of the OVS 270 Awning as it’s pretty heavy by itself. I don’t think the crossbars would last through overlanding trips.

Originally I mounted the awning mount underneath the crossbar but it was too low. I redrilled holes from the top which makes it much better height and doesn’t rub against the cab.

Don’t worry, after testing the set up through a few overland trips I removed the rust and properly primered and painted the c channels. Overall I’m happy with this set up.

 

[4shizzy]

Here is the full set up.

 

[Bluejave]

Awesome. Thanks guys! Was hoping to fab something up without buying more stuff, but both of your solutions are practical and look solid. Really appreciate it!

 

[MountainCoast_Overland]

I went with Zroadz rack which is a huge part of my build. And have the iKamper on top and hav been happy with this rack. And honestly I’m in love the rack. But……. Recently ran in to two major issues.

1. I’m tired of my gear getting muddy and dusty when overlanding. Definitely considering an enclosed system now.
2. There is no options to mount an awning unless I create something myself.

With this forum I have seen some awesomeness ideas and may possibly try one of them out.

Stay tuned to see how this goes. Also new to this forum.

 

[ArmyMP]

Love my ZroadZ rack.

I'm running a CVT Mt Hood RTT on custom 3" spacers

 

[TheOpa]

Love my ZroadZ rack.

I'm running a CVT Mt Hood RTT on custom 3" spacers

“Warfighter Betsy”. What a great name!

 

[dotScratchy]

Love my ZroadZ rack.

I'm running a CVT Mt Hood RTT on custom 3" spacers

What size of the mt. hood are you running?

 

[ArmyMP]

What size of the mt. hood are you running?

Medium

 

[iav8]

I'm happy with my ZROADZ rack (3 gates). I don't have the trail rails so my rack mounts to the bed with bolt on clamps. My rear gate latch holes didn't line up (the pre drilled holes weren't through the center of the tube), but it wasn't anything that the drill press couldn't fix although taking the rack apart again was less fun than putting it together. I'm looking forward to adding an awning in the future. Thanks for the great ideas on this thread!

 

[ArmyMP]

Little Update. I finally got the rear gate that was missing from mine.


I have upgraded to a Tuff Stuff Alpha 2 and a Tuff Stuff 270 XL awning.

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