Roof rack

[Spike3]

My Jeep came without a factory roof rack and I really want to get into camping and living outdoors and want to get a kayak for fishing but I don't have anything up top to tie it down to. It'll help for skiing in the winter too. I looked into roof racks that clamp into the little overhang on the roof but don't know how sturdy that is compared to the factory rails. I'm looking for something that isn't too expensive but study enough to be useful for kayaks and canoes.

I also have access to my university's shop so if fabrication will bring down the price by a significant amount then that can be done.

[abebehrmann]

I've heard that the racks that mount on the gutter are stronger than the factory ones. Makes sense too when you consider the thickness of the metal at both mounting locations. The factory rack would prob be a lot cheaper though, I picked up mine at the Junkyard for $10.

[Brasscatz]

Yep, gutter-mount racks are technically stronger than the stock roof rails/rack system. The bad part is how expensive they are. Check these fellas out, they were on our podcast for an interview and they seem to have decent prices. http://www.rtrfab.com/index.html

[Spike3]

I've heard that the racks that mount on the gutter are stronger than the factory ones. Makes sense too when you consider the thickness of the metal at both mounting locations. The factory rack would prob be a lot cheaper though, I picked up mine at the Junkyard for $10.

How hard is it to install? I'd assume holes needed to be drilled. I'm just a bit uneasy of that because I don't want a leaky roof.

[Spike3]

Yep, gutter-mount racks are technically stronger than the stock roof rails/rack system. The bad part is how expensive they are. Check these fellas out, they were on our podcast for an interview and they seem to have decent prices. http://www.rtrfab.com/index.html

I just sent a message asking for prices. Looks solid.

[rabies]

u should hav holes up top already.
i actually jus removed my oem rack the other day.
making a fancy basket

[abebehrmann]

How hard is it to install? I'd assume holes needed to be drilled. I'm just a bit uneasy of that because I don't want a leaky roof.

Doesn't seem too hard, but I haven't installed mine yet. Planning on installing it when I redo my headliner. The ones from the factory have threaded inserts installed into the roof, but I've seen others (who didn't have the rack from the factory) use just a regular nut on the inside and a bit of silicone on the bolts to make ensure everything seals up. I'm debating whether do this or pick up some nutserts and try to mimic the factory setup.

[gary63]

I have a roof rack and I use it all the time. They go on easy and come off easy. The ones that clamp onto the gutter DO NOT OVER TITEN them they will bend the gutter. Also before you put it on check you gutters for rust if you have some clean it up first. Also at less ones a year take it off and clean the gutters and check them because with the clamps the are blocking the gutters and dirt and water will set in it and start rusting. I have placed a board on top and 3 people stood on top as spotters and they were NOT little a total around 750 to 800 lb. and it held up.

[Carves]

How hard is it to install? I'd assume holes needed to be drilled. I'm just a bit uneasy of that because I don't want a leaky roof.


If you dont already have the holes in the roof for a factory rack ... then a gutter mount would be the way to go.

Personally ... I dont think the gutters are all that strong - which is why I prefer a six point mount.

... theres not much meat hidden under the, clip on trim, that gets called a gutter .. ;);)

My setup for what its worth ....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x406b_zps2f2647f7.jpg


The factory racks also share a bit of weight, when the heavy stuff gets loaded.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x411b_zpsa9dd308e.jpg

[bruggz351]

If you dont already have the holes in the roof for a factory rack ... then a gutter mount would be the way to go.

Personally ... I dont think the gutters are all that strong - which is why I prefer a six point mount.

... theres not much meat hidden under the, clip on trim, that gets called a gutter .. ;);)

My setup for what its worth ....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x406b_zps2f2647f7.jpg


The factory racks also share a bit of weight, when the heavy stuff gets loaded.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x411b_zpsa9dd308e.jpg

I'm lovin that ladder Carves.:bacondance:

Assume it mounts on the side of the rack somehow??

[Carves]

Assume it mounts on the side of the rack somehow??


Hooks on anywhere with the tabs ...


http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x409b_zps2bd2f8aa.jpg


... if you meant for stowage/travel tho .... Its a P.I.T.A.

S'posed to clamp, horizontal, on the side ... but I normally chuck it inside, or strap it over the swags, as a tiedown.

[Spike3]

If you dont already have the holes in the roof for a factory rack ... then a gutter mount would be the way to go.

Personally ... I dont think the gutters are all that strong - which is why I prefer a six point mount.

... theres not much meat hidden under the, clip on trim, that gets called a gutter .. ;);)

My setup for what its worth ....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x406b_zps2f2647f7.jpg


The factory racks also share a bit of weight, when the heavy stuff gets loaded.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/RoofRack%20Fix/Al%206x4/Al6x411b_zpsa9dd308e.jpg

Did you buy the gutter clamps and fabricate the rest yourself? That's what I think I'll end up doing.
The setup looks amazing!

[Carves]

Nahhh ... I got lucky and picked it up cheap ... at a yard sale.

... anything I'd made wouldnt have looked, near as pretty ..:D

[rabies]

heres mine 75% done
got 3/4 and 1/2 conduit. conduit bender $34 at menards. cut bend. weld. cut. weld. bend. cut weld
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad277/rick_rabies/XJ%20Jeep/NCM_0833_1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rick_rabies/media/XJ%20Jeep/NCM_0833_1.jpg.html)

il attach it with 6` 1/8" steel flats from menards. drilled holes in it.
like this
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad277/rick_rabies/antena.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rick_rabies/media/antena.jpg.html)
im aware it might not be that strong...but..i have a welder :)

[Spike3]

That'd probably be something I'd do too. That or just metal bars across at 1 foot intervals. Lay down plywood if I need something flatter

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

[bruggz351]

heres mine 75% done
got 3/4 and 1/2 conduit. conduit bender $34 at menards. cut bend. weld. cut. weld. bend. cut weld
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad277/rick_rabies/XJ%20Jeep/NCM_0833_1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rick_rabies/media/XJ%20Jeep/NCM_0833_1.jpg.html)

il attach it with 6` 1/8" steel flats from menards. drilled holes in it.
like this
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad277/rick_rabies/antena.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rick_rabies/media/antena.jpg.html)
im aware it might not be that strong...but..i have a welder :)

Nice. Be strong enough I reckon. You don't want too much weight up top anyway.

I like your knock down antenna. Is that a spring loaded pivot ?

; edit ; yep, it is. Bit of an effort to see it on my phone. 😳

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

[nickyg]

But Carves, What size screws did you use to attach it to the tire?

[Carves]

But Carves, What size screws did you use to attach it to the tire?


Screws ??? ... :shocker:


pffttttt .... 12inches of threaded rod did the job nicely .. :P .. :D

[4.3LXJ]

Screws ??? ... :shocker:


pffttttt .... 12inches of threaded rod did the job nicely .. :P .. :D

So, does the ladder act like a crutch for the wheel then. Perhaps the latest in flat repair :smiley-taunt002: