Need a strong roof rack for a Jeep JK

[Arepas]

I know this is vehicle specific but I wanted to ping our community for suggestions. I am planning on getting a roof top tent (already went to Tepui show room to se some), and would like something that can handle at 250lb dynamic load and 750lb static load.

I really like the Gobi stealth rack but did a quick search on wait times and it is just ridiculous. What would you suggest? what would you NOT recommend so that I can avoid it?

 

[RootedWanderers]

I just intalled the Garvin Expedition rack on my JKU... Love it.. It's super solid with zero squeeks or movement.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Frontrunner Slimline II

 

[Arepas]

Garvin Expedition is the closest thing to the Gobi stealth but it does not handle the same static or dynamic load according to their website, out of curiosity @OBJK, how long did you had to wait for them to ship it?

 

[Arepas]

Frontrunner Slimline II

Those can only hold 660lb static, they do not provide any rating for dynamic weight (I just of the phone with them)

 

[Jeep15631]

I know this is vehicle specific but I wanted to ping our community for suggestions. I am planning on getting a roof top tent (already went to Tepui show room to se some), and would like something that can handle at 250lb dynamic load and 750lb static load.

I really like the Gobi stealth rack but did a quick search on wait times and it is just ridiculous. What would you suggest? what would you NOT recommend so that I can avoid it?

I’ve got the rhino roof rack. http://www.rhinorack.com/

It is a little difficult to attach the RTT, but worth the low profile. I fit in my 8’ garage door.

 

[Arepas]

@Jeep15631, how long (time or miles) have you with it? any concerns? Can you talk a bit more about attaching your RTT to it? Also, I see that your RTT is 1/3 off the rack, why?

 

[Captain Chaos]

Those can only hold 660lb static, they do not provide any rating for dynamic weight (I just of the phone with them)

I have one. It will hold your tent and a ton more.

 

[Kent R]

I have the frontrunner and have had no issue with it at all. Dont think I would do it any other way.

 

[Jeep15631]

@Jeep15631, how long (time or miles) have you with it? any concerns? Can you talk a bit more about attaching your RTT to it? Also, I see that your RTT is 1/3 off the rack, why?

Only a handful of miles so far. I'm still working out a few solutions. I got the idea from TrailRecon:
I had to drill new mounting points for the sliding rails in order to go the opposite direction on the rack. I also cut the sliding rails to fit. I was lucky that SmittyBilt messed up and sent me extra set of rails, I was less worried about messing up. I made my own brackets to span the rhino rack's decking members. They are made out of SS.

Good eye- seeing that it overhangs in the front. The original mounting option was even with the rear. I am planning on a trip in May on the TAT. With that in mind, I wanted to carry additional fuel and additional equipment. I left about 13" in the back to attached various items. The front overhangs 18". So far no issues with the overhang.

 

[Jeep15631]

Only a handful of miles so far. I'm still working out a few solutions. I got the idea from TrailRecon:
I had to drill new mounting points for the sliding rails in order to go the opposite direction on the rack. I also cut the sliding rails to fit. I was lucky that SmittyBilt messed up and sent me extra set of rails, I was less worried about messing up. I made my own brackets to span the rhino rack's decking members. They are made out of SS.

Good eye- seeing that it overhangs in the front. The original mounting option was even with the rear. I am planning on a trip in May on the TAT. With that in mind, I wanted to carry additional fuel and additional equipment. I left about 13" in the back to attached various items. The front overhangs 18". So far no issues with the overhang.View attachment 79506 View attachment 79507 View attachment 79508 View attachment 79509

I also forgot to mention that the other reason for this style of rack is that it allows me to take the hardtop off and store it. I built a lift in my garage that lifts off the top and stores it. My hope is that the hardtop and RTT will come off in one piece and that it can be stored together. Ignore the messy garage.

 

[Arepas]

@Jeep15631 thanks for the reply, that makes sense

 

[dstock]

I'm about to to install the Rhino Rack on my JK. I want to be able to move our RTT from the trailer to the Jeep fairly easily so I am working on a solution which may incorporate the Frontrunner quick release RTT mounts on the Jeep side.

Pricey, but a friend of mine has them and they work well.

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/rack-accessories/camp-accessories/quick-release-roof-top-tent-mount-kit.html

Due to the slats on the Rhino Rack running the opposite direction, I'm betting I'm going to have to drill the slats on the rack to mount them. I don't want to drill my tent to move the rails and risk missing the internal frame in the base of the tent.

I may go with a simpler route, just don't want to kill my hands getting underneath the rack like it was when I had the Gobi. That sucked!

 

[Northernlady]

I have the KMS Kargo Master Congo Rack and it works excellent for my application and my budget. I added the Catwalk across the cowl and the side steps at the door hinges to make it easier for me to access the tent during setup and takedown.

 

[Arepas]

I have the KMS Kargo Master Congo Rack and it works excellent for my application and my budget. I added the Catwalk across the cowl and the side steps at the door hinges to make it easier for me to access the tent during setup and takedown. View attachment 82503View attachment 82504

Funny, I got yesterday the delivery of a KMS roof rack and already ordered a tepui tent.

Do you know what is the weight limit of the cat walk?

 

[Northernlady]

Funny, I got yesterday the delivery of a KMS roof rack and already ordered a tepui tent.

Do you know what is the weight limit of the cat walk?

I don't know the exact specifications but my bf walks all over it and he is over 200lbs. There has been no flex or warpage at all.

 

[Vodospecialist]

X2 on the KMS Congo Pro! We have it installed on our 2015 JKU and love it. From the Quadratec website, they have a 300lb travel capacity and a 500lb for the 2 door & an 850lb static weight capacities. Installation was a breeze. We have our RTT mounted on a Smittybilt Scout trailer.

 

[Arepas]

X2 on the KMS Congo Pro! We have it installed on our 2015 JKU and love it. From the Quadratec website, they have a 300lb travel capacity and a 500lb for the 2 door & an 850lb static weight capacities. Installation was a breeze. We have our RTT mounted on a Smittybilt Scout trailer. View attachment 83118

What rear bumper is that? do you if it is compatible with the AEV tire carrier?

 

[Vodospecialist]

What rear bumper is that? do you if it is compatible with the AEV tire carrier?

It’s a “ Barricade Trail Force HD Rear Bumper w/ E-Z Open Tire Carrier (07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK)
$599.99(each)” from Extreme Terrain. Not sure if it is compatible with AEV tire carrier since it has a tire carrier included with the bumper. Barricade makes a couple of different bumpers without the tire carrier, which maybe what you are looking for. I’m pleased with the bumper, but the tire carrier rattles and so that is a no go.

 

[Nickzero]

Highly recommend buying a GOBI rack. I have had over 400lbs on that rack across rivers and long trips. This thing feels sturdy when bolted on and fixed to the body. Plus it is a true safari rack. Feel free to toss a deer up there if you choose. I bought my GOBI Ranger rack second hand for $700.00. Look around and you will find some used in the US.