African Outback Roof Rack for XJ

[cshontz]

I was looking at the diesel news thread and the rack on the Biodiesel Adventure rig caught my eye. That's a really nice, utilitarian setup - the likes of which I don't recall ever seeing on a Jeep. Googling ensued.

Does anyone have (or know of) any pics of an African Outback Roof Rack on a Jeep Cherokee XJ? I think I found a part number on a European site (http://www.tbruk.com/) (36-83210130) - how much do you suppose something like this would cost in the US?

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/forum_pics/biodiesel.jpg

Found this picture posted by "bulldog" on Toyota120.com forum (http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2010&page=2). I love how its low-profile, and snug with the roof. I hope it'd be like that on a Cherokee.

http://www.ezdries.net/Vidpics/roofrack/3Q%20profile.jpg

Of course they're available for Toyota applications from Slee. :)

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_roofracks_main.htm

[IH8RDS]

Looks easy enough to fabricate. I dig the low profile. One of the stipulations to the rack I am designing is low low low profile.

[Grim Reaper]

Man you Jeep guys..... always a day behind. :rolleyes: :elkgrin:


Just joking.


Lots of talk about them in the Toyota and Cruiser section. Brian89 Just put one on his FJ80.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8304

Some more pictures on his site and I highly recommend reading his Rail Road exploration stuff. Really a great read if you have any interest in steam rail road history.
http://www.brian894x4.com/ExpeditionLandCruiserFZJ80.html

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/ is a distributor and should be able to order it or get your the sizes he has available and you could mock one us with some 1x2's to get a visual.

I am a cheap bastard, as you know, and I am looking at making a low profile rack that will hold my sand ladders under the deck and to help provide a "tropical roof" arrangement to keep the solar load down some. My goal is to have it come out looking similar to a African rack.

[cshontz]

Man you Jeep guys..... always a day behind.

Yeah, no - its absolutely true. You just don't hear about Africa Overland in any of the Jeep channels. ExPo is great for seeing the bigger picture.

Thanks for the links! :D

[XXXpedition]

i dig that silver toyota.... i want one :-))

[davegonz]

You could also make one similar to it out of a motorcyle ramp.

How-to: http://www.wildyoats.com/the_j-rack.htm

The only thing different I would do is to bolt it to some strong crossbars.

[OverlandZJ]

Chris, i have been considering a flat platform rack as well so i can use the RTT on my XJ or the trailer depending on outing.

Heres a pic of 4 Thule bars that i was considering using as the main structure. It's a tad taller than i'd like, but if you were to use the gutterless clamps i believe it would sit closer to the roof.

Excuse the bodywork..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/14guards003.jpg