XJ roof racks

[dockrat14]

What roof rack does everybody like? Show me some pictures please!

[Explorer 1]

My rack was designed to land a helicopter on.....:sombrero::elkgrin::victory:

Or in my case 400 + lbs. It's made of aluminum.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/March2007086.jpg

Thanks,

Fred
Explorer 1

[comrad_zeelaagee]

Really!? TEN gutter mounts per side!?

If I had the opportunity to do it again- I would go with aluminum too- and I'd probably stop at 5 mounts per side :P.

My Defender rack has been very functional- but I'm very disappointed in it's lack of resistance to rust. The first two I had (both replaced by Defender) began rusting in less than 2 months. At this point- I figure I'll just keep it until it dies and then go with an aluminum rack... but the ones I have seen are NOT cheap.

[DrMoab]

I bet that is the first XJ with more structural support in the roof than it has in the uni-body rails. LOL.

I actually run two racks. One is a POS warrior rack and the other is a cut down wilderness that I use to have in front of my RTT before it was moved to the trailer.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4659907519_1084a98d77_b.jpg

[Amauri]

He did say it doubles as a helicopter landing pad.

[XXXpedition]

Really!? TEN gutter mounts per side!?
i like that idea. and it is important if you put weight on it and don't have it just for show.
over thousands of miles of corrugated roads in Oz my roofrack broke through the gutter 3 times. - better distribute that weight!

pics as asked for (no real good ones but with all of them you'll get an idea):
http://www.xxxpedition.com/2006-DownUnder/4x4gallery/BlueMtn/IMG_1060.JPGhttp://www.xxxpedition.com/2006-DownUnder/4x4gallery/CapeYork/IMG_9705.JPG
http://www.xxxpedition.com/2005-Alaska/4x4gallery/BoulderCr/IMG_6078.JPG

and that's how i modified my mounts later to prevent them from coming through the roof:
http://www.xxxpedition.com/2006-DownUnder/gallery/Gallery8/IMG_9218.JPG

oh, by the way:
if you mount your rack to the stock rails, they will pull out if you carry weight. those rails are screwed into rubber-thingies that will pull through the roof under shaking motion (off-road).
the corrugating is what kills it... :-)

[stomperxj]

Here's a pic of my gutter mounts i made. 4 mounts total. My rack is a bit heavy cuz i made it from 3/4" pipe. Next one will be made from aluminum or at the very least thi wall tub or conduit...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/stomperxj/Roof%20Rack/rack5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/stomperxj/98%20XJ/sm-00011.jpg

[Explorer 1]

"i like that idea. and it is important if you put weight on it and don't have it just for show.
over thousands of miles of corrugated roads in Oz my roofrack broke through the gutter 3 times. - better distribute that weight!"

Sven,

It was your experiences down under that inspired my roof rack with so many supports!

Each roof bracket matched a cross rail so the weight is evenly distributed across the entire roof rail surface. Carrying a extra spare (at that time 33x12.50) two tool chest, sand/rock ladders, 10 gallons of gas, folding table and whatever else I want to bring along, then add my 200 lbs body standing on top loading everything, I never has even a crack in the 24 gauge uni-body roof.

"I bet that is the first XJ with more structural support in the roof than it has in the uni-body rails. LOL."

All kidding aside, you are proably right in that it does add some structural support.............:ylsmoke:

Thanks

Fred
Explorer 1

[shogun]

i like that idea. and it is important if you put weight on it and don't have it just for show.
over thousands of miles of corrugated roads in Oz my roofrack broke through the gutter 3 times. - better distribute that weight!

oh, by the way:
if you mount your rack to the stock rails, they will pull out if you carry weight. those rails are screwed into rubber-thingies that will pull through the roof under shaking motion (off-road).
the corrugating is what kills it... :-)

Both good points. The factory rack is rated at something like 150#, and thats if it is well distributed. It just bolts to sheet metal.

For real structural strength you need to distribute the given load over the widest area available. Each gutter mount will carry a portion of the load. If we assume (!) the load is perfectly distributed over the length of the rack, then each gutter mount will carry an equal share of the load. The more mounts the lower the individual load. Carrying that concept to its logical conclusion, the optimum rack mount would be a continuous piece of bar that runs the entire length of the rack/gutter.

Boxing the rack and mount will also increase the structural rigidity of the roof area. Removing the headliner and trim will give a quick lesson in just how light this area is to begin with.

[DBH]

I am running a cargo master, and I am thinking about adding an additional gutter mount to each side.

Thanks for the helpful info on this thread hijack:ylsmoke:

[njjeepthing]

Kargomaster on mine.
http://gallery.me.com/jlongmuir/100204/DSC_0071/web.jpg?ver=12764361470001

Surco on my buddy's XJ.
http://gallery.me.com/jlongmuir/100204/DSC_0017.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12764359060001

[XXXpedition]

Carrying that concept to its logical conclusion, the optimum rack mount would be a continuous piece of bar that runs the entire length of the rack/gutter.
that's exactly what i would do if i were to redo it again...
but then you wouldn't need ten mounts. the distribution is through the continuous piece.

i have seen that continuous piece on land rovers...

[codybutz]

what does everybody feel a good size and wall thickness would be when building a tubular rack from steel?

[comrad_zeelaagee]

what does everybody feel a good size and wall thickness would be when building a tubular rack from steel?

i think 1" ore 7/8 if it's made (i don't have experience purchasing raw materials) is a good diameter. it's perfect for fitting just inside the hooks of ratchet straps and bungee-web hooks.

[Desert Dan]

I have had a ConFer rack in the past on a Jeep and have a 4' x 5' Defender Rack on my H3 and have been happy with both of those.

You get some wind noise when the rack is empty but it could be reduced with a faring on the front etc.

[codybutz]

I originally thought 1" as well. but I want the rack to look like it belongs on the xj. I see some of these racks and the diameter of the material just looks off. I was kinda thinking like 1 1/2" with a 3/16 wall thickness.

anybody know the material thickness on the store bought racks?

[Don-Pero]

thats my AfricanOutback RoofRack...

http://up.picr.de/4632779.jpg

[cjj98xj]

Cheap rack I made. $35 in steel, a few hours, and it holds 300 pounds well enough. Low profile at 3" overall height. 3/4"x3/4"x.065 wall for the hoops and 1/2"x1/2"x.065 wall for the floor. I'm sure I'll get hate for not going gutter mount, but it serves it's purpose well enough. It'll mainly see sleeping bags, camp chairs, tent, etc.

[bat]

I like to use 1" x .065

43178

43179

[jscherb]

Has anyone heard of a Tough Country rack for a Cherokee? I found one for sale locally but can't seem to find anything about it online...

[Hill, Bill E.]

I was kinda thinking like 1 1/2" with a 3/16 wall thickness.


That'd be awful big, (1 1/2") and 3/16 wall would be way overkill, and heavy!

Most bumpers and skid plates are 3/16" thick, and on tubing, you'd have double that.

For reference, a lot of roll cages (and tube frame buggys) are made from 1 3/4", .120 wall tubing

.125 wall is equal to 1/8", and 3/16" wall would be .1875.

My guess is most racks would be around 1/16" or less (about .062 wall)
I know mine is very thin wall.

I have this one:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/hillbillecj7/New%201999%20XJ/newjeepxj003-1.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/hillbillecj7/New%201999%20XJ/newjeepxj002-1.jpg

Carries the spare and Hi-Lift OK, but as mentioned earlier, the stock XJ racks aren't great for the weight. I'll be building a rack, with gutter mounts.

[SWbySWesty]

I've got a low profile rack from JCR Offroad. When not in use, it gives MINIMAL wind resistance. I'm planning to cut off the tire mount up top since I recently moved the tire to a swingout.

Pictures can be found HERE (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=595690&postcount=88)

[The Adam Blaster]

I really like the stuff that comes out of JCR but their shipping situation is very poor. (At least for Canadian customers.)

[bobDog]

My rack was designed to land a helicopter on.....:sombrero::elkgrin::victory:

Or in my case 400 + lbs. It's made of aluminum.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/March2007086.jpg

Thanks,

Fred
Explorer 1 Holy crap brother! That is one well supported rack. Do you find that the ole XJ flex's less since you mounted that?:yikes:

[Explorer 1]

We don't need no stink'n flex!!..........:Wow1:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/airrelease004_0001.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[CJ8Dave]

My rack was designed to land a helicopter on.....:sombrero::elkgrin::victory:

Or in my case 400 + lbs. It's made of aluminum.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/March2007086.jpg

Thanks,

Fred
Explorer 1

Hi Fred,

I love that roof rack. Who made the Basket and supports. It looks like Surco's Aluminum Safari Rack. I'm very interested.

Dave

[catfish]

I don't have one yet, but I plan on ordering one these.
Might have to reinforce the bottom with expanded metal.
http://www.discountramps.com/car-top-carriers-roof-racks.htm

[Steve F]

Here's the one I made, I also have a roof basket to mount on it if I need something with sides. It's mainly for the RTT though.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Roof%20Rack/IMG_4139.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Roof%20Rack/IMG_4169.jpg

Cheers
Steve

[Explorer 1]

Hi Fred,

I love that roof rack. Who made the Basket and supports. It looks like Surco's Aluminum Safari Rack. I'm very interested.

Dave

Your right, it's a SURCO. I met with the founder who is a client and told him what I wanted to design. He just pulled out all the parts and I spent a few evenings putting it together.

I just returned from a week long trip with it really loaded and excellent results.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Arizona%20Strip%202011/IMG_0928.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[mudbutt]

I don't have one yet, but I plan on ordering one these.
Might have to reinforce the bottom with expanded metal.
http://www.discountramps.com/car-top-carriers-roof-racks.htm

The page you linked shows half a dozen..... I have this one:
http://www.discountramps.com/roof-cargo-basket.htm

They're pretty well made. But you really need something better to mount it to than the stock cross bars. That's how mine is and it rattles a lot.

Make sure you check and recheck the size of the one you want. They tend to run on the small side.

If you have the means, get a cardboard box (or make one) the size of the rack you want and throw it up there to give you an idea what it will look like.

When I got mine it was waaaaayyy too small. I ended up quartering it and welding in some tube to make it 8" wider and 8" longer and I think it's still too short.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7e2714fcfc.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[CJ8Dave]

Your right, it's a SURCO. I met with the founder who is a client and told him what I wanted to design. He just pulled out all the parts and I spent a few evenings putting it together.

I just returned from a week long trip with it really loaded and excellent results.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Arizona%20Strip%202011/IMG_0928.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

Thanks for reply. Just a few more questions....

Are the floor slats from Surco too?

Does each floor slat bolt to each gutter mounted cross member?

Really does look like you could land a helicopter on it.

thanks again, Dave

[catfish]

http://www.discountramps.com/roof-luggage-rack.htm
I was planning ordering this one.
I need to measure the roof still though.
I was thinking that the best way would be mod it and add cross members mounted to the gutters. that way it would tie it all together and make a little more rigid and hopefully support a spare tire up there.
My XJ originally came with an OEM swing out tire rack, but it was MIA when I got it and I haven't found one for it yet.



The page you linked shows half a dozen..... I have this one:
http://www.discountramps.com/roof-cargo-basket.htm

They're pretty well made. But you really need something better to mount it to than the stock cross bars. That's how mine is and it rattles a lot.

Make sure you check and recheck the size of the one you want. They tend to run on the small side.

If you have the means, get a cardboard box (or make one) the size of the rack you want and throw it up there to give you an idea what it will look like.

When I got mine it was waaaaayyy too small. I ended up quartering it and welding in some tube to make it 8" wider and 8" longer and I think it's still too short.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7e2714fcfc.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[xjboarder92]

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn373/STAGskateteam/17322422.png


Welded some expanded metal, it's great for bungee cording things down
http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn373/STAGskateteam/8723b2ea.png

what my roof rack is mostly used for

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn373/STAGskateteam/pismo.jpg

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn373/STAGskateteam/pismo5.jpg

[TOI]

i ran a surco on my XJ, it worked great. but i never used it so i sold it.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t84/askthatninja/the%202000%20limited/IMAGE_076.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t84/askthatninja/the%202000%20limited/IMAGE_077.jpg

i have something planned for the MJ's camper shell though :)

[bldeagle10]

i want to make one that looks similar to a surco safari. aluminum. mesh flooring. full length gutter mount. so technically only two mounts that run the length of the gutter.. mounts for lights, hi lift, ax, shovel, spot for rtt. the necessities. next semester im taking welding so this may end up being a project.

[Explorer 1]

Thanks for reply. Just a few more questions....

Are the floor slats from Surco too?

Does each floor slat bolt to each gutter mounted cross member?

Really does look like you could land a helicopter on it.

thanks again, Dave

Everything came from SURCO. It all ties in rather well and is very rigid. I can put my 35" tire & rim, 2 tool boxes, 4 fuel cans, fire extinguisher, table, off road lights and then climb my 200 lb body on top and jump up and down and it hold firm like it's part of the unibody. If you send them the picture of the empty rack on the trail I posted before they should be able to pull the parts and send them to you.

Here are a two other pictures that might be helpful... the first is something you don't see everyday, the underside of a roof rack!

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/032.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/033.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[dox]

That is an outstanding Surco rack, Fred. Really nicely done, looks the part and all using Surco's own parts. Would have loved to have had something like that on my former XJ.

[CJ8Dave]

Everything came from SURCO. It all ties in rather well and is very rigid. I can put my 35" tire & rim, 2 tool boxes, 4 fuel cans, fire extinguisher, table, off road lights and then climb my 200 lb body on top and jump up and down and it hold firm like it's part of the unibody. If you send them the picture og the empty rack on the trail I posted before they shoulc be able to pull the parts and send them to you.

Here are a two other pictures that might be helpful... the first is something you don't see everyday, the underside of a roof rack!

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/032.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Cherokee/033.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

Very Impressive !

thank you for sharing your expertise.

Dave

[aidenmc]

Surco Safari Roof Rack 50x72 $447.00 $447.00

Surco Gutter Mount Adapter $69.00 x5 $345.00

Surco Spare Tire Carrier $106.00 $106.00

Surco Safari Crossbars 53 $84.00 x5 $420.00

Surco Safari Rack Floor Kit 50x72 $172.00 $172.00

$1,490.00

:Wow1:

[katuah]

Not to hijack this thread, but I just found out recently that JCR is no longer making their low-profile rack. Does anyone have any other recommendations for a lower-profile rack that will carry a spare?

[-XJ-]

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn2/DarkKnightXJ/My%202001%20JEEP%20XJ%20Cherokee/2cy2wq8-1.jpg

Thats really the best shot I had of it.. Pretty sure I stole the thing at 75 bucks.. When I decided not to fix the XJ I should have kept it.. Fail on me cause well we all know how expensive roof racks can be

[StumpXJ]

Ive had a couple, my last of which is not really a rack, but certainly would hold some weight if it needed to.

The orginal held my RTT, and whatever I wanted to put in the front basket. Never had any issues with....gave it to a friend of mine.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Jeep%20pics/DSCN1252.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/France%20Camping%20Dec%202008/DSCN0608.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/France%20Camping%20Dec%202008/DSCN0614.jpg

The second is just my exo cage/light bar. I have learned to not put too much on the roof. Its a pain in the butt to get to, and its heavy.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/IMG_20120131_114937.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/IMG_20120206_153619.jpg

[Zaskar]

Here is my Son's CargoMaster86295

[mekcanix]

Here is what I use and its just some light wall 3/4 x 3/4 tubing with mesh. seems to work well so far

86516