[DenverCruiser]

For use on long road-trips with light 4-wheeling carrying things like camping equipment, firewood, gas tanks, etc. I can see the negative to the trailer-hitch rack could be clearance while 4-wheeling but seems better in every other category such as aerodynamics. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks.

[BlaineWasHere]

I do have a ski rack for the roof of my Jeep... When it was wndy it did kill my MPG. I think that every thing is SUPER secure up there and I like it up there way better than I would on the back. If you ever go wheelin with the gear you will want it outa the way on the roof too. Most racks for the rear receviers stick out quite a bit. I have used one of these also. It was decent but it also got in the way of me getting into the cargo area.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Roof rack all the way, just secure everything up there well enough so if tree's get a bit low you don't leave behind gear.

[njrealtor55]

hitch mount will require you to re-locate your liscense plate & light. kinda a pita if you ask me.

i have contemplated the hitch mounted rear tire carrier. i just need to figure what spring can be used for leverage to help when folding it down or back up.

i tow a lot so i would need to have a hitch extension as well. All of that would extend it too much for wheeling... so i never gave it a shot.

[DenverCruiser]

Here is a another VS. question. Yakima vs. Thule vs. Surco?

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Never heard of Surco.

The place where I bought my rack said Yakima generally fits better on American cars and Thule on foreign cars. Both are good products though. I love my Yakima.

[FPKites]

I've seen Surco on the road. Looks like a good tough rack. I found it online (basket only) for $170-$200. They get you when you add the mounting hardware. It was like $40. Hi-Lift bracket, ax/shovel bracket were spendy too, $75 and $70 respectively. Light brackets are $37.

[Airborne Lee]

I started with the hitch rack, Like it alot but limited to about 150lbs. plus I dont like to put more than two coolers on it regardless of the weight. It is also FANTASTIC for moving firewood at the campsite to keep the wood off your back or out of the cargo area behind the seats.

I added the Yakima roof rack "Load Warrior" about two years ago. Still looks new. I use it alot for ladders, camping, Christmas tree and more. It also has the most accessories of the racks I have seen. It is not really the cheapest but you can not really go wrong with it. The stock cross bars can not hold that much weight regardless of whos rack you use. Keep in mind with any rack you will likely need new bars or even new posts to hold them.

I use the trailer hitch to move bikes alot now that the kids ride. I wish that the hitch rack had a hitch extension on the back to put the bike rack into so I could use both at the same time. The way my wife and girls pack, I often need both the roof and hitch rack and still need another jeep for the bikes. Fortuantly I have two WJ's.

[Drew]

I carry a 32' extension ladder and a 17' Little Giant on my Thule rack on the WJ EVERY day. You would have no problems with a roof type rack.
Doug

[Texas ZJ1]

www.quadratec.com has a hitch rack or you can find it at www.cabelas.com for a ATV that has a slight yet 2 inch bend making it higher than a standard rack. However, you'll need to take the rack off to open the rear hatch.


Hunter

[DenverCruiser]

Those of you with the roof racks, do you use the stock cross-bars or do you use the Yakima/Thule cross bars?

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Use the Yakima crossmembers.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by DenverCruiser

Those of you with the roof racks, do you use the stock cross-bars or do you use the Yakima/Thule cross bars?

Thule Bars and feet.