2001 XJ Roof Rack/Light help: Build own or buy one.

AustinTexasXJ · 03-09-2009, 09:16 PM

Okay so I have a 2001 Xj and I would like to get a roof rack but I dont know what brand or if maybe I should build my own..

I was thinking of buying some 1" sq tubing and buliding a rook rack to sit on top of my stock rack and run bolts through the the both of them also I would weld on some tabs for 4 lights. But I read somewhere those stock racks only hold like 150 pounds or something??

is this a good idea or no?

also how should I run the lights.

Post pictures of your roof racks and/or how you ran your lights.

Thanks!

AustinTexasXJ · 03-09-2009, 10:51 PM

alright I guess not everyone jump up at once..

**rustywrangler** · 03-09-2009, 10:55 PM

In my experience building these racks, I would say 1" is overkill. 3/4" is just as strong when it is welded up. I have several customers that have roof racks just bolted right to the stock rails. Feel free to pm me with questions or advice on how to go about it.

Monty51 · 08-30-2011, 09:32 AM

(this post removed by author)

**nmiller015** · 08-30-2011, 07:48 PM

edit: just realized you were looking for racks, my bad

Durt_Diver · 08-30-2011, 08:19 PM

if you want max load capacity, you need gutter mounts regardless. here are some i have looked at but i dont need more than the stock ones i have now http://www.prolineracks.com/item/Roof-Rack-Rain-Gutter-Mount-179

you can usually find racks for cheap on craigslist or building your own would definitely be the cheaper option of getting one new. the rola rack i have is only 180 shipped from etrailer, but i found mine on craigslist for 100

**chris87xj** · 08-30-2011, 11:16 PM

I don't think OP has an XJ anymore.

Durt_Diver · 08-31-2011, 01:23 AM

haha didn't look at that..... why was it bumped

**chris87xj** · 08-31-2011, 01:51 AM

idk hah, but I like the look of that rola rack.

AustinTexasXJ · 10-02-2011, 10:31 PM

Yes it's true I no longer have an XJ and I super miss my betty. But I ended up building a pretty heavy duty roof rack and I still have it. I wanna cut it down for my WJ but I still want another Cherokee so I'm saving it. There are pics of it in the dirty Betty build thread in my sig.

03-09-2009, 10:55 PM	#3
rustywrangler Got my eye on you..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 18,657 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	In my experience building these racks, I would say 1" is overkill. 3/4" is just as strong when it is welded up. I have several customers that have roof racks just bolted right to the stock rails. Feel free to pm me with questions or advice on how to go about it. __________________ http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...k_banner-1.gif Congenital Heart Disease is a reality for me, BOTH of my children have it. Please read up and become aware for future generations Lydia Ann-Acquired 08/05/05 Open Heart surgery 08/10/05 Jacob Patrick-Acquired 01/17/08 Open Heart surgery 02/15/08