Roof rack on a hard top? (not cargo rack)

Jr KLR · 11-29-2005, 04:00 PM

Has anyone ever seen a roof rack (luggage rack?) that is permanently bolted onto a hard top? I know "cargo racks", (the kind that bolt to the rear frame and windshield), are common but I don't like those because they're heavy and stand out.

I'm looking for something that I can put a surfboard or snowboard on, or possibly a luggage carrier. Basically the type of rack you see on SUV's. Would it be hard to bolt a rack onto a hard top, or is drilling a hardtop a no-no?

krbe · 11-29-2005, 04:20 PM

I have rails from a Cherokee mounted on my hard top, the lenght was okey but the width had to be reduced a couple of inch. How much load the top can take, I got no idea... Guess it is not so much...

There is a manufacture in Sweden that sell a roof rack for hard top use...
http://www.moosermetall.se/wrangler_takracke_off.htm

Noonen · 11-29-2005, 04:35 PM

check out the Yakima Landing Pad #6 - you can use the entire line of Yakima Accessories - you'll also need control towers and round bars too.

I personally plan to install a track and use the Landing Pad #1 and control towers.

The advantage to the track is that you can move the bars fore and aft, with the landing pad #6 you basically are fixing the bars in one spot, which isn't as good for various accessories - I personally want to be able to use my Cargo box, bike carrier, and kayak racks all on one system, and would not be offering as much support to the cargo box if I fix the landing pads where I would need them for the other accessories.

**Awshux** · 11-29-2005, 05:08 PM

Some folks have had issues with hard tops sagging even without any weight on them, so I'd proceed with caution if I were you. They're really not very thick, so should be simple to bolt through. Be sure the weight is distributed over the widest area possible.

freestyler · 11-29-2005, 06:41 PM

I put in a THULE TRACK, its awesome and its a great way to mount a roof rack on your hard top. It's very strong and with the purchase of the Towers and Load bars you get a great rack system. The bonus is you can take the whole rack off and leave the track. The company doesn't sell it for wrangler so you have to kinda make it yourself.

inglisleslie · 04-13-2010, 09:48 PM

cargo racks are the way to go!

Javo1000 · 05-03-2010, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jr KLR

Has anyone ever seen a roof rack (luggage rack?) that is permanently bolted onto a hard top? I know "cargo racks", (the kind that bolt to the rear frame and windshield), are common but I don't like those because they're heavy and stand out.

I'm looking for something that I can put a surfboard or snowboard on, or possibly a luggage carrier. Basically the type of rack you see on SUV's. Would it be hard to bolt a rack onto a hard top, or is drilling a hardtop a no-no?

what did u end up going with? any suggestions?

**Boundless** · 05-03-2010, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jr KLR

Has anyone ever seen a roof rack (luggage rack?) that is permanently bolted onto a hard top?

I'm looking for something that I can put a surfboard or snowboard on, or possibly a luggage carrier. Basically the type of rack you see on SUV's. Would it be hard to bolt a rack onto a hard top, or is drilling a hardtop a no-no?

here is this what you're looking for?

and here's a small write up Budget Junkyard Mods - Fabrication Forum - Jeep Models - Empty Pockets Jeep Club of Florida - Message Board Yuku

TheSherp · 05-03-2010, 06:59 AM

I got a used Rack off of a S-10 blazer 4 door. The width was purfact but the length was about 3 in long. I got it for $20 at a junk yard. Works awesome.

**Unlimited04** · 05-03-2010, 07:25 AM

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ju...f-rack-630944/

jgorm · 05-03-2010, 08:37 AM

I installed a yakima setup. Works great!

Joshhamburger · 05-03-2010, 08:40 AM

I've got a set of roof rack rails and cross pieces taking up space in my garage. They'd be perfect if you wanted to go the junkyard mod route.

TheSherp · 05-03-2010, 08:41 AM

The question I have is how much weight does everyone feel comfortable running on them? Mainly I have mine for Ski's right now. I was planning on going on some camping trips, so I was wondering about back packs, tents and things like that on top so I can have more than 2 people in my jeep. My pack generaly weigs between 50 and 100 lbs for a 5 day camping trip. Hence the name the sherp. Given that the top is not metel will it stand up to that kind of weight and a long trip?!?!?!?!? any suggestions.

**Boundless** · 05-03-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSherp

The question I have is how much weight does everyone feel comfortable running on them? Mainly I have mine for Ski's right now. I was planning on going on some camping trips, so I was wondering about back packs, tents and things like that on top so I can have more than 2 people in my jeep. My pack generaly weigs between 50 and 100 lbs for a 5 day camping trip. Hence the name the sherp. Given that the top is not metel will it stand up to that kind of weight and a long trip?!?!?!?!? any suggestions.

I can't tell you what my roof rack was carrying in weight cause I did not check but let me say, traveling with my two girls and wife, the roof top carrier was full (mostly clothes) and it all held up great.

scs2016 · 05-03-2010, 08:50 AM

I'm not comfortable running real weight. It is for skis, the tie down points for a sheet of plywood, stuff like that.

There was a good thread on here a bit ago: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ju...f-rack-630944/

I modified a rack from an 2009 Explorer [had to shorten the rails].