Roof tent- Congo or Gobi?

FatBuoy · 10-27-2009, 06:39 AM

I am planning on getting both a rack and roof tent for next season. Any recommondations as to which rack, of the two mentioned, would provide the best mounts for the tent? Does it matter at all? How about mounting a mountain bike? Any differences there? Tough call on the two racks, but I'm leaning toward the Gobi.

**mattman8706** · 10-27-2009, 07:35 AM

I think both would be just as compatible. The Gobi looks much nicer though...

08BlueSahara · 10-27-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

I am planning on getting both a rack and roof tent for next season. Any recommondations as to which rack, of the two mentioned, would provide the best mounts for the tent? Does it matter at all? How about mounting a mountain bike? Any differences there? Tough call on the two racks, but I'm leaning toward the Gobi.

Hey FatBouy,

I had the Konga Cage, but decided it was too noisy and was keeping me from enjoying my Jeep. It was loud with the hard top, but especially with the soft top!!!! As far as being structurally sound, it was fine. I had two sea kayaks on top with no problem too. I use my Jeep sometimes to commute and in summer to take trips and the noise was just too much for me. With the soft top up I just wanted to commit suicide!

I use a receiver hitch bike rack, since I have the tow option and I'm real happy with that set up.

For the tent setup it is my advice to get one of the tent trailers or just an open trailer to haul your camping supplies. After owning the external rack, I wouldn't go that direction again (myself).

Also.. to take your top off/on, switch soft top to hard top, you also have to remove the cage! PITA! Lifting stuff on/off overhead is the cause of many a back problem too.

gsaxe · 10-27-2009, 06:04 PM

got the congo after I din't win the gobi, got the wind deflector wich I am about to remove. too much resistance and huge maybe 12" high, blocks view(good at sunset)....also got the 500 lb jeep xbars and they are so thick full 2" attachment have to be custom.....off to ACE....the upright bars that come with the congo look small in the picture but are about 8" tall, they are great for lumber err firewood and boats, the rack with big thule box 56X28has enough room for kayaks too. and yes it hinders taking off the hard top...gobi would prpbably be better for tent as it has the mesh....I'm going to get a rhino flat basket (also 28X56) for my congo..... that way I'll have the box, the basket to, and still opine freedom top ....awsome(and I rarely use that word) combo for az camping epxeditions. rooftop tent woudl be great for scorpion prevention but where would you put your kayak? more to the point the congos bars running forward and bask are inset and provide a narrower base...that said the congos xbars are huge 78" and I can stand/sit on one (I'm 200lbs) the gobi id' day is cleanre but that just envy things pricey.....

mrbodywork · 10-28-2009, 01:51 AM

Fatbouy,

Just received my Gobi but haven't mounted it yet, waiting for my lights to come in. Will probably tackle it next week. I'll let you know what my thoughts on it are once I have had it uo.

Bill

FatBuoy · 10-28-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbodywork

Fatbouy,

Just received my Gobi but haven't mounted it yet, waiting for my lights to come in. Will probably tackle it next week. I'll let you know what my thoughts on it are once I have had it uo.

Bill

Thanks so far guys. Bill, would love to hear you opinion on the noise and overall impression. Do you have a stock or aftermarket rear bumper? Did you get the extra insert? High lift mount? It seems that if the Congo is noisy, any rack would be. In regards to my kayak, I have a nice inflatable so it can be thrown on top in its bag. I would love to have an off road trailer but expense and storage would be my two objections there. I would also like to be able to mount my spare up there for when hauling my dirt bike. I have one of those carriers that hooks into the hitch with the dirt bike riding sideways. It will not fit with the spare mounted on the rear...

SigMtnMan · 10-28-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

Thanks so far guys. Bill, would love to hear you opinion on the noise and overall impression. Do you have a stock or aftermarket rear bumper? Did you get the extra insert? High lift mount? It seems that if the Congo is noisy, any rack would be. In regards to my kayak, I have a nice inflatable so it can be thrown on top in its bag. I would love to have an off road trailer but expense and storage would be my two objections there. I would also like to be able to mount my spare up there for when hauling my dirt bike. I have one of those carriers that hooks into the hitch with the dirt bike riding sideways. It will not fit with the spare mounted on the rear...

I have a gobi rack. It is loud. It causes whistling with the soft top as the bottom bar on the lightbar portion seems to direct the wind right into the windshield header seam.

08BlueSahara · 10-28-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

an off road trailer -- but expense

Hi again FatBuoy,

I know a trailer might not work for you, but consider the $$ for a rack and accessories would be about as much as a good used trailer. The reason I bring this up is because I know I'll end up with one someday. I've been looking at stuff like:

Thinking a good used one could be had for $500 or $600. Not ready to do it myself, but thought it could be a good solution and flexable to use for MANY other things too. The green trailer I really like and it looks like I could rig a kayak cradle system, bring a BBQ, tent, bikes, ice chests, Etc. Plus you have it to haul dirt, rocks, Etc., help move things.

I had this one from Harbor Freight ($200.00)

But sold it because I thought it was too light duty and I wasn't using it (I have a truck).

Anyway, let us know what you do - sounds like you're getting ready to have some fun!!!

FatBuoy · 10-28-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SigMtnMan

I have a gobi rack. It is loud. It causes whistling with the soft top as the bottom bar on the lightbar portion seems to direct the wind right into the windshield header seam.

You just talked me out of it. I appreciate it very much. These things are already a little noisy, but that would push me over the top, especially since it's my daily driver.... You saved me $1500! Where should I send the check?

SigMtnMan · 10-28-2009, 02:46 PM

np. FWIW, all of the expedition style racks are going to be loud.