Jeep KK 2011 best solution for fitting a basket/cage to roof to hold fuel/water cans

[Ozzy Power]

Hi there, trying to find the best solution for fitting a basket/cage to roof to hold fuel/water cans and spare tire safely for a trip around Australia - I'm worried about the Strenght of the side roof rails on the Jeep KK Cherokee 2011 as I think there plastic and I want to hold a cage on top with Jerry cans and tyres for a trip around Australia.

Does any body know of a system that bolts straight onto the screws which hold the factory side rail on the once you tack them off. Any other solutions greatly appreciated.

Regards Ozzy

[Jackup]

http://www.rocky-road.com/kjroofrack.html

Hi Ozzy,

This is the best looking system that I've seen though I'm not sure how much is would cost to order from the US and also not sure if all that gear on top would fit into the 68kg limit for roof loading.

We used the standard Mopar roof rails with a cargo pod full of gear (all up weight about 65kg) and they survived the Cape York roads so maybe those plastic bits aren't as flimsy as they look (Famous last words?)

[KKnut]

Originally Posted by Ozzy Power

I'm worried about the Strenght of the side roof rails on the Jeep KK Cherokee 2011 as I think there plastic and I want to hold a cage on top with Jerry cans and tyres for a trip around Australia.

Does any body know of a system that bolts straight onto the screws which hold the factory side rail on the once you tack them off. Any other solutions greatly appreciated.

Regards Ozzy

I'm about to order a Front Runner or WindCheetah rack for the same reasons. These come with an alloy track that replaces the Jeep rails completely. Very low profile and there are over a dozen accessories available to mount tanks, spare tyres, shovels, etc. was quoted $900 odd for the standard 1550mm long for the KK, still waiting for a price on an 1800 long.

[Mikzor]

Talk to Ben at APT fabrications. He's fabricated a set of steel rails to replace the stock plastic ones on Greg's awesome KK. You can then atttach a basket to that and should be able to safely carry some more weight.

http://www.aptfabrications.com.au



For baskets I really like my Yakima Megawarrior roof basket which I currently have attached to just the stock plastic rails on my KK.... here's an old photo of it.

[Ben88]

I had one of those Front Runners/Wild Cheata on the Hilux I took around Africa at the start of the year. It was really well built and the accessories are sweet. I'd love to have one on mine, keep us posted on the price of the 1.8m KK Nut if you would.

But... is the limiting factor for the roof weight limit the rails or the structure of the roof itself? If you replace the rails do you think it would hold up to closer to 100kg? Otherwise I'd say the Yakima is awesome value.

[KKnut]

Originally Posted by Mikzor

Talk to Ben at APT fabrications. He's fabricated a set of steel rails to replace the stock plastic ones on Greg's awesome KK.

Those rails look great, couldn't find any Jeep stuff on his website but maybe I was impatient.

Originally Posted by Ben88

But... is the limiting factor for the roof weight limit the rails or the structure of the roof itself? If you replace the rails do you think it would hold up to closer to 100 kg?

Maybe not 100kg, but I do suspect an easy increase over the factory rails. Like you say are the manufacturer's limits based on their rails or the roof itself - who knows? I'd consider pulling the interior panels and drop the headlining to fab up extra internal support bracing if possible.

Originally Posted by Ben88

I had one of those Front Runners/Wind Cheata on the Hilux I took around Africa at the start of the year. It was really well built and the accessories are sweet. I'd love to have one on mine, keep us posted on the price of the 1.8m KK Nut if you would.

Will do, I'll be chasing up tomorrow.

The 1550mm long rack looks the part and their intention with that length is to not have unsupported weight too far forward of the front supports, but I need a little more space to mount a solar panel which of course is not heavy and will prevent weight being placed at the front.

[single_single]

Seems like they did a snorkel on one KK.



Wondering how's that?