Hi there,
I recently was looking to get a roof rack for my 2012 CRD JKU. I only have a soft top so was looking for something that could pivot back, fold the roof down and then click back on. This quickly reduces your options to 2-3 roof racks.
I also had to take into consideration that I have an AEV rear bumper, as most roof racks for soft tops mount to the chassis or the rear bumper.
During the course of my research I looked at the following options:
Uneek 4x4 Jk Wrangler Roof Rack Unlimited
http://www.uneek4x4.com.au/jk-wrangl...ack-unlimited/
This was ruled out as it was incompatible with my AEV rear bumper
SharpWrax JKU Super Spoiler
http://sharpwrax.com.au/jku/jku-super-spoiler.html
This was ruled out as my preference was for the roof rack itself to be a grill or similar, so cargo could be strapped down nice and tight.
GOBI Stealth
https://www.gobiracks.com/product/je...lth-reg-setup/
This ticked all the boxes and so was selected.
I got Bill from DBO in Melbourne to supply and install the rack - did a fantastic job. I got a ladder, body shield protector, quick release kit and the sunroof insert grill as well.
I just thought I would share some of my observations since putting the rack on...
Noise
As expected the roof rack creates some noise, but I would not regard it as a a major drawback. However, fitting the sunroof insert grill creates a whistling noise similar to a giant kettle, so you would only put this on when required.
Fuel Economy
It is early days, as I have only had the rack for 1 month. Previously, my 2012 CRD running 35" tires, and 4.88 gear ratio would get approx. 670 km's per tank (highway driving). After fitting the roof rack, I got approx. 620 km's (highway driving). I am yet to fit the wind deflector to see what impact this has on fuel economy.
Accessories
This is where the rack has come a little unstuck. I wanted to attach an awning - specifically the Darche Eclipse 2x2.5m awning. Whilst Darche provide a mount for their awning, my preference would be to go with the GOBI awning mount, as the roof rack has a very specific setup. Unfortunately these are made to order by GOBI. I attempted to order from GOBI, and they asked me to purchase from DBO. When I pointed out that the part was not in stock and made to order, they never replied. I have repeatedly attempted to contact GOBI via email and phone and have received nothing in response. This is probably the most disappointing aspect of the GOBI roof rack - the limited availability of accessories and poor post sales service/support.
I have managed to find these mounts from Fourtreks:
http://www.fourtreks.com/modular_awning_mounts.html
and am looking to see whether this will suit.
Other than the awning mount, the GOBI stealth rack is solid and aesthetically pleasing.
Keen to hear any other peoples experience with this rack and whether they have sorted out an awning for it.