JK 2 dr "expedition build"

[snowing]

AEV kit is more complete and geared towards touring. It has a firmer suspension setup than other kits. It's better if you can take a ride in both kits and feel for yourself before you decide.

For roof rack, you can take a look at frontrunner slimline II. It's mounted to roll bar, so would have a much higher load rating than RhinoRack Pioneer Platform. JKU version is rated 600lb/270kg moving weight so I presume JK version would not be too far from this as major mounting point is the same. It's also light weight and low profile. The only thing is that you need to drill thru the top. It's works with hardtop and no top.

Not sure if you already have rear bar done and looking to do it, try look for a bar + tire carrier combo with jerry can holders.

LeighP already given you some good advice on other parts. Good luck on your build.

[LeighP]

As per snowing's comment on the AEV kit vs TF.

[camverra]

Great thanks for the advice. Will try take a drive with each one. Primary concern is whether will significantly sacrifice comfort during on-road driving which would probably be a lot when driving around Australia


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[snowing]

Originally Posted by camverra

Great thanks for the advice. Will try take a drive with each one. Primary concern is whether will significantly sacrifice comfort during on-road driving which would probably be a lot when driving around Australia


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Don't worry, you can't get worse than stock on-road driving with almost any aftermarket kits. In saying that, I prefer AEV over other kits for on-road as it's more all rounded than other kits which is usually aimed for offroad flex mainly unless you starting to customize a kit for yourself.

[camverra]

One concern that has been raised with regards to roof racks that require drilling through the hard top for installation is the low tolerance for movement which could potentially be an issue when sleeping in the roof top tent mounted on top of it. Anyone have any experience with this setup? I've sent out a note to the folks at RhinoRack but curious to know if anyone has a similar setup and had any issues. I'd prefer these types of racks from an aesthetic point of view but I guess if there is potential for damage to the hardtop I might go for a different setup


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[snowing]

Your concern is the main reason I suggest you to look at front runner rack. While I do like Rhino system, I don't trust purely relying on strength of hardtop for supporting roof top tent. For me, I would reserve at least 50 kg just for the RTT alone, that means the RTT can only support people with total weight of 70kg.
My suggestion is to check out what RTT you have in mind and check the spec first before deciding on your rack.

[camverra]

Reading through the front runner description, installation also requires drilling through the hard top (similar to Rhino Pioneer Platform). While the weight is not supported by the hard top, would any potential movement when in the tent cause damage to the hard top at the point where it goes through the drilled hole? (hope I'm making sense)


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