Roof Rack Options

[Paul B]

For my WJ Grand, I need some help & info regarding roof rack options. When touring, even though I jump up and down a lot, the family always ends up bringing the kitchen sink with them and the car is bulging at the seams, so I need maximum storage options. Also, for extended trips I'd like to chuck the spare onto the roof and convert the space into a lockable storage area for tools, cameras, valuables etc which will hopefully fool / delay any thievery whilst we are away from the car. You could say "get a lockable roof pod", but I'd also like the option to store the spare tyre, jerry cans, jacks etc on the rack as well as the 3-4 weeks worth of family "essentials" in a space case. The last thing I want to do is end up towing a trailer.

Looking at the available roof racks, I was suprised to see that the standard offerings are quite small. Examples are;

Tracklander 1.3M
Rhino Rack - 1.5M
Rack Master 1.6M

Now Rackmaster do a 2M but it is a "No Rails" option. I assume you remove the OEM rails and replace them with something else?

It beats me why the std racks are so small. Is it because the OEM rails and roof are curved and anything longer won't fit? Are the OEM rails so weak they cannot hold a larger rack? Strangely enough, I have only seen pictures float around the net of quite small racks & baskets fitted. I've yet to see a picture of a full size tracklander type rack fitted to a GC.

Has anybody fitted anything bigger that the above recommended standards racks and how did you do it?

[hemijeepy]

Originally Posted by Paul B

For my WJ Grand, I need some help & info regarding roof rack options. When touring, even though I jump up and down a lot, the family always ends up bringing the kitchen sink with them and the car is bulging at the seams, so I need maximum storage options. Also, for extended trips I'd like to chuck the spare onto the roof and convert the space into a lockable storage area for tools, cameras, valuables etc which will hopefully fool / delay any thievery whilst we are away from the car. You could say "get a lockable roof pod", but I'd also like the option to store the spare tyre, jerry cans, jacks etc on the rack as well as the 3-4 weeks worth of family "essentials" in a space case. The last thing I want to do is end up towing a trailer.

Looking at the available roof racks, I was suprised to see that the standard offerings are quite small. Examples are;

Tracklander 1.3M
Rhino Rack - 1.5M
Rack Master 1.6M

Now Rackmaster do a 2M but it is a "No Rails" option. I assume you remove the OEM rails and replace them with something else?

It beats me why the std racks are so small. Is it because the OEM rails and roof are curved and anything longer won't fit? Are the OEM rails so weak they cannot hold a larger rack? Strangely enough, I have only seen pictures float around the net of quite small racks & baskets fitted. I've yet to see a picture of a full size tracklander type rack fitted to a GC.

Has anybody fitted anything bigger that the above recommended standards racks and how did you do it?

I ve got the tracklander and I love it, Its very durrable and there are heaps of tie down points, there are also a sh*t load of accesorries, ie; shovel holders Spare wheel tie down tool ect ect.....

Uses a bit more fuel with it on, you can notice the drag but it doesn't make an oz of noise! $1000 bucks though you would expect it to be good!

P.S I take mine off when not needing it, If your JEEP sleeps in a shed/ garage make a pully system so the rack is stored above the car. That way you can lower it onto the car your self, other wise it's a 2 man job.....

[Paul B]

Yes, I was leaning toward the Tracklander myself. I think they look great and suit the GC well as well as being mighty strong.

But what size did you get? Did you go for the standard recomended 1.3M? Isn't that a bit smallish? Or did you oversize it to go full roof length, if so where there any problems with the standard rails & height? Have you got a photo with it fitted?

[hemijeepy]

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...6&d=1177227776


Not the best pic ill get another one of it.. I should start a thread of all the mods i've done but after Dante did his, the car caught fire...... I am paranoid !!!!