Jeep Cargo Rack

[Netpackrat]

Here's some pictures of my Jeep rack that I finally finished. The basis for this rack is the "Congo Cage" by Kargomaster, which I have had since '02, but removed 2-3 years ago because it was getting really rusty. They still make it, but the current improved version is a little different. They sell their own crossbars and basket, but I had previously adapted some Yakima crossbars to it so I could use the canoe brackets from my previous vehicle on it, plus I like the non skid, non mar surface of the Yakima bars.

Objectives for the "new" rack were to eliminate current and hopefully prevent future rust to the extent possible, and add bulk cargo capacity, while retaining the Yakima bars. I didn't go crazy with a huge rack, because of center of gravity issues with loading too much cargo. Construction is all steel, with stainless hardware throughout and pressure treated plywood for the floor of the basket. All metal parts were sandblasted, painted with POR-15 anti rust coating, and then topcoated with Herculiner for UV protection plus rock chip resistance.

Bonus features include some extra tabs approximately midway down the basket, which will allow for adding a third crossbar, or moving one of the existing ones for better spacing for bike carriers, etc. The mount for the Hi-Lift jack was kind of an afterthought that I added once I realized there was room for it, which allows the jack to be carried fully assembled minus the foot pad. Previously I had carried the jack disassembled, with the parts stored throughout the Jeep, so this is a big improvement. It isn't real clear from the pictures, but the foot end of the jack beam slides into the front mount, while the rear is retained by a wing nut on a 1/2" bolt (safety wired) plus a BF padlock. The polyurethane handle isolator is an absolute must for this mounting solution, IMO.

Anyway, there you have it. I built most of this last fall, but was unable to put it all together until recently due to lack of suitable weather for the sandblasting.

[BadgerVet]

I had a Jeep CJ5 ragtop when I lived in Colorado. Sold it when I moved back to Wisconsin cause I didn't what to freeze to death in the winter. How do you manage to keep a Jeep warm in Alaska?

[Rich Jordan]

I'm putting together a "$30 crossbar set" from LOSTKJ for the Liberty. I'll probably end up with a commercial rack basket, but the setup puts the crossbars at the same height as the rails, so a basket sitting on them is a couple inches lower than on normal crossbars (and those bloody crossbar end mounts cost a mint, even if normal crossbars are cheap).

[Netpackrat]

I had a Jeep CJ5 ragtop when I lived in Colorado. Sold it when I moved back to Wisconsin cause I didn't what to freeze to death in the winter. How do you manage to keep a Jeep warm in Alaska?

I use the hardtop. Also, later Jeeps have much better heaters than your CJ-5 did, although they are still not without their shortcomings.

If it's ugly, but it works...

thbbbbt.

[Frankingun]

Jeeps aren't meant to be pretty.

The force of the tool chest is strong in you, Netpackrat. Excellent work.

[Netpackrat]

Just returned from my first trip using the rack, it works great. I took a couple of pictures of it loaded, but I accidentally left my camera at the cabin, so I can't post them for a couple weeks at least (#$%^&#$^&). Some have asked why I didn't make it wider, and I am kind of glad I made it the size I did, because otherwise the temptation would be to really load it up, which would have a negative effect on the center of gravity. As is, it allows me to get some bulky stuff out of the Jeep, and retain the option of actually putting people in the rear seat, which I have usually had to remove in the past when making a trip. I had to use the winch at one point, and it was nice not having to dig past as much stuff to get to my tree saver strap. Also, if I had known how much wind noise this thing would make, I would have left the hardtop on.

[AlaskaTRX]

Also, if I had known how much wind noise this thing would make, I would have left the hardtop on.

Herculiner and no front fairing does you no favors in regards to the propogation of vortex shedding and its associated noise... i.e. I can't hear you on your friggin' cell phone at 55mph...

[Netpackrat]

Maybe at some point, but that's pretty low on the list of priorities right now. I've got a CB and some accessory back-up lights to install, the accessory fuse block to feed them, in-cab controls for my winch to install and wire, and I need to fabricate a new stereo mount to replace the one that rattled to pieces on about mile 5 of the McCarthy road last week (basically a 60 mile logging road). My steering box is leaking, so I have to source one out of a V-8 Dakota (a bolt-in upgrade), and I need to get some reinforcement brackets for the rear bumper where the frame cross member cracked and I had to weld it last year. At some point after I do that I want to fabricate a beefier rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier and some jerry can mounts. My shocks are nearing the end of their useful life, and I'll probably install some 2" lift springs at the same time, but before I do that I need to upgrade to an engine skid that will work with a lift (the stock one won't clear the front drive shaft when lifted). Oh, and my heater motor is going out, which is probably related to its switch needing to be replaced for the 3rd time. And I still need to replace the serpentine belt, but NAPA (need another part, assholes) sold me the wrong one and I haven't gotten another yet (but I carry an adjustable length emergency unit)

At least I got the radiator replaced (for the 2nd time) a couple weeks ago, so the cooling system should be good for a while.

JEEP = Just Empty Every Pocket....

[Netpackrat]

Made it back out and found my camera, so here is a picture of the rack loaded up on the road.

[Netpackrat]

I almost forgot this picture I took of one of my neighbors' driveway...