roof luggage rack options

[Netpackrat]

If Thule makes stuff that is direct fit for your application, I would recommend going that way. I'm partial to Yakima racks, but that's mainly a matter of inertia. If I had bought Thule racks for my S-10 (that I don't even have anymore) 14 years ago instead of Yakima, that's probably what I'd be using today for accessory compatibility.

The baskets are probably more useful overall for most people, just be sure you get one that will accept the accessory mounts (bike, ski, kayak, etc.) from either Thule or Yakima. Otherwise, I would still recommend going with crossbars, and getting a basket that can mount on them so you can take off the basket and carry long loads such as lumber, canoes, etc. It just makes for a more versatile system.

I've had a devil of a time putting racks on our Jeeps. The Commander has those stupid factory rails, and at least a couple years ago when I was looking, neither Yak nor Thule made towers that fit them. I ended up being able to buy the mounts for a basket rack seperately, and then adapting Yakima crossbar parts to fit them so we could carry my canoe, lumber, etc. on top of the wife's rig. The Wrangler is another story; they just suck in general where roof racks are concerned, especially if you want to retain the option of using a soft top. If you'll never remove your hardtop, you can just use a bracket kit from Yak and drill some holes.

Anyway, there are lots of options for putting baskets on soft top equipped Jeeps, but very little in the way of Yaki-Thule compatible crossbar mounts, and I need crossbars to carry my boat, and I use the Yakima gunwale brackets to help hold it in position. I ended up buying a "Congo Cage" rack that is meant to support a basket, and adapting Yakima bars to it (REI will special order the individual spare parts needed if you ask nicely). This worked for a number of years, until the powder coating started coming off and it began to look nasty as it rusted. I removed it all, and last fall I fabricated a cargo basket for it that incorporates some crossbar mounts, to give me the best of both worlds. I'm just waiting for warm weather so I can sandblast and paint the whole thing. Once I get it installed on the Jeep, I'll post pictures here. Actually, I found a picture of the basket that I took after I built it. I still need to find some sort of floor, I was thinking about using 1/8" aluminum if I can find some. You can see the crossbar mounts, extended over each end for better handling of long loads, and a third set of mounts near the center for use with vertical bike racks, etc. I should also make a high lift jack mount for it.

[Netpackrat]

I ordered the Jeep with the towing kit so it has the factory receiver installed. I'd been ignoring the hitch mount carriers because of how they block the rear door but realistically that should not be too much of an issue. And its certainly easier to lift full jerry cans to that than to a roof basket/carrier. We'll have to see what kind of capacity is available (ice chest/BOB/jerry cans/etc).

I used one of the hitch carriers quite a bit last year. They work, but are a pain in the ass because the rear door can't be opened, at least on my Jeep when it is loaded. It also limits your off road capability quite a bit. Another advantage of the roof basket if you are using it to carry fuel cans, is the ability to use a long siphon hose to transfer fuel into your main tank without removing the cans. You won't be able to get all of it, of course, but you should be able to get most of it. Get a Super Siphon and extension.

[Frankingun]

Damn. All of this Jeep gear is gonna get expensive. And to think, it was my wife who convinced me to look at Jeep.

[Netpackrat]

JEEP = Just Empty Every Pocket...

[Rich Jordan]

Got a shaker siphon but need the extension. I've never tried using it.

Hitch mounted carriers in both steel and aluminum seem to be common. I'll find someplace around here that carries them so I can take a look at some in person. Too easy to get cheesy with an online sale of an unknown product. Also need to get some measurements to make sure the rear mounted spare doesn't intrude too much into the basket space, and that the license plate is still visible else it will need to be moved.

Rich

[Netpackrat]

The only problem I have had with the shaker siphon is when it gets cold, the hose loses its flexibility and it can be kind of hard to use then.

[Frankingun]

JEEP = Just Empty Every Pocket...

The factory grill guard is $500. No, not getting that. I'll order the roof crossbars and the towing stuff and put it on myself, the vehicle is made for it, the hitch just bolts on, and the wiring harness comes in one piece and just clips in, with only one place that needs sealant.