I know the stock roof rack for the '01 XJ is 150 lbs (I think dynamic weight?).

QUESTION:

Installing a 160 lb. iKamper roof tent. Would the stock roof rack take this weight? Assuming they may be conservative with the 150 lb. estimate for maximum.

OR do I need an aftermarket like a Rhino Rack Vortex etc that holds up to 220 lbs and is installed on the gutter railings?

Trying to save cash. But of course, do not want the tent causes issues with driving etc.

I appreciate any thoughts.

 

Someone just posted on that in the last week or so. IIRC, it's 130 pounds. Having tried to use the stock rack to support various items from the hardware store, I'm frankly skeptical of it holding even that.

 

Is that rating for the stock cross bars or the rating for the rails that run the length of the Jeep? I wouldn't trust the cross bars to hold much of anything (maybe 20 years ago) but the rails themselves seem pretty sturdy. I'm asking because I was looking at this https://kevinsoffroad.com/collection...-roof-rack-rtt
He also has one that mounts to the gutters but it's not as low profile.
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I have damaged mine with much less than 160 lbs on them. I wouldn't trust them with that kind of weight.

 

The actual rail that bolts to the roof?

 

My number was for the cross bars, but I frankly do not believe it.

 

No, the cross rails. I bent them at their mounting points to the rail that bolts to the roof.

 

​​​​​Oh ok gotcha now.


Yeah no way I'd set a RTT on the stock cross bars. Was just wondering about the rails themselves. Either way I guess the gutter mounts are the safest bet especially since I only have the 3/4 length rails.
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Gutter mounts are used for some serious industrial loads on full size vans. Ladders, equipment racks. Lots of stuff. There's a lot of strength right at that point.

This is pretty typical. 600 pounds. Not too shabby.

https://www.etrailer.com/Ladder-Rack...1501310-3.html

 

Haha I think the Jeep would fall over with 600lbs but good to know gutters rails can support that much.

 

It's the rating for the stock crossbars. I agree the rails themselves are quite strong. Thank you this is very helpful! Appreciated.

 

Yeah they seem like they are and that rack is made for RTTs but I guess finding out how strong wouldn't end to well. I'll probably send them an email and ask a few questions. I've had his track bar kit on my Jeep for about 6 years without any problems.

 

Thanks everyone. Greatly appreciate the inputs. I decided to buy a Rhino Rack Vortex Gutter mount system. Holds up to 220 lbs dynamic weight. Will be plenty strong for my RTT.