Interested in a roof rack. Needs to:

Mount on stock rails (not crossbars)

Low profile (b/c not using crossbars)

Able to mount snowboard mounts and bike mounts (One like these: http://www.lexus.com/models/LX/acces..._rack_LX_1.jpg)

Ability to mount shovel/axe/possibly high lift jack.

I've looked at Surco, Proline, Thule ect.. but a lot of them seem to mount onto the crossbars which on our XJ's are pretty tall.

Furthermore, I have the 3/4 roof rack.


Let me know what you guys think. It's my DD so I don't think I'll be putting a tire on there and no excess amounts of weight...

 

I have a Surco Safari Rack. I used it with the channel adapter mounts (part # ch100) so that it attaches directly to the factory longitudinal channels. They also have an optional mount for attaching to the rain gutters, which is apparently a stronger connection. Anyway, just took my factory lateral rails off the channels to make room for the Safari Rack. Looks good and is solid. You can see it in my album under my profile.

I know they have spare tire, bike, axe, and shovel adapter brackets. They may have one for skis, or you could just adapt something.

The price couldn't be beat. I think I got everything for about $325 on Amazon.

 

I've had a surco rack on mine for a long time, I really like it. One small issue I've had is the paint has come off a little on part of the rack, but it's aluminum so rust isn't an issue. My mom has a surco rack on her zj and we have WAY overloaded that one and it held up fine.

 

Surco rack. Can mount to gutter. Got mine for $125 on CraigsList, also came with tire mount

 

Nice! Thanks for the info, what size do you have?

 

Thanks for the info guys, this is what I'm looking for.


How do those channel adapters "screw(?)" onto the rack?

 

i just put my roof rack up for sale. it mounts to the side rails your talking about its about 6in tall 72in long and 48in wide. has tire mount and light tabs front and rear. heres a pic. pm for price if interested

 

Sadly I only have the 3/4 roof rack. Do you think the overhang would be okay if I don't put a lot of weight on it? I'll send you a pm.

 

I have this one:


The mounting brackets the you mentioned use a clamping type mechanism to grab onto the factory rails. Just makes sure your racks cross bars are centered, then place on the roof on top of the rails. Position it how you want, measure from the back of the rails on both sides to make sure your cross bars are squared up, them put some pencil marks or tape so you know where the brackets will go. The only other thing will be to loosely tighten the nut that clamps the adapter to the racks cross bars. That way, you can play with the left/right adjustment till you get it centered.

Good luck!

 

That is without a doubt the coolest roof rack I've seen yet. Too bad I'm on the opposite side of south dakota

 

thanks man.