Why do lots of people get/want roof racks these days? Don't get me wrong, I think they look killer, but I can't quite find their purpose. Yes, I know that its a rack and it's made for holding things, but the only things i've seen held up there is a spare and a hi lift.

Isn't this the exact place where you DON'T want extra weight? Also, even though most of them are mesh material, wouldn't a rack kill your MPG?

***Please take into consideration that I am not bashing roof racks; I think they look really good. This is simply for informational purposes as I'm unclear about roof racks.***

 

Not everyone has stuff up there all the time. You may see spare tires and highlifts allthe time but they could be used anytime. Never know when you may get a flat. Weekend warriors will put camping/ hunting/ fishing stuff up there when needed but are not going to carry these things for everyday use. Also it may effect mpg a little but your driving a jeep not a proud. Lol

 

Well, for me it was mainly to carry my spare. Plus, when I go camping, they come in extremely handy. My spare doesn't fit in the factory location, and if I put it in the cargo area, it takes up too much space. I can't afford a rear tire carrier, so I found a basket for a great deal on craigslist and bought it.

 

They're good for lights too.. And the look cool (like most stuff people do to their jeeps)

 

i needed a place for my spare also because my cargo area was filled with my subs. Also since i have no cargo area i put everything on my rack. Also i put lights on it and i havnt seen a real drop in mpg.

 

I use roof rack to carry gears during camping, wheeling trip.

 

are stock roof racks/rails really that bad? i've never used mine so i don't have experience. or modified roof racks just easier to use?

 

I removed the stock roofrack bars and fabbed the new bracket to mount the custome roof basket.

 

I beg to differ.. i use mine often

 

You also gotta think shovel goes up there. Have extra lights mounted, extra gas cans, some boards just in case go mudding and gotta use them to help get you out. Things like that

 

i cant put firewood and a beer chest on my stock roof rack
you also cant build a sweet light bar off of your existing rack like this

 

lol, he knows he wants a roof rack, and he knows he wants to pay me to build him one! jk. lol