Back again for some recommendations. This forum has helped me get my XJ back on track tremendously. Thanks in advance.

Looking for a quality roof rack that would allow me to put my 31x10.50 spare up top. I like the Wilderness brand but I'm wondering if there are others out there that might be a little less expensive but around the same quality.

I do like to kayak a lot, and I'm not sure how I'll be able to mount my yak up top once I get a rack though. Maybe they have racks that include mounts for such a thing?

Thanks ahead of time for some recommendations guys.

 

They do have racks with mounts like you need....but be wary....all that weight up there will make the jeep even more top heavy and will hurt mpg.

 

A 31 will fit in the stock location inside the jeep. I don't recommend putting your tire on your roof. Unless you like a 3 mpg decrease. Doesn't sound like much but it adds up quick

 

Understood. Already getting 12mpg so let's not delve any further...alright I've heard of 31s fitting in the back so I just gave it a shot. I tried to pop it up on the little metal platform that held up the stock spare but it just ended up smushing against my rear speaker housing. Wouldn't fit in place. Any suggestions? If I removed the metal platform I don't think the tightening rod would be long enough to reach out and thread the wheel to turn tight it.

 

Understood. Already getting 12mpg so let's not delve any further...alright I've heard of 31s fitting in the back so I just gave it a shot. I tried to pop it up on the little metal platform that held up the stock spare but it just ended up smushing against my rear speaker housing. Wouldn't fit in place. Any suggestions? If I removed the metal platform I don't think the tightening rod would be long enough to reach out and thread the wheel to turn tight it.

 

mine fits up on the metal stand just fine.....what speaker are you talking about ?? the one in the headliner ?

 

Bleeping Jeep has a vid on YouTube showing how to fit a 31" on the stock location... basically it involves moving the top lock pins for the back seat forward an inch or two. Nate's 4x4 has a roof rack for $400, cheapest one I've seen. I may end up throwing my 32" spare on a roof rack temporarily until I can save the $$$ for a rear tire carrier but not as a final location due to the added weight up top and the pain of getting it up and down from there.

 

Those are the ones. Not sure if it's possible. I saw BleepinJeeps video and it looks like he doesn't have speakers up top.

 

Look at https://kevinsoffroad.com/product/je...ier/#gsc.tab=0 but like the others id never run a spare on the roof,Its heavy to get to it hurts mpg and it change the handling of the jeep.And the worse part being fully in the sun un covered can age the tire faster then being used on the jeep.

 

To me, I could never tell a handling difference. Just the mpg decrease and having to throw it up there and take it down if I got a flat. Plus my flag wouldn't wave right since it blocked a ton of air

 

Yes in retrospect probably not too feasible. I know a lot of people do it but for my needs I think I can make the spare tire area work with a little elbow grease. I really wanted a spare tire carrier bumper but it's crazy how expensive they run

 

Did you look into the knucklebone carrier that fits in yer hitch?

http://detoursusa.com/knucklebone.php

 

Therein lies the issue my friend. I don't have a hitch!

 

Ahh that sucks.

 

I have speakers up top...I just moved them forward some