gy24

I hate to make a new thread about this, and I know its all opinion, but what's the best way? to stock rails or gutters? I really only want to throw a spare up there. maybe some gear for backpacking and camping. I want sort of a low pro look. I don't need a light bar. but my budget isn't huge. any help you guys can offer would be great.

Lowrange2

It all depends on the size of the rack.

If you have a heavier larger rack then the only option is at least THREE gutter mounts per side.

If you make a smaller rack and you want it to flop all over the place you can mount it to the stock cross bars.

You said you want it low profile... I'd suggest mounting it to the gutters and using short mounts. You could mount it as low as you'd like.

gy24

something like 50ish inches long. and however wide it'd need to be to fit gutters or whatever.

Lowrange2

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/mercha...t_Code=RCKMNTS

Check these out.

Assume you intend to make this rack yourself?

gy24

haha no no. i do not have the fabrication skills to make something like this.

Lowrange2

Them i'm confused. Every roof rack system I've seen comes with a mounting method...

gy24

right but what I'm asking is when looking for a rack what mounting system should i look for. and I'm also asking for suggestions on a brand that is wallet friendly. I'm looking at racks on google now and everything i see is ungodly pricy.

Lowrange2

AH! I gotcha.

You want gutter mount. Hands down. As many gutter mounts as you can find.

gy24

okay thanks. brand suggestions? i like the style of the rola and curt on etrailer, but they're not gutter mounted. i like them cause they sit low and the air reflector.

Lowrange2

Check this guy out. Click the links in his signature.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f10/b-...5/#post1569190

Shipping may kill you but he has decent prices. You may be able to see if he could make the exact size you're looking for... idk.

gy24

thanks for that man.

Lowrange2

No problem.

CrawlinPepper

B. lee on here makes some sweet ones. Search him if you want to see his designs. I've been looking into getting one for my XJ for a while now and will be ordering from him. If you want a little cheaper check out Rola racks. You can get one for about $150 and from most of the reviews I've read they are a good deal. It's not going to handle a ton of weight but it all depends on what you need one for.

If you do gutter mounts I'd do probably 4 on each side on a decent sized rack. Someone posted a thread (maybe on here or another forum) pictures of how his roof mounts ripped up his gutters. I don't think that I'll mount mine on the gutters if I don't have to.

CrawlinPepper

Ahhh beat me to it

gy24

i like the half rack but its still a bit pricy. it'd be nice to make one out of EMT but i don't think i have the skill.