I hope this is the correct forum to place this post, if not I apologize.

I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler 4dr. I need a roof rack so I can haul my kayaks around.

I have looked at some options...but everyone is so proud of them hence the very high prices.

I prefer to go with the roof rack option because I want I be able to use the rack for other things.

Anyone have any experience in this area?

Thanks,
John

Is it a hard or soft top? i work for a CDJ dealership so i might can find something for you. Mopar them selves do not offer roof racks for the wranglers but i might could find you something aftermarket.

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Heritage Redfish 12

It's a hardtop.

Ive looked at GOBI and ?Smittybiilt? Both have good options in the form of exterior racks that bolts to the back bumper and the front of the Jeep. Yakima has an option that bolts to the roof but it requires me to drill thru the roof (not really a desirable option) to install it and another that bolts to the rain gutters on the roof which I don't know enough about. I've seen Jeeps with the racks that bolt to the rain gutter and it doesnt appear to have peeled the roof back.

Overall, I'd rather spend some extra $$$ now and not destroy and have to replace my $2700 hardtop later.

Thanks,
John

After looking at a picture of a JK roof it looks like the rain gutters stop at the rear doors, if you go that route you will have to do what i do on my truck topper and place a bath mat across the back of the roof so you do not scratch the paint when loading or unloading. The Thule or Yakima rain gutter mounts should not have any ill effects on your roof though.

I've got yakima gutter mounts on on my xj.
While that's not the same...I will say this. They are rock solid and show no damage/effect on the roof or gutters. When I grab the bar and shake....the whole truck rocks.



~ Dave ... now with Tapatalk !

I just finished one up over the weekend.

I purchased a High Rock 4x4 Over Head Rack from Autoplicity ($215 shipped) It is a detachable rack for the j/k models with soft top. It uses 2 clamp on channels to slide the racks onto. I will be using it for a lot of things and it is the most affordable rack for a jeep.


From there, I got a design from another thread on how to build a PVC dual rack.
http://projects.cadrefloorplans.com/Kayak_Rack.php

I can email you a picture if you would like......

Shall I give my standard response to PVC builds? Maybe not. Here is my new response "PVC will breakdown with sun exposure!"

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Hobie Pro Angler 12

Im sure it would if it was a permanent rack and not coated in a thick layer of paint, then yes it will break down. I agree that if you leave PVC out for the Florida elements, it will not fare well. However, for us Jeepers that dont want to spend a lot of money, anyone could greatly benefit from this combination. (after all, Jeeps may be the most customizable, but they also gouge you on gear). That is why there is such a following for DIY everything on a Jeep.

For spending $45 - $50 and a little time, this will give me years of reliability.