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Jeeps aren’t as spacious inside as you would hope. It can be difficult to carry luggage if you do not have a dedicated roof rack. Luckily, there are several models you can buy and install onto your vehicle.
Not only can you carry more, but you can also leave a lot of space inside the vehicle for extra passengers. In this write-up, we provide a detailed review of seven Jeep roof racks on the market. They include the following:
Top Jeep Roof Racks
Our Rank | Product Name | Price |
#1 - Rating A+ | Trail FX J029T Roof Rack | |
#2 | EAG 4 Door Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Wind Deflector | |
#3 | EAG 2/4 Door Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Wind Deflector | |
#4 | ARKSEN 84" Universal Roof Rack Cargo Extension | |
#5 | Rugged Ridge 11703.02 Roof Rack |
If you need a rack capable of carrying everything you need on the trail, consider the Trail FX J029T. It is designed for Jeep Wrangler models produced between 2007 and 2018. The walls are made from heavy-duty 2-by-0.12-inch tubing, capable carrying even the heaviest loads.
The mounting is further secured using ¼-inch thick brackets, running from one wall tubing to another. You can expect this roofrack to last for long, given that it is powder-coated. No rust can penetrate and damage this particular rack.
Features
It can be very frustrating when you have to drill or modify your vehicle to fit a roof rack basket. The EAG 4-Door cargo basket comes ready to be fitted straight onto your roof.
It is compatible with all the Jeep Wrangler models produced between 2018 and 2020. The manufacturers hail it as the “perfect blend of form and function” with the included front wind deflector.
The sturdy Jeep Wrangler roof rack is made from fully-welded 1 ½ -inch round steel tubing designed to carry up to 300 pounds of luggage. It has a high-quality textured black powder coat, which makes it durable and corrosion-resistant.
Features
Do you have a Jeep Wrangler manufactured between 2007 and 2018? If so, then the EAG 2/4-Door Roof Rack is all you need. It is designed to firmly hold your cargo and ensure you have everything you need when you reach your destination.
Thanks to the included front wind deflector, the cargo rack is beautiful and highly functional. The 1-inch fully welded round tubing is powder-coated to make it rust-proof and durable.
The package includes pieces for the front and rear rack. It is easy to mount without drilling your vehicle, given the included hardware.
Features
Whether you are going on a camping trip or traveling to a new location, you need a roof rail with the capacity to carry as much luggage as possible.
That’s where the ARSKEN 84-Inch Universal comes in. The black powder-coated steel tubes are durable and rust-proof. It comes with a sturdy elastic tangle-free mesh capable of resisting possible wear and tear.
The Arsken is designed to fit onto your vehicle without additional drilling or requiring extra supplies. It comes with four U-bolts to help you easily mount it.
Features
To haul luggage on a camping trip or other type of journey, you need a dedicated jeep rack like this particular product. It is designed for installation onto two or four-door Wranglers without the need to modify the vehicle’s body.
To protect the rack from rust, it features an e-coating followed black powder coating. There are three light tabs, which can accommodate auxiliary lighting on the front of the rack.
Thanks to the included clamps, it is possible to mount industry-standard cross-bars. The rack can carry a variety of things, including kayaks, bikes, snowboards, and skis.
Features
Looking for a sporty-type look? If so, then you should consider buying the ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket. Unlike others, it is not wide enough to run from one end of the vehicle to the other.
You have to mount it onto another rack, whether it is OEM, round, or square. No need to worry about the mounting hardware, given that is supplied together with the rack. Apart from the rough-coat finish being rust-resistant, it also protects from the elements.
Features
Apart from making it easy for you to drive against the wind, the GRhino-Rack has useful noise-reducing VGS strips. If your Jeep Wrangler model was produced between 2007 and 2019, this rack will fit perfectly.
When it comes to installation, you don’t need to be a qualified technician or to have special equipment to pull it off. Another thing you will love about this is its simplicity – the stylish flush bars are deceivingly modest. It is designed to carry bicycles, kayaks, and other kinds of luggage.
Features
FAQ'S
Can you put a roof rack on a soft-top Jeep?
Yes. There are several models, which are specifically designed for the soft roof Jeep. To prevent the rack from interfering with the roof, it is attached near the bumper and the cowl area. Some are designed to sit above the soft top.
For that reason, they make it impossible to open the soft top. The other type of roof rack may allow you to bring down the soft top. When buying for a soft body, check if it is meant for attachment on the frame or the body. One attached to the body will be sturdier.
How do you store a Jeep roof rack?
There are several ways you can store a Jeep roof rack. You could try using a hoist. With that option, you can so virtually anything taken from your Jeep’s frame. Another option is hoist-a-top, a system that removes and stores a Jeep roof.
You may want to buy a basic hoist-a-top with gear and two pulleys or one with a winch. Safe Jeep roof storage also involves using a strapped bag that can easily be carried in and out of the garage. Lastly, you could try a heavy-duty storage cart with wheels. If it has pulleys and winches, it will be easy for you to remove and reinstall the roof later on.
What is the typical Jeep wrangler roof weight limit?
When buying a Jeep roof rack, one of the main considerations should be the weight it can carry. The lowest rated options can haul cargo weighing 150 pounds. If you don’t have much to carry, this is the ideal option for you. Roof racks in the middle have a weight capacity of about 300 pounds.
You can use them to carry camping gear of all kinds. Heavy-duty alternatives can carry up to 800 pounds in cargo weight. They are designed to carry tires, generators, and so on.
Can you put a roof rack on a Jeep wrangler?
Yes. Even though the vehicle comes with space for carrying cargo, it requires a dedicated rack to create more room. Different types and options are available on the market which can fit perfectly on top of a Jeep Wrangler. Some are attached to the front and bumper brackets.
Others clip onto the roof’s rain gutters making it extremely easy to install. For most of the available options, you won’t have to drill your Jeep to have them installed.
What to Look For In a Jeep Roof Rack
Now that we have reviewed the top roof rack basket options, it’s time we showed you what to look for when buying one. The following are some of the features that define a good one:
Design
Which design best appeals to you? You have to consider the rack’s color, shape, and style. Even so, you are more likely to find a black rack than any other color. However, some provide a sporty look while others are bulkier. For modern Jeep models, the best rack should have rounded edges.
Compatability
The rack you choose should be compatible with your vehicle. Luckily, most specify the Jeep Wrangler models on which they can fit. Some are designed for older vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2018 while others are for vehicles made in 2019 and 2020.
A compatible roof rack should fit onto the roof’s cross-bars and be of the right dimensions.
Material
Roof racks are mostly made from aluminum or steel. Of these two, steel is the strongest and can withstand impact. Aluminum is rust-resistant. Steel racks are also made rust-resistant with a specialized coating. For lifting heavy cargo, steel is the best option.
Aerodynamics
To allow the seamless movement of air, a cargo rack should have a tilted face-plate. You will be able to drive seamlessly while saving fuel. An aerodynamic roof rack also protects your cargo by stopping the wind from catching it.
Ease of Installation
The jeep rack is (and should be) extremely easy to install. They require no drilling but can be installed on the surface of the roof. Essentially, there should be very little intervention from a mechanic. Whether it is pre-assembled or not, it should be easy to install.
Types of Roof Racks
Conclusion
Having considered the best Jeep roof baskets around, it should be easy for you to choose one that fits your needs. Remember that a roof rack is meant for hauling larger items that may not fit into a basket.
You can use it to carry camping gear, kayaks, bicycles, and other types of luggage. The thing with roof racks is that they are highly functional. By accommodating most of your luggage, they will create space inside the Jeep for more passengers. They can store cargo both in transit and while the vehicle is packed.
As we have discussed in the buying guide, the roof rack needs to be compatible with your vehicle. So, check what the manufacturers of the roofs rack say about the Jeep models it can fit on. You should also ask if it is durable enough to last longer. In that case, you should pay attention to the construction.
If it is made from steel, it should be coated with a material that prevents rusting. We think the Trail FX is the best overall especially due to its large capacity. If you are on a budget, then the ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket is the best.
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