Jeep Roof Rack Buyers Guide
It only takes a few weekend camping trips to learn just how limited on space a Jeep Wrangler can be. Despite having the extra cargo space provided by the JKU and JLU it can still take some pretty creative packing to make things work (It is important to note most of the racks in this list have a 2 door option). Adding a roof rack to your Jeep Wrangler can provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to packing and storing your gear. Luckily aftermarket suppliers have come up with some really ingenious solutions that range from full exo-skelton rails that hold hundreds of pounds to simple cargo baskets ideal for carrying a little extra gear.
So how do you choose which one is right for you? Like most aftermarket accessories you really need to decide what you need. Do you plan on putting a roof-top tent on your Jeep? Do you need the rack to hold hundreds of pounds of gear or are you just looking for a basket to throw a few duffel bags into? We are going to breakdown a few of the best aftermarket roof racks and what makes them great.
1. Stealth Rack From-Gobi Rack $1,595.00
The Stealth Rack tops our list for a few key reasons.
It’s the least bulky full exo-skelton rack on the market. It’s incredibly sturdy and requires zero drilling to install. It has a safe driving capacity of 300 pounds and can hold up too 800 pounds when parked. We have been using a Stealth Rack on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler for several years and absolutely love it. Every time we stop one of the kids are climbing on top to checkout the view from up there. It does require some tightening overtime to keep things taught and rattling to a minimum.
Additionally, Gobi Rack has designed several creative mounting solutions for other accessories, for example, light mounts, axle and high-lift mounts and more. Even though the rack is very sturdy it only adds less than 100 pounds to the entire setup. Add it’s stylish rear ladder and low profile design it is the best-looking rack on the market and offers enough features to meet any Jeepers needs.
Specs:
Length: 90 inches
Width: 54 inches
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300lb moving, 800lbs static.
2. Slim Line II Rack-Front Runner: $1,599.00
Front Runner has been an innovative voice in the off-road/overlanding space for decades. This experience has led to the creation of some really great accessories for Jeeps and other vehicles. Their rack is the most innovative rack on the marketplace. Coming in at 101 pounds it is a fantastic lightweight rack. The thing that really sets the Front Runner rack apart is the host of additional accessories in the lineup. From the portable shower hanger to their propane tank mount and many more. Front Runner goes above and beyond to make sure that all of their products have adaptable mounting solutions that all work together. No need to fabricate clunky DIY Home Depot brackets. With a carrying capacity of 660 pounds, you have the ability to bring all of the gear you want without having to make compromises. We only have two downsides to this rack
1. It requires drilling 16 holes into your hardtop to mount.
2. It does not come with a ladder. Ladders are super handy for accessing your gear.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: Unknown
3. Garvin Expedition Rack With Basket: $1,447 on Amazon
The Expedition Rack from Garvin is an excellent full rack system. It has a massive basket giving you the capacity to carry just about anything you could think to bring on a trip. While it does require some drilling to install it is fairly minimal and only takes a few hours to put together. If you have a full rig and need as much space up top to carry camping gear we highly recommend this rack. Additionally, a special feature of this rack is its ability to tilt allowing soft-top users the ability to put their top up and down without having to uninstall the rack. If you like to go topless this is the rack for you.
Specs:
Length: 93.4 inches
Width: 54 inches
Height: 4 inches
Load Capacity: 300lb moving, 500lbs static.
4. Barricade Roof Rack: $454.00 via Extremeterrain.com
The Barricade Roof Rack is one of the best deals in the roof rack world. This full exo-skeleton rack can be picked up for under $500. It also leaves a little extra space between the cross-bars and the roof making it possible to take your top off without having to remove the rack. Built from 2″ tubing, this rack is perfect for those looking for a solid platform for a rooftop tent, or mounting some water toys. If you are looking for a basket you can pick one up that is specifically designed to work with their platform.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 350lb
5. Mod-Rak EXP System: $851.00 Via EXT
The Mod-Rak EXP roof-rack is one of the sturdiest on the market. It’s traveling weight is the typical 300lbs however it is rated for up to 800lb static pounds. This makes it ideal for using with a roof top tent or as a platform for watching animals or hunting. Best of all it needs no drilling for installation and comes in at under $900.
Specs:
Length: 78.50in
Width: 55.50in
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 350 moving, 800 static.
6. SmittyBilt Defender: $457.12 on Amazon.
The SmittyBilt Defender is more of a roof basket than rack. However, if all you are looking for is the ability to carry some extra gear while you are on the trail without needing the higher load capacity of the other racks on this list then you are going to love the Defender. Not only can you pick one up for under $500 but it is very easy to install. It’s built from 16 gauge steel and welded into one single piece for extra durability. Perfect for carrying everything you need and leaving a few bucks in your wallet to pick up more gear.
Specs:
Length: 54in
Width: 54in
Height:
Load Capacity: 150lb
7. Rhino Rack RTL Pioneer Platform: Starting in the $1300s
The Pioneer Rack from Rhino Rack is an extremely versatile setup. Similar to the Front Runner rack Rhino Rack offers a huge selection of optional accessories. It is a low-profile rack that is very aerodynamic and tested in very extreme situations and comes with a 5 year warranty.
Specs:
Length: 37in
Width: 56in
Height: 2in
Load Capacity: 150lb
8. Garvin Adventure Rack: $895.00 at EXT
The Garvin Adventure Rack is high quality versatile tubular exo-skeleton rack. The simple design is very easy to install and is built from some of the best materials possible. This helps prevent it from rattling or getting squeaky while out on the trail. Additionally, Garvin has several high-quality accessories for the rack, giving you the ability to use it as platform for your rooftop tent or adding a basket for containing gear. It also boasts a super simple design making it easy to install.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300lb moving and 600lb static
9. Surco Safari Roof Rack: $300 to $600 Check current pricing on Amazon
The Safari Roof Rack from Surco is a high-quality sturdy basket-style rack. This rack is designed with a high sidewall making it great for packing full of gear. The S5060 model is designed for the Jeep Wrangler and is perfect for helping you get all of your camping gear out on the trail. They do not list the official load capacity but because this rack is not attached to the rear bumper or roll cage it is not recommended for use with rooftop tents.
Specs:
Length: 60in
Width: 50in
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: Unknown
10. Smitybilt SRC Roof Rack: $478 on Amazon
The SRC Roof Rack from Smitybilt is one of the most affordable racks on the market. It is a tubular exo-skeleton rack that has a unique feature that helps set it apart. The Cross Bars are super easy to remove making it very easy to remove a soft or hardtop without having to remove the entire rack.
Specs:
Length: 70in
Width: Unknown (full width of Jeep)
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300lb
11. Body Armor 4×4 Overland Style Rack: $882.00 at EXT
The 4×4 Overland Style Rack from Body Armor 4×4 is a heavy duty tubular rack perfect for carrying water toys and camping gear if you add a basket. It is made of 2in steel and comes with a limited 3 year warranty. It comes with provisions for a light bar as well as 3 tabs on each windshield pillar for auxiliary lights.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300lb
12. Rugged Ridge Sherpa Rack: $529.00 on Amazon.
Made from steel with dual coat finish including a rust-proof textured powder coat finish is durable and will last. The exo-skeleton rack from Rugged Ridge is designed to tilt enabling users to remove the hard and soft top without having to remove the entire rack. The modular design is very versatile. You can see Jeepers carrying everything from Kayaks to drywall with the rack.
Specs:
Length: 76in
Width: 40in
Height: 10in
Load Capacity: 300lb
13. Go Rhino Overland Roof Rack: $773 from EXT.
The Overland Roof Rack From Go Rhino is an excellent setup for Jeepers looking for a few extra features with their rack. Similar to several other exo-skeleton racks on this list the Overland Rack comes with several accessories. Their state of the art design makes adding front facing lights a breeze. Window bar mount lights as well as a light bar have integrated ports. Best of all the Overland Rack has a unique design that wraps around your rear tail lights adding in extra protection while on the trail. Adding some type of a light cover is a popular upgrade and this rack has you covered. So whether you plan to run a roof top tent or want to add a basket so you can carry all of your gear with ease the Overland Rack is a solid choice. Some drilling is required for installation.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: Unknown
14. Mopar Jeep Wrangler Roof Rack: Under $300 on Amazon.com
This is the first ever Roof Rack designed by Mopar for the Jeep Wrangler. Lightweight under 25lbs it is a gutter rack system designed to carry gear like Kayaks, Skis and if equipped with a basket your camping gear. Mopar accessories tend to be very high quality and this is no exception. Best of all is the gutter rail design is very easy to take on and off allowing you to use them when you need and take them off when you don’t.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 150
15. Congo Rack Package: $915 via EXT
The Congo Rack package is a simple lightweight exo-skeleton rack with a study Safari Basket attached. This system is easy to install has great carrying capacity. The basket is 52 inches wide, 60 inches in length and 4 inches deep.
Specs:
Length: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300lbs moving 500lbs static.
16. Lo-Pro Mod Rak System: $1325 via EXT
The Lo-Pro Mod Rak System roof rack is a really innovative approach to stability and efficiency. Utilizing the Mod Rak tubular system for support the “Lo=Pro” portion sits at the rear of the Jeep and below the rack. This creates a very low profile platform to work from. Additionally the platform portion attaches to the rear roll-cage by drilling through the hard top for superior strength. It should only take a few hours to install and will provide you with one of the most aerodynamic racks on the market.
Specs:
Length: 52in (platform)
Width: 46in (platform)
Height: Unknown
Load Capacity: 300 travel, 500 static
17. Teraflex Nebo Roofrack with Slats: $678.99 via Amazon
The Nebo rack from Teraflex is a slat style rack that allows you to carry some gear on your roof or add adventure accessories like a kayak or skis (with optional accessories) The rack only ads 28lbs to your setup and is very aerodynamic making it perfect for leaving your Jeep full time. The downside is it does require drilling and is not stable enough to carry a roof top tent.
Optional Accessories:
Most of the racks mentioned in this guide come with optional accessories that make them better suited for your type of adventure. Many of the exo-skeleton type racks with platform are designed to be built to suit. For example you can add in optional baskets if you are just looking to carry gear or even add crossbars or slats to add additional strength for your needs. Additionally most of these racks come with brackets and mounting systems to allow you to mount your shovel, axe, propane tank or even kayak.
Wrapping Things Up
There are a lot of racks out there on the market. Many of which we did not include in this buyers guide. However the included racks have good reviews and reputations. Depending on what you need, there are a lot of solid choices from simple basket style racks for carrying gear to extremely tough exo-skeleton racks perfect for rooftop tent. Most of the included racks come with a warranty, but keep in mind maintenance is key to keeping these racks rust free and in good shape.
Insights
Have personal experience with one of the racks above? We would love to get your some of your insights on the rack. Tell us what you like, what you dislike and what you wish was different! We may include your response in the article.