I had never given much thought to a roof rack for my Jeep until I started planning on a trip to the desert. I quickly realized that by the time I packed all of the things I wanted to bring there was not going to be room for my friends or family to ride with me.
I started looking for the best jeep roof rack and then discovered there were a lot of things I did not know about these accessories. I asked friends and professionals for suggestions and guidance in choosing the best roof rack for my jeep tj.
Benefits of a Jeep Wrangler Roof Rack
Roof racks extend the amount of space you have to transport items. When you choose to install and use a roof rack on a jeep you can:
- Fit a greater number of passengers in the vehicle. The roof rack is a place to put objects so you do not have to utilize the passenger space.
- You can transport longer items. By utilizing a roof rack for storage, you can carry things that would normally be too long to fit inside the vehicle.
- The roof rack gives you a place to carry bike that might be hazardous. Gasoline in a can should not be transported inside the vehicle with the passengers. A roof rack lets you transport the gasoline and protect your passengers.
Comparison Table of Jeep Roof Racks
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Top 10 Jeep Wrangler Roof Rack Reviews
1. ROLA V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket
This rooftop basket makes it convenient for you to carry luggage and other items on top of your car. The basket gives plenty of support so the items you haul in it do not do any damage to your vehicle, they do not slip off, and they are easy to secure and keep safe.
This basket is an accessory that you mount to the roof rack on your vehicle. It is a versatile basket that can be mounted to the majority of factory-installed racks whether they are round or square. It has adjustable brackets that allow it to fit the majority of crossbars.
All of the hardware you need to install the basket is included with the purchase. You will easily be able to install it because everything is provided to you.
2. ARKSEN Roof Rack with Luggage Holder
Many customers choose Arksen jeep roof rack instead of others. This is a great way to transport luggage, camping and sporting equipment, and almost anything you can think of. It can carry 150 pounds of weight, and the rails will keep your cargo from slipping or shifting.
You do need roof rails to mount this cargo basket to. The basket is made from high-grade materials. It is very sturdy and long-lasting, and it is adjustable and can be mounted to a wide variety or rails and crossbars.
This rack looks good on top of your vehicle. It is not distracting and it is strong enough that you can carry your spare tire on it.
This item is very affordable. It fits a lot of makes and models of vehicles, and it only takes about ten minutes for you to have it set up and ready to go on top of your ride.
3. Tyger Heavy-Duty Cargo Basket Roof Rack
A cargo basket gives you the freedom to carry gas cans, camping equipment, luggage, and much more on top of the car instead of in the car. This cargo basket is easy to assemble, and just as easy to mount to your rails and crossbars.
This rack is capable of supporting an additional 150 pounds on the top of your car. You can free up legroom and sitting space when you travel.
It is a stylish basket that provides a safe place for you to attach security straps around the items you are hauling. The wind fairing on the front of the basket reduces the drag you get when you travel. It also helps to keep your fuel usage at a normal level.
This item is not likely to rust or corrode. It is attractive and stylish. It bolts onto your crossbars easily, but I recommend you use a little Loctite when you install it to ensure the integrity of your bolts and connections.
4. Hooke Road Hard Top Cargo Basket Roof Rack
This cargo basket sold through the Hooke Road store is perfectly compatible with the Jeep Wrangler JK manufactured between 2007 and 2018. It is specifically designed to work on the four-door body style of the Wrangler JK.
Easy to install with the bolt-on installation. You only need basic hand tools to attach this cargo basket. It looks amazing and adds to the appearance of your vehicle rather than taking away from it.
The materials it is made from are rust-resistant and very strong. The basket can handle as much as 150 pounds of weight, and it can distribute that weight evenly so your vehicle is not overloaded in one area.
This basket is wide enough and long enough that you can carry standard sheets of plywood in it. You will probably need another person to help you lift it into position on top of your vehicle.
5. Trail FX Roof Rack
This roof rack is specifically designed to fit on top of Jeep Wranglers manufactured between 2007 and 2018. It looks amazing and can even add definition and character to your Jeep Wrangler JK. It gives the vehicle a more aggressive look, and the roof rack secures firmly so that it supports your front lights over the windshield. This rack is specifically designed to fit on four-door vehicles.
This roof rack is capable of supporting up to 350 pounds. If you need to haul building material, a canoe, or anything else this rack is going to be able to help you do so.
Easy installation allows you to get this item on your vehicle with very little effort and time. Once the bars have been installed, they are solid and provide you with the security that your cargo is protected while you drive.
6. Smittybilt Jeep JK 4-Door Roof Rack
Strong and resilient are two of the first words that come to mind about this roof rack. It can handle a load that weighs as much as 300 pounds without being compromised. It is built from top-grade materials and you can lash your load down to the bars easily.
You can haul camping equipment, kayaks, canoes, building materials, luggage, and more using this rack. It secures to the frame of your vehicle so it will not compromise your roof, and it will remain in place. If you have a stock bumper the rack will mount to the fender of the vehicle.
The rack comes with four crossbars, and you have the option of purchasing a cargo basket to use with it.
It is a nice-looking accessory that adds to the look of your vehicle. It will take you a couple of hours to get the entire system installed. You will have three sections to install and secure to your vehicle.
7. Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack Cross Bars
Installation is not permanent. This unit has straps that pass through the door frames of your vehicle and then buckle fasten to secure them. They fit the majority of vehicle makes and styles.
Installation takes only a few minutes, and when you are ready to remove the crossbars they are just as easy to remove. They leave no holes or permanent changes to your vehicle. You do not need any tools are hardware to make the installation.
Affordability is one of the greatest features of these bars. They are affordable to the majority of all vehicle owners.
Capable of transporting kayaks, ladders, mountain bikes, luggage, camping gear, and more. They can support as much as 150 pounds of weight. You can adjust the strap lengths and easily allow the buckle to be positioned between the back-seat passengers for comfort and ease of reach.
8. MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack
Measurements of 46” x 36” by 41/2” allows this sturdy roof rack to accommodate your hauling needs of just about anything. The basket makes the items you are having more secure and less likely to fall from the car or be damaged.
Attaches to the majority of crossbar configurations so it is compatible with the majority of vehicles and vehicle styles. Bolt this basket to the crossbar using simple hand tools that you probably already own.
The u-bolts that secure this cargo basket to the crossbars come with rubber caps. The rubber caps stop the bolts from being able to cause any damage to the cargo you are carrying. Your luggage or soft-sided items will not be torn, and hard items will not be scratched or dented while in transport.
9. Leader Accessories Roof Rack
Extra-large dimensions of this cargo basket make it possible for you to transport longer items easily. The weight capacity is 150 pounds so you can haul the majority of all items with no consideration for weight, size, or shape. It measures 64” in length so you can haul long items or you can distribute the weight of your load more effectively.
Rusting and corrosion are not an issue for owners of these cargo baskets. The manufacturer has coated them to help them withstand rain, humidity, high temperatures, and the normal things Mother Nature gives.
Adjustments can be made to allow the basket to fit the majority of all crossbars. You get a secure fit and the knowledge that the basket is not going to shift or move while you are driving.
10. Rightline Gear Car Top Carrier
Attaches to any car regardless of whether you have a roof rack or not. It can be attached to the roof rack using the available straps or you can attach it to the door frame and weather mold of the car.
Enclosed so whatever you place inside the cargo carrier will be protected from sun, rain, and moisture. Your items are protected and road dust and grime do not cover your luggage when you arrive at your destination.
15 cubic feet of storage is provided inside the carrier. It is perfect for carrying clothing or camping accessories when you travel.
Types of Jeep Roof Racks
There are several types of roof racks. Each one provides a specific benefit for the aide in carrying certain cargos.
- Bare roof racks are simple devices that allow you to strap common items like suitcases to the roof of the car.
- Raised rail racks are normally factory installed. This system allows you to choose the crossbar placement so you can fit things you normally carry safely into the rack system. Raised rails are more noticeable but they also give you something to tie your items off to so you have more security as you travel.
- Flush rail racks are inconspicuous and give you the freedom to carry cargo on top of the vehicle without losing the aesthetically pleasing look of your car.
Jeep Roof Rack Complete Buying Guide
Buying the jeep roof rack can add cargo storage to your Jeep. You need to be sure and consider all of the features and the design of these accessories so you can get one that fits your vehicle, and suits your needs.
Weight Limitations
The roof rack that you buy will have a recommended weight limitation. The components of the rack will only be able to support a certain amount of weight and you need to heed the manufacturer’s recommendations on weight limitations very carefully.
Height of Rack
The height of the bars and components that make up your roof rack is important. The bars give you safe places to attach security straps to hold your cargo in place. The higher bars allow things to be fitted against them and reduce the chance that your cargo could shift or slide off of the top of the vehicle.
The taller racks are more noticeable and many people simply do not like the way they look. You have to weigh the benefits of the taller racks against the appearance of the rack. Consider the cargo you will carry the most often and then determine which rack height will allow you to carry that cargo safely.
Fitment
Not all roof racks fit all makes and models of vehicles. The brackets that are installed to hold the rack system in place are not compatible with all vehicles.
You need to get the exact dimensions of the roof rack system and check to see what vehicles the item is recommended to fit. Many racks have adjustable brackets that allow them to be positioned on a greater number of vehicle makes and models.
Fixed Points
Fixed points are threaded points that you use to fasten things down. These points are normally factory installed. The majority of fixed points are normally hidden under a removable panel. They allow you to easily attach or customize your roof rack system.
Price
You cannot shop for anything without considering the price you will have to pay for the item. You should establish a budget for the purchase of this item, then compare the prices of the racks you like and decide which ones can be purchased on your budget.
Accessories and Attachments
The roof racks can come with accessories like air deflectors, or the ability to customize the length and size of the unit. You want to make sure that you understand the accessories that come with the item so you can decide if they are beneficial to you.
You also want to make sure that when you are comparing prices you consider all of the components that come with each rack system so you do not buy something you think is affordable, and then have to spend money to get the items that make it mountable or usable.
Here’s a quick guide on how to install the Smittybilt defender roof rack
Conclusion
I am a pro-roof rack enthusiast and recommend these items to everyone. I use my jeep roof rack all of the time, and simply do not understand what I did before I got this handy accessory.
If you have a vehicle then there are going to be times when you need to carry more than that vehicle can safely and comfortably hold inside. A best jeep roof rack gives you extra cargo room so you have more comfort.
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