Roof Carrier - need opinions

[melted]

The grandbaby is coming for another visit next week, YAY!

Hmmm :-k , we want to go camping, but with grandbaby plus grandbaby's parents, plus two tents, stove, food, and baby gear, I need to shove some stuff on top of the KJ. For way more $ than I want to spend at the dealership, I can get the Mopar cross rails ($165.00), and some kind of boxy thing (for something like $400.00).

Are there better solutions? I kinda like the Mopar cross rails, but not at $165. Saw a $99 boxy thing at Checker auto parts, but perhaps it is too flimsy.

Opinions (and links) wanted.

 

[-=JoN=-]

i think thule sells something where u dont need the cross rails. it mounts on the exisiting roof bars. i gotta go search for it tho..i'll post up again later

 

[Se7enLC]

I'm pretty sure anything you want to mount on the roof is going to require crossbars (or in the case of the thule kit, it comes with it's own crossbars. I'd be wary of those, however, since they are the same for EVERY set of rails, whereas a real set of crossbars (thule, yakima, factory, etc) will be better fit to the vehicle. I think the crossbars for mine were $120 for the attachments, and $50 for the pair of bars (Thule, see my sig for photos). <plug>Got em at rackattack: free shipping + lowest prices.</plug>

AutoZone, Pep Boys or similar often have large bags that you strap to the rails and just set directly on the roof. They are a lot cheaper than getting a basket or box, but can only be used for things you don't mind resting on the roof in a bag. Probably best for luggage or things in boxes that won't bang around too much.

 

[rennie2k5]

speaking of baskets, I recently ordered the Yakima LowRiders and 48' crossbars for my renny.
I am thinking of getting the Load Warrior basket..anyone have this? and I was reading that the lift glass in the back may interfare with the basket.
I would love to see pics of some baskets on the libby..
I think Thule baskets may even fit on Yakima.

also I have thule hull a ports and in some pics on yakimas website It looks like that the basket sits on the crossrails leaving no room for the hulla ports..are there any small baskets that allow you to use the crossrails for attachments?
would love recommendations.

edit-------------found everything I needed-----------------------


thanks.

 

[grogiefrog]

Melted... see this link...

http://www.jeepkj.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1135&highlight=carrier

 

[Trodo]

Melted:
Try one of these, I have one and it works great! With the Liberty Sport trim it actually looks factory issue.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/m...re_Code=E&Product_Code=7500&Category_Code=CC2

 

[melted]

Melted:
Try one of these, I have one and it works great! With the Liberty Sport trim it actually looks factory issue.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/m...re_Code=E&Product_Code=7500&Category_Code=CC2

Yup! Decided to go that way too. Was at Target (of all places) and found this in their clearance area for $70. I will need a hitch receiver extension to get past the spare tire however.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Trodo]

I also found mine at Target, but did not need the extension. Plus extensions reduce the mount of allowable weight. With the carrier on, and nothing on it, everything clears.

 

[Natasha]

I also am camping this weekend and ran into the same dilema. I purchased a Hitch Platform. It's 60 inches wide and holds a 1/4 ton. Perfect for the coolers with tents tied down on top.

Target sold them online, but I couldn't find a store that had them in stock. I purchased mine at Dick's sporting goods.

Happy Camping

 

[Watty]

Interesing concept regarding extra luggage space can be found at the following link: http://www.weca.co.za/

These guys manufacture a container that clip/hook onto the tow hitch at the back of your vehicle. Interesting concept and quite useful.

 

[Trodo]

That's kinda trippy. I guess you could get the same results by buying a large toolbox, bolting it to a hitch reciever platform and then locking it, but you'd have to remove it everytime you wanted to open the swing gate.
Great idea though.

 

[jeepkj02]

http://www.accessconnect.com/safari.htm

 

[Bennett]

http://www.accessconnect.com/safari.htm

x2

That's what I have and a great value.