Roof top luggage carrier options

[boogvalk]

Greetings.
I'm still kinda new here and learning. I have an 05 Liberty Renegade that has the light bar and the round, tubular type top roof rails.
I'd like to carry some luggage on top for an upcoming trip but can't figure out what the best option is. I do not have any cross rails on the top. Do they make cross rails that attach to the tubular roof rails? Can i then use a hard shell carrier, a soft carrier or a basket that i can then cover the luggage with to keep it dry?
I just wonder if any of those options is particularly good or bad specifically for the 05+ Renegades.
Please help! Thanks much

 

[VAhlene]

You can buy cross bars for it. There are ways to make your own cross bars for cheaper and then you can mount whatever kind of luggage carrier you wanted. If you use the search button on here search for homemade cross bars or homemade roof rack and you should find some good info. I'd link them on here but on my phone and its a pain.

 

[tommudd]

The main issue you will have is the tupperware junk that is on the Renegades, looks cool but pretty much worthless
Best bet is to remove it and then make some cross bars
If using soft luggage carriers then you'd need to have 4 or 5 to hold it
If using one of the plastic shell type carriers I'd still want 3 at least.
Just remember if hauling a lot of stuff up there its going to cut gas mileage way down
Have you thought of a hitch carrier along with one of the soft carriers works great . If you had a hitch that would be the cheapest option

Where in Ohio are you?
If interested I have two of the soft carriers here that I'd let you have for a real decent price.

 

[VAhlene]

Not all renegades have that plastic roof rack ontop like he stated he has the round metal ones I believe similar to what the other libertys have but they are silver in color and more round.

 

[tommudd]

well then he's a lucky feller
plus looking now I see the 06 model year:Grenade:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Those 05-06 Rene rails are strange, they quite a bit larger of a diameter but they aren't rated for as much load.
Here's my cross bar build...where I used the #2 conduit hanger here, you might want to look at #3, maybe #4.

 

[boogvalk]

thanks

Thanks for all the info. Yes i have just the round, bigger, silver top rails and none of the plastic stuff up top except the light bar. I already have a hitch carrier that will be used but still want to carry some more stuff up top.
I don't believe i have the skills needed to manufacture my own set of cross rails so i had hoped i could just buy something made-to-order. I might just have to test my skills but for now, i'll keep looking for something easier.
Thanks again!

 

[VAhlene]

Here is another idea I found on LOST and wouldn't need much fabricating, just buy all the parts and Im sure where you buy the superstrut from will be able to cut it to size. You could even wrap superstrut in some sort of padding.

LOST JEEPS • View topic - Homemade roof rack cross bars

 

[VAhlene]

Ok feel like being nice so here is what you need if you dont want to make anything and buy your own these are specifically for the 2005-2006 Renegade with the Silver rails as you have. Best of Luck!

Roof Rack Cross Rails - Renegade(2005-2006) Factory Jeep Parts, Accessories, Cherokee, Liberty Wrangler

 

[Luke]

I don't believe i have the skills needed to manufacture my own set of cross rails so i had hoped i could just buy something made-to-order. I might just have to test my skills but for now, i'll keep looking for something easier.
Thanks again!

You may be selling yourself short ... If you want a factory look then disregard the rest of my post. If you just want some decent looking rails and you can use a drill and hack saw it's very easy.

I have the same rails as you ... I just purchased;

Square aluminum stock. You can get it at home depot so probably any place similar. My next set will be round stock, stronger and perhaps a bit less wind noise :shrug: I used aluminum only because it was light weight, just strong enough (our roof rails are only good for 65lbs anyways) and easier to work with than steel.

4 U bolts with nuts.

You must be registered for see images attach

and a small length of clear tubing.

Thread the U bolts through the tubing (protects rails). U bolts go under the rails bolt end up through holes drilled into the stock, plate and nuts on top. They even make little plastic end caps for the stock.

I only use them as needed and they have not let me down in 3 yrs. If you need more info let me know

Here's a pic

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Those 05-06 Rene rails are strange, they quite a bit larger of a diameter but they aren't rated for as much load.
Here's my cross bar build...where I used the #2 conduit hanger here, you might want to look at #3, maybe #4.

I just realized...I never gave you a link! D'oh!
http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f293/another-take-diy-cross-bars-52737/

 

[boogvalk]

Thanks again to all who offered information and/or help. Because i'm just looking for something for this one upcoming trip and because even if i built some cross-rails i'd still have to find something to attach to them to haul luggage, etc., i think i'll give this a try: Car Top Carriers | Roof Top Carrier | Roof Cargo Bag
Anyone have any experience with the rightline gear?

 

[Luke]

Hmmm .. as long as you make/buy some rails first. I would not want that sitting on my roof! It would damage the clear coat and possibly dent your roof depending on what/how much weight you have in there.