A question for skiers/snowboarders with KJ's

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:17 pm

So this will be the first snow season with my Liberty, and i'm stoked! My question is can you properly install a ski rack and snowboards without them hitting the renegade light bar? I haven't taken the time to go hold my board over the roof to see if it will be an issue yet, but I see a lot of Liberty guys in general use the safari style roof rack, and then add a ski rack to the top of it. Not sure if they do this for clearance or for convenience. Any ideas? I plan on using oem Jeep rack bars/clamps and probably a yakima rack system. Thanks!

Also, any reviews/feedback on the Cooper discoverer stt in snow/ice conditions? My predictions are not in Cooper's favor after driving my Audi quattro with snow tires the last two years!
Thanks again!

Aaron

zzack92 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:50 pm **Posts:** 371

im either gonna fabricate up a rack for inside the jeep on the ceiling or use one that hooks up to the bumper

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:01 am

Another option is one of the spare tire mounted ski/snowboard racks some companies make......

PoorMtnKid · **Posted:** Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:00 pm

Depending on how big of a board you ride, I personally ride a 145 so its tinny for jibs. That will deff fit. But I dont think you should have a problem.

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:15 pm

Thanks a lot for all the responses, I usually ride with at least 2-3 passengers, so folding down the back seat wont really work all the time. I'll double check to make sure my board length will clear before I make any final purchases, i ride a 158 and a 154 depending on where/what im riding.
Thanks again
Aaron

Guest · **Posted:** Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:52 pm

I'll let you know this spring on how the Cooper STT's are in the winter :lol:

zzack92 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:50 pm **Posts:** 371

ha i ment to say or the one that hooks up to spare tire not bumper my bad! i really want to make something for the ceiling tho any ideas?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:10 am

yellocoyote wrote:

I haven't gotten a rack - I usually just stick the boards/gear in the cargo area with the seats folded down. :roll:

Same here. I toss mine in the back with the seats down.

Powdrdaze · **Posted:** Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:01 am

The basket really helps if you want to put multiple boards/skis on the rack. Makes clearance for the bindings (i.e. two boards, bindings up on top of two boards, bindings down)

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:09 am

Thanks again I may try the basket, but thats gonna cost $$$ ontop of the bars and rack so i'm not sure yet., I have the same Yakima rack on my audi, love it. Fatcat 6 right? I made the mistake of not locking my first fatcat 6 last season and guess what happened, two boards flew right off the car while heading home from Hood because my clamp failed! I was pissed! I ended up filing a complaint with Yakima and they were very understanding, covered a new rack and offered to replace/repair the boards. Funny thing is, the new rack they sent had completely different clamps! I wonder why lol...According to their rep, they've had a lot of issues with that model when it first came out. Since they took care of me, ill probably purchase another fatcat 6 though, its a nice clean rack

Powdrdaze · **Posted:** Fri Sep 05, 2008 5:44 pm

check out the fabrication thread. plenty of ideas on cheap bars that will work with the fat cat. also the fat cat does have the angle bar in it that will allow a little more clearance. check out costco/sams club. they have a a safari basket that is pretty cost effective. i know i've seen quite a few kjs on here with them. I never would have spent the money on the whole rack setup but i got the basket as a gift. love the fat cats!

sucks to hear about the latches, I always keep mine locked....my boards always stay on the roof. I will def keep my eye on them now, knowing that the latches are suspect. good to hear tho, that yakima is good on their guarantee.

AKboy · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 8:06 am

I have mounted Yakima Big PowderHounds on Mopar crossrails. Works great!

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

I've got a Thule Snowcat rack. It's plenty high to clear the Renegade light bar. It connects directly to the roof rails and doesn't require cross rails. Of course, with the Frankenlift and the ski rack I can't park in parking garages anymore. Hits the 6'6" clearance sign on the way in.

zzack92 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:50 pm **Posts:** 371

CounterCulture wrote:

Thanks again I may try the basket, but thats gonna cost $$$ ontop of the bars and rack so i'm not sure yet., I have the same Yakima rack on my audi, love it. Fatcat 6 right? I made the mistake of not locking my first fatcat 6 last season and guess what happened, two boards flew right off the car while heading home from Hood because my clamp failed! I was pissed! I ended up filing a complaint with Yakima and they were very understanding, covered a new rack and offered to replace/repair the boards. Funny thing is, the new rack they sent had completely different clamps! I wonder why lol...According to their rep, they've had a lot of issues with that model when it first came out. Since they took care of me, ill probably purchase another fatcat 6 though, its a nice clean rack

I love Mt. Hood i had a ski race camp out there this summer it was great

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:58 am

Yeah I love Hood, they say Meadows might open by Thanksgiving if not possibly earlier! I ended up just going with the factory Mopar rack setup and so far i'm happy with it. Supposedly it will fit 4 boards, but by the looks of it i'm doubtful, so I guess we will see.

callaway · **Posted:** Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:39 am

Jayme - ever been to the ski place in Lisle?

Powdrdaze · **Posted:** Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:29 pm

I've been out about a dozen times already. A-basin and Loveland. Feels good to slide again.

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:38 pm

Quote:

I've been out about a dozen times already

I'm jealous!

Powdrdaze · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:48 pm

A couple of places around here opened oct 11th. Not a whole lot of runs open, but nice to be sliding again. My Mtn opens in a few weeks. Really looking forward to it. No more driving an hour to ride. :twisted:

CounterCulture · **Posted:** Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:07 pm

I'm just under an hour from Hood, wish I was closer but i'd have to sacrifice way too much

A question for skiers/snowboarders with KJ's

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