KK Roof Storage System

Boiler · **Posted:** Sun Mar 01, 2009 11:50 pm

I'm currently designing a roof rack system for the KJ and once that design is done, I'd like to start working on one for the KK. I was hoping this could be the thread that contains everyone wants & likes, so I could get an idea of what would make the most people happy.

What are you guys looking for?

Aftermarket roof rails?
Simple racks?
Baskets?
Accessories?
Materials & finishes?
Air deflectors?
Use with sky slider?
Other

Eventually I'll need someone somewhere within the vicinity of Muncie Indiana to be the ginea pig. I'll need to take measurements, fits, weld above it, etc. (we're safe, I did it on mine. Wet, taped-off cardboard + welding blankets) In return that person would get a KK rack at material cost or for free, depending how long we need them. I'll need someone around the end of March or early April on a Saturday.

***Community Suggestions***
-Full length basket with all 4 side light mounting provision options
-Skyslider (closed) compatible bars that are easily removable
-Kayak rack (? or just bars to mount a rack?)
-Bar mounted basket rack
-Rack that mounts directly to the OEM roof mounting provisions
-Lightbar options

nightdrv · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:38 am

All I want is a roof-length basket with fog light mounts on all sides. (4 front, 2 on each side, 2 on rear). That's it! Key word: ROOF-LENGTH (from the rear hatch to the front windshield)

I already have Thule bars and fairing on there, just need a good basket with above specs.

BrendonR · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:59 am

I've got a skyslider...

I'd love some bars that are compatible with it - something to strap some skis/snowboards onto.

Obviously, ski/snowboard means this is taking place in winter.... so no need to have enough clearance for the skyslider to open while on. BUT something easy to remove/add back on is a MUST

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 12:19 pm

BrendonR wrote:

I've got a skyslider...

I'd love some bars that are compatible with it - something to strap some skis/snowboards onto.

Obviously, ski/snowboard means this is taking place in winter.... so no need to have enough clearance for the skyslider to open while on. BUT something easy to remove/add back on is a MUST

x2 . . . there are a lot of skyslider people out there looking for a removable rack system. I am looking for a kayak rack. A basket would be nice too.

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:01 pm

In case any of you don't get out of the KK section very often, Boiler is for real. Check out this thread in LOST's 'fabrication' section.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:03 pm

you could take a drive MtnLuvr

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:10 pm

Boiler, I'd like a fabricated aftermarket roof rack that bolts down to the top of the KK where the OEM rails bolt down.

The KK doesn't have any type of light bar presently available like the KJs can use the Renegade light bar. So, I think there may be an interest in a rack that has light mounting provisions. I've got a sun roof. I'd be interested in a rack that extended to the front of the KK for mounting lights. Options for light mounting tabs in back as well as CB antenae may be worth considering as well.

Another thought, if I were designing a roof rack today, I'd be curious if it could be configured to have about 49"-50" in clear width across the roof between outer structural elements. That would facilitate hauling 4' sheet material such as plywood, sheet rock, etc.

The roof rack should have sides slightly taller than the "floor" cross bars with ample cross bars to support a variety of items (e.g. spare tire, long handled tools, luggage, etc.). For me personally, I'll need to keep the rack overall height as low as possible (due to not only my own garage height constraints, but also those of the garage at work, plus the lower the vehicle's c.g. stays, the better).

I'd be ok with one just primed for surface protection while sitting around and then I could have it coated. Alternately, it is hard to beat the durability and UV resistance of a good powder coating. Black of course.

Your ideas of using aluminum are interesting. Hmmm.....

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:48 pm

Diggerfreek wrote:

you could take a drive MtnLuvr

Obviously, I never know anyone with a time machine at any point in my life. Because if I did, I would've already come back to visit the me of now and in previous years so I could figure out how to get 30 hours out of a day.....

Boiler · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:03 am

/updated

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:47 am

Boiler-

I would be interested to see what kind of options there are for a rack that will work with the skyslider able to open. This of course would prevent me from parking at the garage at work . . . but whatever.

BrendonR · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:36 am

zoso7374 wrote:

Boiler-

I would be interested to see what kind of options there are for a rack that will work with the skyslider able to open. This of course would prevent me from parking at the garage at work . . . but whatever.

Boiler - the easiest solution I can think of for this would be an optional "spacer" between the rail, and mounting point. you'd probably need 8 inches or so clearence for the roof to open.

The more I think about it, a full sized basket - large enough for drywall, where I could strap just about anything to, would be perfect - may not be the prettiest, but strapping a couple ski bags, drywall, camping gear, luggage, would be perfect!

Of course, easily removable is a plus - AND compatible with my skyslider closed is a must - but interested in open as well....

FL RENNY · **Joined:** Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:30 pm **Posts:** 458

I built my own, saved $250, and personally I like it better than the aftermarket ones that stick up about 4". JMO

vmf · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:01 am

basket with wind deflector and space for lights would be awesome!

To_The_Max · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:27 pm

I'd be interested in basket with a wind deflector and options for mounting lights to the front and rear. I saw where Libby did one and like his OP pix best but also like the end product where it is mounted directly to the roof where the original rails mount.

Just a note, I live in Lima, Oh so, if your in need of a guinea I'm available April 4th

RPM007 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:16 pm

I have been looking for someone to fabricate a roof rack since I purchased my KK. My ideal rack would look similar to the FJ Cruiser's OEM rack. I would really like something with a tubular, open, basket-like design with removable crossbars and side rails that provide enough clearance for the SkySlider to open. It would ideally be the full lenghth of the vehicle and mount to the OEM mounting points with a wind deflector in front and light mounts. Please keep me updated on any developments. I am definetely interested in whatever you create.

Boiler · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:16 pm

Noted, thanks. I wonder if I can rent a KK somewhere...

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:01 am

Well early April came and went. My fab partners weren't exactly as hot to trot to get some of the stuff done as I was...

This is still an upcoming project for me, but is probably a month or two out until I really sink my teeth into the design. I'll have a callout for test specimens again when I'm ready to hit it hard.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:11 am

Boiler wrote:

Noted, thanks. I wonder if I can rent a KK somewhere...

yeah there are a few places that have them

oh and test specimens is a new one :twisted:

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 1:42 pm

I just wanted to let all of you KK guys know whats going on with my design plans. If you aren't familiar with my work, follow the link at the bottom of my signature.

I'm still planning on developing some goodies for the KK's. Timeframe is looking like starting development mid summer. I'm wanting to have an offering of skids, rock rails, and rack(s) by September or October. I'll be releasing them for production as I finish, so some might be done earlier.

Tony and I are planning to do some serious work on the KJ lines over the next three weeks as we both have unpaid days to take at work. I guess its the silver lining to our company making everyone take some unpaid time off. Once the KJ lines are done I'll jump right into KK. I'm expecting an easier time with the skids and rock rails, and have some new ideas ready for development.

I expect KK items to be very similar, though I may change the roof racks to suit the KK better visually, as well as to accomodate some use with skysliders. Hopefully the other similarities will make the KK development times shorter than the KJ times.

We're also planning on eventually doing bumpers, but thought we would have the shortest development cycles and largest target audience with all of the other products. I expect to be working on bumpers next year.

zarinKK · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 2:41 pm

Awesome work Boiler! I'm interested it what products you'll come up with.

KK Roof Storage System

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