KK Roof Storage System

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 3:07 pm

Boiler

Just a thought for you
make the rack convertible meaning have the sides and end permanant, then those with Skysliders could have the option of installing cross bars for the times they need to haul something then remove when they are using the slider. would not take that long to bolt/ unbolt 3 or 4 bars I wouldn't think.

You can pay me later for my ideas :wink:

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 3:50 pm

I was thinking the skyslider guys might have some bolt on/off stuff, and the others would have permanent, but combining them is an idea. I'll just have to concept them out and decide if its all worth it.

BrendonR · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 4:31 pm

Actually Boiler - the idea above is similar to another idea I had the other day.

If you make the outside dimensions of the rack larger than the skyslider, weld brackets on each side-rail - then have the crossmembers BOLT to those brakcets as opposed to welding it all together. We could leave the rack up on top, but take out the crossbars when we're not using them.

[edit/addition] I'd love to be a guinea pig for you... but unfortunately I'm nowhere near indianna

Mr Nick · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 7:15 pm

What about making the vertical side posts telescoping, adjustable with a pin similar to a hood pin? Lower it for normal use, then raise it if you want to keep the rack up there while the SS is open. Only problem I see is might be difficult to lift smoothly, because you'd only be able to lift one side at a time (unless you had a helper).

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2009 10:31 pm

One of our members approached me about telescoping rock rails a while back. I'm not a fan of telescoping parts that have to telescope in unison. I've make telescoping guardrails on machines we make at work and they are a nightmare to get right. I think it would be pretty difficult to actuate. I won't rule anything out yet though.

RPM007 · **Posted:** Sat May 30, 2009 1:43 am

A rack similar to the FJ Cruiser OEM rack (shown below) would look awesome on the KK. The upper side rails could be made high enough to accommodate cross rails with enough clearance for the SkySlider to open and the lower side rail could have detachable cross members that would provide basket functionality. It would be even more awesome if it would be the full length of the roof to allow for a built-in wind deflector for the SkySlider similar to the Xterra's and Escape's and also mounting points for lights all around. A rack like this would be versatile and look great. I would definitely drive to Muncie for something like that.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sat May 30, 2009 2:44 am

Mr Nick wrote:

What about making the vertical side posts telescoping, adjustable with a pin similar to a hood pin? Lower it for normal use, then raise it if you want to keep the rack up there while the SS is open. Only problem I see is might be difficult to lift smoothly, because you'd only be able to lift one side at a time (unless you had a helper).

This could work. If the bottom vertical connections were on pivots. You could lift one side at a time. You would be only lifting it a couple of inches, so I don't thing a pivot would be required on both the top and bottom points.
A couple issues you will run into are; anytime you have a telescoping item you have play. Play = noise. It also requires more strength and cross bracing.
It might be easier to make the cross bars removable. With a quick release catch.
It really is too bad the Libby doesn't have mounting points on the front for a full length rack. That is a whole other issue. I guess you could drill holes... if you wanted one bad enough.

Boiler · **Posted:** Sat May 30, 2009 3:19 am

Well I've actually been thinking full length as a possibility, and yep, I've noticed and considered the FJ rack, its pretty awesome.

What do you guys think about installing nutserts in the forward corners of the roof to achieve this? I could even supply the nutserts and have people pay a deposit on a tool to install them, which would be returned upon the tool's return. It would definitely open up opportunities.

Though it may not end up like the fj, it could have a permanent front and rear bar, increasing strength and stability, while having removable mid bars or something.

I think I could do a gradually curved rack like the FJ, but I'm not sure how close tolerances my source could hold, making the removable midrails difficult. And it would probably be pretty darn expensive.

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Sat May 30, 2009 10:55 pm

Boiler wrote:

Well I've actually been thinking full length as a possibility, and yep, I've noticed and considered the FJ rack, its pretty awesome.

What do you guys think about installing nutserts in the forward corners of the roof to achieve this? I could even supply the nutserts and have people pay a deposit on a tool to install them, which would be returned upon the tool's return. It would definitely open up opportunities.

Though it may not end up like the fj, it could have a permanent front and rear bar, increasing strength and stability, while having removable mid bars or something.

I think I could do a gradually curved rack like the FJ, but I'm not sure how close tolerances my source could hold, making the removable midrails difficult. And it would probably be pretty darn expensive.

I'd certainly be interested in a "full length" rack in order to get a cool and useful set of lights closer to the front and for hauling 4x8 material. However, it would have to not obstruct my sunroof. See also Scar0's Custom Rack (on his KA with front mounting hole versus none on KK). Personally, I have access to a nutzert insertion tool since my dad is into street-rodding.

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Sun May 31, 2009 9:30 am

Alternately to a full length roof rack, if the rack was "typical" length (and thus started behind the sunroof), then I'd want either some way to fold the front cross member and lighting down and out of the way and/or to "unbolt and quick-connect unplug" the front cross member with attached lighting when carrying larger (4x8) material on top.

BrendonR · **Posted:** Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:03 pm

Hey Boiler - any updates for us???

Wanna ship a prototype to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for me? :lol:

BrendonR · **Posted:** Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:11 pm

Finally managed to look at your KJ Rack - looks GREAT boiler...

What if (again, for us skyslider guys), you turned those light mounting points around - then had the crossrails mounted (via bolts) to those? That way we could put them on/take them off at our discretion.

Another thought is, if this design was simply made TALLER - the skyslider would clear underneath it - not sure if it'd look goofy though.

Brendon

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:38 pm

It's been slow going here working on KJ stuff. We had to rebuild basically all of our KJ rack tooling and jigs because we had to shorten them 1/2". UPS has some size restrictions, and shortening them 1/2 basically saved $100+ on shipping. Long story short, we're behind. The rest of the summer we'll be working on KJ skids I'm guessing. We hope to start work on KK stuff this fall. I'm hoping to have KK rack and skids by the end of the year or in the spring.

I'm also trying to get a website going, but it is slow at the moment. Without that and a few sales we'll be slow going. It costs us a little (not a ton mind you) money to develop each of these products and until we get a few sales money is tight.

Bottom line: we have full intentions to develop various KK products, we just need to get some things worked out.

hrogi · **Posted:** Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:00 pm

Well at least that is an honest answer..

I know a few of us might have to spend time just getting the wife on board. So this is helpful to a few of us.....

I hope the KJ stuff goes well.
I think also some of the KK stuff with roll over to the Dodge nitro so that will be 2 birds with 1 stone. As the Nitro has an extra year of sales on the KK right now.

Please keep us in the loop....

BrendonR · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:57 am

Thanks for the response Boiler.

Not quite the response I was hoping for, but a good one for sure. We all can understand when companies (or people) are behind. Good call on the saving $100 shipping per unit too.

Just remember - If you wanna ship a prototype up my way for testing, I'm available :wink:

Maybe we can adapt RockLizard's rack somehow for the skysliders.... a spacer between the mounting point, and rack might be something to look at. Digger, how much clearance do you have between your rack and roof?

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:03 pm

BrendonR wrote:

Thanks for the response Boiler.

Not quite the response I was hoping for, but a good one for sure. We all can understand when companies (or people) are behind. Good call on the saving $100 shipping per unit too.

Just remember - If you wanna ship a prototype up my way for testing, I'm available :wink:

Maybe we can adapt RockLizard's rack somehow for the skysliders.... a spacer between the mounting point, and rack might be something to look at. Digger, how much clearance do you have between your rack and roof?

Clearance

I will get a picture for you in a few

Boiler · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:29 pm

The best option for sky slider folks might be a trailer

Edit: I'm not writing off the skyslider guys just yet though.

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:12 am

At last night's raffle drawings for LJS '09, one of Boiler's donated roof racks was given away. It was nice to see up close. The craftsmanship is first rate. There were others present that had other aftermarket roof racks of various types, but all made of steel, and all were surprised how light Boiler's aluminum roof rack was yet it seemed at least just as strong. The provision for routing light wiring internal to the rack is well done. If you haven't checked out the full thread on this roof rack, then look here. Let me tell you, there were a lot of people disappointed to not win Boiler's roof rack. By the way, Durangotang won it and was quite happy and was quickly offering up his home-made rack system to anyone willing to take it.

P.S. Thank you Boiler for supporting the Liberty aftermarket. I'm looking forward to cashing in the gift certificate I won in the raffle for a KK roof rack before next summer's adventures.

KK Roof Storage System

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