Safari Roof Rack, suggestions

dirtykj · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:04 pm

I'm looking to get a safari roof rack (and trying to keep the cost somewhat reasonable). I've seen the wilderness rack from rocky-road.com and while I love it, price is a little high for the base alone.

Then I find the Surco brand. Price for base seems reasonable (from $200 - $400 depending on length) and has the additional hookups I want.

So, what are you guys running, and if you don't mind, how much did you pay for your base + attachments? URL's would be much appreciated.

RespectMyLibertay · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:08 pm

http://www.youngs.org/kjparts/default.asp?category=15

That's Troysterr's site giving a great overview on a lot of products for the KJ. When I get the money, I'm getting the one made of E-Bay. It looks really nice and is obviously worth the $240 and more, according to all his reviewers. Check out some of his pictures of his racks.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:41 pm

BVG AdventureRak is a great price and can be expanded in size.

http://www.discount-trailers.com/roof_rack.htm

I have it on mine.

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:12 pm

dirtykj wrote:

I'm looking to get a safari roof rack (and trying to keep the cost somewhat reasonable). I've seen the wilderness rack from rocky-road.com and while I love it, price is a little high for the base alone.

You're aware that rack is simply sold at RRO and they don't make it, right? The Wilderness Rack is made by Garvin, Industries. Have you shopped around? I like the low profile style myself.

dirtykj · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:49 pm

Hammer wrote:

The Wilderness Rack is made by Garvin, Industries. Have you shopped around? I like the low profile style myself.

I'm looking at the eBay guy's product right now. I just sent him an email, hopefully he'll respond with a quote.

Edwin · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:52 pm

Have you looked at Kargo Master? Their safari rack looks good. You can check http://www.4wdhardware.com. It looks pretty good. Someone else chime in if it's useless as t!t$ on a boar hog. I'm thinkin about gettin this one.[/url]

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:07 pm

Unless someone can prove me wrong, I would think you can't go wrong with any steel cargo roof rack. So many of them look the same and have the same add-on's. I find it hard to believe one is actually better than another. My 2cents.

dirtykj · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:38 pm

Hammer wrote:

Unless someone can prove me wrong, I would think you can't go wrong with any steel cargo roof rack. So many of them look the same and have the same add-on's. I find it hard to believe one is actually better than another. My 2cents.

The thing of it is ... some racks require assembly at the time at the time it's put on your car --- more than just simple mounting, and I would think that it would imply a not-fully-welded construction. And if true, would not be as strong as a unit that arrives fully-welded.

dirtykj · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:42 pm

Edwin wrote:

Have you looked at Kargo Master? Their safari rack looks good. You can check http://www.4wdhardware.com. It looks pretty good. Someone else chime in if it's useless as t!t$ on a boar hog. I'm thinkin about gettin this one.[/url]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... Track=true

That's the one I'm getting quotes for (I asked him for other attachment options as well).

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:04 pm

dirtykj wrote:

The thing of it is ... some racks require assembly at the time at the time it's put on your car --- more than just simple mounting, and I would think that it would imply a not-fully-welded construction. And if true, would not be as strong as a unit that arrives fully-welded.

Very true. FWIW, I was referring to welded racks.

As for the rack being sold on ebay, it does look like a great rack. I'd be interested in hearing what the seller gives you for prices (rack & accesories). The only thing that I'm leery about is shipping via Greyhound? I didn't know they shipped freight. But the price is right!

Btw, curious as to what size you requested for your KJ?

ShadE · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 1:33 am

I've got the surco safari rack from autoanything.com . It took about a 1/2hour to put it togather and on, but it was simple.

It is just tubular aluminum. but it has been just fine. it is one of the cheapest racks, but i liked the looks and i cant think of anything that i would possibly be able to lift (or want to lift) up there that could bend it.... I actually threw a desk up there and it held up with no problems.

I agree that a steel welded frame would be more sturdy, but with aluminum:
i wont have to wory about rust if i scratch it
it is light weight for ease of removal/mounting
and half the cost.
:wink:

another thing is, you need a way to actually mount the rack securely to the bars on your liberty. surco offers it's own mounting system. there are a few steel racks that just sell you the rack itself and leave you to figure out how to secure it the the bars on your jeep.

-nick

kayadog · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:06 am

I love my Surco. I had it on my Xj, then on my ZJ. Only needed a quick spray paint. No rust (its aluminum) and I carry my bike, kayaks, camping gear, and 30" spare with no problems. It does have wind noise and lowers gas mileage a little. Can't beat the price.

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 5:18 pm

As for the Surco, there's not much of a floor to that rack (for sure). I'm also wondering if any of you would mount not only a spare tire, but Jerrycan's and a highlift jack to that bolt together aluminum rack and still feel secure off-road?

dirtykj · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:10 pm

Hammer wrote:

As for the Surco, there's not much of a floor to that rack (for sure). I'm also wondering if any of you would mount not only a spare tire, but Jerrycan's and a highlift jack to that bolt together aluminum rack and still feel secure off-road?

I got the price quote for 60"x42"x6", $330 shipping included (shipping = $65). I replied asking for how much he wants for a jerry can/water can mount at the corner, like in here:

http://www.roverworld.com/images/Produc ... bal-14.jpg

Probably will get the response tomorrow.

He does make a hi-lift jack mount for $75 extra. Might be worthwhile.

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:18 pm

That's sweet! Thanks for updates. Let me know how it plays out & if you purchase one. If you get a great deal or are happy with your purchase, I just might follow suit. FWIW, a jack mount would be priority for me.

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 10:16 pm

9000-0007
AdventureRak Cargo Roof Rack Basket $129.99 +30 s&h

I have this one. Cut it down and rewelded it to fit inside my Rennie Tupperware. Looks great. Seems to be sturdy enough and couldn't find anything close at the price. It isn't as heavy as some and may not stand up to real extreme abuse but does what I need fine.

Ships as two pieces which slip fit then get bolted together so there is absolutely minimal assy. Comes with universal plastic/nylon mounts and U-bolts to attach it. Plus u can add a center section to make it longer.
Certainly can't beat the price!

http://www.discount-trailers.com/roof_rack.htm

Click on my link below to see lots of close up pics.

ShadE · **Posted:** Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:41 am

Hammer wrote:

As for the Surco, there's not much of a floor to that rack (for sure). I'm also wondering if any of you would mount not only a spare tire, but Jerrycan's and a highlift jack to that bolt together aluminum rack and still feel secure off-road?

I have my hi-lift mounted to the back of it, shovel on the side, gas can and toolbox on the inside... it feels very secure. but this is recent and i cannot tell you how well it is going to hold up over time. :wink:

-nick

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Wed Aug 10, 2005 7:56 am

The one from AZ is the one I had on my Jeep when you met us at the dealer for the meeting. We were moving it from my KJ to Nanettes. I made custom mounts for it that crossed the roof and mounted to the factory roof rail mounting points. The whole assy was welded together. I made my own hi-lift jack mounts and tire mount for it. It is a nice rack for a decent price and he will custom make the size to suit your needs. Lilmatty has one from him too that has shorter sides than he advertises.
A word of caution.... It Will be loud on the road unless you block at least the front tubes. Those 3/4" square tubes can howl like mad!

PCTim · **Posted:** Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:03 am

Hey Cacher,
That basket on your Car Domain site, the one by itself and not on the Jeep, is it the same one on your Jeep? If so, does it come with the cross bars (like in the picture)?

Thanks

Guest · **Posted:** Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:13 pm

ShadE wrote:

Hammer wrote:

As for the Surco, there's not much of a floor to that rack (for sure). I'm also wondering if any of you would mount not only a spare tire, but Jerrycan's and a highlift jack to that bolt together aluminum rack and still feel secure off-road?

I have my hi-lift mounted to the back of it, shovel on the side, gas can and toolbox on the inside... it feels very secure. but this is recent and i cannot tell you how well it is going to hold up over time. :wink:

-nick

I appreciate your reply and experiences as I was looking for this answer. Thanks.

Safari Roof Rack, suggestions

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