Rough sketch of my KK SkySlider roof rack idea (photo fixed)

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:03 pm

As I've mentioned I'm working with a local fabricator to create a rack for my KK.

I think the idea we I have settled on is to create something that from the side looks like a safari rack but doesn't have any kind of a bottom in it.

My kayak saddles can go on the second and third rails. They should raise the kayaks up high enough that the sky slider can still open.

The wind deflector on the front should decrease both rack and sky slider wind noise.

What do you think?

Matt

Here's a URL since the photo did not seem to post correctly: http://www.flickr.com/photos/107662722@N04/10675714853

12KK SFD · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:18 pm

Fixed for you.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:22 pm

Personally i'd have the front back just a little ways
reason being as the wind hits the hood/then windshield area then up over having it right there it will catch a lot more air. Had a similar one on an XJ and moving it back about 4 inches helped the gas mileage and airflow a ton

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:37 pm

12KK - Thanks! How?

Tom - Good idea! Thanks!

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:28 pm

Slightly revised per Tommudd's suggestion.

Tom - did you mean like this?

Thanks!

Matt

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:53 pm

Yes more like that

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Mon Nov 04, 2013 9:33 pm

Thanks! Tom!

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 05, 2013 11:15 pm

So if I understand correctly, you're gonna build a rack similar to the one on that Zebra show KK that floats around the forums? (I think it was posted recently actually)

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Wed Nov 06, 2013 12:36 am

Junkie,

Yes. I looked at that exact ARB Safari Basket and thought about cutting the floor out of it.

My biggest problem was how to attach it and the fact that I would ruin the powder coating and have to refinish the basket again.

Has anyone actually seen that Zebra KK?

ARB Basket - http://store.arbusa.com/Roof-Racks-C13.aspx

Thanks!

Matt

mredmond · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 11:08 am

I'm not sure what Mopar does with their custom Jeeps after their done with them, but I haven't heard of anyone who's seen it. I do know though that I want that ARB rack. However, I've been told it was a one-off custom job for Mopar. But I'm going to be calling ARB sometime soon to check on that, and if so, to see if they might not be able to work something out...

However, if your rack works out well, I might just see if I can find someone to build one like that, but with a floor in it! It's looking good!

huntb · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 11:42 am

KKandKayaks wrote:

Junkie,

Yes. I looked at that exact ARB Safari Basket and thought about cutting the floor out of it.

My biggest problem was how to attach it and the fact that I would ruin the powder coating and have to refinish the basket again.

Has anyone actually seen that Zebra KK?

ARB Basket - http://store.arbusa.com/Roof-Racks-C13.aspx

Thanks!

Matt

I used to work for an automotive supplier and I've seen the zebra KK in person and took a few pictures in passing. It was just sitting in a parking lot at the Chrysler proving grounds. If I can find the SD card from my old phone I'll post them.

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 2:03 pm

LOST Newbie,

ARB has steel and alloy racks with floors exactly like the one on the Zabra Liberty but with no official method of attaching them to a KK.

Do you ever find yourself in the Midwest? Maybe I can get my fabricator to make 2.

Here's their website: http://autoprosoffroad.com/

Matt

huntb · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 2:15 pm

KKandKayaks wrote:

LOST Newbie,

ARB has steel and alloy racks with floors exactly like the one on the Zabra Liberty but with no official method of attaching them to a KK.

Do you ever find yourself in the Midwest? Maybe I can get my fabricator to make 2.

Here's their website: http://autoprosoffroad.com/

Matt

Hah, I think you mean mredmon, not LOST Newbie (now who's the newbie?)

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:17 pm

I'm totally a newbie! Sorry!

Matt

mredmond · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:21 pm

huntb wrote:

Hah, I think you mean mredmon, not LOST Newbie (now who's the newbie?)

Hahaha!

I'll make it easier for you KKandKayaks. I'm Matt too. :lol:

KKandKayaks · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:34 pm

Hell, I'm looking in the entirely wrong place for usernames!

I am a newbie!

Matt

mredmond · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:35 pm

KKandKayaks wrote:

LOST Newbie,

ARB has steel and alloy racks with floors exactly like the one on the Zabra Liberty but with no official method of attaching them to a KK.

Do you ever find yourself in the Midwest? Maybe I can get my fabricator to make 2.

Here's their website: http://autoprosoffroad.com/

Matt

I'm in Oklahoma, and I don't think I would find myself in Indiana or Michigan any time soon, especially not in the KK. However, I didn't realize ARB made just generic size racks. I'm sure if its just the mounting hardware that's lacking, that can easily be fixed up. I'll definitely be trying to find some shops that might be able to work up something clean for that...

huntb · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 5:29 pm

mredmond wrote:

KKandKayaks wrote:

LOST Newbie,

ARB has steel and alloy racks with floors exactly like the one on the Zabra Liberty but with no official method of attaching them to a KK.

Do you ever find yourself in the Midwest? Maybe I can get my fabricator to make 2.

Here's their website: http://autoprosoffroad.com/

Matt

I'm in Oklahoma, and I don't think I would find myself in Indiana or Michigan any time soon, especially not in the KK. However, I didn't realize ARB made just generic size racks. I'm sure if its just the mounting hardware that's lacking, that can easily be fixed up. I'll definitely be trying to find some shops that might be able to work up something clean for that...

U-bolts might even work to bolt the arb rack to the roof rails

mredmond · **Posted:** Thu Nov 07, 2013 5:35 pm

huntb wrote:

U-bolts might even work to bolt the arb rack to the roof rails

That's probably true and a good idea, but I currently don't have roof rails, so I'm hoping to be able to make a custom mount so that the rack will sit lower (versus being propped up on top of the rails), have a stronger and more stable mounting, and not cost me the extra of having to buy Mopar's likely overpriced plastic rails

Rough sketch of my KK SkySlider roof rack idea (photo fixed)

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