Picked up an '03 Renegade:) What's with the roof rack??

Ukraine Train · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:47 am

After looking around for a couple months I came across an '03 with 67k on it in pretty good shape. Of course the first thing I did was remove the tube steps and that plastic roof rack. Is it supposed to add some sort of functionality over the regular steel tube rack? It makes it look like the Ghostbusters car lol. Have you guys ever seen Liberties rust under the rear glass at the roof seam? This one has a little bubbling starting to show. I'll probably try to fix it before it gets worse.

As I got it:

and an hour later...

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:01 am

Welcome to the world of KJs...I think that they plastic basket was only for looks...it actulaly decreases the allowable amount of weight you were capable of placing in the basket so it really made no sense to use it.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:19 am

Actually, it didn't affect weight since you had to put the cargo ON YOUR ROOF. Crazy! While they put rubber strips on the roof, I still see cargo scratching up the top of the roof. I took mine off as soon as I could get a metal rack.

jerbacher · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:46 am

I bought a used renegade roof basket because I like it. No, it does not have the ability to hold the amount of weight that a steel basket would. Of course not. But, if you're only ever going to be carrying sleeping bags and tents and such up there, like me, then it makes sense. It doesn't add all the weight of a steel basket, and sits lower so it doesnt have as much drag. I know a lot of people dont like it, but I think it has its useful place for many people. Just thought I'd toss my opinion in here!

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:12 am

Welcome to the world of Lost. Awesome site. Lots of good information.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:23 am

I added my plastic rack because I think it makes the KJ look a little more beefy.
About that rust spot, My 03 has it I noticed it over the summer. I have 2 spots. One on the top inside of the rear window and one just right of the hi stop lamp on the roof

jerbacher · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:29 am

if you want a really sweet roof basket, go with the RL Gecko Basket Rack
http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/Liberty_gecko_accessories.htm

Ukraine Train · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:00 pm

If I decide to add any bumpers, baskets, rock sliders, etc. I'm going to make them myself. I design steel products for a living so I have access to CAD and machine shop tools for government jobs.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:13 pm

Ukraine Train wrote:

If I decide to add any bumpers, baskets, rock sliders, etc. I'm going to make them myself. I design steel products for a living so I have access to CAD and machine shop tools for government jobs.

Why dont you show us some of your designs for the KJ

I am sure if you have something good, we will buy

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:54 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

Actually, it didn't affect weight since you had to put the cargo ON YOUR ROOF. Crazy! While they put rubber strips on the roof, I still see cargo scratching up the top of the roof. I took mine off as soon as I could get a metal rack.

Page 143 of the 2004 Owner's manual (don't have my 03 one electronically) states "To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof capacity of 150lbs (68kgs) or 65lbs (29.5kgs) on Renegade models."

Only difference is the plastic tupperware on the Renegades.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:21 pm

It's probably 65 pounds because you have to carry stuff on that plastic rack instead of the metal bars on the normal KJ's.

You should be able to remove the plastic tupperware stuff and use the regular rails underneath.

XC204 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:30 pm

He will have to compete with "Boiler" for rack business.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:22 pm

Quote:

He will have to compete with "Boiler" for rack business.

innovation through competition

it's how &#&% gets done

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:09 pm

Hmmm, in 03 manual it is page 114 and it states states "To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof capacity of 100lbs (68kgs) or 65lbs (29.5kgs) on Renegade models."
Wonder why 03 only allows 100???

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:26 pm

probably got somethin to do with the plastic

i don't have the center section of my rack, if there was one? it's probably the same place my owners manual, jack, and rear cargo security cover is, at the PO's garage :lol:

Picked up an '03 Renegade:) What's with the roof rack??

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