Take cargo rack off??

[Matt]

So i'm thinking of taking the roof rack off...... thoughts?

The #1 use I get out of it is bike carrying. So I won't be removing it until/if I get the rear SA bumper with tire carrier, in which case i'll be getting the Thule Spare Me bike rack. Note that I plan to go this route regardless since its a bit cumbersome getting the bikes [back] on the roof. I say "back" because its not hard... but after a long mtb ride, my arms are jello so lifting the bike isn't my favorite thing!

Other than that, it's come in handy for my OBX trip and a few times carrying some extra cargo that wouldn't fit. BUT, i wouldn't be removing it and losing capability. IF I remove i'll have one of the following:

1) A M100 trailer (or similar)
OR
2) Access to a Suburban (long story, but im working a deal with my old man who needs a new truck, but only for another year or two)

Sanity check please....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/09/20120928175708-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Lose the rack!!!!

[Matt]

lol didn't expect that from you! Any reasons?

I was thinking i can move my rear crossbar forward so I can still mount my bikes, but take the cargo rack off until the bumpers ready.

[1USMC]

I have the 3 generation 1/4 ton "Jeep Trailer" I believe is the M416.

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?412-What-do-you-pull-behind-your-Commander&p=31980&viewfull=1#post31980

I have always wanted to be able to drop some type of camper shell on it when I wanted my cargo to be a little more secure and/or dry.
Never had the time though to look into it.

Also I wish I had keep the stock swivel pintel hitch but I didn't know anything about wheeling when I got it LOL ....

[Matt]

Yeah that's an M416 and is on my radar too. regardless of what i do, id like to get one of those.... primarily for my OBX family vacations. Even if/when i have a burb, i'd rather pull that trailer down the beach than have a bunch of cargo on the roof.

[07JeepXK]

lol didn't expect that from you! Any reasons?

I was thinking i can move my rear crossbar forward so I can still mount my bikes, but take the cargo rack off until the bumpers ready.

I just think you XK looks better with it off. That's all.

[Matt]

If I take it off, id still be able to fit in my garage with the superlift....:)

.....and maybe put a Tough-Light 42" LED bar off the front crossbar, mounted nice and low pro :cool:

[Matt]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/20130530153831_zps34b4827b-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/20130530165818_zps5e5f56be-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Yup. Looks better already. Oh btw I'll need tires here in the next few months. I'm thinking about doing something crazy and going the next size bigger. 305/70 MT/R's with tube fenders up front (already have the main part that bolts to the fender from Jon, just needs the tube bent and welded to it) and then coming up with something for rear flare

[stites-xk]

I like it without the rack! Adam can't wait!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Wow I forgot how quiet the jeep is! Lol

Adam.... you're insane. Cant wait to see it!!

[jjt250]

Well looks like you already did it, but I would've too. Unless you really need it for space and cargo, I think the noise and MPG hit are good reasons to take it off.

[Core XK]

Well I disagree! lol someone has to right?

I have the same rack and I probably will rarely use it but I love the looks and the noise is unoticable with Duratracs on lol and I don't think its a noticable MPG decrease at all but thats just my .02

[Matt]

Yeah I barely get over 40 mph on my way to work so I doubt i'll see a change in MPG. It also wasn't very noisy... but I could tell it was there when it was on, i rarely listen to the radio.

I really was going through mod withdrawal and had to change something up.

[1USMC]

.......... I'm thinking about doing something crazy .....................

Looking forward to the pic's already !

[Core XK]

LOL I hear you man. I ordered pre-cut tints for my fog lights because I just need to do something!!! I may also order the chrome grab handles with some extra graduation cash.....or a new watch.

Anyway, I love the looks of the rack so don't get rid of it you may regret it!? I listen to the radio any time I am driving so to be honest I rarely hear the noise even from my duratracs

[jjt250]

Oh well if you barely go over 40 then I don't imagine it making much difference. Maybe I'm crazy, but I noticed a pretty significant increase in wind noise when I took my airdam off and a drop of .5 MPG.

[1USMC]

Well I disagree! lol someone has to right?

I'm with you.... I've waited for over 1 1/2 years for my rack to arrive. Its going on, even if I am a fish swimming up river for while I don't care.. LOL...

[Core XK]

I'm with you.... I've waited for over 1 1/2 years for my rack to arrive. Its going on, even if I am a fish swimming up river for while I don't care.. LOL...

lmao

[Matt]

lol im NOT getting rid of the rack. Its in my back yard and I can throw it on in 10 minutes if I need it. It's not like its a high dollar rack, wouldn't be worth selling.

[1USMC]

Oh well if you barely go over 40 then I don't imagine it making much difference.

Mmmm.... I could be in for a surprise then when I install mine. Our speed limits around here are 75 to 80 and we all go about 5 over.

( its still going on !! LOL )

[jjt250]

Haha well I've never had a cargo rack before so I don't have any solid evidence that highway speeds are going to make it dramatically louder. If I had to wait that long for my roof rack, I wouldn't care either!

[Matt]

Mmmm.... I could be in for a surprise then when I install mine. Our speed limits around here are 75 to 80 and we all go about 5 over.

( its still going on !! LOL )

I take back roads to work... otherwise the highway speeds here are 65 but you have to go 75 to keep up with traffic.

The only time the rack has been noticeably "noisy" is with heavy cross winds. Otherwise its just like slight background noise that's easily ignored.