Roof rack / lights

[strokeZ]

I am a man on a mission here. I have two goals in mind to hopefully improve a few things for the Jeep.

1 - find a way to mount the Rola roof rack in a low profile way similar to the Defender rack mount

2 - find a way to mount low profile lights on said roof rack.

Reason for doing this is to be able to keep the rack on at all times (I need to remove it to get into my garage & parking structure at work.

Any help or ideas out there is greatly appreciated!

[IamJEEP]

The problem with the Rola rack is that its's too narrow. So, if you fab brackets similar to the defender ones, there will be a lot of stress on those brackets (especially when the rack is loaded up). You could make a crossrail that "hugs" the roof and bolts to the factory rails, then bolt the rack to it.

I'm having the same issue but, I plan on widening my rack so it will almost sit on the factory rails. Then I'll fab some brackets for it and install the lights. Good luck.

[Adondo]

Keep in mind the ''sag factor'' when you make crossbars. My rack can bow down over an inch (e.g. ''smile") when loaded up with camp gear. If it's too low, it'll rub the roof.

I can get mine in the garage, but it's barely 1/2'' of clearance. I'm lifted with bigger tires too. Measure it carefully, you might find it actually fits.

[strokeZ]

You could make a crossrail that "hugs" the roof and bolts to the factory rails, then bolt the rack to it.

Thats my initial idea.....

[Sal-XK]

You might have to just get the defender. Someone made a mount for there antenna that mounted right in the rails pieced together from the hardware store. With that mount if we can find it you would be able to figure the rest out. Check the CB thread it might be in there.

[strokeZ]

Sal: Agree that is probably the best way to go. I saw the CB mount but not sure how sturdy that would be. what do you think about running some either box or solid alum or steel through the three tie down straps then securing them at the roof rail (somehow)?

[IamJEEP]

I couldn't find the cb mod....?....where did you see it?

I don't think that will work 'cause, the roof is not flat. You will need a curve on the crossbar to compensate for this issue.

[strokeZ]

It's on the "other" forum - I think on the sticky. yeah I was thinking solid alum with curvature to it to match the roof line. Other than clearance, getting the rack as low as possible will help drag (I think).

[IamJEEP]

Yes it should, especially if you use a fairing up front.

[NeilSmith]

I see you're runnng a 4" and 285/70s so are a bit higher than most of us I think. I made mine so I could unplug the lights and remove the entire set-up, rack, lights, and all. I cant get into the touch free car washes with the rack on and I have run into some garages in DC that I wouldnt be able to get in. it would suck to go out of town and run into that problem. I use my rack when we go to Va Beach and I have to make sure the hotel doesnt have a garage but an open lot. I would suggest making it easily removable and just use it when you need it. Now, if you are using the rack to carry your spare then.......