Jeep Roof Racks: Which One Is Right For Your Off-Road Needs?
When preparing for an off-road excursion in your Jeep Wrangler, the right roof rack can make all the difference. The best Jeep roof rack increases your vehicle’s storage capacity and ensures your gear is transported safely and effectively.
Whether you’re carrying professional equipment, camping supplies, or sporting gear, it’s important to find a roof rack system that meets your needs. However, not all roof racks are created equal, and the best one for you will depend on what you plan to use it for.
Some racks are built to withstand years of heavy overland use, while others are simpler systems designed for weekend trips. Others are designed to transport specialized professional gear around town every day.
Let’s look at some of the most common types of roof racks and which is right for your off-road needs.
1. Full-Length Platform Racks
If you need as much cargo space and utility as possible, a full-length platform rack is the way to go. Full-length racks cover your Jeep’s entire roof, giving you room for all your gear and accessories.
The Slimline II Jeep roof rack is a perfect example. It offers a strong, expansive platform that can support everything from rooftop tents to storage boxes. It’s ideal for long off-road trips where you’ll carry several pieces of equipment.
Due to its flat surface, it’s also completely customizable, allowing you to secure gear in various shapes and sizes with ease. However, the roof rack is heavy, adding more weight to the top of your vehicle and potentially affecting its aerodynamics.
2. Half-Length Platform Racks
If you want to balance more storage and an open-roof space for your off-road needs, look into a half-length platform rack. These will take up only part of the roof, providing an area for what you need without fully engulfing your rooftop.
The Slimline II 1/2 Roof Rack Kit is a great example and contains a small yet valuable platform for items such as recovery tracks or smaller cargo boxes. This option is ideal for the weekend traveler who wants extra space on short outings but wants to retain part of their usable roof.
They’re lightweight, meaning they’ll have less impact on fuel economy than full-length racks, too. If you want a low profile and versatile off-road option without any permanent commitments, a half-length platform Jeep roof rack is one of the best options out there.
3. Load Bar Systems
Load bar systems are a no-nonsense solution for the Jeep-owning minimalist or those who simply need to transport certain gear. Comprising two or more bars that run perpendicular to your vehicle’s roof, they allow you to use a range of carriers or even lash gear directly to them.
Load bars are less heavy and cumbersome than full platform racks, keeping your Jeep slimmed down for off-road conditions. Lower mass atop unsupported suspension also means a decreased tendency for body roll during everyday driving situations.
However, as one might conclude from their name alone—with surface area averaging 20-30″ squared—load bars have less space upon which gear can perch compared with platform tops. This difference is negligible for items like bikes. Still, others may require added mounts.
4. Roof Baskets
When you need to stow gear but don’t want the confines of an enclosed box, or if you’re concerned about overhead clearance and want a low-profile rack, roof baskets provide the perfect solution. An open carrier offers no-hassle convenience: Just drop your gear and go.
For example, a roof basket like the Slimline II Roof Rack Kit with Expedition Rails gives you all the advantages of a platform rack plus the added benefit of rails that help secure your load.
This configuration is perfect for outdoorsy, off-road types who like to blast down rough terrain and need their gear security on the trail. However, since they are so versatile, roof baskets increase wind resistance and won’t help you improve gas mileage.
So, in general, if you care more about what you can carry and how easily you can access your stuff than having a low drag coefficient, a roof basket might be right for you.
5. Modular Rack Systems
Modular rack systems are the way to go if you want the most customization and greater adaptability. With these systems, you can build your roof rack arrangement to suit your specific needs by adding or removing components as necessary.
The Slimline II Roof Rack Kit is highly regarded for its modularity. Users can directly attach all kinds of gear (think rooftop tents, awnings, and storage solutions) to it. This level of versatility is perfect for off-roaders who rely on different equipment depending on the trip.
Modular systems make upgrading or expanding your rack easier as you outgrow old gear or acquire new toys. Still, remember that modularity generally means a higher price tag and more up-front assembly work.
If you like to take a high-customization approach and have a wide range of gear potential down the line, this type of system will best meet your off-road needs.
Final Thoughts
The roof rack you choose for your Jeep Wrangler impacts not only the capacity of your vehicle but also the kind of off-roading trips you can take.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of full-length vs. half-length platforms, load bars, roof baskets, and modular racks can help you decide what will work best for your off-road trips and what gear to carry.
Whether you go on long overland trips, always travel with lots of gear, or simply bring extra stuff ‘just in case,’ a good roof rack for your Jeep Wrangler makes life easier and ensures you never have to leave anything behind.