New (supporting) member here looking for info on the best options for a roof rack installation on my '18 Wrangler JK 2dr Hardtop. No rain gutters aft of the front doors makes this a bit of a challenge. Really hoping to avoid using the artificial rain gutters that can be drilled and bolted into the fiberglass hardtop. Don't trust them for even the light loads (2 kayaks) that I plan to carry.
Have read the forum threads about the rear window hinge brackets, but finally found someone in support at SmittyBilt who explained to me that those brackets are only approved for the 4dr models where you already have 4 gutter mount points over all 4 doors. Not recommended for use on the 2dr with only 2 front gutter mounts.
Seems to eliminate the possibility of finding a simple pair of crossbars without drilling or without going to a full four point frame mounted system. Anybody disagree??
OK, so now looking at SmittyBilt's SRC roof rack system #76716. Aside from bulkiness and wind noise concerns, I've seen comments that indicate that the rear mounts will require modification of the OEM rear bumper in order to install them.
Does anyone have experience with this situation, and if so how much modification to the factory rear bumper was required?
Finally, are there other recommendations for carrying kayaks on top of the 2dr JK Hardtop?
My primary use for the Jeep is as a toad to pull behind my RV and get us and the kayaks to water when we're camping. Not planning heavy-duty off-road use here.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Randy
aka Florida Boy
Have read the forum threads about the rear window hinge brackets, but finally found someone in support at SmittyBilt who explained to me that those brackets are only approved for the 4dr models where you already have 4 gutter mount points over all 4 doors. Not recommended for use on the 2dr with only 2 front gutter mounts.
Seems to eliminate the possibility of finding a simple pair of crossbars without drilling or without going to a full four point frame mounted system. Anybody disagree??
OK, so now looking at SmittyBilt's SRC roof rack system #76716. Aside from bulkiness and wind noise concerns, I've seen comments that indicate that the rear mounts will require modification of the OEM rear bumper in order to install them.
Does anyone have experience with this situation, and if so how much modification to the factory rear bumper was required?
Finally, are there other recommendations for carrying kayaks on top of the 2dr JK Hardtop?
My primary use for the Jeep is as a toad to pull behind my RV and get us and the kayaks to water when we're camping. Not planning heavy-duty off-road use here.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Randy
aka Florida Boy
