Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts

Roof Rack and Radio Suggestions

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Nicholas777

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Apr 9, 2020
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I have a 2017 Soft Top Jeep Unlimited Rubicon and looking for a roof rack to hold 2 kayaks, nothing crazy in weight. I have read that some roof racks can cause ear piercing wind noise, those are probably the cheap ones. Yes I know I have a soft top and the noise is loud, just don't want anything screaming out f control while I'm on the highway.

I also have a regular radio, the one with knobs and looking to upgrade the radio. I know the Jeeps come with the Alpine system but what do you suggest. Are there other radios that are better, I don't want to be paying for the name but rather quality. If the two go hand in hand then so be it. It doesn't have to have the navigation system but if The Price Is Right, then I'm fine with the add-on. lol It need to be android compatible and while I'm upgrading the system, I'll be installing a backup camera.
 
I can't offer advice on roof racks since I've never had one, but I agree with what @BLACKJKU said above. The Gobi Racks are hands down the best racks money can buy for Jeeps to my knowledge. You get what you pay for, and this is one of those cases where you shouldn't skip out and buy something cheap.

Now as for the stereo, you're getting into a serious rabbit hole here.

Changing out the head unit alone will offer some improvement, yes. I would personally recommend this head unit:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RF971JK/?tag=jkforum-20

It's a very, very nice head unit, and Kenwood is a very good brand. Alpine is okay, but they aren't nearly as good as some of the other brands, just resting on their laurels unfortunately.

So yes, with a head unit like that, you will get better sound, but what's going to be limiting you even more is the factory setup. In order to get the best sound possible, you need to get rid of your factory speakers and replace them with better aftermarket ones (the factory ones are crap, even on the Alpine equipped models). Of course then you need an appropriate amplifier to power the new speakers, and likely a smaller sub to go along with them and replace the factory subwoofer.

You can easily spend $2000 here (likely more) to build a really nice sound system. I'm not talking about a competition "ghetto blaster" sound system, just a really nice sound system that an audiophile might like.

So you have to decide how deep you want to go into this rabbit hole ;)
 
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Glad you brought up speakers. I do plan on buying speakers because a receiver is only as good as its speakers. I was hoping not to have to rewire the whole car. I haven't messed with a car's sound system since high school which was a very, very long time ago. Back then it was a must to rewire but how about now, can I get away with the factory wiring? I do not plan on creating a megga sound system, just something to hear while the top is down.
 
Nicholas777 said:
Glad you brought up speakers. I do plan on buying speakers because a receiver is only as good as its speakers. I was hoping not to have to rewire the whole car. I haven't messed with a car's sound system since high school which was a very, very long time ago. Back then it was a must to rewire but how about now, can I get away with the factory wiring? I do not plan on creating a megga sound system, just something to hear while the top is down.
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Unfortunately you'll still have to rewire, there's no way around that. However, the end result will be amazing. On my TJ with the aftermarket stereo (head unit, amp, speakers, and small sub), I can hear the music loud and clear at 70 MPH with the top and doors off. One of the best upgrades I've done for sure!
 
Chris said:
Unfortunately you'll still have to rewire, there's no way around that. However, the end result will be amazing. On my TJ with the aftermarket stereo (head unit, amp, speakers, and small sub), I can hear the music loud and clear at 70 MPH with the top and doors off. One of the best upgrades I've done for sure!
Click to expand...
Do you happen to remember what size gauge wire you used to rewire the Jeep?
 
Nicholas777 said:
Do you happen to remember what size gauge wire you used to rewire the Jeep?
Click to expand...

Thick wire (12 or 14 gauge) is recommended for long wire runs, high power applications, and low-impedance speakers (4 or 6 ohms). For relatively short runs (less than 50 feet) to 8 ohm speakers, 16 gauge wire will usually do just fine.

Granted this was my TJ, I used 14 gauge wire throughout.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts
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