What's the Best Jeep Roof Rack That's Right for You?

When it comes to aftermarket mods for your Jeep, you have a lot of options. If you’re someone who likes taking your vehicle out on the trail or for long overlanding trips, though, you know how important it is to have storage, and a Jeep roof rack is crucial. There are all kinds of roof racks available with different features for specific jobs and types of equipment. Depending on what you’re hauling, where you’re going, and how you’re getting there, one of them will be better for your needs than the others. Knowing how to choose the best Jeep roof rack for you and your specific vehicle will help you make the best choice so you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Benefits of a Jeep Roof Rack

The most important and obvious benefit of a Jeep roof rack is the expanded storage capacity you can get from it. This is especially helpful if you’re going to be taking a multi-day off-roading trip and you don’t want to sacrifice storage inside the cab of your Jeep. With a roof rack, you can store your luggage, coolers, camping gear, and other large pieces of equipment without losing interior space. ​ A roof rack can also be an aesthetic improvement for your Jeep. Racks tend to add a sporty, rugged look that will make your Jeep look tougher on or off the road. You can also choose powder coating and materials that will enhance the style elements that are already there. This will help you round out your vehicle’s aesthetic and give it the finished, purposeful appearance you’ve been dreaming of.

What to Consider When Choosing a Jeep Roof Rack

Roof Type

Not all Jeeps will be able to handle a roof rack and some may require special mounting hardware or modifications. If, for example, you have a Wrangler with a removable hard top or a soft top, the mounting points will be different from those for a Grand Cherokee roof rack that already has fixed cross bars. The type of roof will determine the mounting needs and whether or not you’ll need to buy extra equipment like specialized clamps or feet to fit a rack on your Jeep.

Cargo

The type of cargo you plan on carrying is also an important consideration when choosing a Jeep roof rack. Every Jeep has a manufacturer-rated roof weight limit and every rack has its own set of limitations. It’s a good idea to sit down and make a list of everything you want to carry with you so you can get a solid estimate of how much weight you want to carry. If you want to carry recreational equipment like bikes or skis, be sure to look for a rack that has quick-mount accessories to make it easy to load your gear and hit the road.

Rack Style

There are many different styles of racks to choose from and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. A crossbar system is low-profile and aerodynamic, while a basket will provide more versatility but may affect your aerodynamics. Modular racks allow for extra equipment to be mounted on the roof, like lighting rigs or awnings, and they’re perfect for longer trips or overlanders. Style choices all narrow down to what kind of driving you’re going to be doing and how much you want your rack to play into it. Materials Most Jeep roof racks will be made from steel or aluminum and the type of cargo you’ll be carrying will determine which is better. If you’re going to be carrying heavy gear, a steel rack will be your best bet.

However, if you’re only going to be taking occasional trips and mostly use your Jeep for daily driving, a lighter aluminum rack will be a better option and will keep your curb weight down. Installation The installation process is a big part of what makes a Jeep roof rack right for you and your needs. Some racks are incredibly simple to install and require very little in the way of mounting equipment or modifications. Others will require you to drill into posts or make complicated mods, which can not only be a lot of work but may also void the warranty on your Jeep.

Knowing what you’re capable of and how deep into the weeds you want to get will ensure that you get a rack you can install without too much trouble. ​ No matter what kind of Jeep roof rack you’re looking for, ExtremeTerrain has you covered. With options for all kinds of needs and styles, you can get a rack that will enhance your Jeep’s look and give you the extra cargo space you want.