I have the Smittybilt Defender that mounts to the rails and bolts under rear window.
Works great for what I wanted (hauling bales of hay, mulch, and light items)
I think the max load is 150lbs.

 

I looked it up online and think something like that would work. Easy install. You would think for the price they would throw in the mounting brackets. One improvement to it (are you listening Smittybilt?) would be a simple snap on black plastic cover that hides the bolt and tabs on the side brackets. Other than that it is on my list of possible choices! Thanks for the reply.

 

I read about all of the nay-sayers and gutter mounted racks. But I could not find a single example of someone who actually experienced a failure. No cracks. No breakage. No failure... so I went with the EAG 2-door rack on my 4-door. I wanted to be able to remove the freedom panels without having to remove or alter the rack. It mounts the same as the Smittybilt. The 4-door version has two gutter mounts per side plus the hinge mount.

Easy install and the 3-door is rated for 150 pounds while driving. Not sure about the 4-door version.

This is the one I have on my 4-door (JKU)

https://www.amazon.com/Length-Cargo...r/dp/B071FPT7XK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519245209&sr=8-3&keywords=eag+jeep+roof

This is the 4-door model

https://www.amazon.com/Length-Cargo...r/dp/B0728CZGJ1/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519245270&sr=8-2&keywords=eag+jeep+roof

 

So with the 2 door version I will still be able to take the freedom tops off?

 

When I first installed it 6 months ago.

 

FWIW, I wouldn't take the chance with a $2000+ RTT on it, but that is just me. Spend a few hundred more and get one that will handle the weight. My Teraflex Nebo was just under $700 with two slats.

If you are hauling light loads and smaller cargo, I can see that, but seems to be quite a risk if you have a heavy tent already at max (mine is 165 lbs) and the wind load it sees on the highway.

 

We used the Thule gutter mount s for several years but only had 2 snowboards and 2 sets of skis and some other gear in it.. No heavy loads. As sooner said, I would not risk a RTT on a gutter system. If it came loose on the hi way, you could kill someone.

 

have a thule. only carry bikes, boats, and sometimes a rooftop luggage carrier. seems fine for this applications. not really interested in a roof-top tent so never an issue. i'm happy.

 

Has anyone installed a Bestop Sunrider for hardtop with the 2 door version of the rack?


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I have it with the Smittybilt Defender, good clearance.

 

I asked that same question a few weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to try a sunrider yet on it but love the 2dr rack on the 4dr.

 

I asked that same question a few weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to try a sunrider yet on it but love the 2dr rack on the 4dr.


Beautiful picture!
Have you tried your Sunrider?
I have the Sunrider on my JKU already and I'm hesitating to order the rack due to concern that they may interfere.
Will be so helpfull if you could show me a close look of the rack's front end pictured from straight sideway.
Thanks

 

I would love to put a Defender on our hard top, but would also like to see Smittybilt make it an option (standard would be better) to have several spacers/isolators between the rack itself and the hard top to spread some of the load out to spots other than the gutter or rear window hinges - without a need to drill holes in the roof.

 

don't think a sunrider will fit, based on the pics of how far it goes back. The EAG rack extends just over the furthest rear part of the panels.

 

Here is where my rack sits. It would be really close! No doubt the sunrider would rest on it but I'd be worried about it folding correctly to lay flat.

 

based on those pics, I'd say its good to go. Sunrider will probably sit on the forward portion, but not interfere with it opening all the way. Good to know!

 

I really want to try it... I've tried to find one local. I may make the drive to bestop headquarters to test out one

 

If you try it, please let us know the result:happyyes:

 

Yeah, seems like the Sunrider's frame will be sitting on deflector and folded cloth will be touching lower pipe.
But the angle of Sunrider does not become excessively high, and it will not close by mistake.
I don't know how it damages the cloth when they hit at same point many times.
Maybe sticking cushioning materials like EVA may help protect the cloth.
Thank you for your cooperation!

 

Ok went and tried it and it fit perfectly so I bought it. I'll post up pics and better description in the bestop sunrider thread. Damn helping you guys cost me $600 today.

 

No doubt it worth more than $600!
I read your review on Sunrider thread. Looks like they fit perfectly together.
I can't wait to get and install my EAG rack now.