[cc4005]

This is long and pic heavy, so I've attached it as a pdf.

 

[cc4005]

So you don't have to download the 3mb pdf to see what this is about...

 

[WhiskeyMike]

Nice project and writeup. Much appreciated.

 

[CarWasher]

Agree! Great write up...

 

[atreggie]

Not to stir things, but the owners manual is pretty specific about adding additional load directly to the top.
Quote: "FREEDOM TOP™ THREE-PIECE MODULAR HARD TOP — IF EQUIPPED: The hard top is not designed to carry any additional loads such as roof racks, spare tires, building, hunting, or camping supplies, and/or luggage, etc. Also, it was not designed as a structural member of the vehicle, and thus cannot properly carry any additional loads other than environmental (rain, snow, etc.)."

 

[cc4005]

Not to stir things, but the owners manual is pretty specific about adding additional load directly to the top.
Quote: "FREEDOM TOP™ THREE-PIECE MODULAR HARD TOP — IF EQUIPPED: The hard top is not designed to carry any additional loads such as roof racks, spare tires, building, hunting, or camping supplies, and/or luggage, etc. Also, it was not designed as a structural member of the vehicle, and thus cannot properly carry any additional loads other than environmental (rain, snow, etc.)."

I wouldn't call that stirring things. You re-emphasize a very important point. We frequently undertake mods that are beyond the stated or intended design of the vehicle, and it's important to know it when we do. This mod is no different. I considered this carefully before putting the rack on my Jeep, taking into account others' experiences with similar racks. I also considered the that certain major rack manufacturers as well as major aftermarket dealers market these types of rail systems to Jeep/hardtop owners. Lastly, I considered how common it is for similar rack systems to be installed on commercial pickup caps, which is a similar configuration, IMO. As I note in the write-up, I also took extra precautions to reinforce the rail attachment as well as the hardtop/tub connection.

In the end, everyone makes their own decisions about what mods to undertake or avoid, and there's typically some difference of opinion (think wheel spacers for example). Your point is important and should be considered by anyone thinking of putting a rail system on their hardtop.

 

[YAY69]

I wouldn't call that stirring things. You re-emphasize a very important point. We frequently undertake mods that are beyond the stated or intended design of the vehicle, and it's important to know it when we do. This mod is no different. I considered this carefully before putting the rack on my Jeep, taking into account others' experiences with similar racks. I also considered the that certain major rack manufacturers as well as major aftermarket dealers market these types of rail systems to Jeep/hardtop owners. Lastly, I considered how common it is for similar rack systems to be installed on commercial pickup caps, which is a similar configuration, IMO. As I note in the write-up, I also took extra precautions to reinforce the rail attachment as well as the hardtop/tub connection.

In the end, everyone makes their own decisions about what mods to undertake or avoid, and there's typically some difference of opinion (think wheel spacers for example). Your point is important and should be considered by anyone thinking of putting a rail system on their hardtop.

Great response!
Install and write up look great, thanks for sharing!