Disappointing RCI roof rack…

[Gypsy RN]

I bought @RCI Offroad roof rack for my 2 door Bronco because I like its looks better than Trailrax’s set up. I still think RCI has the best looking system, but I ran into rattling issues that leave me disappointed enough to put my old OEM roof rack back on. I use Inspired Overland’s light weight RTT. RCI’s rack has been rattling and emitting this popping sound that sounds like my hardtop is warping. I’ve disassembled, then reassembled it with rubber washers where I suspected problem points were. Same problem after a few days. Then I added 1/4” foam padding to where the rack hooks to the hardtop. No lasting improvement. I think there are gaps left due to included rubber hardware not fitting snuggly enough. Maybe that’s what’s slamming onto my roof during daily drives. Maybe I’m an outlier and more patient people create their own fixes, but at $1,028 not including light bar I expected more.

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[HoosierDaddy]

Good to know.
Thanks for the info.

 

[smonroe11]

I bought RCI’s roof rack for my 2 door Bronco because I like its looks better than Trailrax’s set up. I still think RCI has the best looking system, but I ran into rattling issues that leave me disappointed enough to put my old OEM roof rack back on. I use Inspired Overland’s light weight RTT. RCI’s rack has been rattling and emitting this popping sound that sounds like my hardtop is warping. I’ve disassembled, then reassembled it with rubber washers where I suspected problem points were. Same problem after a few days. Then I added 1/4” foam padding to where the rack hooks to the hardtop. No lasting improvement. I think there are gaps left due to included rubber hardware not fitting snuggly enough. Maybe that’s what’s slamming onto my roof during daily drives. Maybe I’m an outlier and more patient people create their own fixes, but at $1,028 not including light bar I expected more.

Off topic but how do you like the Inspired Overland RTT with the OEM rack.

thanks!

 

[RallyGorgo]

I haven’t bought it yet but am saving my pennies for the TrailRax rack for my 2-dr Badlands. One of the guys I met at the Off-Roadeo in Moab a few weeks ago had it on his rig, VERY nice setup!! The bend at the top of the siderails make it look much stronger than the RCI. Yeah, the TrailRax is more expensive but, in this case, I think I’ll get what I pay for.

 

[RC Bronco]

This is the first I’ve heard of noises coming from the RCI roof rack

Did you install RCI’s hard top support bracket or JCR’s hardtop support bracket?

 

[SixEighty680]

I have the trailrax, they have foam inserts all around the brackets that connect up top for the clamping portion to eliminate that issue completely. If you want pix, I'll take some. I also added rubber strips to the parts of the tent that touch the rack so there is no metal on metal contact, so no squeal.

 

[BigSkyBronco]

I haven’t bought it yet but am saving my pennies for the TrailRax rack for my 2-dr Badlands. One of the guys I met at the Off-Roadeo in Moab a few weeks ago had it on his rig, VERY nice setup!! The bend at the top of the siderails make it look much stronger than the RCI. Yeah, the TrailRax is more expensive but, in this case, I think I’ll get what I pay for.

+1 for the TrailRax on a 2 dr Badlands

 

[Rednek]

I've had my Trailrax on since 2021 and no issues at all,well worth the extra cost i think.

 

[Gypsy RN]

Off topic but how do you like the Inspired Overland RTT with the OEM rack.

thanks!

Solid tent and not too expensive. Light weight, but if you’re over 6’ feet you may have to sleep at an angle. There’s a XL version and a lighter weigh upgrade since 2023. Didn’t want the long one since I camp solo and have a 2 door. Works great with an OEM rack.

 

[Gypsy RN]

This is the first I’ve heard of noises coming from the RCI roof rack

Did you install RCI’s hard top support bracket or JCR’s hardtop support bracket?

RCI’s if you mean the brackets you install rubber pads on. They’re included in the kit. Rear supports come up short creating a gap I needed to reinforce with cheap anti vibration pads from Home Depot. The stuff they use for washing machines. First thing that came to mind.

 

[Gypsy RN]

I have the trailrax, they have foam inserts all around the brackets that connect up top for the clamping portion to eliminate that issue completely. If you want pix, I'll take some. I also added rubber strips to the parts of the tent that touch the rack so there is no metal on metal contact, so no squeal.

That’s something I should have done from the get go. I left other rails bare since rattling was a non issue with my OEM set up. Learn from others I guess.

 

[RC Bronco]

RCI’s if you mean the brackets you install rubber pads on. They’re included in the kit. Rear supports come up short creating a gap I needed to reinforce with cheap anti vibration pads from Home Depot. The stuff they use for washing machines. First thing that came to mind.

Yup, believe it’s that bracket, asked cause that was a later addition

Hopefully RCI chimes in with some helpful advice and the rattling gets resolved

This rack is the only rack im interested in because of the low profile and straight front fairing. I just can’t fall in love with the curved fairing from other companies

Also glad to hear you’re liking the IO RTT - I’m going to be ordering the carbon fiber model once the finances allow

 

[Gypsy RN]

Yup, believe it’s that bracket, asked cause that was a later addition

Hopefully RCI chimes in with some helpful advice and the rattling gets resolved

This rack is the only rack im interested in because of the low profile and straight front fairing. I just can’t fall in love with the curved fairing from other companies

Also glad to hear you’re liking the IO RTT - I’m going to be ordering the carbon fiber model once the finances allow

The fairing and side supports are what sold me on RCI. I never take off my top, so it’s the best looking in my opinion. I’m going to take someone else’s advice and add foam on all tent to rack contact points. I’ll see how it goes.

 

[RC Bronco]

The fairing and side supports are what sold me on RCI. I never take off my top, so it’s the best looking in my opinion. I’m going to take someone else’s advice and add foam on all tent to rack contact points. I’ll see how it goes.

Hope it works for you - please let us know too !

 

[TLO]

I have a Valkyrie rack on my Heritage... On my last Bronco, a Badlands, it rattled and squeaked and creaked when loaded down. But it was solid.
All that noise came from slight movement at the mounting points, obviously... And wore INTO the mic top eventually.
With the painted Heritage roof, this was no bueno...
I added some PPF to the contact areas and 1/8" self adhesive foam padding to the brackets.
I'm hoping this will protect the roof!!
Have yet to test it out loaded down!

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