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Aftermarket roof racks - not impressed with current options

Brnzbronc

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So searching for roof racks I’m not impressed by any of them. Some basic laser cut sheet blanks and extruded aluminum bars (80/20 what we call it) and 100’s of bolts holding these things together is not worth $1500 in my book. Is there anyone that’s hand Fabing these with some tube steel and mounting them to the rear bumper instead of between the hardtop and body panels?
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JediMcMuffin

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So searching for roof racks I’m not impressed by any of them. Some basic laser cut sheet blanks and extruded aluminum bars (80/20 what we call it) and 100’s of bolts holding these things together is not worth $1500 in my book. Is there anyone that’s hand Fabing these with some tube steel and mounting them to the rear bumper instead of between the hardtop and body panels?
I don't know anyone making the rack themselves out of extruded aluminum, though people are using that for rooftop tent frames for sure. Raket's design is kinda cool, but the only piece of gear I can want to relocate up there is firewood and I'm inclined to just put that on a hitch basket. Badass tents make full and half racks.

Hopefully $1500 isn't your ceiling, otherwise you're in for a shock.
 
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Brnzbronc

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Yea the aftermarket world is really taking the Bronco peeps to the cleaners on aftermarket. I get it that it’s new and people have to have the stuff right now. Crazy to think a rack like that goes for $500 for a Jeep but then they want to charge $2000 for a bronco version.. I could fab one myself but I’m older and dont have time to do projects like that anymore.
 

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rpeary

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In the below thread Archetype Racing is developing one for Bronco and has even hinted at a version for soft tops.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/ar-roof-rack-project.27768/

Personally, I'm waiting for an option for soft tops. One that can allow the top to fully retract even with the rack mounted. Similar to what these guys are doing / will do, if they get around to it. https://22winty.com/

Just enough rack to hold the basics or a cargo carrier, etc. No, I won't be camping on top of it but I don't need too. In a different thread they recently stated they will be asking ~$2800 for base model without accessories or shipping so that was a little hard to swallow, but hey, someone's gotta start somewhere I suppose. DEF am in love with the design/concept though!
 

BostonSasquatch

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I'm amused at the advertising photos and videos with a Bronco sporting the roof rack (or whatever) and charging fast over Level-2 roads, kicking up gravel and dust. Like that tells me how well the accessory is made, whether it meet my needs, and is worth the money?
 

Snacktime

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I'm amused at the advertising photos and videos with a Bronco sporting the roof rack (or whatever) and charging fast over Level-2 roads, kicking up gravel and dust. Like that tells me how well the accessory is made, whether it meet my needs, and is worth the money?
Got to love manufactures posting picture of stuff brand new out of the box, people doing reviews of products when all they did was bolt it on.

I think the best chance to see if a rack and tent setup is worth it is to go to a porn site and type in "Bronco" and "Roof top tent".
 

Bronc69

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OP: I'm with you! I just don't see the value in getting these racks for $1500.
Plus, I really want to take my roof off in the summertime.

I'm not sure if I'll be getting a soft top or not for my Bronco. Depends on how difficult it is to remove the rear hard top. I will figure out some way to remove it quickly and store it.

That being said, I'm leaning towards getting a 5x8 utility trailer instead of a roof rack!
It's a little bit more than a rack ($2200), but it only weighs 750lbs and has a GVWR of 3,000lbs, which is within the 3500lbs tow rating of the Bronco. I'd be able to quickly hitch-up the trailer and throw in the kayaks and bikes and still have the top off.
https://www.allamericandenver.com/2022-h-and-h-5x8-utility-trailer-no-ramp-gate-yDIj|zac.html

They do make cheaper trailers as well. A 4x8 utility trailer will haul less, but will come in very close to $1500, but they only have 10" wheels whereas the one noted above has 15" wheels.

If nothing here floats your boat, contact a local fab shop to see if they can put together what you're looking for. It shouldn't be hard to come up with a drawing with dimensions for them to go from.

GL!
 

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I just picked up an OEM one for $300 until something more affordable comes along. It'll work for now.
 

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Brnzbronc

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OP: I'm with you! I just don't see the value in getting these racks for $1500.
Plus, I really want to take my roof off in the summertime.

I'm not sure if I'll be getting a soft top or not for my Bronco. Depends on how difficult it is to remove the rear hard top. I will figure out some way to remove it quickly and store it.

That being said, I'm leaning towards getting a 5x8 utility trailer instead of a roof rack!
It's a little bit more than a rack ($2200), but it only weighs 750lbs and has a GVWR of 3,000lbs, which is within the 3500lbs tow rating of the Bronco. I'd be able to quickly hitch-up the trailer and throw in the kayaks and bikes and still have the top off.
https://www.allamericandenver.com/2022-h-and-h-5x8-utility-trailer-no-ramp-gate-yDIj|zac.html

They do make cheaper trailers as well. A 4x8 utility trailer will haul less, but will come in very close to $1500, but they only have 10" wheels whereas the one noted above has 15" wheels.

If nothing here floats your boat, contact a local fab shop to see if they can put together what you're looking for. It shouldn't be hard to come up with a drawing with dimensions for them to go from.

GL!
Yea I have trailer I use to run to the hardware store or to carry large objects. I pulls pretty good but I really don’t want to haul a trailer across the US if I want to take a trip. I’m really gearing up for a trip to Telluride for some back road trips. I don’t have a use for a roof top tent , I’m good with an old fashion tent and foam mat. I’m kind of stuck cause the tire carrier bumpers with accessory mounts are expensive and they only hold jerry cans. That one from GOBI looks promising though but not sure about the A pillar mount 🤔.. I like that it mounts to where the ditch lights, I’d like to see it mount to the top window accessory mount.
 

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Vtfakie

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That one from GOBI looks promising though but not sure about the A pillar mount 🤔.. I like that it mounts to where the ditch lights, I’d like to see it mount to the top window accessory mount.
It doesn't really mount to the A-pillar, more of a support/resting point. The primary front mount utilizes the accessory mouting bolts above windshield and on the ditch light mount as you mentioned.
 
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Brnzbronc

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It doesn't really mount to the A-pillar, more of a support/resting point. The primary front mount utilizes the accessory mouting bolts above windshield and on the ditch light mount as you mentioned.
Ok that doesn’t seem to bad, I couldn’t tell by the pictures of how that was mounted
 

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I just picked up an OEM one for $300 until something more affordable comes along. It'll work for now.
Was that from the dealer or a privtae purchase.
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