Hardtop Roof Rack: if you were buying today?

[jofer]

Another vote for trailrax from me. I know you're not looking for a half rack, but I think they're by far the best for folks who are. There are other options that seem to be good for a full rack, especially for 4-door. In my case (2dr, really wanted a half rack to keep the top panels fully open), they're the only really good choice. They're also local, in my case, which was a very big plus.

One note for anyone looking at the 2dr half rack with the side packs (I can't remember the proper name for those right now): The optional grab handles for the side of the top rack won't quite work as-is for the 2dr half rack with the side packs. You'll need to use some spacers or stacked washers to move them out to clear the top mounts for the side carriers. No big deal, but it makes them weaker, as there's more leverage being put on the side of the rack.

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[MaximuNashville]

Okay, I think I’m fully sold on trailrax thanks to all the good feedback here. Saw this one today and really like the look. Anyone have any experience? Still waiting for a trailrax sale…

https://iagoffroad.com/westin-21-23...ack-main-cross-bars-textured-black-15-00015b/

 

[RallyGorgo]

There’s a sale going on right now, President’s Day sale? Check their site.

 

[MaximuNashville]

There’s a sale going on right now, President’s Day sale? Check their site.

You got me all excited! lol. I checked and it looks like none of the 4 door racks qualify bc they aren’t in stock.

 

[MaximuNashville]

@TrailRax - is there a ‘kit’ that would allow someone to upgrade to the full rack from the Pax Rax stand alone kit?

Also, why can’t I preorder this one and get a discount? doesn’t actually look like it can be ordered at all.

https://trailrax.com/collections/fo...it-for-the-ford-bronco?variant=43583515525287

 

[TrailRax]

@TrailRax - is there a ‘kit’ that would allow someone to upgrade to the full rack from the Pax Rax stand alone kit?

Also, why can’t I preorder this one and get a discount? doesn’t actually look like it can be ordered at all.

https://trailrax.com/collections/fo...it-for-the-ford-bronco?variant=43583515525287

We do not offer the Pak Rax stand alone kit because we are still in testing and finding ways to save on cost. To be entirely transparent, a half rack with pak rax is not far from just the stand alone pak rax in price.

 

[MaximuNashville]

We do not offer the Pak Rax stand alone kit because we are still in testing and finding ways to save on cost. To be entirely transparent, a half rack with pak rax is not far from just the stand alone pak rax in price.

makes sense! Appreciate the transparency. If I’m ever wanting to go full rack does it make the most sense to wait until I’m completely ready? Thinking there no way to upgrade the half rack and that it’s a full replacement to go full length?

 

[EasternSierra]

What about the racks from Raket Designs?

 

[FootPain]

I have an RCI rack and besides some poor powder coating in some me areas it's done a great job and I think it looks the best

 

[TrailRax]

makes sense! Appreciate the transparency. If I’m ever wanting to go full rack does it make the most sense to wait until I’m completely ready? Thinking there no way to upgrade the half rack and that it’s a full replacement to go full length?

Adding more transparency here, Many brands offer that multi piece design of a rack to switch between the two but during our R&D of our TRMR Rack, we broke every single multi piece rack version that we made, it basically requires tons of material to be stacked there to keep the weak spot from breaking off.

If you see that you would run a full length rack for some trips, it is worth it to save till you can get the full length. The full length offers so many more benefits over the half rack. Also, you can still remove the front and middle panels off with the rack on! If you decide a half rack, we will absolutely help you getting the "kit" to upgrade to the full length when you see the need for it.

 

[MaximuNashville]

Adding more transparency here, Many brands offer that multi piece design of a rack to switch between the two but during our R&D of our TRMR Rack, we broke every single multi piece rack version that we made, it basically requires tons of material to be stacked there to keep the weak spot from breaking off.

If you see that you would run a full length rack for some trips, it is worth it to save till you can get the full length. The full length offers so many more benefits over the half rack. Also, you can still remove the front and middle panels off with the rack on! If you decide a half rack, we will absolutely help you getting the "kit" to upgrade to the full length when you see the need for it.

Refreshing to have a company be so willing to be honest! Now to start saving and watch for a sale on the full rack with pak rax.

 

[MaximuNashville]

What about the racks from Raket Designs?

I have an RCI rack and besides some poor powder coating in some me areas it's done a great job and I think it looks the best

Thank you both! I will check those out for sure. Really leaning toward trailrax but willing to keep an open mind for sure.

 

[TrailRax]

Refreshing to have a company be so willing to be honest! Now to start saving and watch for a sale on the full rack with pak rax.

We will have big sales at our shows we are attending this year and major holidays just as a hint hint!

 

[Sparkherd]

I've got a Turn Offroad 1/2 two door rack and I think it's just about right for what I need.

 

[CalvinT]

I originally ordered the factory rack. Then while waiting I started researching racks. I cancelled the factory rack. I couldn't find anything for it other than the Ford accessories catalog.

I went with TrailRax. First the t-bars are pretty generic. That means I'm more likely to find something that will bolt to it. They seemed to put the most thought into their design. Pax Rax is a good example. They add another 70 pounds capacity on each side. Their support is excellent, both on here and phone.

As others have mentioned, they often go on sale. I got a discount when I bought mine at Overland Expo.

It's a several hour project for two guys to install the rack, but the instructions were clear. Also there were no fitment problems.

I only made one change. The Pax Rax come with stainless hex bolts which clash with the all black finish of the TrailRax. I found stainless black oxide screws and washers on McMaster-Carr that matched the other hardware.

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