I need some roof rack guidance...

[RedPandaMonium]

Even my Ford dealer steered me away from the OEM roof rack. I went with TrailRax on my 2 door and super happy with it. I took out 3 of the 7 cross bars to fit my Thule box and it feels super stable and fits 4 pairs of skis and 2 pairs of boots. We've done 3 four hour trips to Tahoe. We did have to pad the front bar (with pipe insulation from Home Depot) so the box wouldn't keep banging on it.

You could do a 2" hitch receiver ski rack, too, that holds them upright.

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[Gluestick]

I use the ROAM mounts which have a billion ways to mount them and have it somewhat offset in the back for two Roam 128s long ways, and one Roam 95 sideways, which leaves open the front for open air (or more recently) two of the front runner wolf pack boxes. (I mount two more of those on the AAL Spare Tire Platform).

I actually have a second Roam 95 and brackets, but haven’t decided whether I want to mount it like the first, change things around, or do something else.

I also mount gear shade limbrisers to the rack, we’ve got some low branch trails down in the southeast too.

here’s a pic from Monday coming home from the Roan:

and loaded up in the fall for Shenandoah:

 

[UncleBuck]

Trailrax makes the best aftermarket roof rack for the bronco if you add the pax rax. The full length members are single piece and "L" shaped. The rack is built like a tank and still allows front panels to be removed. For ultimate weight bearing capability, get the JCR reinforcement brackets that go under the rear clam shell and attach directly to the rear crossmember on the roll cage. I would have added these to mine but JCR didn't have them available when I got my trailrax rack. I'm going to add them at some point but it requires me removing the rack and complete hardtop and I am lazy.

 

[murphtron]

If you want to carry any real load I agree TrailRax is the way to go. But it’s expensive. I opted to go another way as I couldn’t justify the cost for mainly wanting to carry skis.

I realized I just don’t carry that much, even when offroading or overlanding. I’m a minimalist. With a 4dr I keep everything inside. Except for skis! So I got a cheap Broaddict knockoff of the OEM rack for $350. And I take it off after ski season so I can go topless.

Of course there’s never more than 2 people in the Bronco when off-road. Keeps it light.

 

[OverlandingPastor]

I've spent the last 3 months looking at just about every roof rack available for the Bronco so I would be ready when mine arrives. As others have said, TrailRax is the best but it is also the most expensive (base Rack consistently $450 more than others). They do go on sale from time to time but even then you'll be $300 more than others before even getting the pax rax. Some of the other heavy duty racks, including the RCI have experienced hardtop sag issues and require reinforcement brackets developed after the issues surfaced. I think I would regret saving $300-400 and then having a problem so I will likely go with the TrailRax.

That said, I wish I could find a Rack I felt good about Overlanding with 3-5 times per year but could then easily remove between trips. My Bronco is my daily driver and I am transitioning to it from a Wrangler JK that I've had for 12 years. I love riding with the top off and I'll lose that with the TrailRax Rack (and all other similar heavy duty racks ive seen). I understand I can still remove the front panels and second row but anyone who has done that knows it is not the same as being topless. It's a compromise I've decided to make for now and hope some other options emerge in the future.

 

[Gluestick]

Well i think you could take a bunch of the crossbars out when you aren’t using it for loads to free up the open air experience in the first two rows. Still not going to give you the wide open rear open air experience though.

 

[TrailRax]

Please give us a call! We would love to help you through this process! We will be able to help with accessory compatibility as well!

(385) 777-2601

 

[MTHOOK]

I use the ROAM mounts which have a billion ways to mount them and have it somewhat offset in the back for two Roam 128s long ways, and one Roam 95 sideways, which leaves open the front for open air (or more recently) two of the front runner wolf pack boxes. (I mount two more of those on the AAL Spare Tire Platform).

I actually have a second Roam 95 and brackets, but haven’t decided whether I want to mount it like the first, change things around, or do something else.

I also mount gear shade limbrisers to the rack, we’ve got some low branch trails down in the southeast too.

here’s a pic from Monday coming home from the Roan:

and loaded up in the fall for Shenandoah:

What brand is your spare tire carrier?

 

[Gluestick]

American Adventure Lab Spare Tire platform. Game changer for getting stuff out into the woods. The swing gate brace is the hammerbuilt, and the spare tire mount is the up/out spacer from RTR.

 

[BroncoSunFun]

Depends if you care about keeping the roof easily removable or not. Personally, I use a hitch-mount rack because it’s easy on and off - there when I need it and out of the way when I don’t. If you never remove the top, Gobi probably makes the best product out there. I would just use your yakima trailer - that is easier access than anything else if u don’t mind pulling it.

What are you using for your hitch and rack setup?

 

[Black_Stallion13]

What are you using for your hitch and rack setup?

https://www.hitchmount-rack.com/

I also have a hitch extender I use with it to give myself a little more adjustability room. My only complaint is it’s a bit bulky to store when not in use… I just throw it in my barn out back but I guess you could hang it up in a garage relatively easily. I found mine on FB marketplace for $200 so you might want to check there first.

 

[smelly]

Even my Ford dealer steered me away from the OEM roof rack. I went with TrailRax on my 2 door and super happy with it. I took out 3 of the 7 cross bars to fit my Thule box and it feels super stable and fits 4 pairs of skis and 2 pairs of boots. We've done 3 four hour trips to Tahoe. We did have to pad the front bar (with pipe insulation from Home Depot) so the box wouldn't keep banging on it.

You could do a 2" hitch receiver ski rack, too, that holds them upright.

Do you have any photos of what this looks like installed on your 2 door? Trying to decide on a good roof rack that will fit my Thule Force XT

 

[OverlandingPastor]

Do you have any photos of what this looks like installed on your 2 door? Trying to decide on a good roof rack that will fit my Thule Force XT

I've decided to go with the RAKET Designs base rack because I can completely remove it when not overlanding and take the complete top off of my Bronco. I've looked at lots of racks and was leaning towards the Trailrax for a long time, but structurally the RAKET design rack is just as good or better and gives me the flexibility I want. I can remove it in 5-7 minutes. I LOVE riding with the top off of my Jeep Wrangler and know I will miss that if I setup my new Bronco in a way that doesn't allow me to easily do it. So although it's quite the investment...it was worth it for me long-term. BaseRak - Raket Designs

Update: This rack also has the ability to serve as a flat rack or you can pull the pins, flip it over, and use it as a basket. Additionally, they've just added a "Bakrak" rear section that is modular and can provide additional storage.

 

[RedPandaMonium]

Here you go

Do you have any photos of what this looks like installed on your 2 door? Trying to decide on a good roof rack that will fit my Thule Force XT

 

[Jael.overland]

American Adventure Lab Spare Tire platform. Game changer for getting stuff out into the woods. The swing gate brace is the hammerbuilt, and the spare tire mount is the up/out spacer from RTR.

Hey!
Just got the AAL platform and the IAG tailgate reinforcement. I liked that it included the whole hinge thinking it would make the tailgate able to take heavier loads than those without.
But as soon as we put the spare tire back on it sags a bit, so am a bit disappointed! I am hesitant to use the AAL since it will
Just add more weight.
How are you finding your Hammerbuilt once you are loaded up?

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