Recommend Me a Roof Rack!

[Surfnbike]

Can anyone suggest a roof rack for my 4-door that can carry:

1) A set of maxtrax securely, preferably allowing me to use my lockable t-slot maxtrax universal mounts or mounting pins
2) Extra firewood should I come across it on the trail.
3) A costco zero gravity chair so I can take a nap on the trail

BONUS: A standup paddleboard in a pinch when none of the above crap is on it!

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[CalvinT]

I like my TrailRax with Pax Rax. May be overkill for what you want. But I like being able to keep my options open.

 

[Montana Bronco]

Factory rack looks better than any of the aftermarket options I see around.

 

[RustysBronco]

I'm going to get absolutely roasted for this reply, but I said what I said.

Trailrax is my #1 pick. You won't have any regrests other than the money spent because they're expensive.

If going the OEM route, let's be honest. It's all from China. Go to ebay and you can find one for less than $300. You'll then need a platform for the T-slot style mounts. The cheap ones on Ebay ship with shit hardware that will rust in a few weeks of being mounted, so spend a little more and find a good quality product.

Here's my setup with my American Adventure Labs Sleeper Keeper mounts for my Gazelle tents installed. Those use the t-style hardware to mount.

 

[CalvinT]

Factory rack looks better than any of the aftermarket options I see around.

That is true. And I thought about the factory rack. But then I started thinking about how I'd be using a rack.

I do see more accessories made for the factory rack than when I ordered my Bronco. Also the factory rack is much less expensive.

 

[AZ_Craig]

I'd vote for Trailrax or perhaps Prinsu Pro if you don't care about not being able to get your roof panels out.

I plan on adding a Trailrax shortly assuming I can snag one on their Black Friday deals once live.

 

[Jim Walter]

I didn't get the OEM roof rack. I went with the Bajarack...not cheap. But stays mounted 7/24. I have the BL/SAS 4dr Bronco, so went with the 3" so it would fit in my garage. Love it. Load it up all the time with the things I need.

 

[Portagebay]

Check out the BajaRack. All welded design, lots of accessories for hi lift jacks, shovels, etc. maintains ability to remove roof panels. . Been running mine for two years, very happy.

 

[TrailRax]

Our Black Friday deals are live for SMS and Newsletter subscribers! Save up to 30% OFF! TrailRax.com

 

[SeptuagenerianSasquatch]

Our Black Friday deals are live for SMS and Newsletter subscribers! Save up to 30% OFF! TrailRax.com

Our Black Friday deals are live for SMS and Newsletter subscribers! Save up to 30% OFF! TrailRax.com

I'm a very satisfied Trailrax owner. And yes, I'll be taking advantage of the sale.

@Surfnbike There are plenty of threads on this and thebronconation.com, so poke around. If you go the trailrax option, a few thoughts:

Besides quality an design, the virtue of the TRMX is its versatility. For example, I added Heretic dome lights to the trmx sides, very handy, and a Heretic rocklight (same thing, but no user button) to the rear, wired to an aux switch, for backup. If your only need is a permanently mounted roof-top tent, it's more product than you need.

Your rear-most roof panel makes the trmx pretty much a permanent install, especially if you add the pakrax. To go topless front to back, you'll have to remove the entire trmx, and the pakrax is anchored by the screws which secure the rear-most roof panel to the body sides. Can be done, but it's time and a 2-man job. That said, the trmx allows you to remove the forward and middle roof sections.

If you're going for offroad lights, do get the Heretic lightbar. Pricey, but the two companies work closely and they're very compatible.

Most accessories can be easily and cheaply affixed with stainless 1/4 x 20 carriage bolts, T-nuts, lifting rings, rubber and stainless washers, hooks and things. Stay with 1/4 x 20 fittings and you're good. I keep a variety in a small organizing box, and am always ready to carry furniture, lumber, camping gear...

Install is best done by two.

The install problem point is the wind deflector bolted to the Bronco's accessory-ready bolts. It's a tight fit, be patient, don't over-torque, use a self-ratcheting flat wrench. Everything else is a snap.

 

[B Miller]

The ZROADZ rack has served me well. BUT you can only remove your front two roof panels.

 

[CalvinT]

I'd vote for Trailrax or perhaps Prinsu Pro if you don't care about not being able to get your roof panels out.

Just to clarify. You can remove your roof panels with the TrailRax. Not sure about the Prinsu.

 

[TrailRax]

Just to clarify. You can remove your roof panels with the TrailRax. Not sure about the Prinsu.

On our roof rack you can remove front and middle panels on the 4 door model and only the front panels on a 2 door (because the 2 door does not have middle panels). On the competing rack, no you cannot remove the panels while the rack is installed and it makes install a lot more difficult.

 

[Surfnbike]

Wow lots of cool racks on those Broncos; just like in high school there's lots of racks to choose from.

Alright I will check into these racks and probably report back with some questions. They all look like solid designs! If I get one of those full size racks like baja designs or trailrax I am undoubtedly going to have to load it up with so much gear that I'll look like I'm moving out of state.

One quick question I have is how is the wind noise with these full sizers? The Bronco already has a lot of wind noise, so maybe it's not much more noticable?

 

[SeptuagenerianSasquatch]

If I get one of those full size racks like baja designs or trailrax I am undoubtedly going to have to load it up with so much gear that I'll look like I'm moving out of state.

Or you got carried away shopping at Costco.

One quick question I have is how is the wind noise with these full sizers? The Bronco already has a lot of wind noise, so maybe it's not much more noticable?

Um...windnoise is significant. That also means wind resistance. Sorry. Especially if you're carrying gear. Deal with it.

@Surfnbike, edit: There are a few threads on this site regarding wind noise and reduction. Use the search mechanism, and learn what you can, because the MIC hardtop does have its leakage issues, which creates noise other than the roofrack itself. So you'll want to make sure the roof panels are seated and clamped down properly, the rubber gasketing is in proper position and well maintained (Honda silicon rubber treatment), and sometimes tighten up or fill a spot with foam, duct tape, that sort of stuff. A Bronco is a truck to love--and take good care of. You'll be a happy owner, I'm sure.

Edit, part 2: Found this for you to get started:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-sound-aka-more-or-less-cowbell-please.53833/

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