The best roof rack doesn't exist 🤷

[TLO]

I'm not overly concerned about whether I can remove the roof panels or not... Just looking at mostly a utilitarian perspective.
To remove the panels on the RCI, the side supports need to come off?

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[Ramble_Offroad]

IMPO Ford is part of the problem. Given that the stud on the windshield surround has a torque spec of something like 6 foot pounds and the rear roof racks attachment points are poorly designed. I’d say the options for a 2D are slim. I had a rack a while back and sold it. If I went back the only one I’d consider would be the Trailrax with the side support panels that fit under the rear shell.

 

[TLO]

IMPO Ford is part of the problem. Given that the stud on the windshield surround has a torque spec of something like 6 foot pounds and the rear roof racks attachment points are poorly designed. I’d say the options for a 2D are slim. I had a rack a while back and sold it. If I went back the only one I’d consider would be the Trailrax with the side support panels that fit under the rear shell.

I've just recently upgraded to a 4 door
Every rack I've looked at, isn't properly engineering the front mount for safe, secure mounting. You'll need to see what I'm talking about in my video of the Valkyrie rack.
Where the pair of studs protrude from the roof, there are 1 inch diameter raised bosses around each stud. The rack SHOULD have mounting holes big enough to utilize these 'bumps' for rigidity and strength. This way, the only stress on the studs are torsional, straight up and down and all the load is carry to these raised bosses.

Have a look at at about 2:40

 

[RC Bronco]

I'm not overly concerned about whether I can remove the roof panels or not... Just looking at mostly a utilitarian perspective.
To remove the panels on the RCI, the side supports need to come off?

Yes the extra side panel needs to come off to remove the roof. I ran an IO Carbon Fiber up there for 16 nights straight no issue driving across the country and doing some off-roading (RMNP to GTNP & Yellowstone w/ various trails around and on the way to each)

 

[redone17]

First, you’ll want to make sure you have a fairing on any rack that you choose. Otherwise wind noise will be unbearable.

I’ve been running the RCI for years without the extra support brackets without any issues. GFC Superlite and an ARB awning on Prinsu low profile brackets.

I feel the same way about that Westin as I do the Trailrax - it looks like the rear is missing a piece.

 

[redone17]

Oh, but do answer your question: NO.

They all have their flaws or setbacks. While I am happy with the RCI - there is room for improvement.

 

[OriginalC]

trail rax is by far the best roof rack for our platform.

 

[Draughon]

Look at Turn Offroad

https://turnoffroad.com/collections/bronco-roof-racks/products/2021-ford-bronco-roof-rack-4-door-1

 

[RustysBronco]

So I just bought a new, 2025 4 door (moved up from a 2 door)
And I just can't seem to find a rack that works for me...
For example...
the Prinsu is too low profile. How do you easily mount an tent??

The DV8 rack crossbars are set down inside the rails... Is there enough room for my basket and Foothill tent side by side??

The RCI comes close, but that crazy side rail filler piece? Probably needed for the weight I'm carrying but the design seems less than ideal.

I DO need the slotted rails to adjust the crossbars 100% because of my (almost) fixed mounting location of the Yakima basket.

The Traikrax setup looks good, but I don't want the side Pax (I don't think).
And there's obviously a reason they added the front rail braces as an option? Failures? Breaks?

The Westin is a nice looking, well engineered rack... The utilization of the t-nuts and the crossbar "saddles"
I like the nice clean side rails but I can't see a way to mount my Yakima awning to it? There's a single t-slot rail and it's angled up, not vertical

And also, I need Canadian distribution. No way I'm having one sent up from the US. Just way too much money.

Thoughts and experiences?
Thanks

I'm with you on all the above thoughs. Trailrax also leaves the unfinished look at the windshield mounting points. And frankly, with their success, everyone has them. I'm not looking to have a rig that resembles every other Bronco out there.

 

[TLO]

I'm with you on all the above thoughs. Trailrax also leaves the unfinished look at the windshield mounting points. And frankly, with their success, everyone has them. I'm not looking to have a rig that resembles every other Bronco out there.

Which is kinda why I like that Westin...
It's a outside the box approach to implementing the crossbars, the multiple t-nut channels in the crossbars and side rails, the unique lightbar solution...
The one thing that bothers me is the rear hook-clamp section...
It actually doesn't clamp on from both sides but relies on the tension between driver and passenger side, outside clamps.

 

[RustysBronco]

I'm leaning towards Bison for everything except the price and the delivery from afar, with no local support.

 

[Oilbrnr]

Have you looked at the more traditional (and long time makers) roof racks like from Front Runner?

 

[Ape Factory]

How bout JCR? Have you checked their rack out? I have it and it runs in either a full or half rack configuration. I go back and forth between the two. I have the side racks as well and just leave them on but they too are easy enough to remove if you want.

Low enough I can still get in the garage, high enough that you can remove the roof panels with the full rack on.

And the half rack configuration without the side panels.

 

[TLO]

How bout JCR? Have you checked their rack out? I have it and it runs in either a full or half rack configuration. I go back and forth between the two. I have the side racks as well and just leave them on but they too are easy enough to remove if you want.

Low enough I can still get in the garage, high enough that you can remove the roof panels with the full rack on.

And the half rack configuration without the side panels.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I need, except a little more fore and aft adjustability for my basket.

However, seeing as the Skinny Warrior is like $700 CDN now (I bought it with Ford points way back with my 1st Bronco...I think it was $425 thru Ford) I might put the basket up for sale and maybe go with a Pelican cargo box

 

[Reich480]

Badasstents.com, 1/2rack works for my 2 door badlands. They make a rack for 4 door bronco which your still able to remove the roof panels

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