Source
r/Wrangler•
greygray

Deciding between JKU and JT: Roof Rack and Hard Top Questions

Hey there! I'm planning to put in an order for either a JKU or JT for the 2022 MY, but I had some final questions before I make my decision.

I plan to get an overland setup for my build but my primary concern is whether or not I'll be able to take the top down whilst also keeping the rack mounted on my car full-time. I live in San Francisco and while I have a garage, I don't have space to store overlanding gear when I'm not using it.

I've been leaning towards the JT purely because the JT has a bed wherein I could easily put in a bed rack and overland tent, leaving nothing above the cabin / hard top. Having access to the top is really important to me and probably a top 3 reason why I'm ultimately deciding on a Jeep vs another vehicle.

Are there any roof rack solutions for the JKU that allow you to easily remove panel(s) from the hard top?

Thanks!

Posted Oct 1, 2021, 5:08 PM UTC

313
Money-Cover•

JLU

5
ItIsTanner•

i’ve always heard the rtt is a waste of money unless you use it multiple times a month. it’s just a huge weight to constantly carry around since it’s not easy to remove

2
NoDavid14•

There’s always the rhino racks. They mount directly to the hardtop and if it’s short enough it’ll allow for the freedom panels to be removed. But it sounds like you’re more in the JT’s world than the JLU so I’d go JT. Just my 2 cents

1
greygrayOP•

Thanks - I definitely started my search with the JT, but I'm concerned about parking a truck in the city (those extra 2' are really difficult...). I feel like if I could have this one objection removed with the rack and top, I'd be comfortable ordering a wrangler instead.

1
NoDavid14•

Gobi racks makes a quick release mechanism that allows the rack to be titled back for easier too removal. It’s a body mounted rack

0
Meth0dd14 JKUR•

This is not a good option if he plans to install a roof top tent which, from his other comments, he does. It's too much weight to rotate the rack back to remove the top, then you need to contend with the rack being in the way while trying to remove the hardtop. I think he mean just the freedom panels which can be dont without removing the rack or tilting it back.

1
Meth0dd14 JKUR•

Rhino Rack with the backbone system.

https://i.imgur.com/ty6iyqM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Af8xxJq.jpg

Panels pop right out just as before. Hardtop come off without any additional bolts. It's 90lbs heavier with the rack though so a hoist may be needed.

1
thelastspike•

Or just skip the rack and get a regular tent, saving you thousands. Or if you get the gladiator, just drop the tailgate and sleep in the bed. Or if it’s just you and one passenger, set up the back of the JLU for sleeping by removing the back seat and making a platform. There is a guy on YouTube that has spent a year traveling in his YJ, and he sleeps in the YJ. I suspect that a lot of people that have a RTT don’t really need it. It’s also a lot of weight up high, so you are really messing up your COG.

1
NachoDiesel•

https://maximus-3.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-jlu-roof-rack/maximus-3-jl-roof-rack-system-long

1
_steeplecorn•

Here is the rack I added to my JKU that allows for removal of the freedom panels:

Body Armor JKU Roof Rack

0
greygrayOP•

Body Armor JKU Roof Rack

Thank you very much for sharing this! Would you mind sharing what roof tent you're currently using for your JKU? I was thinking that I'd definitely want a hardtop roof tent, but those are pretty heavy and have a bigger footprint than the soft roof tents.

1
Meth0dd14 JKUR•

I would not use that rack to mount a tent. Look into Rhino Rack with the backbone supports system. Freedom panels come out easy. Top comes off without any extra bolts to remove. It's just 90lbs heavier.

1
[deleted]•

Don’t get a JT. They’re disgustingly oogly

-1†