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We have something if you are looking for the best Jeep JK roof rack, the best Jeep TJ roof rack, or any Wrangler roof rack. Even if you aren’t searching for the best Jeep Wrangler roof rack, we have some great universal options perfect if you are looking for a Jeep XJ roof rack, Jeep Renegade roof rack, or a great rack for nearly any vehicle. Also see Choosing a Jeep Roof Rack.
Best Jeep Roof Racks
| Yakima Roof Racks | Smittybilt Jeep Roof Racks | Rugged Ridge Jeep Racks | |
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| Material: | Lightweight aluminum construction | Powder-coated steel tubing | Powder-coated steel tubing |
| Crossbars: | Aerodynamic, heavy-duty | Durable and removable | Durable, heavy-duty |
| Special features: | Universal instant strap-on options, various sized rack attachments, various accessories | 4-point mounting systems, rain gutter clamp brackets, tons of accessories, holds up to 700 lbs | 4-point mounting systems, unique tilt feature, easy access to top, 5 year warranty |
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Also see: Jeep Roof Racks Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Jeep Roof Racks
- Yakima Roof Racks
- Smittybilt Jeep Roof Racks
- Rugged Ridge Jeep Racks
- Trail FX J029T Roof Rack
- Rhino Rack Roof Rack Systems
Best Jeep Roof Racks Reviews
#1 – Yakima Roof Racks
- Material: Lightweight aluminum construction
- Crossbars: Aerodynamic, heavy-duty
- Special features: Universal instant strap-on options, various sized rack attachments, various accessories
They have rain gutter roof rack towers that can be used as a steady base for your roof rack. They’ve also got a more unique style of roof rack, which is universal. This is a strap-on option. The straps actually go inside the vehicle across the ceiling of the interior.
They hold the rack securely in place within minutes. You will have no problems closing your vehicle doors and have a great roof rack on your Jeep (or any vehicle since these are genuinely universal).
When using the rain gutter options or even built-in roof rails, you can add Yakima crossbars for more of a base and support. They are constructed of light-weight aluminum in an aerodynamic design that helps reduce drag and uphold efficiency.
Yakima also has great purpose-specific rack options that include the best kayak rack for Jeep Wrangler and a snowboard and ski rack for Jeep Wrangler.
Tons of accessory options allow you to find the perfect fit for your cargo with these roof racks. The options from Yakima are even quite affordable coming in at the bottom of our list in terms of cost.
#2 – Smittybilt Jeep Roof Racks
- Material: Powder-coated steel tubing
- Crossbars: Durable and removable
- Special features: 4-point mounting systems, rain gutter clamp brackets, tons of accessories, holds up to 700 lbs
They also offer rain gutter clamp brackets like some of the options from Yakima.
However, one of their biggest selling points is their 4-point mounting system racks. Many users of this product believe it is truly the best Jeep Wrangler roof rack. It is made of strong powder-coated steel tubing that won’t easily scratch or rust.
It fits over top of the entire Jeep coming down at 4 points – basically the corners of your Jeep. These 4 points are securely installed on the lower half of your Jeep.
It is a very secure and strong option in terms of a Jeep Wrangler roof rack. It will hold up to a very impressive 700 pounds.
Removable crossbars allow easy access to your roof while heavy-duty brackets ensure the strength needed to efficiently hold your additional cargo.
The huge line of accessories include flat racks, basket racks, and even tent options. Overall, Smittybilt has an incredible value with prices around the low to mid area of our list of recommendations.
#3 – Rugged Ridge Jeep Racks
- Material: Powder-coated steel tubing
- Crossbars: Durable, heavy-duty
- Special features: 4-point mounting systems, unique tilt feature, easy access to top, 5 year warranty
They are mounted to your Jeep at 4 different points on the lower half of the Jeep. Rugged Ridge Jeep Racks feature strong and durable powder-coated steel tubing.
They also happen to have a unique feature where the rack is slightly tilted. This offers easy roof access without needing to remove the entire rack.
Rugged Ridge also offers smart mounting solutions that require no modifications to your Jeep’s body – which is obviously a huge benefit.
One of the coolest things about Rugged Ridge, though, is that they have a roof rack that actually is integrated with a Jeep soft top.
As in, you get a soft top with an integrated roof rack with one purchase. It is designed to allow you to go topless even with your roof rack still in use.
A 5-year warranty on their products amps up the value even more. Of course, this is an expensive brand coming in way up at the very top of our list in terms of pricing.
#4 – Trail FX J029T Roof Rack
- Material: E-coated, powder-coated 2-inch tubing
- Crossbars: Heavy-duty, durable
- Special features: 4-point mounting system, complete roof rack system, 3 year warranty
Secure ¼ – inch brackets increase the strength further. All pieces of the system are powder-coated after being e-coated to really enhance the durability and longevity of the products.
All needed pieces for installation are included with the initial purchase. This is a complete roof rack system that you can install as soon as you receive it and can be used immediately.
It requires no extras or accessories for use.
As far as the cost goes, Trail FX is about mid-priced when compared to other similar options including those that we have reviewed in this list of recommendations. The racks come with a nice 3-year warranty as well.
This further increases the overall value and can help give you more reason to trust the product in the first place knowing that the company stands behind what they make.
#5 – Rhino Rack Roof Rack Systems
- Material: Powder-coated, lightweight tubing
- Crossbars: Aerodynamic to reduce drag
- Special features: Internal structure base mounting system, gutter-mount base racks, batwing tent options
This does require alterations to the Jeep’s body in the form of drilling holes through the fiberglass.
However, the finished result is a very sleek and attractive roof rack system that integrates wonderfully with the design of your Jeep. They do also offer gutter-mount base racks and no-modification options if that is what you prefer to go with.
The lightweight crossbars from Rhino Rack are designed to be aerodynamic for reduced drag. It also happens to give them an even cooler and sleeker overall appearance.
Various accessories from this brand include options to hold kayaks, canoes, snowboards, skis, and batwing tents/awnings. These also fall around the middle of our list in terms of cost.
Best Jeep Roof Racks Comparison Table
| Best Jeep Roof Racks | Material | Crossbars | Special features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Roof Racks | | Lightweight aluminum construction | Aerodynamic, heavy-duty | Universal instant strap-on options, various sized rack attachments, various accessories |
| Smittybilt Jeep Roof Racks | | Powder-coated steel tubing | Durable and removable | 4-point mounting systems, rain gutter clamp brackets, tons of accessories, holds up to 700 lbs |
| Rugged Ridge Jeep Racks | | Powder-coated steel tubing | Durable, heavy-duty | 4-point mounting systems, unique tilt feature, easy access to top, 5 year warranty |
| Trail FX J029T Roof Rack | | E-coated, powder-coated 2-inch tubing | Heavy-duty, durable | 4-point mounting system, complete roof rack system, 3 year warranty |
| Rhino Rack Roof Rack Systems | | Powder-coated, lightweight tubing | Aerodynamic to reduce drag | Internal structure base mounting system, gutter-mount base racks, batwing tent options |
Choosing a Jeep Roof Rack
Adding more storage to your Jeep can be a serious game changer and there is no question that a great Jeep roof rack is the best solution for additional storage.
More storage up top means more free space inside. It is a great way to give yourself extra space for more passengers or just a cleaner interior in general.
A Jeep cargo rack comes in many shapes and sizes, though. The best Wrangler roof rack for one person may not be the same as it is for another.
It is a great idea to read through our guide on Choosing a Jeep Roof Rack for more info on what might be best for you specifically. You can also check out the reviews below of our top 5 picks for the best Jeep racks.
Shopping for a Jeep roof rack leaves you with a pretty big decision to make. Not only can roof racks be somewhat of a big purchase in regard to cost, but they can also have a legitimate impact on your life.
It will determine the overall look of your Jeep, which is something you will be seeing and riding around in nearly every day for most people.
Even more important than that, though, is it determines a lot about the functionality of your Jeep when push comes to shove. When you are heading out and need to bring a good bit of cargo with you, where will it go?
If it is inside the Jeep, it might mean that you can bring less family and friends on your adventures with you. It can also make your Jeep feel cluttered.
A roof rack that efficiently meets your specific needs will take care of both problems with no issue. Read on to see exactly what you should look for to find the perfect roof rack for your Jeep.
Roof Rack Installation Method
The very first thing you want to make a decision on for your roof rack is how you want it to be installed. There are quite a few different options and each one has a different set of benefits and will best work for a different set of people. Here are the main options to look out for:
- Rain Gutter Clamps – One popular choice of roof racks is a rain gutter clamp system. This is where the bases of the rack are installed in the rain gutter of your vehicle door frames. It is quick, easy, and works on almost any vehicle.
- 4-Point Mounting Systems – These are very specifically designed for one type of vehicle such as the Jeep Wrangler. They fit over the Jeep like a cage of sorts and are mounted onto the lower half of the Jeep in 4 places. 4-point mounting systems are very strong and have an intimidating look about them.
- Strap-On Roof Racks – For a simpler and very inexpensive solution, you can use a strap-on roof rack system. This is simply a roof rack base that straps onto your roof by threading a strap through the inside of the car along the ceiling. It’s easy and works on any vehicle, although isn’t generally as strong or versatile as other options.
- Internal Structure Base Mounting Systems – A less common but very good option is an internal structure base mounting system. This is simply when the bases of the roof rack are mounted onto the vehicle from the inside. It provides a lot of strength and looks very nice and integrated with the design of your Jeep.
No-Modification versus Modification Required
One very important decision to make is if you want a roof rack that requires you to modify the body of your Jeep or one that doesn’t require modification.
No-modification is great because obviously you don’t have to alter the actual body of the Jeep and you can always remove the rack with no consequences if you decide to.
However, there are some great benefits to options that require modification as well. They are often stronger options in terms of strength and durability.
They also tend to look better overall with an integrated style. They are a bit harder to install, but are perfect if you are looking for a permanent roof rack for your Jeep.
Materials
What your roof rack is made from is obviously vital to the strength and durability of it. You want to choose an option made of strong materials such as steel.
Of course, aluminum can be a good alternative as well that is both strong and more lightweight. Always look for materials treated for additional durability. Powder coating will prevent rust and reduce wear and tear.
Maximum Weight Load
Most roof racks are pretty strong and will easily endure the average cargo load.
However, if you are looking to load up your roof rack with quite a bit of weight, you will want to look more at the maximum weight load of different rack options.
This will prevent any accidents from your rack failing to properly hold the load.
Aerodynamics
Many roof racks and accessories are made with aerodynamics in mind. This will help reduce the drag on the rack and help a little with things like speed and gas milage.
Of course, when the rack is loaded up with cargo, it won’t make a huge difference.
Even so, options with aerodynamic designs can be helpful if you are riding around with the rack all the time – even when it isn’t loaded. Plus, aerodynamic options tend to have a cool sleek look.
Purpose-Specific Racks/Attachments (Ski Rack, Kayak Rack, etc.)
If you are looking for a roof rack for a very specific purpose such as for holding your skis, kayak, canoe, or snowboard, then you may want to look for purpose-specific racks and accessories.
Some brands offer options that are designed to safely and securely hold these items in the most aerodynamic way possible.
Attachments/Accessories Available
In addition to purpose-specific attachments and accessories, you may want to also look at what other accessories and attachments are available for the roof racks you are looking at.
Some options have various types of crossbars that are better for different load types. Others offer basket-style racks or flat racks good for larger loads. These are all about preference on what will work better for what you plan to carry.
Jeep Top Access
Many roof rack options may block your access to your Jeep roof. This can mean that when the rack is in use that you will not be able to remove or replace the top of your Jeep.
However, there are some options out there that are designed to allow roof access even when the rack is installed and loaded up.
There is even an option from Rugged Ridge that is a roof rack and soft Jeep top all in one. It allows you to go topless even when using your rack.
Aesthetics
There is no question that how your Jeep looks is important, too. It might not come above functionality but it is definitely something that has to be considered. Everyone wants their vehicle to look good.
You will need to look at the design and styling of each roof rack and consider what it will do to the overall look of your Jeep. Many roof racks can actually improve the aesthetics of the Jeep depending on your style preferences.
Warranty
With any big purchase like this, the warranty is important to look at. First off, a warranty gives you some level of protection in case anything does go wrong with your roof rack.
Beyond just that, though, the warranty can often be a clear reflection of what the company thinks of their own product.
If a roof rack has a good warranty, you can be sure that the company knows they made a good and reliable product.
Jeep Roof Rack FAQs
What are the best roof racks?
The best roof rack really depends on your needs and preferences. However, generally speaking, one of the best options out there is definitely Smittybilt roof racks for Jeeps.
They are high-quality, relatively affordable options that are highly versatile in terms of various options available.
Can you put roof racks on a Jeep Wrangler?
Of course! Jeep Wranglers do great with roof racks and there are many options available designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. A roof rack can really enhance the functionality of your Wrangler.
Can you put a roof rack on a soft top Jeep?
Yes! There are some roof racks that are compatible with soft top Jeeps. There is even an option from the brand Rugged Ridge that is a soft top and roof rack integrated together for your convenience.
Do you leave your roof rack on?
You can definitely leave your roof rack on even when not in use. Some roof racks are designed to be permanent and should be left on.
With others, you have the option based on your personal preference to keep them on or take them off when you won’t be needing it for a while.
Always remember to occasionally check that everything is properly tightened as overtime, the vibrations involved in driving can start to loosen up the hardware.
Buyer’s Tips for Jeep Roof Racks
Adding a roof rack to your Jeep can be a very exciting thing. It really changes what you can do with your Jeep. It increases your overall storage capacity, but can also open up more room inside the Jeep for additional passengers.
It can help keep things neat and organized as well. Just be sure to consider your specific needs as you choose your roof rack.
Things like requiring body modification and installation method are at the top of the priority list when you make your choice.
Weight load and attachments can also be very important. After choosing the right Jeep roof rack for you, consider the retailer you intend to purchase from.
Not all are the same and you want to purchase from a company that has great customer service, is reputable, and offers competitive pricing.
Amazon definitely comes to the top of the list when you consider these things. Once you have your new rack, you are sure to have even more amazing adventures in your Jeep!
How We Researched
To come up with the top jeep roof racks, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as 4×4 Magazine and Outside Online Magazine along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in offroading, motorcycling, and auto mechanics. They are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow auto-enthusiasts and industry experts.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.
Sources
Notice:
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