Great info Cool Danish. Thanks. I'm starting to figure out what rack I want to get (end of summer purchase). How easy is the hardtop to remove with the rack installed? If you haven't removed it just an opinion would be helpful. I like to run soft top in the summer and non-expedition trips.

 

I can't answer that question except to say that I don't think removing the hardtop was in the plans for the AEV rack: It attaches to the roll bar. The MBRP rack, however, uses interior struts to transfer the weight from the rack down to the tub rim. Removal is essentially the same as for just removing the hardtop without a rack, except you have a lot more weight with which to deal. Four people is best to remove the MBRP-equipped hardtop. If you had the front extension, then you'll have to remove at least the connecting bars (you can leave the windshield bar in place without the rack, if that's what you wish).

 

certainly not without removing roll bar mounts as well...us the Google and do a quick search, you'll see the mounts

 

Hi Spicoli & Tankjeep,

Obviously it is possible to remove the rack but as Mark has eluded to, this rack was not designed to be removed on a frequent basis. The brackets that mounts to the roll bar and rises up to meet the inside of the hardtop would almost certainly interfere with a soft top. Removing these brackets are not really the problem, but rather re-fitting them later when you go to install the rack again (the brackets needs to be installed fairly precise to be flush with the inside of the hardtop).
So I fully agree with Mark, that if you ever plan on running a softtop, go with the MBRP rack instead of the AEV.

There are several reasons why I picked the AEV rack.
1. I do not have a soft top or will most likely never run one. But I still wanted to be able to remove the freedom tops.
2. The AEV seems to be the most aerodynamic design and low profile. It also gives you a flat platform.
3. Since the rack attaches directly thru the hard top onto the roll bars, it's very solid. I have a Magginolia RTT and an awning, so I needed something that carry lots of weight and not rock sideways when off road.

A couple of things to keep in mind.
Even though it's all aluminum rack platform, it still weighs in at 68lbs.. Which is probably comparable to other roof rack systems, but just don't think you are getting a super light weight rack.
I would also recommend that you buy a pneumatic riveter (Harbor Freight or the like) for assembling the rack. There are lots of rivets :-)
As long as you follow the directions methodically, the installation should run smooth.. Measure twice and drill once :-)

I have attached some pictures of the AEV internal brackets that I took during the installation process. Hopefully they will give you guys a better idea of how they attached (and how they would interfere with a soft top).


Here is a couple of pictures that shows measurements of how much height the rack adds to the roof of the JKU.

 

For those interested in the AEV rack.. I wanted to install an Awning on the drivers side of the rack (28lbs) and the AEV rack platform (Made by Rhino Rack by the way) does not have provisions for attaching an Awning.
So I fabricated my own steel brackets that will bolt onto the AEV rack from underneath, so the top of the rack would be left open for mounting my RTT.
You will notice that the rear bracket is quite a bit longer than the front. This was done because the awning is hinged in the back and puts a lot of torque on that rear point.
Here is a couple of pictures of the brackets:


And then a couple of action shots :-)

 

Here is a some "action" shots of my AEV roof rack with Awning & RTT mounted.. It's from a trip to Utah I took in the Spring of 2014.
The guys in some of the pictures is my buddy who went on the trip with me.

 

More "action" pictures:

 

More "action" pictures:

 

I just installed my X-mas present.
I have been looking for a good way to mount my Samsung Note 8" table in my Jeep and decided to try out the new Rugged Ridge 13551.11 GPS Dash Organizer.
I decided to pair it up with an Amazon Basics Universal Dash Mount. It's hard to find good measurement information on the multiple mounts out there on the web, but for $15 I was willing to give it a try.
It turned out to fit perfectly.. it holds the 8" tablet nicely and it will even hold my Samsung S5 phone in portrait rotation. Installation was easy (1 bolt, 8mm I think and then an allen wrench for the arm).

With the tablet mounted it gives a little when going over big bumps, but it seems to absorb the shocks nicely and the tablet stays tightly in the vise-grip mount. I also think it would fit 7" tablets nicely.
Note: This Rugged Ridge solution is for 2011 and newer models.
Total cost: $45 + tax (free shipping with Amazon).

It will be nice to be able to use the tablet for real-time positioning on Topo maps (I use Backcountry Navigator which allows me to use different types of maps).
Here is some pictures of it installed (sorry about the low cellphone camera quality):

 

Thanks again for all the helpful pictures and measurements! I love to take the doors and freedom tops off but, I never really remove the rest of the top. In fact I only did it once in my '09 JKU and I have never done it in my '13. This is the rack for me. Your help only further solidifies that decision.

P.S. Awesome canopy you got there!