Here is a possible evolution to the newest Model MBRP O.C.F. Roof Rack.

The photo above is an elevation view CAD drawing from MBRP. Please note that the newest model has vertical supports that are square cut at the bottom and capped off with with plastic end caps. This is important for the modification to work. The older models with vertical supports that bend in toward the lower anchor points, as shown above, will not accept the modification as proposed. This CAD drawing is the only one I could find so it will have to serve.

The drawing above shows the rack photoshopped to scale onto a 2012 JKU Freedom Edition, which happens to be the exact same jeep I bought my wife.

In this photo you can see my proposed modification. It consists of 2 flanged and mandrel bent pieces and one piece of straight stock tubing.

The photo above is a sketch of what the individual pieces would look like. The two blue verticals are the pre-existing verticals from the rack as supplied by MBRP. The red and green bent pieces as well as the straight yellow piece are the modification. Please note that due to the geometry of the two vertical pieces, assembly of the add on modification is possible after the original roof rack is installed. Because of the slip fit nature of the red and green components you will be able to assemble the yellow green and red components "loosely" and then align the vertical tapered portions with the apertures of the pre-existing vertical supports. As you seat the vertical tabs of the green and red components into the blue vertical uprights the whole group will compress onto the yellow horizontal piece. Once done all will be secured with four thru-bolts.

As an addition you could also incorporate a ladder into the assembly. It would simply be two larger diameter pieces of pipe sleeved with nylon (to prevent metal to metal contact) that would encapsulate the new horizontal cross member. The ladder woul attach to the two "sleeves" and mirror the bends of the rear vertical support bar. It would secure to the top of the rack with some sort of quick release pins.

The deployed ladder assembly would rest against the tire with some type of adjustable spacer of even directly against the fender well of some of the more stout aftermarket parts. I apologize for the changing of the color coding but who's that F'n anal.

Yes I do realize that the modification can be made with only two pieces by combining either the red or green transition piece with the yellow horizontal piece but I believe that assembly would be easier with the three component solution.

This concludes my first posting in this forum. I hope you have enjoyed it. I only ask one question, "Who's gonna build this for me"?

From beautiful sunny Afghanistan I bid you all safe travels.

 

Is the purpose of this modification solely for the addition of the ladder or do you have any other plans for it? Just glancing at it I can see several uses:
Mounting RotoPax containers
Shovel/Ax/Hi-Lift
Well it wasn't several but I think you get the idea.

Either way i think it is a great idea.

 

The ladder was not the original inspiration. I was just thinking about a way to secure more gear to the outside of the vehicle. You wouldn't believe how much stuff I've seen strapped to the outside of gun trucks, MRAP's, Strykers, APC's etc. You could make so many different attachment options. If you can think of it you can hang it somewhere. You just have to be careful not to snag anything and rip it off.

 

I like your idea of the ladder. I have the newer version and wanted to know if you had any success making those modifications yourself and what materials would you recommend? Thanks

 

Sweet idea. I would definitely put the weight of the ladder on the tire. A lot more sturdy than the fender I would think