I'm thinking of getting the Yakima roof rail system for my JK Unlimited hard top. I will only use it for my 75lb canoe and occasional light building materials from the home supply store.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92024_2010_07.htm

Pros -
Easy to remove/replace towers and cross bars.
Inexpensive. (under $400)

Cons -
Tracks are permanently attached to hard top with scews so hard top must be drilled.
Jeep hard top is not rated for any load.

I don't want, and have no use for a full safari type rack. Would this be a good choice?

 

I looked at the Thule version of track. It doesn't seem as streamed line as the Yakima. It might have more wind noise? Anyone?

 

I skipped that and went right to the Gobi rack. That way I can use it w/o the top if I want to and I have the light bar, too.

And I've used it like crazy! Even moved a bed and some couches up there!

 

Get a Gobi. There the best. I love mine.

 

Gobi is a great choice.

 

Have one made. I found this guy on craigslist and had the rack made to my specs and drawings for <400. I attached it with 4 grade 8 bolts after drilling through the top. I used the rubber off a grout float between the rack and the top and have never had a leak.

 

I agree that Gobi is the mac daddy of Jeep racks.

It's not that I think it makes the Jeep look like a 4x4 shopping cart or anything, I just don't see the need for it in my specific case. I know Gobi would be a great base for even a roof tent. To haul really heavy stuff (lawn tractor, 3/4" plywood stack, sleeper sofa) I would prefer to use a utility trailer. (HD has a 5x8 1,600lb payload for under $600)

Besides, trailer works with hard top, soft top or topless... just not good for off-road where I go canoeing.

That said, what are the down-sides of the Yakima/Thule rails on hard top? I really don't like the gutter attachment method cause it pushes the rack to far forward and I can't remove the Freedom Tops.

 

Did you get any racks yet?

I can't say that I notice any wind noise from the Thules on my Cherokee, or maybe I'm just used to it after 11 years...

I've been looking into the Thule version since I have Thules on my Cherokee and have a bunch of accessories already. I think with either Thule or Yakima you could remove the bars when not in use and the tracks would hardly be noticable and won't have to worry about any wind noise. I think the Thule 60" tracks will fit on the Unlimited top so theres a little more adjustability over the 42" Yakima tracks.

 

Anyone have a picture with that link above? Really looking in to getting one of those too.

 

So using the gutters for a thule rack is not a good idea? I just want to carry a ski box.