I have a question: i want to add a Gobi stealth rack to my jku for overlanding purposes but I am afraid that i will miss the open air experience too much. Is anyone running a roof rack that has quick releases and if so do you ever take the roof rack off? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

I run the gobi stealth and a soft top during the summer months. I love it. It takes an extra five minutes to tilt the rack back to take the top down but worth it to me. I don't have the quick connect, but a couple of bolts at the front doesn't take that long to undo. I don't take the rack completely off though, just tilt it back to lower or raise the top.

 

i have the congo cage rack...with roof top tent and led light bar...

i take my roof off all the time. never remove the rack.

 

That was one of the reasons I chose the MBRP rack. If I'm overlanding, I have the hardtop (primarily for security). It does mean it takes an extra person or two to remove the top (3 or 4), but the time difference is negligible. I can have the top off in 10-15 minutes if I have the people assembled. Actually, 10 minutes work by myself (pull Freedom Top panels and OEM Torx fasteners), then 5 minutes with their help. If I have the optional front extension on, add 10 minutes by myself to pull it, leaving the light bar part in place.

 

I run a bikini top and the Gobi rack all year. I just keep the back and the doors off and it gives you that open air experience with out the sun frying you. With all the sun in Colorado I don't miss having the top open and if you do want to open it up it only takes an extra 5 minutes or so to open it with the rack.

 

I have a lange hardtop lift that makes removing the hardtop a one man/15 minute task. I want to add a rooftop tent and a gobi. Sounds like the option with the quick releases would be best. I dont plan on using a soft top other than the bikini i use.