I love this design.
Couple of observations:
1. If the knobs for the adjustable bars were on the sides or bottom, it would give a larger usable flat surface.
2. If the light tabs were level with the top of the bars, you could then just bolt many of the accessories to the tabs - especially since the center bar is adjustable. I know for lights, the bolt/nuts would stick up. Or you could supply spacers to to the same thing!

Any idea on the lateral force that the side bars can take? What kind of testing did you do, was that a design consideration? (top armor? )

How do you recommend sealing the joints where to top tubes are joined and where the screws are located?
Again, this has huge possiblities. Great job!
Ron
Oh, and shipping to SoCal (91364) would be nice to know...

 

The wholes are actually threaded plugs that do not open up inside the tube. This means they do not travel all the way through, but also will not allow water into the rack itself. We do get some pretty extreme weather up here and this rack has been awesome through all the snow, salt and sand.

The shipping has not been confirmed at this time but we will be getting a shipment of Jeep products back from the coaters on Wednesday. I believe we will be working on packaging these racks later this week and should have an idea of shipping costs by this Friday.

I will let everyone know when there are shipping quotes available.

 

Thank you for the excellent suggestions. We have already adapted the brackets to come flush with the top of the bars for easy mounting of a platform, or lights etc. That is the first time someone has suggested the knobs and their location but that is a very valid thought.

I will pass this along to the designers and see what they think.

As for side weight testing, I will have to look into this. I know the rack is very solid and can not be flexed from side to side, but it would not likely bear the same weight as all of us standing on top.

We have driven this rack through some of the worst weather thrown at us up north and water getting inside the tube has not been an issue. There is a 4" slip joint that has no play at all so the chances of any substantial amount of water actually entering is slim to none unless it were submerged for a prolonged period of time.

Excellent questions...

 

Reason for the lateral strength question, is that it would be very tempting to use the side bars for stability points either via winch line or static line. If vehicle was on a 45 degree lateral slope, would be insurance to run a line down the side between the top the vertical rack bars.

On my previous rig, I had a ConFerr rack that came in two sections and they used a similar slip joint mechanism. They provided RTV for the joints and the screw holes.
Ron

 

Bump for an update. Are the racks back from powder coaters yet? I cant hardly wait lol.

 

RedRock JK 4X4

Im sure Steve will be able to update you when he is back in the office come Monday.

We are running a extra Saturday shift today with two guys building more of these right now so we can get another run sent to the coaters and get finished stock on these units here in our facility.

Thanks
MB

 

Thanks for the update! Now I just need to save up for that nice looking exhaust relocation you guys are making.

 

That is one SWEET roof rack! Excellent job with the design. Nice clean lines

 

X2, how are they coming?

 

Looks very kool, but, anything in the works for us soft toppers??