Will the Thule Artificial Rain Gutters Work For Additional Cross Bar Spread on a 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 01/03/2012 | Published 01/02/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Artificial Rain Gutters

(21)

$99.95

Rapid Gutter Feet for Thule Crossbars - Rain Gutters - 5" Tall - Qty 4

(24)

$279.95

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 60" Long - Qty 2

(269)

$179.95

Question:

I have a Thule roof rack, so am wondering if the artificial gutter kit will work on my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. In that example, would I just use the artificial gutter kit on the rear of the top and use the existing rain gutters over the door? How hard is it to lay out the drilled holes to match the front gutters?

asked by: James W

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Thule about the rain gutters and rain gutter kit for your 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

If you are only carrying skis you could use the Thule SquareBars, # TH712500, and the Thule gutter feet, # TH65BJ, on the rain gutters above the doors on your 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This will provide a cross bar spread of 18 inches, which pretty much limits you to ski carriers.

If you need additional cross bar spread for other roof mounted items 36 inches cross bar spread would be the most universal dimension. You could add two of the Thule artificial rain gutters, # TH542, and mount them on the hard top. Drilling is required, but with the Jeep hard top you do not have to worry about wiring or anything since the top is made to be removable.

When mounting the artificial rain gutters, you will need to mount the front cross bar first. Then, with the gutter feet attached, make sure you mark the mounting holes so that the rear cross bar is 36 inches on center from the front cross bar on both sides and the same height as the front cross bar.

expert reply by: Robert G