Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU 4 Door Hardtop

Question

Question:

What recommend regarding items ER34FR versus RRSG59 used RU-20-R9-00103526? Initially carrying surfboard short and long. Could have 4 or so boards when friends ride. Capacity weight, width? Carry fishing rods? Will both take most attachments from other manufacturers? The Rhino is used. Include installation instructions and support? Have seen some preowned Thule Aero racks though the price point is near the Exposed one above. Thank you.

asked by: Steve

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Expert Reply:

For your application I recommend going with the Thule roof rack setup for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited because it has a 165 lb weight rating, is easy to install, and it has a better crossbar than the Rhino-Rack # RRSG59 kit that you were looking at (which is only rated for up to 88 lbs.

The Exposed Racks Roof Rack # ER34FR does not yet have a weight rating (July 2020) and it uses square bars. These do look a little more rugged than aero bars but they will also produce more wind noise and drag when you don't have anything loaded up.

For the Thule roof rack you can either use the Black # TH711520 or Silver # TH711500 60" WingBar Evo Crossbars paired with the Rapid Gutter Feet # TH65BJ and you're good to go! If you wanted to add locks to the feet then you just need the kit # TH450400.

This roof rack will be able to carry a wide variety of products like your surfboards and fishing rods, plus it has standard crossbar dimensions and T-Slots so that you can use pretty much any type of accessory with it.

If you don't already have carriers for your boards then I recommend using 2 of the Thule Compass # TH890000 because they have a small mounting footprint which means they will be easier to fit on the roof rack. When it comes to carrying your fishing rods we do have a few options , like the Rhino-Rack # RR574F but the correct carrier kind of depends on the rods you will be transporting. I have attached a link to our selection of fishing rod carriers that you can filter through.

Attached are some review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

I do have an option for you but the location of the crossbars is rather important as these are the points on the roof that the roof rack manufacturer have determined are suitable for weight bearing loads. I understand you want to place the crossbars…

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Answer 2

For a roof rack to be compatible on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler with Sky One-Touch Power Top, it can't be mounted on the top of the roof and it needs to be high enough for the folding roof to clear. What you need are tall gutter-mounted roof racks.…

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Answer 3

Here is the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #1444-3 which Roadmaster said to use for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. This comes with the arms for a Roadmaster Tow Bar #RM-676. If you are using a Blue Ox Tow Bar #BX4370 you will…

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Answer 4

To add a 7-Way/4-Way combo vehicle connector to your 2017 Jeep JK, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item #ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your…

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Answer 5

Hey Gary, the Hopkins tow bar lighting kit part #HM56200 that you referenced carries the stoplight circuit so the brake lights of the Jeep you have it installed in will still function regardless of if you have a braking system pressing the brake…

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Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

If the center to center distance between adjacent tire mounting holes is 2-5/8 inches, you do indeed have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Going with two of the Kenda Karrier #AM32181 ST215/75-14 load range C radials which carry an 81mph M speed…

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Answer 8

For a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4XE you'll need the following components: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-521453-5. These custom-fit baseplates are designed to work with factory bumpers, if you have an aftermarket bumper please…

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Answer 9

Looking at the pictures of the Blue Ox base plate kit part #BX1134 installed compared to the bumper pictures you sent in of your 2016 Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon with the Smittybilt Gen 1 bumper this base plate kit would fit.

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Answer 10

Your 2017 JK Wrangler won't have the connector at the rear for the #42145 unless it was equipped with the factory tow package. No worries, though. We can make this happen with a minimum of hassle, though it's not quite plug-and-play.…

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Answer 11

For the etrailer tow bar part #e37ZR there are adapters to allow it to be used with other brand base plate kits. For Roadmaster you'd want the part #e98974 for a crossbar style base plate or #e98975 for a direct connect. For a Blue Ox base plate…

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Answer 12

Yes, the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates #e47ZR would have enough adjustability between the 1-1/2" shank rise/drop and the 3" of tilt to meet your 4" difference. I've attached a video below where Dave will…

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Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU 4 Door Hardtop

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