Roof rack I would love to buy - anyone? Weekend warrior rook rack?

mlychwala

Mar 17, 2023

I’ve held off on getting a roof rack because I’m still waiting for the right one. Many people buy Broncos because they want versatility - throw the canoe on top on Saturday, take the top completely off and cruise to the beach on Sunday. Our current option is to get a full rack that is great for overlanding but takes half the day assemble to put on or take off. The OEM rack has its issues. The cab-only racks are too limited for long items you typically throw on the roof. I want a rack on the cab, with anchor points to hoist the cab off, and quick disconnect rails that I can add to go to the windshield frame with some engineering to be able to easily put them on and take them off. I don’t want/need a load rating to add a full campsite up top - just enough for a single kayak/canoe/paddleboard or even a ladder. Can someone please make that? Am I the only one that wants this type of rack? I see some of the engineering that goes into these massive racks - something like this modular design with versatility is feasible. Is there demand for it? - or am I the only one?

Last edited by a moderator: Mar 17, 2023

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Mar 17, 2023

What is it about the stock roof rack that is lacking for you?? I personally had the stock rack and immediately switched to a TrailRax rack, but that’s because I was in the market for a more overlanding rack.

BUT, I think you might be on to something… I suspect there are a lot of people that need something similar to the factory roof rack that is better designed, but don’t necessarily need a full overlanding-style rack. Just got to figure out what’s wrong with the factory roof rack first, so one of these roof rack companies can release a rack that corrects the issues.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Mar 18, 2023

The issue is the need to remove the entire rack to pull the top off. It would be far easier to unbolt the connection at the window frame, and disconnect those rails where it would connect to a “half rack” on the main hard top. And then you could have some connection points on that half rack that you leave on to hoist off the top. And if you made that half-rack like several of the small basket type racks out there You could also just use it like that if you like - some modular versatility.

OrangecrushBronco

Mar 18, 2023

I would also like to add something for the soft top that offers the ability to use the soft top. It sure seems like they should be able to make something that is modular where the frame/rails could have quick disconnect load bars so that the top can flip back and then quickly be reinstalled to use the rack as intended. As far as I have found nothing like that exists so all roof rack options completely eliminate the use of the soft top. I was an early delivery and approaching two years in still don't see any real options in this space. Maybe I am missing something but regret not waiting for the hardtop due to converting my order to the soft for that earlier delivery to help Ford with their supply chain issues. To buy a hard top now is at a ridiculous price so that is not an option either.

Mar 18, 2023

mystery
I would also like to add something for the soft top that offers the ability to use the soft top. It sure seems like they should be able to make something that is modular where the frame/rails could have quick disconnect load bars so that the top can flip back and then quickly be reinstalled to use the rack as intended. As far as I have found nothing like that exists so all roof rack options completely eliminate the use of the soft top. I was an early delivery and approaching two years in still don't see any real options in this space. Maybe I am missing something but regret not waiting for the hardtop due to converting my order to the soft for that earlier delivery to help Ford with their supply chain issues. To buy a hard top now is at a ridiculous price so that is not an option either.

There are a few companies that offer soft top roof racks. The most promising one, in my opinion, is this one from DV8 Off-Road. BUT, to your point, it's not very modular.

I think the issue that you and @mlychwala have may be a cost vs. market-size problem. There are likely a handful of people who love a small, lightweight modular roof rack. And someone could come up with that product... but if it costs $1600+ there will be a fair amount sticker shock considering the factory option is half that price (or even less if you get it from the factory). Those that are willing to spend that kind of money on a roof rack are likely in the market for a super-overbuilt overlanding rack they can shove all of their gear on.

BUT, doesn't hurt to tag @TrailRax ... I'm sure they've done some market research and have some ideas on the topic. And if not... maybe it'll give them ideas for future products.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

mystery

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