Jeep Wrangler JLU Roof Rack Install

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2024
  • Final Update: My particular fitment required 17mm aluminum spacers instead of the 20mm spacers originally supplied with the kit. My Jeep is a 2020 JL Rubicon with a painted hardtop. I imagine this measurement will apply to others as well. The replacement hardware supplied by Front Runner after I contacted them about the issue was also incorrect at 15mm, but I was able to use an additional 2mm washer between the spacer and the interior bracket to get a fit that was tight without putting undue pressure on the top.
    The impression that I get in working with the customer support team is that they are using me as a test fitter for their engineering. Wish they would have sorted out those details before offering the kit for retail sale. However, they were willing to send me plenty of extra hardware. Just beware that your installation may not be free of fitment challenges.
    Besides that one issue the rack is a very nice kit, and feels like it will hold up well. I would still probably choose to buy it again even given the challenges because it does seem like a solid performer. It has already been out on the trail with a tent, and it performed flawlessly.
    Hope this helps with your decision! Likes are very much appreciated!
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    Update: The aluminum spacers (20 mm tall) provided with the kit are too tall to create a water tight seal at the front mounting points. After multiple communications with Front Runner customer service, they sent me a new set of shorter spacers and hardware to install in place of the originals. I will add another update after I have completed the re-installation.
    So, be aware that you may have to address this issue depending on the fitment on your particular build. Front Runner customer service did eventually send me the parts to remedy the issue, but I was not impressed at all with the attitude or knowledge level of the rep that I was dealing with.
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    Original Description:
    Installing the Front Runner Extreme 1/2 Roof Rack Kit on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon JL. Step by step unboxing and instructional installation video. All the DIY tips, and everything you need to know before buying this rack for your Jeep. Also, thoughts and reviews about the quality of the kit, hardware, and instructions.

ความคิดเห็น • 30

  • @Sam1986E
    @Sam1986E 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the video fellow Arizonan :)
    I just got the long version of this rack for my diesel rubicon
    Your video helped me understand the install process

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I kinda wish I had chosen the long version also. I'm find myself wishing for a little extra storage space up there after my first few camping trips.

  • @dinosoffroad7107
    @dinosoffroad7107 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video! Just ordered ours this morning. We do however live in a very wet climate. I might have to figure something else out rather that just using the foam gaskets.

  • @lindahardy8713
    @lindahardy8713 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve been watching a lot of videos about van builds, RV mods, etc. You are really good at this. You could get paid or review products & get paid in merchandise. Maybe add a hashtag in the description for the item & manufacturers name. Very nice job.

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the encouragement! I'm still a newbie, but trying to learn how to make the videos relevant and engaging.

    • @lindahardy8713
      @lindahardy8713 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995
      The videos you’ve done around the SW are just as good. Your voice is perfect for it. The tone & inflection make your vids absolutely engaging... it’s like I’m right next to you & we’re having a conversation. The way you explain and describe things is concise and clear. You’ve definitely got the gift.

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lindahardy8713 Next up I'm going to try to put together a video about out first attempt at camping. We are starting small with one night in Sedona which should be stunning this time of year.

    • @lindahardy8713
      @lindahardy8713 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995
      I look forward to it. Be sure to include camp fire cooking.

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lindahardy8713 Sadly, we are still on a burn ban (including charcoal & campfires) in all of the national forests around here. It has been such a terrible wildfire season this year.

  • @patrickzebrowski6216
    @patrickzebrowski6216 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Mike, have you taken the hard top off yet? If so, how was it? Assuming just remove the 8 bolts, but it seems like the 2 rails would be separated from the top, meaning you removed the whole rack first? Thanks

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have not. It would just be 8 bolts, and the rack would lift off as one piece (complete with the rails) allowing access to remove the top. Removing the rack would definitely be the easiest part of the process in getting the hard top off. The most I've done when I wanted some air was remove the freedom panels, and that was good enough for me.

  • @mrbluepencil_
    @mrbluepencil_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video thanks. Have you experienced any leaking since the installation?

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, it leaks. Fortunately for me, I live in the desert. I'm sure the problem could be fixed with some silicone, but I haven't been that motivated. I would definitely advise using some additional sealant if you have the opportunity during the installation process.

    • @mrbluepencil_
      @mrbluepencil_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995 OK great thanks. It's good to know that as I live in Melbourne Australia where we get four seasons in one day!

  • @davidrenninger8521
    @davidrenninger8521 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mike, can you tell me the distance from the top of the brackets to the bottom of the roof? My back ones have very little gap and front ones have about 1/2 inch. Afraid to drill the holes until I’m 100% positive there in the right spot.
    Looks like the back spacer will be to high?

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      My front brackets measure between 4/16" and 6/16" depending on the point where they are measured. Also, remember that I had to get shorter spacers to accommodate these measurements. I'm willing to bet that your measurement of 1/2" will be right on.
      The back brackets on my installation measure right at about 9/16". I have my brackets attached to the roll bar at the lowest of the three selectable mounting locations. Which mounting location are you using?
      My experience indicates that you do need a measurement very close to 1/2" at all four corners to get a proper fit with the supplied hardware. Definitely contact customer service before you drill if you can't get close to that.
      I understand your apprehension because it was painful to drill holes in my new Jeep. I will tell you that the rack is rock solid now that I have everything worked out. We've already had a couple of trips with the tent up there, and it works great.
      Best of luck!

  • @woolengrappler
    @woolengrappler 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice rack! Clean Jeep!

  • @xXAaron956Xx
    @xXAaron956Xx 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Which of the 3 adjustment holes did you use on the sport bar. The top, middle, or lower? How’s it held up?

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm in the middle hole. It is holding up great. Several trips with the tent up there, and no problems. Only complaint is that the gaskets are not water tight. I'm sure I could fix it with some effort, but it's not really much of an issue in Arizona. So, I wipe up a couple drips after I wash the Jeep.

    • @xXAaron956Xx
      @xXAaron956Xx 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995 thanks haven’t found anything to make sure which is the correct way. in your video you mention you put it back to the top

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Whichever of the 3 gives the best fit on your Jeep is the correct way. I continued to tinker with it after I finished the video. The goal was to get a snug fit without putting too much downward pressure on the fiberglass top. I'll bet they gave 3 adjustment points because there are some slight build variations from vehicle to vehicle.

    • @xXAaron956Xx
      @xXAaron956Xx 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995 I would think a jl was a jl across the board but you may be right about the adjustments. Just a little anxious about the best way to first drill the pilot holes. Fixed to the upper or middle option, the lower one isn’t what I’m worried about

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Drilling the pilot hole from the center adjusting hole leaves enough clearance to use any of the 3 holes during final installation. I agree that it is intimidating to drill holes in a very expensive top. You will be fine as long as you are within about 1/4". They don't have to be "perfect" to be right. My other advice is to make sure to use a good quality hole saw bit so that you get a nice, clean cut.

  • @oldskooliscool81
    @oldskooliscool81 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are you still using this rack?

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, I am.

  • @LBCR6
    @LBCR6 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    how high does the top of the rack sit front the top of the hard top

    • @mikes7995
      @mikes7995  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The top edge of the rack sits from 4 1/2 to just over 5 inches from the roof of the Jeep depending on the exact point of measurement since the roof is not completely flat but the rack is. The center point has the smallest clearance measurement, and the measurement grows as you approach the sides of the Jeep.
      The perimeter rail of the rack measures 2 inches tall. The clearance from the bottom of the rack to the Jeep roof in the front, center of the vehicle is about 2 1/2 inches. So, that would be your point of minimum clearance.

    • @LBCR6
      @LBCR6 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikes7995 thanks for the info im looking at this rack to replace my current