Trail FX J029T Roof Rack

This rack is awesome. It was very easy to put on with two people and didn’t take much time considering that it’s massive. There are a few things to note, though:- you will need to either drill holes to mount this to the body of your vehicle or remove your stock bumper and use those pre-drilled holes in order for this to fit. I chose to remove the bumper because I have intentions on purchasing an after market number for my JKU soon. No big deal. There are a few after market bumpers that will fit around this rack but you’ll have to do your research to find them.- the hardware that comes with this rack for the cross bars is just OK. The handles on them are plastic (I’m assuming it’s for easy removal) and I can see them easily stripping if you end up taking the cross bars off multiple times. You could simply upgrade the hardware to some wing nuts and call it a day.- this rack WILL rattle a good bit on semi-bumpy roads if there is nothing to weight it down from the top like a basket or something. I drove around for about a week and the rattling drove me absolutely crazy. I didn’t have my basket on at the time because my Jeep would not clear my garage door with the basket on but I ended up putting it on top of the rack and the weight was enough to stop most of the rattling.- if you’re familiar with the “whistle” that light bars give Jeeps if they’re mounted on the front of your windshield, this gives a similar sound. Nothing crazy, it’s definitely louder without anything on top (again, the basket helps) but you will definitely know it’s there.Overall, this is a solid purchase and I like that this comes with everything you need to mount the rack. I’ve notified that multiple websites sell this in two parts and make it very difficult to understand that you actually have to order two different items in order to get the complete set. I learned my lesson after purchasing from another site and only half of it arrived. This comes with everything in one!This is solid, sturdy, all of the holes lined up properly, and the finish matches my bumper perfectly. If you’re on the fence but looking for a decently priced yet reliable roof rack, get this one.

This thing is solid once installed. It will radically change the appearance of your Jeep. In retrospect, I recommend two people for installation, at least for a few parts. I know that should have been common sense but I am a bit of a rebel when it comes to being told how to do things. I had planned to cut a hole in the back bumper to run the pipes down to the frame. I found out that my Rubicon has metal end caps and I wasn't motivated to try and cut holes through those. I bolted it to the body. It was scary to drill holes through the side of the body but I sucked it up. When all is said and done, I'm fine with it. I was a little paranoid about water collecting in the tubes through the joints. I painted them with a few coats of sealant. I will keep an eye on that one. Anyway, its on and it isn't going anywhere and now I can go to the store and buy some 8' boards and transport them home. There is a little wind noise but it is tolerable inside my hard top. I haven't noticed any real change to my stellar gas mileage or at least it is minimal.

Nice solid roof rack. Installation was going smooth, and quick, UNTIL...the last couple of pieces!! You really have to sweat to finish it but it can be done! Just make sure to leave ALL bolts loose until you've got it all put together. Oh yeah, each piece is HEAVY!!!NOTE: I had to buy a new bumper (you can see in the pic) to install this. I was not going to drill into my body.Noise-wise...there is no noise when you take the cross bars off. Gas mileage doesn't seem to be affected, either.Overall, love the look anf feel of this rack. Lots of compliments, so far!

Just got back from a 4500mile western states 2.5 weeks camp trip. The rack held up great even through rough crazy terrain. It got a lityle squeaky but nothing a few bolts needed tightening. STILL WORTH IT. ...This rack is worth it, very sturdy it does take a little work to go together. Better to leave bolts loose while assembling everything I also watched another video online where the guy custom cut the bumper on the rear with a hole saw on top then using a Sawzall underneath. I end up doing and it worked out. I'm able to stand on the back bumper Corners to reach my roof top tent without much stress. I prefer to do this other than drilling into the side of a nice newish Jeep . Also I've taken it out a few times (offroad) so far with the roof top tent mounted to it and it handles two adults at 145 lb a piece Peace + 115 lb tent set up. Yes the front antenna does rattle against the front right bar but most people just upgrade and get a aftermarket antenna anyways. There is still plans to modify to carry my 17 ft canoe on top over my tent. This pic is as of now still waiting on my lift which is on backorder due to current issues in the world. PLAN YOUR WIRING DURING INSTALL.

Packaged well for shipment. Bubble wrapped and cushon padded. Verified all hardware were included. Quality steel construction.Opted to mount on the rear frame/chassis. I have a Smittybilt XRC (76856) bumper intalled. The kit comes with all mounting hardware, but I reused the 2 bolts on the bumper. The rear legs of the rack are mounted on top of the SB bumper mounting bracket. Need to use the supplied mounting plates over the remaining holes before installing the remaining 2 bolts. See photo.Lessons Learned: The instructions tells you to start from the front to the rear. If you are mounting to the frame like I did, I think it will be easier to start from the rear...install the rear legs to the frame first...then install the other pieces working your way to the front. Some of the holes to join the pieces didn't line up perfectly, but it was easy enough to elongate the holes to fit the bolts through.Do not tighten any of the hardware until all the pieces are connected. After tightening all the hardware, the rack felt solid.