Hi, I am thinking of buying a few sets of rain gutter mounts for the Jeep and building my own roof racks from wood, perhaps a decent hardwood with a nice grain. I will use metal crossbars for support under the box. I would like to recess some lights into the "safari style" rack (both front and rear). Perhaps some pretty design in the wood with a router. I most likely will glass the stress points as well, after a nice stain is applied.
Can anyone recommend a set of rain gutter mounts for the job? I am looking to support the maximum weight for the buck (tire mount too). I have no problem using 3 pair to make sure it's strong enough. I think the mounts that fit the stock rack tracks might prove too frail, any thoughts?
My Stable: 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4 Dr Sport 4 1/2" lift w/ 33X12.50 Maxxis Bighorns 1990 Chevy Suburban 3/4 ton 2WD w/454 Big Block(future towrig) 2005 Pont. Grand Prix GTP (supercharged 4 my passing pleasure) 2006 H-D Street Bob Flat black denim with some goodies 1989 Stratos 18' Fish&Ski w/ Evinrude outboard 1996 Yamaha V Max snowmobile-600cc 2006 GMC Envoy find me at facebook.com (Jason Grumpp)
We have a Surco rack w/surco mounts on Rebecca XJ and they hold up well.
If your going to be putting a lot of weight (ie. 500+ pounds) I'd probably stear you clear of the Surco one's though. Not that they are a bad product by any means, but I think you need something with a little more "beef". If your not going to carry that much weight than the Surco one's will suit your needs fine.
I am VERY happy with my ConFer mounts. Unfortantly ConFer is no longer in business (hasn't been for several years). They sold the rights to OffRoad Unlimited who now puts their name on the ConFer old stock. You can still get the gutter mounts from them (though I'd call them first to make sure they have them in stock). They are not cheap though. Here is a link; CLICK ME!
Here is a photo of the ORU mounts on a custom rack.
We have a Surco rack w/surco mounts on Rebecca XJ and they hold up well.
If your going to be putting a lot of weight (ie. 500+ pounds) I'd probably stear you clear of the Surco one's though. Not that they are a bad product by any means, but I think you need something with a little more "beef". If your not going to carry that much weight than the Surco one's will suit your needs fine.
I am VERY happy with my ConFer mounts. Unfortantly ConFer is no longer in business (hasn't been for several years). They sold the rights to OffRoad Unlimited who now puts their name on the ConFer old stock. You can still get the gutter mounts from them (though I'd call them first to make sure they have them in stock). They are not cheap though. Here is a link; CLICK ME!
Here is a photo of the ORU mounts on a custom rack.
That XJ sure looks like mine but smaller, I shall call him "minnie me"
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My Stable: 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4 Dr Sport 4 1/2" lift w/ 33X12.50 Maxxis Bighorns 1990 Chevy Suburban 3/4 ton 2WD w/454 Big Block(future towrig) 2005 Pont. Grand Prix GTP (supercharged 4 my passing pleasure) 2006 H-D Street Bob Flat black denim with some goodies 1989 Stratos 18' Fish&Ski w/ Evinrude outboard 1996 Yamaha V Max snowmobile-600cc 2006 GMC Envoy find me at facebook.com (Jason Grumpp)
Those look great too! I really like that they come in a set of 6(ea) for the 6" and 8(ea) for the 8" high ones. (To apparently fortify their load capability) May I assume that they are 6" and 8" above the rain gutter, as opposed to the roof level?