Jeep Wrangler Roof Tent Rack

Jeep Wrangler Roof Tent Rack

A Jeep Wrangler is the perfect camping vehicle. It is capable and adventure-ready, features excellent amenities designed to make camping experiences fun, and easy to accessorize.

However, it only takes a few camping trips to discover how extremely limited the space for your cargo is in your Jeep Wrangler. And even though the JLU and JKU provide additional cargo space, you require creative packing to fit your gear. The best way to give the flexibility to pack, store, and carry camping gear is by installing a roof rack on your jeep wrangler.

But with the various Jeep Wrangler roof tent rack brands in the market, choosing the right aftermarket accessory can be daunting. For this reason, we have put together the five best aftermarket Jeep Wrangler roof tent racks to help you make an informed choice.

Let’s get started!

1. MaxxHaul Roof Rack

On the top of our list is the MaxxHaul rooftop cargo carrier steel basket. This roof rent rack is 46″ x 35.87″ x 4-1/2″ and is made of alloy steel and rubber. It is also compatible with most vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler.

The MaxxHaul roof tent rack is highly durable thanks to its rugged all-steel construction frame. The MaxxHaul roof rack has a 150 lbs distributed load capacity and a 46″ x 35-3/4″ x 4-1/2″ high roof basket providing instant cargo space. It can also support a roof top tent.

The MaxxHaul roof rack comes with assembling and mounting hardware and attaches to most cross bars with simple-to-use U-bolts, enabling easy and quick installation. It also has rubber cups that cover the U-bolts and protect your luggage.

With that being said, the MaxxHaul roof rack is not rust-proof. This means you have to pack or store the frame indoors to protect it from harsh weather conditions.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Instant cargo space
  • Easy and quick to assemble and install
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not rust-proof

2. XCAR Roof Rack Carrier Basket

If you intend to go for a camping trip with your Jeep Wrangler and are worried about storage or mounting your roof top tent, the XCAR roof rack carrier basket is an ideal solution. XCAR roof rack cargo basket’s overall dimensions include 64x39x6″ and can support up to 150 lbs, enabling you to free up space in your Jeep Wrangler.

The XCAR roof rack also features a quality heavy-duty construction with a black powder coating resistant to corrosion and weather elements. This means you do not have to worry about investing in another roof rack for your Jeep Wrangler after purchasing since an XCAR carrier basket is long-lasting.

The roof rack comes with four universal U-bolts that can accommodate round bars up to 1.375″ in diameter or square crossbars up to 4.6″ wide x 1.375″ thick, allowing easy installation.

With the XCAR roof ack carrier basket, you can store camping equipment, extra luggage, cargo bags, and even mount a roof top tent, enabling you to enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure! XCAR roof rack also comes with a cargo net that allows you to secure your load to your vehicle.

Pros

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Resistant to corrosion and weather elements
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Easy to mount and install
  • Exceptional functionality

Cons

  • Increased wind noise when the car is at speed

3. MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket

MeeFaer carrier basket is one of the most durable exposed racks for SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler. This soft shell roof top tent rack is made of heavy-duty tubular steel and a black epoxy rust-free coating to promote high strength and design.

The 51 x 36 x 5″ MeeFar rack can support a dynamic load rating of 200 lbs, enabling you to mount your rooftop tent on your Jeep Wrangler.

You do not have to worry about wind noise and drag with this roof rack because the MeeFar carrier basket is aerodynamic. It also features a windshield that protects camping gear and accessories from wind damage.

MeeFar roof top tent rack comes with four universal U-bolts that can easily be mounted to your Jeep Wrangler’s crossbars. The crossbars allow even weight distribution feet, enabling you to mount your rooftop tent easily onto your Jeep Wrangler.

Other accessories included in your MeeFar roof rack include carrier basket ratchet straps, a waterproof rooftop bag, and a cargo net.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Aerodynamic
  • Rust-free
  • Easy to install
  • Can support up to 200 lbs
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Screws may not hold up to extreme weather conditions

4. Rhino-Rack Jeep Wrangler JL

Increase your cargo load capacity with the Rhino-rack Jeep Wrangler. The pioneer rack features a backbone that strengthens your Jeep Wrangler, allowing a higher load limit and improving your vehicle’s cargo-carrying ability.

The Rhino-rack has a three-base mounting system that provides more mountable capacity and weight distribution feet for vortex bars, Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform, and heavy-duty bars. This makes this roof top tent rack excellent for Jeep Wrangler accessories.

With the Rhino-rack rooftop rack, you do not have to worry about interference with the removal of your hard top or freedom panels. This is because the rack bolts to the hardtop internally with a reinforced structure and externally through the mounting brackets.

Carry more with the Rhino-Rack Backbone. With the factory non-stationary load capacity being 150 lbs, this roof rack provides you with an additional 114-loading ability.

Rhino rack comes with internal brackets that can be installed around your Jeep Wrangler window frames to bear the weight from your roof. The inner brackets carry the load from the top down into the Jeep Wrangler’s steel body, minimizing the roof load pressure. Your Jeep Wrangler can support a maximum load of 795 lbs when parked and a static load of 265 lbs.

Installing a Rhino rack is pretty straightforward because this roof rack comes with all hardware needed for installation. It also includes detailed installation instructions, and you can mount the frame yourself. If you are unsure how to install the pioneer rack, mainly because some drilling is required, do not hesitate to watch online setup videos.

Consider adding a pioneer platform, one of the best accessories for your Jeep Wrangler, to enable maximum rooftop usage.

Pros

  • No interference with the freedom panel or hardtop removal
  • Increased load capacity
  • Added weight distribution and mounting capacity
  • Reduced load pressure

Cons

  • It may be challenging to install

5. Mockins Roof Cargo Basket

Are you tired of figuring out how to load your vehicle with all your accessories and gear? Not sure how you will mount your roof top tent onto your Jeep Wrangler? Consider investing in the Mockins extendable cargo roof top tent rack.

The Mockins roof cargo basket has a durable and long-lasting waterproof cargo bag made of heavy-duty vinyl. You do not have to worry about frequent repairs and maintenance of your Mockins Jeep Wrangler roof tent rack bag because it is made of abrasion-resistant material.

The storage bag also features eight pairs of added 5.5″ Velcro, a 2″ zipper flap, a bag lock, and 4 – 1.5″ straps buckle straps to ensure your gear and accessories stay safe during drives.

You do not have to incur additional costs when hiring an installation professional. You can quickly assemble the Mockins extendable cargo basket on your Jeep Wrangler’s side rails and cross bars. You just have to ensure your Jeep Wrangler has crossbars and side rails before installation.

Mockins roof cargo basket can be extended from 43 to 64 inches in length to enable the rack to serve your needs. The cargo basket also has a sturdy steel construction with a rust-resistant coat finish, allowing it to withstand extreme elements.

Thanks to its 6-inch high metal side rails, the Mockins roof top tent rack can keep all your possession safe and secure throughout your trips. Mockins extendable cargo basket has a one-year warranty and comes with a storage bag, two ratchet straps, and a bungee cargo net.

Pros

  • Extendable
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • Additional space
  • Weatherproof
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Lacks connecting tubes from the rear to the front piece
  • Requires constant TLC

Jeep Wrangler Roof Tent Rack Buyer’s Guide

How do I choose the right roof tent rack for my Jeep Wrangler?

Here are five factors to consider when buying a Jeep Wrangler roof tent rack to help you decide.

1. Strength and Durability

The last thing you want during your camping trip is a roof rack system failure. For this reason, ascertain that the rack is made of high-quality, durable material before purchasing. A rack that can withstand extreme weather conditions should be at the top of your purchase list.

2. Accessory Lineup

A perfect rack for your Jeep Wrangler should be one than can serve multiple purposes. For this reason, you should go for a roof rack system with the broadest range of accessories because it provides more adventure possibilities. Ideal roof racks should accommodate kayaks/canoes, roof top tents, axes, bikes, fuel and water cans, and surfboards, among other accessories that may suit your needs.

Be sure to research the market before settling for a specific rack. The last thing you want is to lock yourself out of the rack accessories you want for your Jeep Wrangler.

3. Weight

An ideal roof rack for your Jeep Wrangler should be strong, not heavy. Some companies manufacture clunky frames using heavy materials such as steel, which adds extra weight to your Jeep Wrangler. Be sure to conduct in-depth research on a specific rack to ensure it is made of well-engineered lightweight material with added strength and more load-carrying capacity.

4. Brand

With more people leaning toward car camping life, there is the emergence of Fly-by-night rack companies. These organizations stock up rip-offs, take your cash, and disappear. For this reason, visit a brand’s website before buying a specific model, and read online reviews.

Purchase from a company that has been around for a decade and with an excellent reputation. The brand should also provide live customer services to help with roof tent installation and answer queries about performance.

5. Budget

How much are you willing to spend on a Jeep Wrangler roof tent rack?

A roof rack is an expensive investment, with some models costing up to $500. For this reason, consider what you want to transport, the size of your family, and how frequently you will camp to set a reasonable budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you put a roof top tent on a Jeep Wrangler?

Although roof rack system options vary widely, most rooftop tents can mount perfectly on a Jeep Wrangler. Not only is the jeep wrangler designed to hold down tight trails perfectly, but it can also accommodate essential camping and overlapping gear, including a roof top tent.

2. Can my roof rack support a tent?

Static weight. A rack system can support more static weight than it can be dynamic. If your Jeep Wrangler’s rack system can support a roof top tent when the car is driving, then it should safely hold the tent when stationary, even with your loved ones in it.

3. Do you need a rack for a roof top tent?

Yes! Your van, truck, or SUV must have a rack system to install a roof top tent.

4. What kind of rack is needed for a rooftop tent?

A roof top tent can be installed on a canopy, a flat rack, or a cross back. However, ensure the exposed racks have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) of the weight of your roof top tent

5. How much weight can a Jeep top hold?

A jeep wrangler’s hardtop can safely hold a dynamic weight of up to 70kgs (150 pounds). The hardtop of a Jeep Wrangler is designed from sheet molding compound (SMC). SMC is comprised of a thick fiberglass base. The sheet molding compound is used in applications that require high strength, such as a Jeep Wrangler hard top.

6. Is a hard top better for a Jeep?

Yes. A hard top can insulate your jeep’s cabin better than a soft top. This is because a hard top is made of thick fiberglass that enables it to trap warm air inside the jeep during cold months and cold air during the hot days of the year. For this reason, a Jeep Wrangler with a hard top is more comfortable than one with a soft top.

7. How fast can you drive with a roof top tent?

There is no harm in driving your vehicle at top speed. However, since a roof top tent adds extra weight to your car, it is best to maintain a speed of under 65 mph for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, some of our top Jeep Wrangler roof tent racks:

  • MaxxHaul Roof Rack
  • XCAR Roof Rack Carrier Basket
  • MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket
  • Rhino-Rack Jeep Wrangler JL
  • Mockins Roof Cargo Basket

Depending on your needs and budget, there are endless options, from simple front runner basket style racks to excellent exoskeleton roof tent racks for your Jeep Wrangler. Consider the product’s pros and cons to make an informed choice. Happy camping!

I travel in My Jeep 😊