Jeep Wrangler TJ - Custom Overland Roof Rack Build

[@ArkansasOffroad]

***Google Drive Sketchup File*** (Keep in mind this file was created to just be a visual reference. No actual accurate measurements were used in this file. We made this file as a starting point and then Max got the real measurements as he actually started building it) drive.google.com/file/d/1nwuPdAUBv_1dQS4slEMsntL-R838Ku2F/view?usp=sharing

[@krisbarnes7136]

Do you know the size of tubing and flat bars on top you used?

[@ujayet]

Hey you should make this and sell them..I would definitely buy it

[@pdx_polymath581]

Absolutely! I’ve had the same issues with racks for the TJ and especially the unlimited. All bulky and ugly. This one is nice and low profile with minimal drilling. Great job!!

[@yourejustintim]

Count me in

[@newbootgoofin__]

I’d buy one for sure

[@brandonhvidsten7910]

WEREDO WE ORDER

[@mariovalencia520]

I need one!!

[@johnnysp1]

Your friend does professional quality fabrication! That's an awesome roof top rack man!!

[@PeteT622]

Your swing gate fix: being the jerry cans are supported from top, make the jerry can hinged on top as part of the support (the can would swing bottom out and out of the way). When the can is in normal position, fab up something where the hinge gets locked done (a few large 5/8" diy wing nuts to clamp it down?). This hinge would also lock in place when swung out and release when it goes back to normal (think leaf end tables at the ends of BBQ or some writing desks). Great Jeep. Thx, CJ7 Owner.

[@scottbauer3763]

I've been looking for a roof rack for our kayaks for weeks. This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for! NO modification to the body or rear bumper system. Just bolt it on - DONE!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks!!

[@davidgriffiths6489]

This is my favorite Jeep. I think it's the color.

[@davidgarcia2491]

In reference to your Jerry can. We had the same issue in the military. We had the machine shop weld a locking extending arm. So we could unlock it, swivel it out and turn it. Once complete, we would re-lock it. Nice job by the way.... excellence

[@kevinmcmanus876]

Love this rack! I agree with you, all the after market racks look like crap! I also like the fact you can easily remove it. I have both hard and soft tops for my TJ, so it would need to be easily removed when I swap tops. The ONLY down side to your rack is folding town the soft top on nice sunny days! Doesn't look like you'd be able to do that. Other than that, its perfect!

[@andrewholguin7675]

You think you can send me the blueprints of it so I can go off of it? Trying to make my own

[@ArkansasOffroad]

drive.google.com/file/d/1nwuPdAUBv_1dQS4slEMsntL-R838Ku2F/view?usp=sharing See my pinned post above

[@johnnorthrop5218]

Love the rack! I read your comment that you can still remove your windows. Cool. I'd mod the Jerry can! It's easy and cheaper. Cut an indent that you need and weld it back. You'll lose a few ounces of capacity...that's nothing. Just an idea. Awesome set up!!!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

John Northrop thanks for the recommendation!

[@AndrewBrowner]

BFH one solid wack should get you the extra 1/2" you need

[@SamAthanassov]

Awesome build! What size Tubing did you use?

[@josephpacheco7508]

The jerry can hitting, maybe consider pushing your bumper out about 4" further from the body. At that point, your high lift jack can go between the swing-out and the tailgate.

[@pebblehoppertj]

@arkansas offroad. Put he Jerry can on a slider bracket. That way it only moves forward when you need to open the gate.

[@richgran]

Fuel can ideal: make a bracket that supports the fuel cans at the same angle as the FastBack. This might give you the clearance your looking for and add a new dimension to your Jeep.

[@billywest7586]

Best looking roof rack i've seen to date...professional quality, made to order. Great vid.

[@gonzalada123456gm]

First of.. best rack design I've seen!!! Second, if you rotate the cans facing down you can get some quick release straps to hold it in place and you'll have more space to open the tail gate! I've seen them mount the Jerry cans like that and it doesnt look bad at all!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks for the tip!!

[@crazynotme7606]

Looks like you may have found a new company to start.. Looks awesome bro

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks man!

[@champslongton6018]

Arkansas Offroad how much would you charge to build one ? Please.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

@@champslongton6018 I did not physically build it. Check out the Facebook link in the description. Wilder Solutions in Rogers, AR built it.

[@streeterbuilds]

Very similar to an idea I sketched up for my future JL 4 door. I wanted a secure rack to haul lumber while still having it on with the hard top off. Very cool video.

[@jerryhaun5994]

Your buddy did a great job ,best I've seen so far. I want a rack but think their all ugly. Really like how he mounted the front. Quality fabrication.

[@definitionmedia1130]

I'm building a 01 tj now.yours is well thought out done well.

[@HBhelpinghand]

I agree with everything you said about aftermarket roof rack, nice job on your roof rack, thank you for sharing.

[@mariodesmo]

Nice job on the rack mounting. Very clean design and looks great.

[@alltheangels648]

Looks clean

[@scottbauer3763]

Hey, to fix your Jerrycan issue, move them forward and flip them around (can opening toward your rig). Should clear the rack and be the same on both sides.

[@awdamerica2791]

just gorgeous, I know who I am going to when I need any metal work done.

[@bladerunner99tj]

That’s the best looking roof rack I’ve ever seen.

[@jrod7133]

That's a sweet set up! Couldn't see the other comments but maybe getting thinner cans.

[@Djh170527]

Nice correction on your wife's rack! Good one! Too funny! Great job on your rack build here.👍

[@XxCrankyMoosexX]

Dude, I’d totally buy this for my LJ.

[@mikegiles8499]

What a great job! I’ve searched a lot and finally found a combo rack and RTT from 4 Wheel Drive that I think will work on my 2000 TJ. It’s on b/o, naturally, so I’ll have to wait another 4-6 weeks before arrival. I love your rack and it’s profile on the Jeep.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks Mike! Glad you found one.

[@elevatedmotions4294]

Thanks for this , I’ve been looking to add this to my TJ

[@Lastjeepgarage]

i know you prolly want to keep the jerry cans for the look but rotopax carriers would prolly solve your clearance issues. They may make them in that tan color too.

[@sergiocruz6195]

Any way you could link that sketchup file for that rack thad be pretty sweet

[@tylerwooten2894]

Is there a possibility for a copy of the rack? I've been looking into a low profile style like this for my jeep and by far you have the best design. Also keep up the amazing content!

[@stevewinwood3745]

The way to fix your Jerry can issue is to have your buddy notch the corner out of a NEW Jerry can and weld it up so that when it opens it misses the support, that "can " Would always be mounted on that side or have your friend adjust a second Jerry can so they could be interchangeable, I don't see the point but whatever. Nice job with the rack by the way looks good well done. Freedom overspill

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Steve Winwood We actually thought of that! Haha. Seemed like a lot of work for something so small. Plus I wanted some time to think about other options before committing.

[@stevewinwood3745]

@@ArkansasOffroad Sure would have that custom look though

[@carlosleandry12]

MAKE MOUNTS THAT COME OUT FROM THE 45degree rear tube that mounts the jerry cans to that and stay on the sides but not touching the paint

[@krasnaludek298]

Wow, that looks really good - such a badass TJ.

[@KyleSVT]

Rack looks great bro!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks Kyle!

[@rbe3908]

How about a mod to the pivot point on your tire rack. Move it back away from the body about an inch or two?

[@pedaltothemetalfitness5081]

Very cool build my friend. I may get rockers like yours to make it easier to get up to my roof rack

[@OverlandAddict]

Jerry can solution: replace them with Rotopax 😂 J/k. The rack looks amazing man. Max did an excellent job. Hope to see it in person sometime.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Hahaha I would actually love that. So expensive though! That would be my favorite solution.

[@BrianVanderwal]

i've been looking around for build ideas and this looks near perfect! thanks for sharing

[@thomass.3004]

To fix the problem with the jerry can you could add something to make the can swing backwards away from the Jeep so when you are trying to open the tailgate up you just unhook and slide back jerry can until the tailgate is opened how you want it

[@thomass.3004]

Sorry for the typos

[@wadewalcher]

That’s an awesome roof rack. Very nice clean look and extremely well designed. Love the clean installation and how close it is to the top. I have the Smitybilt SRC and it’s bulky and definitely some things I don’t like but, hey... I picked it up used for $100 so, I’ll deal with it.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it man. Yeah for $100 I don't blame you.

[@rael6_4wd]

Incredible rack. Got me wanting to drive there from California to have one made.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks!

[@AI-ms7yr]

Dude the rack came out awesome! Very nice design 👍

[@peytoncampbell4622]

I live in your neighborhood!!! Love your channel bro!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Ahh hey no way, that's awesome!

[@6howiesadventures832]

Nicest roof rack I’ve ever seen. Good work!

[@mattstanislen3165]

Ever consider getting the thinner jerry cans? Also, how much did the entire roof rack cost at the end of the day?

[@markl2747]

Yea modern cans fit better but the original can is much cooler looking

[@mattstanislen3165]

@@markl2747 yeah always. I have a couple og red metal jerry cans but they'd need to be cleaned out big time which I'd probably fuck them up while doing so.

[@williamdomey7584]

That’s a great looking rack on the Jeep

[@allenbell5774]

You could always go with a roto pax to eleminate the Jerry can issue

[@DirtyBetaPsi70]

I wonder if the guy who built your rack could cut a notch out of the jerry can and weld a convex insert to accommodate the rack rail? You'd probably only lose a few ounces of volume in the can. Looks great!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

We already thought of that lol. We thought it'd look weird from the side. I'll figure out something. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@AndyMacaskill]

Looks really slick. What is it like for noise?

[@SimonElenor]

Watch out about putting alot of weight on the rack. The front mounts will flex that windshield frame and may pop the glass.

[@JeepTJay6]

That's not very likely. These brackets attach way down low on the windshield frame where the cavity is reinforced. The bracket hardware would fail way before the windshield frame would deflect enough to pop the glass out.

[@SimonElenor]

@@JeepTJay6 simply not true. The brackets are still above the hinges. I have the glass from a TJ pop out by just rubbing the frame against a tree. The frame is hollow sheet metal.

[@JeepTJay6]

@@SimonElenor No offence, but I'm not surprised you popped the windshield with a side impact on a tree. Are you? That's a lateral point load on one side. These brackets are directing their point loads vertically downward. And the two points are actually tied together by the rack up above. That said, the rack would likely act as a stiffener and result in the frame actually being more resistant to lateral loads. This is a completely different situation than the one you are describing.

[@SimonElenor]

@@JeepTJay6 so the weight doesn't move lateraly when cornering is what you are saying. No offense but you just proved yourself wrong.

[@SimonElenor]

Also a bar tied at the top relies on the strength of the object it is bolted to for the two vertical legs to be stiffened. Just like a roll cage. Hence the reason for lower stiffener bars other wise the vertical legs fold in.

[@djfast3]

do you still store your top sides under the top back? or just remove them completely?

[@jm3287]

Love the roof rack man, I wish I could have a similar one

[@scottmcpherson241]

You later put a tent on top. How much weight do you think your (very cool) rack could hold? Thanks.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

It easily held my 93 lb tent plus me, my wife, and my dog. Now that's static weight. Dynamic weight was mostly always just the 93 lb tent. Never had any issues and it held our weight great.

[@kaidenlem]

Will it work with a hard top? I will definitely be building one EXACTLY like this one if it does.

[@Pseud0rand0m]

I would definitely do this to mine. Very nice!

[@jannis2072]

Bro that's some crazy ass shit

[@arielr.a.4043]

beautiful jeep, greetings from Argentina

[@swarbrickjesse]

What program is that in the beginning? I am an mechanical engineer by trade and would love to do more modeling on jeeps/cars period.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Google Sketchup!

[@michaelhallinan532]

Great design!

[@nate4036]

You may have to consider slimmer rotopacs for gas cans.

[@MXUSBobberTravels]

Hey man. I'm with you in the thinking that the usual stuff for the TJ looks ugly. I'm interested to hear to how much this cost to get made? I need to get one made too.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Man it just depends on where you live and what your guy charges you per hour. Mine was around $800

[@ernestovalentin6597]

Great rack brother awesome craftsmanship

[@gorila1958]

Better question is would ya be willing to draw up a 3D schematic for a 2009 JKU . Rendering hopefully no drilling style. I'll have a welder here in Texas build it . We can talk $$ for your help. It's really cool you had it fabricated your own design . Help an old retired guy out! Let's talk sir! What was your overall cost in the build etc ?? What's the weight capability of the rack ?

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate you man! I would reach out to the guy who built this for me. He'd be able to help you out better than I can. The link to his page is in the video description.

[@jasenburkett5428]

how did you get access to the back of the tub on the passenger side? there is no room on mine, some kinda box is back there.

[@AbandonedExplorationUrbex1979]

I have a 1997 TJ SE with a hard top and I'm looking for a roof rack for mine.

[@NHWilderness]

Was surprised 2 c it came with a memory foam mattress

[@bustagreenhead]

Great looking rack!! I've been looking at custom building one also for my 87 YJ using the taillight bracket idea too. I love the idea of the handle's on the side. Something I hadn't thought of.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks! Yeah those handles were a last minute idea from my buddy. So smart.

[@bustagreenhead]

@@ArkansasOffroad what size tubing did you use?

[@HienNguyen-ss3ht]

That's a really sweet looking roof rack - great design!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Hien Nguyen Appreciate it!

[@djburdette]

Did you try top raise you Jerry can rack to same height as roof rock? That may put the bottom of the can above the curve of the frame guard, and it won't look weird if it isn't above the roof rack.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

It's a good idea, but it will look weird when I have stuff in the cargo rack haha.

[@ethanaustin2706]

Do you remember what size pipe was used on the rack?

[@user-ej9tv1pi7j]

Wrangler the best!🚙👍

[@todddanielson1842]

Hey, Great looking roof rack. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I built your version of the tire rack ( top of tire ) and it turned out perfect for less than $ 50.00 bucks as well. Take Care.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

That's awesome man! Glad the video gave you some ideas.

[@calijazz3713]

SIC.... What size is your tires and what kind of lift do you have.?

[@rbyronson2426]

What brand light bar is that? I don’t want to order a cheap set of light bar bracket and try the same thing. Any suggestions?

[@JeepTJay6]

Man! THAT is a great looking rack! Very well thought out.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it!

[@JeepTJay6]

Arkansas Offroad What size tube is that? Looks to be around 1.25”? I’m in the process of building my own rack and I’m definitely going to be taking some cues from what you guys did.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

@@JeepTJay6 Cool! Yeah I believe its 1.25".

[@Carpe.Diem-]

What is the website called that you used to show us the different designs you had imagined

[@coreypatterson483]

How did you get the decals on the soft top windows? Looks good.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Corey Patterson Thanks! I designed them to scale and created them on the computer and sent them to a local printer to print.

[@coreypatterson483]

Arkansas Offroad Jealous! I wanted to make Yukon Gear, Detroit Lockers, Warn, etc matte black ones to put on my CJ7 soft top just like yours but don’t have the know how.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

@@coreypatterson483 A local print shop who makes decals would be happy to help you. Give them a size and go from there.

[@paradox8038]

Do you have a DIY video for the small rack above your tire?

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Yep! It's a really old video on my channel.

[@aburama212]

Make a bigger basket and hang the gallon behind the spare tire👍🏼

[@andresportillo2215]

Hey man, big fan of your channel! Curious to know though, what kind of lift kit do you have? Size, brand, etc.?

[@ArkansasOffroad]

thanks man! Appreciate the support! It was actually out on there when I bought the Jeep. And the shocks were paint matched to the body so I have no way of telling what brand it is or anything. I believe it's a 3.5" lift and a 1" body lift.

[@dangerboy2599]

Would you have raw tube and plate dimensions used? I’m curious about wall thickness?

[@rhysholley8289]

Phenomenal jeep. If you dont mind i might use this design on my UK soft top defender

[@kraboforever9902]

Help, I'm thinking of buying a 98 wrangler from my parents for my university years, it's 80,000 miles and it's in perfect condition, do you think it can survive at least 7 years until I can work to buy another one? If something serious happens to the jeep in this time would it be very expensive to repair? Or do you think I should spend a little more and buy something newer?

[@danstrausbaugh6430]

Turn the jerry can 90 degrees... should solve the clearance issue ...

[@jarredpittman3493]

Looks awesome

[@THOR1914]

Excellent build sir! Get some rotopax and get rid of the cans?

[@jeeperguy4290]

That is bad ass! I love it. I stumbled across your video because I’m wanting a roof rack but I don’t like what is out there either. Are those led lights at your tailgate area? How did you wire those? Straight off the battery with a switch?

[@ryan.vision]

Hey bro, rack looks great. Unrelated question for you.. I remember you saying your frame had some rust that had to be repaired. Did you by chance also have some rust on the interior metal between the dash and windshield?

[@ArkansasOffroad]

I do not have any rust there. It was all underneath the Jeep

[@CallinSICK]

Do you think the company has the design still and could make another one? Matching the fast back angle looks sick and I love the minimal profile for all the reasons you mentioned.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thank you! I'm sure. There's a link in the description of the video to his FaceBook page.

[@elxetkawlni]

Any chance you can tell me whether you draw the sketch up 3d or you download?thanks in advance..nice job, i want to do the same in my Maruti Suzuki Gypsy(similar to Suzuki Samurai)

[@DucDeezel]

Really dig your jeep. How do you clamp your Jerry cans

[@joshellis8063]

What computer program are you using in this video? What’s the weight rating can you do a RTT? Awesome work man!

[@arielr.a.4043]

sketchup

[@andrewb.5996]

Great setup mate from Australia!

[@scottgraham1153]

SWEET RIDE..

[@joebower2997]

Ever figure out what light bar brackets were used?

[@John6String]

I want one