Offroad Animal Roof Rack Install - Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk WK2

[@itzreece6347]

Thank you for this video bro. I've been looking for a good roof rack and this just might be the one. Appreciate this one.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

I installed this rack about a month ago. Super happy with the look and it's very easy to install. I'm having issues with wind noise. I tried your way with the washers and it only emphasized the wind in the bottom of the bars. I also noticed a 2mpg loss. Thoughts?

[@deepncsu]

Thanks for the video! Do you have a link to the edge trim you got from Amazon?

[@joshua43214]

Looks like a solid rack. protruding screws are a deal breaker for me though. I need to be able to haul sheet goods as well as gear. Really appreciate the video.

[@gspfunk]

Like what? Just curious. This would work just fine for plywood or harder materials as the bolts don’t stick up much and have domed heads. If you’re talking about drywall, you’re likely correct, but I wouldn’t carry that on my roof in any situation as the rack isn’t long enough, anyway.

[@Peter-xtreme]

I really like this design, especially how easy it is to access under the rack for cleaning the roof, most other racks I've seen make that job near impossible. I've just ordered my rack so hope to have it in a couple of days. One thing I didn't check before buying is whether the tilt function of the sunroof has clearance to the rack? It looks like it does but if you can confirm it would be great. Thanks for the video.

[@funkywk2]

There are no clearance issues between the sunroof and the rack at all. Cleaning under it is still kind of a pain, but a wash mit or sponge makes it easier.

[@melanielevesque7560]

why did you chose offroad animal over others? I'm looking for something for my RTT (120 lbs) and honestly I'm not sure what to get. This looks solid and I don't do any crazy offroad (rock crawling, etc). I've got a 2021 GC Trailhawk.

[@funkywk2]

I like the design and weight savings it offered over all-steel racks. I’m also a brand ambassador for them, but I only did that b/c I already liked their products better than others. I’ve had for a while now and am still happy with it. We’ve loaded it down with gear, I’ve stood on it for different things, and no problems.

[@melanielevesque7560]

@@funkywk2 thanks for the feedback! It's appreciated :)

[@shadowtiger2363]

The chief products is better because the access to the bolts is harder to get at from a security point of view and is much more tidy and has alot of extras. The off road animal nuts and bolts are easy to access making it easier for someone to remove if the vehicle was left for a period of time.

[@funkywk2]

That’s interesting. Thanks for the info as I’m always interested to see how other brands compare. I’ve taken mine off several times, so I appreciate that they’re easier to access. I’m always careful where I park, but if someone wants my roof rack bad enough (or my Jeep), they’re gonna find a way to take it.

[@perryrush6563]

I replaced my original offroad animal bumper for the newer predator bumper. Sticks out a smidge more, but it is awesome and the fuel economy barely changes at all!

[@funkywk2]

Me too! Install video is in the works. I frickin love it!

[@chipcheesewhiz]

Now that you've had the rack for a few months, how do you like it? Will you do a review video?

[@gspfunk]

It’s been great. A follow up is a good idea, thanks! I’ll get to work on it.

[@gringopines3476]

HAY MY MAN THANX FOR THE VID. DOSE THE WELTING YOU PUT ON THE GUTTER & WIND DEFLECTOR COME WITH THE KIT??? IF NOT WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT & SIZE IF NEEDED ??? THANX AGAIN

[@funkywk2]

It comes with some to line the rails where they contact the gutters, but I bought some to line the deflector. Amazon link: TRIM-LOK Edge Trim - Fits 1/8” Edge, 7/16” Leg Length, 25’ Length, Black, Pebble Texture - Flexible PVC Edge Protector for Sharp/Rough Surfaces, Easy to Install www.amazon.com/dp/B00NL47HK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QZ85Z2X86ZTQVMXDHAJ6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@frenesia]

May I ask how much taller does the car get with this roof rack mounted? I have a pretty low garage entry door and if it is more than 6cm (2.4 inches) it would be a deal breaker for me. Thank you

[@funkywk2]

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

[@funkywk2]

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

[@funkywk2]

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

[@funkywk2]

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

[@frenesia]

@@funkywk2 Thank you

[@exoplanetnomad]

Cool rack, I wanna get their Predator front bumper, its sick! What do you feel about getting a snorkel?

[@funkywk2]

I’m with you on the Predator bumper. It can’t come soon enough! The WK2 is so limited on water fording depth, I wouldn’t really consider getting one unless you need it for dusty roads. I don’t think there are very many situations where a snorkel would be useful. They look bada$$, though!!

[@perryrush6563]

@@funkywk2 it does look good! I think I pestered them asking every month until one day I saw it on the US website and I bought it immediately. Looks good. Not as "stealth" or understated, but yeah, it allows the wheels to approach muuuch better!

[@funkywk2]

@@perryrush6563 100% It’s amazing! The clearance is why I wanted it!!

[@toneezy7028]

If I were to install 1 on my WK2, I just want to know plain and simple, Can I sit on it if I wanted to? I weigh 185 LBS. I'm a noob and this whole roof weight capacity confuses me

[@gspfunk]

For sure! I stand on mine WHILE I’m loading it up and securing our gear. It is extremely solid.

[@zoe7657]

Please post link to rubber trim !!

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

How do you like the offroad animal stuff versus the chief products? I'm trying to decide on front bumper or guard now.

[@funkywk2]

I like the Offroad Animal front bumper/pre-runner better due to better protection and more coverage. Both make great roof racks, but I haven’t seen the Chief rack in person. Both companies offer really high quality products, so I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

Did you have to remove or cut the front bumper bar?

[@funkywk2]

For the bumper, you have to cut the crash bar in a few places, or you can remove it as it comes out with the hidden winch mount, anyway. You have to remove the lower fascia like you would to go off roading, but the bumper cover doesn’t have to come off for the bumper, only the hidden winch mount.

[@perryrush6563]

How is the wind sound vs factory roof racks (which whistle anyways). Live in NM with 75mph speed limits and often high winds, so wasn't sure how the sound is at higher speeds (as their website informs buyers of).

[@funkywk2]

Same with speed limits in TX! It makes some noise as your changing the aerodynamics, but it’s not bad. Some people add tweaks to break up the wind noise, but when you have stuff up there, it’s not goin to be quiet.

[@perryrush6563]

@@funkywk2 cool deal. I was more concerned with the "non stuff" driving noises. In reality it always sounds windy out here anyways, but I have enjoyed it being quieter than my 02 JGC. Thanks for the reply.

[@iechiefcherokee3807]

I’m sorry but the 4 runner roof racks are built closer and more flush fitting then what we wk2 guys are running !!! build a more flush fitting and contouring of the body makes it look like some sort of a taco truck

[@ivangutierrez7341]

Como se llama esa pieza y donde la compraste

[@marine0331inf]

Is the height just under 7 feet? With nothing on the rack.

[@funkywk2]

Definitely! It’s about my height (6’4”) overall, even with my OME lift (close to OR2 height if you have QL). I’m still not close to my garage door when I pull in.

[@marine0331inf]

@@funkywk2 cool, I was kinda worried about that...plus with the city parking garages, they have very little to no height above 7 feet, dont want to scrape...... I dont have the adjustable ride height so I think it would be good. 👍👍👍

[@marine0331inf]

@@funkywk2 quick question, does the rack come with all new hardware or do you reuse the stock mounting hardware? Because I have had a leak on one side every time it rains hard and alot.... Ill habe a video posted of it tomorrow before noon.

[@gspfunk]

@@marine0331inf It comes with all new hardware. I’d chase down your leak once you get the OEM rails off. I’d guess it’s either a clogged roof drain or an issue with the OEM rivnuts that secure the rails to the roof. If it is the rivnuts, some JB Weld may fix it.

[@albertpinedo6099]

Did you feel a need for Loctite or or silicone sealer?

[@funkywk2]

No, not for any of it. The locking washers do just fine.

[@markwalton3139]

I have put these on mine and the wind rattles the hell out of them

[@funkywk2]

It needs to be adjusted. Loosen everything, then wiggle the rack until it gets to what seems like the most natural position (it has a little forward-back & side to side movement). Start with the bottom rails, but do not over tighten them. Then tighten the sides to the bottom. Then tighten the front deflector and the horizontal slats. Should be much more solid. The position of the bottom rails is the most critical. They should be touching the weatherstrip from front to back. If there are gaps, it will rattle and squeak.

[@hasanali-cy7ee]

Sorry, where can I buy this, Is it possible for a link to the seller or the company?

[@funkywk2]

offroadanimal.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/

[@eugeneenslow8563]

That glitchy transition you're using to edit is REALLY annoying 😒

[@photogphred792]

Hey, I appreciate the effort but you really have to lose the REALLY annoying shaky transition thing. I couldn't watch the whole thing. I just fast forwarded over it. If you're planning on continuing to use that transition, count me out!

[@camaroboi13]

I can’t wait for China to start making products for grand Cherokees. I’m so tired of everything costing an arm and a leg. By the time you get everything you want, you have no limbs left to enjoy the car.

[@gspfunk]

I get what you’re saying, but quality control is always a big issue when companies rip off designs or just make them cheaper. Back when I had my 90 Mustang LX 5.0, everyone knew that you had to plan on removing casting flash and cleaning up the knock-off intake manifolds and other parts. Look at the issues Harbor Freight still has with their jack stands…. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for cheaper if they can find a way to keep the QC tight.

[@iheartapple-od6pc]

damn I was hoping to see how you got the rails in.. good vid otherwise

[@gspfunk]

What do you mean? Installing the rails onto the OEM nutcerts? I have pics of the whole process, so I can post pics of anything I missed.

[@abazdarhon]

Good video but wk2 roof isn’t design to carry almost no load. Whatever roof rack you put on it will not hold more than 40kilograms including roof rack and that for on road not off road use. Rhino racks company already suffer from claims as they not show clearly the true when off road capability of they roof racks are limited massively so they roof rack fall off damaging cars and they roof. This roof rack look solid but it doesn’t matter as it is only bolt thin aluminum rivets attached to slim metal sheet of your roof. Strongly suggest not take it off road and load this more than 20kg. Here is a video what could be happen to you ( different car different rack same issue) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m37bY2ZoncaFr9E

[@funkywk2]

What you’re saying is true for the OEM rails as they are not properly supported. However, since the Offroad Animal rack moves the weight out to the channels on the sides, it can support a LOT more weight: 120kg dynamic (moving) & 240 kg static (stopped). offroadanimal.com/roof-rack-grand-cherokee-wk2-2011-2021/ Rhino Rack utilizes the OEM rails, which can’t support very much weight, hence the issues with damage.

[@abazdarhon]

@@funkywk2 you are wrong. 120kg dynamic on a road minus the Weight of the rack that is your load wile moving on the road. That is massive change if you go off-road. Tell me please how the rack move the load to the channels while you have screw very sturdy platform of roof rack to the small weak points in your roof sheet metal as such any movement of the load trying lean on that soft-rubber material on top of channels will pull your weak Anker points upwards. Strongly suggest remove that rack if you planing drive off road with more than 30kilograms load. Done it been there have loose my previous wk2 do to the damage in that places caused by roof rack like yours. Have another wk2 but this time only maxtrax on roof rack and lights as anything more off road will damage roof again.

[@funkywk2]

I’m not going to argue with you. If you were right, there would be thousands of complaints as Offroad Animal and Chief both have racks that hold a lot more weight, and there are a lot of videos that show them loaded down while off-roading. Sucks that you had issues with your set up, but maybe you should contact Offroad Animal and Chief to talk to them about it. They’d be more helpful than me since they designed and tested them.

[@lukeharvey7234]

@@abazdarhon Offroad Animal used independent testing, rack mounted to roof, using strain gauges to monitor any deflection, and established dynamic off road rating. This is apples and oranges to the rhino rack fuss of late. You can contact Offroad Animal and they will explain this. And yes the design absolutely does transfer the load off the nutserts embedded in sheet, onto the roof gutter. Contact [e-mail] if you have any other concerns

[@perryrush6563]

@@lukeharvey7234 so glad to know you jumped in. H ha ha. You are everywhere.