What started as a vehicle for troops in WWII quickly became an uncommon civilian vehicle that was great on cargo space and great on driving off-road.
The Jeep Wranglers hit stores back in 1987 have released various models, spanning many generations.
These are good and reliable models that can last you a very long time, despite being made to store heavy cargo.
The Jeep was originally marketed towards farmers; however, since then has become a family vehicle you take on trips.
These trips, however, may require you have more storage, and what better way to get storage than to install the best roof rack for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Roof racks allow the user to place their larger equipment onto their vehicles without the risk of falling and without the inconvenience of them taking space inside the car.
Table of Contents
7 Top Rated Jeep Wrangler Roof Racks Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET  | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Hooke Road Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Hooke Road is a brand committed to shattering the boundaries of innovation and design, releasing all manner of accessories for a Jeep or a truck, and providing high-cost performance, which it manages to deliver for the product in question.
The Hooke Road Roof Rack Cross Bars are quite easily one of the best roof racks on the market for the Jeep Wrangler, compatible with well over a decade of models, making it an easy choice when you are not sure if the rack will be compatible with your model.
These roof racks are made of high-quality aluminum allow mixed with an ABS plastic construction to provide you with tough and durable racks that can easily hold your luggage and reduce wind resistance and noise.
Moreover, these are specially designed to help you make the most out of your traveling adventures by being compatible with a wide range of bikes and ski racks, capable of storing 88 pounds while being 1-inch-thick and 3.15 inches wide.
The roof racks are assembled by setting up 4 clamps onto the car’s gutters, attaching 4 mounting brackets and 2 crossbars which are different in length.
One is shorter for the front, and one is longer for the rear. They are relatively easy to install and easy to install, which is amplified by how light they are.
The racks weigh in about just below 12 and half pounds, considering they can lift 88 pounds. It is impressive.
- Large compatibility range
- Easy to install
- Durable and made of high-quality Aluminum
- Questionable quality
- May not fit certain models
What could very well be a solid product if it achieves what it says has raised a few concerns against its quality and compatibility.
2. Rhino Rack Roof Racks
The Rhino Rack has been making quality products for travelers and adventurers, ensuring that the product they manufacture is environmentally friendly from design to manufacture and is a product fit for everybody.
Compatibility is no longer an issue with the Vortex SG59 as the roof rack can fit on any model of the Jeep Wrangler manufactured from 2007 to today, meaning it can fit on the modern and latest models as well.
The Rhino Rack Roof Racks are made with strong and lightweight aluminum, which is structural grade and anodized, leading to long-lasting durability and life.
The product has an Internal H-shape, which strengthens its storage capacity.
Installment of the product is easy, and since the Jeep Wrangler is built for off-road use, the SG59 is also just as capable, easily withstanding the bumpy roads and trails without getting loose or dropping your attached luggage.
Having undergone proper testing, the roof racks are up to Australian standards, providing both quality and style. The roof rack features a great design with flush bars and no overhang.
The design also helps to reduce wind noise and VGS strips or Vortex generating strips. This prevents a lot of annoyances on the user side.
They complained that the easy-to-install quality is not as easy as they say it is and that the rubbers which protect the top from scratches can come off.
- Durable and stylish
- Large compatibility range
- Easy to install
- Questionable quality
- Can scratch the top of the car
Another overall great product if it can live up to the standards it sets itself on, the SG59 is a solid choice for jeep users if the corresponding model is compatible.
3. Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Rail Racks
The Snailfy has been making quality products for various car companies, so even if you do not own a Jeep Wrangler, you can still utilize their products for your other vehicles.
It is safe to say that the company knows what it is doing and can make great products.
Their product in question is the Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Rail Racks which has a nice compatibility range for all Jeep Wrangler models manufactured from 2007 to 2018 for the JK and models 2018 – 2022 for the Unlimited.
The roof rack is greatly designed and capable of storing anything the user wants. It can also hold a cargo box for increased storage.
This could be luggage you are taking for vacation or other equipment such as skis and kayaks. The model has a very large load capacity of 165 pounds on base models.
This can be enough to store all of your cargo needs; however, if you are still not satisfied with the storage capacity, you can get another model type of this that can store 330 pounds.
The product is easily installable, requiring no drilling or cutting. It is easy to assemble and easy to remove.
The design is quite aerodynamic, featuring a teardrop shape design made with high-quality aluminum.
The product comes with locks but does not have them function, being not worth the trouble.
- Easy to install
- Durable and aerodynamic
- Can store up to 330 pounds
- Equipment isn’t held properly
- Locks are not good
The Snailfy roof rack can hold a tremendous amount of weight, but if it cannot maintain the object’s hold, I cannot recommend this product.
4. SUPAREE Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Suparee has been specializing in Jeep Wrangler products for the last seven years and has a very nice selection of Jeep Products from headlights to roof racks, with the main factory in china. With a good amount of experience, we can say that their products should be of good standards.
The SUPAREE Roof Rack Cross Bars are made of high-quality premium aluminum alloy with a black powder-coated finish, and the base feet are made of ABS Plastic.
The product is scratch resistance, anti-corrosive and rustproof. The roof rack crossbar can easily store 40kgs of cargo, which is around 88 pounds.
This is not as much as many of the products on this list but is still a respectable amount for the average user to store their cargo and luggage.
The product’s fitment is for hardtop models only, and the compatible models include the JK and JK Jeep wranglers, which span from the 2007 models to the 2021 model.
Furthermore, this is great for users who are unsure of their product and model compatibility choice. The installment of the product is also simple, featuring a bolt action install.
It requires no drilling or cutting to install. It can be secured with a screwdriver and attached to the main gutter of the hard-top car.
This raises concerns about the overall quality of the product, but other than that, it is generally good.
- Rustproof and corrosion resistant
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Large compatibility range
- Feels like plastic
Despite the few quality concerns raised by a few reviews of the product, the Suparee roof rack is a solid choice if you want a rack that can survive long term and avoid corrosion or rust.
5. Haitzu Cross Bars Roof Rail Racks
The Haitzu has been popular roof racks and crossbars for the Jeep Wrangler, coming in various sizes.
The products of this company are accessible to a wide variety of different wrangler models released over the years.
The Haitzu Cross Bars Roof Rail Racks can fit a wide range of Jeep Wrangler models, starting from 2007 to recent models up to 2018.
The products are compatible with the JK, JKU, JL, and JLU Unlimited and are made specifically for hardtop models.
The build of the crossbar is made of high-quality aluminum alloy with a wind tunneled teardrop shape—the design of the product offers the passengers a nice cargo boost while being quiet and aerodynamic.
Speaking of the cargo boost, the roof rack can easily store loads up to 220 pounds which is a very nice cargo space and hold a lot of luggage or equipment, making traveling more roomy and convenient.
It can easily hold large equipment like cargo boxes or snowboards and bikes.
Other product features include how the product is overall stable with high loads and provides strong support.
The build of the railing gives a beautiful appearance by not protruding out the car’s body and trying to stay inside the boundaries of the vehicle.
Parts may not properly fit onto the gutter either.
- Large compatibility range
- Aerodynamic and quiet
- Stable and strong support
- It does not fit over the front door
An overall great product, the Haitzu roof rack crossbar has a very large storage capacity and a very minimal inconvenience of not being able to fit over the front door, which depending on the user, could make or break the product.
6. Rugged Ridge Sherpa Roof Racks
The Rugged Ridge is a dedicated Jeep parts and accessories manufacturing company which many brands as the market leader for Jeep-related products and replacement parts.
Established in 2005, they have over 3000 different products and make more every year.
The Rugged Ridge Sherpa Roof Racks are an extremely durable roof that weighs a lot more than the other roof racks on this list, coming on 82 pounds of weight and is very large by 78 inches in length, 20 in width, and 10 in width height.
Like many of the products on this list, the Rugged Ridge Sherpa is compatible with models which start from 2007 and go to 2018 models.
It, however, is made for all top models and does not support rooftop tents.
The product features a unique tilt feature that allows the user to easily access the hardtop or soft top and allows for the freedom panel to be removed without removing the entire roof rack.
Lastly, the model is available for 2-door and 4 door wranglers and has 3 light tabs integrated for the auxiliary lighting.
All components of the roof rack feature dual-stage protection from rust and corrosion and are wrapped over a textured black powder coating.
The roof tends to loosely hold objects in place and causes sway, which can lead to property damage via your equipment falling off.
- Unique tilt feature
- Large compatibility model
- Rust resistant
- Bigger and heavier than other roof racks
- Does not hold equipment properly
The tilt feature and rust resistance of the overall roof rack allowed the product to make its way on this list; however, due to the huge size and weight of the product and the fact that equipment it holds can sway, this is a risky investment.
7. MAIKER Aluminum Roof Rail Rack Cross Bars
Founded in 2008, the Maiker Offroad is primarily located in China and professionally provides various accessories and products for automobiles, making it a great company to get reliable and long-lasting products.
The MAIKER Aluminum Roof Rail Rack Cross Bars have been created from high-grade aluminum.
The base feet are made of high-quality plastic, which avoids injury to the top of the car’s paint. This durability can withstand greater weights than its competitors at 1/3rd of the weight.
The weight capacity of this product is a staggering 180 pounds which is more than adequate for the average user.
This makes travel more convenient and allows storing items on top of your car you couldn’t do otherwise, such as cargo boxes and boats.
The roof rack is easily attachable to the car’s roof and does not require cutting or drilling. The super-easy installation is done to the gutter of the hard top of the cars.
In addition, this makes it easy to assemble and remove. The adjustment holes can be changed according to the length of the body.
Fitment of the roof rack is on various models of the Jeep Wrangler, starting from 2007 and this time only reaching 2017. They are optimized for JK and JLs, and 4 doors.
- Large compatibility range
- Large storage range
- Easy install
- Whistling sound
Another great product, it can store a large amount of cargo and is of great durability. The only problem is that the product makes a constant whistling sound which can get annoying.
How To Install A Roof Rack On Your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
This guide will help with all the steps you need to know if you are planning to install a roof rack on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Let’s get started with the steps below!
Install The Gutter Rings
The first step is to install a gutter ring to the bar. They go on both sides, and the process is pretty simple.
- First, you need to remove the end cap.
- Then you need to install the gutter ring itself.
- You will need an adapter kit if the installation is loose and flaps around. It will be included in the box. You need to slide the adapter into the clamp of the ring.
- Now, all you need to do is move it a small distance in on the bar and put the end cap back on. This will ensure that the ring does not drop down.
- You also need to tighten the bolt and nut using your hand so it does not move during installation.
- Do this for the other side and the other bar too.
Secure On The Roof
This part is pretty easy. You must put the bar on top of the roof and properly secure the gutter ring’s clamps. You need to do this for both sides and the other bar.
Measure The Distance
Perhaps the most tedious part of the process is this one. You need to ensure that the distance of the overhang is equal, so there is no imbalance in the installation.
Moreover, make sure that the distance of the bars, with their respective sides, is equal. You will need to use a measuring tape and adjust accordingly.
It is not important to do so, but it is recommended as it looks much cleaner. You can adjust the distance according to the cargo that will need to be carried later.
Tighten The Bolts
Do you remember the bolts you tightened by hand in the first step of this installation procedure?
Well, now you need a torque wrench to secure them firmly.
The amount of torque required will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you must ensure that you follow those exact numbers.
If you over-tighten the bolts, there is a good chance that you may be permanently damaging the roof of your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Lastly, if you don’t tighten them enough, then constant vibrations while driving may result in those bolts becoming loose. Now, you don’t want that!
Use Your Roof Rack
These required steps for installing a roof rack on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The process is pretty simple.
If you know what you are doing, you should complete the installation process within 30 minutes.
Even if you are confused, there are dozens of YouTube videos that will help you, in a step-by-step fashion, to install a roof rack on your Wrangler Unlimited.
Make sure not to skip over any step or compensate for something, as it will damage your Wrangler’s roof. It is not worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can A Jeep Have A Roof Rack?
Yes, Jeep Wranglers are capable of getting a roof rack installed. This is very convenient for long rides and traveling.
Despite being well equipped to handle cargo independently, sometimes people require more space to store equipment that cannot fit inside the car itself.
Q2. What Do I Need To Know Before Buying Roof Racks For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
Before purchasing a roof rack for your Jeep Wrangler, you must first check your vehicle model and figure out which model you have so that you can buy a compatible roof rack.
After figuring out your model, you must choose your preferred roof rack, ensuring that it has high strength and durability and can carry enough weight to hold your luggage.
Other things to look for are easy to install and rust and corrosion-proof racks.
Q3. What Can I Store On My Roof Rack?
Roof racks are made to store and house larger luggage and equipment for the traveler, objects which normally cannot fit inside the car itself.
Some roof rack models may not be compatible with certain equipment. However, most roof racks should be able to house larger equipment such as kayaks, bicycles, and storage boxes.
Luggage bags can also be stored on the roof rack but can be placed inside a storage box which can more safely store the luggage.
Q4. How Much Weight Can A Roof Rack Hold?
Each roof rack has a specific load capacity that it can comfortably hold.
This load depends from model to model. Depending on the material of the roof rack, stronger materials can house more cargo.
Make sure that the cargo weight does not exceed the limit of the roof rack; otherwise, the equipment can sway and fall off, or the base of the roof may hit the top of the car.
You would not want this, so adhere to the product’s storage compatibility.
Conclusion
Roof racks exist to provide adventurous travelers and large families who require more cargo space to easily store their luggage and equipment, which cannot normally be stored inside the car without causing discomfort to the passengers.
In this regard, I wholeheartedly recommend the Hooke Road Roof Rack Cross Bars.
This product is compatible with many different models of the Jeep Wrangler and is overall a good quality roof rack, which is why it is at the top of our best roof rack for Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
Despite some negative reviews, the people still generally favor the product, which is why it is at the top of our list.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
