Locating RTT racks for 2004 LJ

[_Brewser_]

Hey everyone.

I’m totally new to the the community and the forum. I just inherited my late father’s 2004 LJ and have been digging for information everywhere.

I am having a big issue locating LJ exo racks that would support a CVT Hood tent. Maybe I’m just looking in the wrong areas.

Any help would be greatly appreciated..

 

[L J]

First, my condolences on the loss of your father. Second, welcome to the site and your dad left you the best Jeep. Third, if you're thinking of a rack that mounts directly to the hardtop, I'd rethink that approach. The hardtop isn't designed to hold the weight of a RTT let alone a rack, RTT and occupants. If you want a RTT you'll need to get something like a Gobi, Garvin or similar.

 

[_Brewser_]

If you're thinking of a rack that mounts directly to the hardtop, I'd rethink that approach. The hardtop isn't designed to hold the weight of a RTT let alone a rack, RTT and occupants. If you want a RTT you'll need to get something like a Gobi, Garvin or similar.

Specifically an exterior rack

 

[L J]

Specifically an exterior rack

I have no idea what the static capacity is on these racks but Gobi and Garvin are the two biggest names that come to mind for cargo racks:
https://www.gobiracks.com/product-c...s-and-accessories/jeep/wrangler-tj-1996-2006/
https://garvinracks.com/76-06-wrangler

 

[pagrey]

If there is any way possible you can talk yourself out of a RTT, you should do that. There is a large list of why the are inconvenient and generally make life in a Jeep suck. If you're really into it then go for it, not trying to rain on the parade or anything.

 

[_Brewser_]

I totally understand. I also have a 93 Chevy G30 van outfitted for full time living and this rig is going to be a full-time overlander by the beginning of next season. I am not intending it to be a big crawler, just has to be able to get to the spots my Chevy can’t get to. When I don’t want the RTT on the Jeep it is going to exist in the shop or on the van as extra quarters.

I’m just having so many issues finding quality overland centric hardware for this LJ
Again maybe I’m just green and looking in all of the wrong places.

Best.
Stephen

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd find some other means of camping other than a RTT, a simple tent is what I'd go for. A buddy of mine installed a RTT and he spent way too much time trying to get it ready at night, not mentioning he got so he hated having to go up and down its ladder. He sold it and bought a tent that was ready to go in 1/3 the time. Pop-up tents are fast to erect and throw your junk into, RTTs not so much.

And a big welcome to WTF, I hope our trying to discourage the installation of a RTT won't bother you.

 

[toximus]

I also agree with everything above. To add to it, your suspension isn't like a full size truck's firm suspension and it will tilt around as you move around in the tent.

• If you're solo, you can push the passenger seat forward and lay down to sleep.
• Summer only, a hammock works great around trees or between 2 Jeeps with soft tops.
• Or maybe pull your Jeep with your van and use it as a base camp?

 

[jjvw]

...

I’m just having so many issues finding quality overland centric hardware for this LJ
...

That's because the LJ doesn't make for a very good overlander with a bunch of crap attached to it.

 

[IPerkWVU]

Off-road trailers with a RTT are a popular option also

 

[wigsajumper]

for putting the RTT on your LJ either Gobi or Garvin is your two best choices for a rack. Bull Dawg Hard top makes an aftermarket hardtop that can carry weight. Has a dynamic weight limit of 600lbs. One big disadvantage of the RTT on the LJ is the short wheel base and high center of gravity. I go for a trailer with my RTT

 

[_Brewser_]

Well it seems I may be hunting for a good turtle or something for my overlanding needs
Thanks for all of the info everyone. This is a pretty warm welcome.

 

[IPerkWVU]

Just for the sake of discussion….is one of the lightweight RTTs (100lbs), Gobi rack (88lbs) too much for light trail / forest service use?

Build for 33s. 2.5SL, small body lift. Springs and shocks valved for heavy rigs..

I think you’d want to keep weight as a major consideration but don’t know if it would completely rule it out

 

[rasband]

Just for the sake of discussion….is one of the lightweight RTTs (100lbs), Gobi rack (88lbs) too much for light trail / forest service use?

Build for 33s. 2.5SL, small body lift. Springs and shocks valved for heavy rigs..

I think you’d want to keep weight as a major consideration but don’t know if it would completely rule it out

This is a good question, but what kills the usage no matter what is the leverage of weight being higher up. I could put a buddy in the passenger seat and only notice a small change in driving. Put him on top and I know the lean would be noticeable. Maybe not prohibitive for "overlanding", but noticeable.

 

[skrelnik]

Mr. @jscherb is the man to ask.

 

[DETOUR]

I totally understand. I also have a 93 Chevy G30 van outfitted for full time living and this rig is going to be a full-time overlander by the beginning of next season. I am not intending it to be a big crawler, just has to be able to get to the spots my Chevy can’t get to. When I don’t want the RTT on the Jeep it is going to exist in the shop or on the van as extra quarters.

I’m just having so many issues finding quality overland centric hardware for this LJ
Again maybe I’m just green and looking in all of the wrong places.

Best.
Stephen

Brewser
Me too sending my condolences in regards to your dad’s passing !
• have you considered one of those tents that mount to the back of the vehicle ?
• not that I’m against the roof tent in general , but just the thought of climbing down n up again in the middle of a rainy night to do the “business “, does not appeal to me
• the other factor is being extra top heavy
• and last but not least, we end up in a nice spot, set up camp and decide to go for a spin, now I have to pack up my rooftop ….

Just my 2 bits

 

[toximus]

• and last but not least, we end up in a nice spot, set up camp and decide to go for a spin, now I have to pack up my rooftop ….

Compound that with busy wheeling events where you tend to park in fields or deserts. You'll loose your campsite near your buddies and have to find a new spot each night.

 

[IPerkWVU]

This is a good question, but what kills the usage no matter what is the leverage of weight being higher up. I could put a buddy in the passenger seat and only notice a small change in driving. Put him on top and I know the lean would be noticeable. Maybe not prohibitive for "overlanding", but noticeable.

I don’t disagree , completely depends on what you want to do. I wouldn’t want one strapped to the top and running any moderate trails.

If you know you’ll never ‘get the wheeling bug’ and want to venture onto the harder trails, I don’t think it’s a bad option for off-grid camping.

The problem is most people get the bug.

 

[jjvw]

Compound that with busy wheeling events where you tend to park in fields or deserts. You'll loose your campsite near your buddies and have to find a new spot each night.

If all your buddies also have RTTs, then everyone loses their campsites each night.

 

[toximus]

If all your buddies also have RTTs, then everyone loses their campsites each night.

What fun!