Roof Rack Weight Capacity for 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Hardtop for Use with Cargo Carrier  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We offer a number of roof rack systems for use with your 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Hardtop. These can be seen using the link provided.

The weight carrying capacity of these roof racks will vary, and may be limited by your Jeep roof weight load rating. I reviewed an online copy of the manual but it did not indicate the load capacity for the hard top. You will want to consult your owners manual to confirm that safe weight load rating, keeping in mind that the weight of the roof rack itself, plus the weight of any cargo accessory items you mount to it, plus your loaded cargo all together count toward the vehicle roof weight limit. Take care to ensure that you do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer rating.

Thule offers a cost-effective roof rack option for your Wrangler Unlimited with no roof rails or crossbars consisting of parts # THLB58 and # TH300. This roof rack uses plastic-coated steel square load bars and does attach to the rain gutters. There will be 5 inches of clearance between your gutters and the load bars. The crossbar spread of this rack system is 48-inches.

Although the Thule cargo basket you reviewed, TH690XT, will not fit this roof rack due to the 48-inch crossbar spread, we do offer a compatible unit from Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket part # Y07138-08, which measures 62-inches long x 40-inches wide. This basket weighs 23 pounds more than the Thule and so this takes some of your vehicle's roof weight capacity for your cargo. A video link for this basket is provided.

If you prefer an enclosed cargo box to protect your valuables from the elements you could instead get a cargo box like the lightweight Thule Pulse 14-Cu-Ft Cargo Box, part # TH614. This cargo box will fit the 48-inch crossbar spread of the Thule rack and will protect your cargo from the elements (but I would also recommend wrapping delicate cargo in a plastic bag to keep it from getting wet during extreme conditions). A video on this cargo box is also provided for your review.

I have also included a link to an FAQ article that offers helpful information about the different types of roof cargo carriers available.

expert reply by: Adam R

0