Can I Install Exposed Roof Rack AND Rhino-Rack Roof Rack To Carry Tent On 2014 Jeep Wrangler?

Question:

Hi, I purchased, from you guys, the Rhino Backbone system w/ 3 vortex bars for my Jeep JKU. I’m using this to mount my Roofnest Falcon tent and I just don’t feel comfortable with this system alone. The main reason is the single bolt that holds the brackets to the top of the Jeep. I’m looking for something that would give me peace of mind and stumbled on the Exposed system. So I’m asking the experts what they think about me adding 2 Exposed rails to the existing Rhino setup. The main problem I would have is the Rhino height is 4” and the Exposed is 2.5”, and just under 3.5 with addition of the Exposed accessory plate. ER37FR, ER93FR and ER23FR Any help would be much appreciated.

asked by: Alan S

Expert Reply:

You won't have the room to properly add a second roof rack like Exposed Racks Roof Rack # ER37FR to your 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited since it already has a Rhino-Rack roof rack consisting of the following parts: Vortex Aero Crossbars 59" # RRVA150S-3, Legs # RRRLT600-3, BackBone # RRRJKB1, Bases # RRQMFK05, and Spacers # RRQMVA05. Even if you did have room to fit the Exposed rack onto the roof gutters, I don't think this would be a good idea since the height would be different for each system and your RoofNest Falcon Tent would not sit evenly on the roof.

The Rhino-Rack system you currently have is rated for 264lbs while the Exposed rack is only rated for 165lbs so you won't be any better off switching to the Exposed system. The Backbone setup offers more support since it has a bracket system that you install for the crossbars to attach to. You won't have any issue with installing your RoofNest Falcon Tent as long as your Jeep's roof is rated for at least 140lbs which is what the tent weighs. The Rhino-Rack roof rack mentioned above is definitely the setup I recommend; I attached a demonstration video for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N