What Roof Rack Do You Recommend for My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Question:

Im looking for a Roof Rack for my 2020 Grand Jeep Cherokee and am partial to the look of the black Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack. My roof is the black and chrome track with flush mounted rails that run from to back. Couple questions: 1 Since the specs for this rack state only 35inch of Bar Space, am I limiting the size of a rooftop cargo box I can use in the future. The specs of many cargo boxes have wider widths than 35. Usually 36 or 37. 2 I am a novice in this endeavor. Does fixed mounting points mean no longitudinal adjustment are possible. I notice a number of mounting screws on the Jeep flush mounted rails. 3 What is your opinion of the Wingbar EVO vs the AeroBlade edge. Which is quieter. I plan on only using a rooftop cargo box or a small cargo carrier. 4 Do you have any suggestions on other manufacturers, Yakima seems a good brand but I believe no locks and I have little info on Rhino Rack. Thanks your your help.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

You will be limiting the space on the roof of your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (with black/chrome flush mounted rails) for a cargo carrier if you purchase the 35-inch long Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack - Fixed Mounting Points/Flush, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum TH7602B-TH7602B (you will only have 29-1/4 inches - 33-1/4 inches of usable crossbar space). If you want a great option of a larger usable crossbar space to use a cargo box like the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft # TH629806, I recommend the following setup:

- Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2 # TH711420
- Rapid Podium Feet for Thule Crossbars - Fixed Point - Qty 4 # TH460R
- Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3142 # THKIT3142
- Thule One-Key Lock Cylinders # TH450400

Not only will you increase the usable crossbar space to 53 inches with the WingBar Evo setup, you will also get a similar sleek look that you get from the AeroBlades. Also, with the WingBar setup, you will be able to accomodate up to 165 pounds with the components. I recommend that you consult with the user manual with your vehicle in order to make sure you can accommodate that much weight. If you need help with the installation, I went ahead and attached a video that shows the procedure on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since your vehicle has fixed mounting points, you will be limited to mounting the system into those bolt holes (there won't be any longitudinal adjustment available).

As far as the comparison between the WingBar Evo crossbars and the Aeroblade Edge, it is true that the Aeroblade Edge is a quieter setup (but not by much). There will not be a large notable difference between the noise of the two systems. You will get more weight capacity from the Thule system than the Rhino-Rack system (15 pounds extra). Also, as far as Yakima, a Yakima setup will provide you with the same capacity as the Thule and the ability to add locks. However, as far as the overall construction of the WingBar Evos, I recommend the Thule setup.