Anyone running Smittybilt roof rack if so Pics Please.

[Willopat]

Can't decide on what rack to get. Looking for style and function. Really looking for full rack like ARB's but don't want to spend that much. I can find a lot of pics of other racks but can't find any smittybilt pics, and I mean pics on real rigs. I do want a gutter mounted rack and basket style. Just looking for ideas from you guys. FZJ80 here Thanks.

 

[Douglas S]

I highly recommend against anything made by Smittybilt. Their products are, with very few exceptions, crap.

 

[rubicondon53]

Run away, run away.. If you're not willing or able to spend $800 and up, you're getting crap, and some of the $800 racks are crap... There's a very good reason why you can't find any 80s with s***tybilt racks, bumpers or sliders.... Let the jeepo crowd keep getting suckered...... Having said that, I did buy an XRC 8 on CL, years ago.. Served me well, for 4 or 5 pulls, then sold it with the jeep....

 

[Willopat]

Thanks I had my doubts too. That's why I asked. What about Gamiviti racks its in my price range I was thinking about 800 on this project. Trying to get ready for the many trips to the camp.

 

[LFD2037]

If you're not willing or able to spend $800 and up, you're getting crap,

I have to disagree. If your looking @ the Smittybilt then you're obviously not wanting to drop some serious coin on a rack & that's okay. If you can find someone local that can bend 1" round tube & weld, then you can have 1 made just how you want it for cheap. A rack is very simple. If you want a flat rack then that will consist of only 4 bends (each corner). The rest is cut & weld. Hell, buy a decect welder for $400, a decent drill for $125, a notch bit for $25 & $100 in material. $650 added to a little labor later, you have a rack & just need the mounts. Kargo Master makes some for $61/per 4. Less than $800 & you now have a welder & drill so you can start on your bumper!!! I got way off track there but I don't agree you have to pay $800 & up to get a decent rack. Even cheaper you can make a J-Moose Rack (google it). The question is:
do you need a Chevy rack or a Ferrari rack?

 

[Willopat]

LFD2037 I have thought about doing that also. I want a basket type rack. I have a friend that can weld so maybe that's what I will do. Thanks for the advice

 

[Douglas S]

This rack cost me $700 fully powdercoated, plus the six Gamiviti Mounts. Built exactly to my specifications.

http://mint-design.ca/design/custom-built-roof-rack/

 

[Box Rocket]

The Prinsu Rack I'm having built should be done soon. Mine is the prototype for the 80 series and then it will be ready for production. I don't have final pricing numbers but it is much cheaper than $800 and is anything but crap. Low profile, all aluminum and super strong.

Here's the prototype rails that will be going on my truck.






Here's a finished rack on a Tacoma to give you an idea what the final product will be like.

 

[LFD2037]

LFD2037 I have thought about doing that also. I want a basket type rack. I have a friend that can weld so maybe that's what I will do. Thanks for the advice

Since you want a basket type, that's only a total of 8 bends. Easy peasy! $150 for tubing, $120 for 8 mounts, $20 for paint, $150 to pay your friend & $50 for beer. <$500 & you get exactly what you want! There's also @reevesci , a vendor on here, that builds some quality racks for a reasonable price.

 

[ChiTown]

I actually have a Smittybilt/Defender roof rack and it works just fine. This is my second one (first one was on my Cherokee) and have no real complaints even after I modified it to mount my ARB roof top tent.

 

[M32H32is]

Used Smittybilt gutter mounts & an Atv ramp.

 

[Willopat]

LFD2037 dude I like your style! If my friend helps and he will. I will have to help him out more than once. 50 buck for beer and he would owe me.

 

[rubicondon53]

Ok, I'll concede,,, I should have used the words--- "any rack bought off the shelf"-- I didn't take into consideration all the options... Thanks guys,,,