I’ve seen the different rack setups, but I am asking about this specific one. Does anyone here have one? Any real world reviews in regards to this specific rack. I know it’s a bit $$$$$. I personally like the modular concept, just hoping someone can enlighten me here....thanks! Here are a couple pics that show off the rack...inspiration!! Pics borrowed from Storm Jeeps! I think they did a great job with the mods and not over doing the Renegade!!
I have the Front Runner Slimline II on my 2017 DesertHawk. Personally I absolutely love it but not everything is perfect. Here are the things I love about this rack: Modular Design: Pretty much every accessory on Front Runners web site fits this thing so you can do any combination of things depending on your needs. You can even add more cross rails and turn it into a platform. There is tons of room for activities. Also because all of the connections are T-Slot there is room to expand outside of Front Runners product line if you are creative. You can also mount offroad lights anywhere you want! Size: It's HUGE! This rack fills almost the entire top of the Renegade and due to it's size makes the car look much bigger than it actually is. Construction: The aluminum construction on this thing is rugged. It assembles with minimal tools and everything is well engineered. The finish on this rack is very durable and so far, has withstood the first New England winter I have subjected it to. It is a bit of a pain to clean the snow off it though. Warranty: It has a lifetime warranty. Here are the things I don't like about it: Weight: I'm not going to sugar coat it, it weighs a good 50-60 pounds. Unless you are strong, flexible, and have a step stool, its a two person job to get in up there. Mounting System: The strap on foot kit Front Runner sells with this rack is pretty robust. It holds it onto the factory roof rails very securely but I'm not a fan of how it looks. More on my plans to address this in a bit. Cost: It's almost a grand. I justified the cost by the capabilities of this rack and it size vs. the alternative (which would have been cross rails and an off the shelf rack that I would have to adapt everything to). MPG: Due to how high it sits and the fact that you have to run the air dam on the front of it you will loose some MPG on the highway. I see a loss of 4-6 depending on how windy it is. I will also be addressing this soon as well. This rack is well worth the price if you plan to use it. Here is what I plan to do in regards to addressing the mounting system. Front Runner sells all the parts to their racks separately if you need spares or want to do a custom rack. I'm going to pick up a set of their Universal 1800mm Track Mounts. They are designed to use the standard track feet (available in different heights) to mount up to the rack. Due to the curvature of the roof on the Renegade they will not be a direct replacement for the factory roof rails. I will be building a spacer out of Delrin plastic (UV resistant, high impact, industrial grade). The spacer will follow the contour of the roof on one side and be flat on the other and will essentially be sandwiched between the roof of the Renegade and the Universal Track Mount. This will allow me to use the track feet, which in turn, will allow me to adjust the height of the rack from 40-70mm using different height feet. Lowering the roof rack will improve it's aerodynamics a bit, and coupled with a custom aluminum faring for the front of the rack should help pick up the MPG on the highway. I already have plans for a pile of stuff to add to the rack: Corner brackets for Wolf pack box storage, Fuel and Water can mounts, recovery device mounts, shovel, and the aluminum ladder to ease loading. And since I plan do do a lot of camping with the Renny, probably a sunshade. I'm also going to be adding 40" single row light bar to the front and two 12" single rows to the sides. So that being said, it was a worthwhile investment for my Renegade. With a few minor modifications it will be nearly perfect and it will be getting plenty of use.
That was a very detailed and well thought out review. Amazing! Thank you for taking the time to write this out! Edit: Can I ask, did you order direct from Frontrunner or did you use another retailer? Thanks
