Offroad Animal Roof Rack Install - Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk WK2 

Like what? Just curious. This would work just fine for plywood or harder materials as the bolts don’t stick up much and have domed heads. If you’re talking about drywall, you’re likely correct, but I wouldn’t carry that on my roof in any situation as the rack isn’t long enough, anyway.

There are no clearance issues between the sunroof and the rack at all. Cleaning under it is still kind of a pain, but a wash mit or sponge makes it easier.

It comes with some to line the rails where they contact the gutters, but I bought some to line the deflector. Amazon link: TRIM-LOK Edge Trim - Fits 1/8” Edge, 7/16” Leg Length, 25’ Length, Black, Pebble Texture - Flexible PVC Edge Protector for Sharp/Rough Surfaces, Easy to Install www.amazon.com/dp/B00NL47HK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QZ85Z2X86ZTQVMXDHAJ6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That’s interesting. Thanks for the info as I’m always interested to see how other brands compare. I’ve taken mine off several times, so I appreciate that they’re easier to access. I’m always careful where I park, but if someone wants my roof rack bad enough (or my Jeep), they’re gonna find a way to take it.

It’s been great. A follow up is a good idea, thanks! I’ll get to work on it.

I like the design and weight savings it offered over all-steel racks. I’m also a brand ambassador for them, but I only did that b/c I already liked their products better than others. I’ve had for a while now and am still happy with it. We’ve loaded it down with gear, I’ve stood on it for different things, and no problems.

@@funkywk2 thanks for the feedback! It's appreciated :)

I like the Offroad Animal front bumper/pre-runner better due to better protection and more coverage. Both make great roof racks, but I haven’t seen the Chief rack in person. Both companies offer really high quality products, so I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

Did you have to remove or cut the front bumper bar?

For the bumper, you have to cut the crash bar in a few places, or you can remove it as it comes out with the hidden winch mount, anyway. You have to remove the lower fascia like you would to go off roading, but the bumper cover doesn’t have to come off for the bumper, only the hidden winch mount.

Same with speed limits in TX! It makes some noise as your changing the aerodynamics, but it’s not bad. Some people add tweaks to break up the wind noise, but when you have stuff up there, it’s not goin to be quiet.

@@funkywk2 cool deal. I was more concerned with the "non stuff" driving noises. In reality it always sounds windy out here anyways, but I have enjoyed it being quieter than my 02 JGC. Thanks for the reply.

I’m with you on the Predator bumper. It can’t come soon enough! The WK2 is so limited on water fording depth, I wouldn’t really consider getting one unless you need it for dusty roads. I don’t think there are very many situations where a snorkel would be useful. They look bada$$, though!!

@@funkywk2 it does look good! I think I pestered them asking every month until one day I saw it on the US website and I bought it immediately. Looks good. Not as "stealth" or understated, but yeah, it allows the wheels to approach muuuch better!

@@perryrush6563 100% It’s amazing! The clearance is why I wanted it!!

For sure! I stand on mine WHILE I’m loading it up and securing our gear. It is extremely solid.

Me too! Install video is in the works. I frickin love it!

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

It’s definitely taller than that. I’d guess around 4-7” overall, as the height varies in different places.

@@funkywk2 Thank you

No, not for any of it. The locking washers do just fine.

It needs to be adjusted. Loosen everything, then wiggle the rack until it gets to what seems like the most natural position (it has a little forward-back & side to side movement). Start with the bottom rails, but do not over tighten them. Then tighten the sides to the bottom. Then tighten the front deflector and the horizontal slats. Should be much more solid. The position of the bottom rails is the most critical. They should be touching the weatherstrip from front to back. If there are gaps, it will rattle and squeak.

offroadanimal.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/

Definitely! It’s about my height (6’4”) overall, even with my OME lift (close to OR2 height if you have QL). I’m still not close to my garage door when I pull in.

@@funkywk2 cool, I was kinda worried about that...plus with the city parking garages, they have very little to no height above 7 feet, dont want to scrape...... I dont have the adjustable ride height so I think it would be good. 👍👍👍

@@funkywk2 quick question, does the rack come with all new hardware or do you reuse the stock mounting hardware? Because I have had a leak on one side every time it rains hard and alot.... Ill habe a video posted of it tomorrow before noon.

@@marine0331inf It comes with all new hardware. I’d chase down your leak once you get the OEM rails off. I’d guess it’s either a clogged roof drain or an issue with the OEM rivnuts that secure the rails to the roof. If it is the rivnuts, some JB Weld may fix it.

What do you mean? Installing the rails onto the OEM nutcerts? I have pics of the whole process, so I can post pics of anything I missed.

What you’re saying is true for the OEM rails as they are not properly supported. However, since the Offroad Animal rack moves the weight out to the channels on the sides, it can support a LOT more weight: 120kg dynamic (moving) & 240 kg static (stopped). offroadanimal.com/roof-rack-grand-cherokee-wk2-2011-2021/ Rhino Rack utilizes the OEM rails, which can’t support very much weight, hence the issues with damage.

@@funkywk2 you are wrong. 120kg dynamic on a road minus the Weight of the rack that is your load wile moving on the road. That is massive change if you go off-road. Tell me please how the rack move the load to the channels while you have screw very sturdy platform of roof rack to the small weak points in your roof sheet metal as such any movement of the load trying lean on that soft-rubber material on top of channels will pull your weak Anker points upwards. Strongly suggest remove that rack if you planing drive off road with more than 30kilograms load. Done it been there have loose my previous wk2 do to the damage in that places caused by roof rack like yours. Have another wk2 but this time only maxtrax on roof rack and lights as anything more off road will damage roof again.

I’m not going to argue with you. If you were right, there would be thousands of complaints as Offroad Animal and Chief both have racks that hold a lot more weight, and there are a lot of videos that show them loaded down while off-roading. Sucks that you had issues with your set up, but maybe you should contact Offroad Animal and Chief to talk to them about it. They’d be more helpful than me since they designed and tested them.

@@abazdarhon Offroad Animal used independent testing, rack mounted to roof, using strain gauges to monitor any deflection, and established dynamic off road rating. This is apples and oranges to the rhino rack fuss of late. You can contact Offroad Animal and they will explain this. And yes the design absolutely does transfer the load off the nutserts embedded in sheet, onto the roof gutter. Contact infousa@offroadanimal.com if you have any other concerns

@@lukeharvey7234 so glad to know you jumped in. H ha ha. You are everywhere.

I get what you’re saying, but quality control is always a big issue when companies rip off designs or just make them cheaper. Back when I had my 90 Mustang LX 5.0, everyone knew that you had to plan on removing casting flash and cleaning up the knock-off intake manifolds and other parts. Look at the issues Harbor Freight still has with their jack stands…. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for cheaper if they can find a way to keep the QC tight.