Roof Rack Decision

[TKinstler]

I have looked over this site and researched online regarding roof racks and noticed a wide variety and opinions. My hope was to order one from Josh [MENTION=77764]Whitson Metalworks[/MENTION] as he seems to have the best quality for the price, but he has a long lead time and soon will only be busier yet with an expecting child. With summer going fast I would like to order a rack and have delivered sooner than later for my kayaks, camping gear and misc. luggage. Was hoping to hear everyone's opinions on the following racks and/or if I am missing one. I want a rack that mounts to the roof as I do not have factory rails or a sunroof. Here are my thoughts so far on the ones I have found.

Baja Rack: Good quality. A little smaller in size. (Est. $917)

Gobi Rack: Great quality. Love the ladder option. Hate the huge price tag. (Est. $1665)

ARB: Offer a couple different options that mount to a kit. Concerned about the mounting kit and also smaller in size. Would the landcruiser or other larger racks work with the 4R kit? (Est. $835)

Perkins Performance: I have tried calling the numbers off their web site, but all are disconnected. Assuming out of business.

Front Runner: Smaller rack. Not many reviews on them. (Est. $955)

Maybe I am just s.o.l. as to having a larger rack. I appreciate anyone's input!

 

[robaroni]

I took pictures of several different racks I like down to several local welding and fabrication shops. Created my own design with the dimensions and features I want and was quoted between $400 and $700 depending on the shop. Going to have the work done when I get back from vacation at the end of the month.

The shop I choose was advertising on Craigslist services. They were hungry for business. Will post pictures when complete.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Aww man! Now I feel like i'm helping ruin your summer! Lol. I sure would be bummed to see you have to go with another rack. I'm working as fast as I can right now and if I get to a point where a shorter lead time is possible I'll shoot you an email.

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

Guy at work has a Curt rack on his Grand Cherokee. No idea on how he uses it, or how he likes it. It is a much less expensive route to go.

 

[HokieRunner]

Wait for the Whitson rack and then you can get it exactly the way you want it! Totally worth the wait and the gobi ladder is compatible with it.

 

[ebg18t]

I would wait for a a Whitson. I have a BajaRack only because Josh hadn't started making gen4 racks.

If I was to order today I would just get on the list with Josh!

 

[TKinstler]

Aww man! Now I feel like i'm helping ruin your summer! Lol. I sure would be bummed to see you have to go with another rack.

Well [MENTION=77764]Whitson Metalworks[/MENTION] most are telling me to wait for your rack and I am feeling they are correct. I guess I will just have to get a trailer until you can build me one. It's nice to know I can add the gobi ladder as I really like that feature. Maybe I can have you figure one out as well. ray: I will email you again and we can figure out the details. Thanks to all who responded!