What it is: An external, above-the-spare rack system.
Fits: '86-'05 Wrangler, including Unlimited
The 411: The Bestop Tailgate Rack Bracket is adjustable to work with hardtops and soft tops and it can support up to 75 pounds. The Universal Rack Tray has rounded corners and I-bolts for securing cargo.
Why they rock: The Universal Rack Tray is constructed of thermoformed plastic, which is lighter than steel and has better impact resistance. Also, since the system is mounted above the spare tire, your Jeep's departure angle won't be compromised.
Contact: Bestop, 303/465-1755, www.bestop.com
What it is: Interior-mounted storage rack
Fits: '97-'05 Wrangler
The 411: This rack measures 27x40x4 inches. It simply clamps to the rollbar supports. The rear seat must be removed for the Travel Rack to be installed.
Why it rocks: You not only increase your Jeep's usable interior storage space, but you can also have the peace of mind of knowing that whatever is on the rack can be secured inside your vehicle. There are also optional fire extinguisher and flashlight mounts available.
Contact: Wilderness Racks, 619/440-7415, www.wildernessracks.com
What they are: High-mount external storage components
Fits: Expedition Rack; '76-'86 CJ-7, '87-'95 Wrangler, '97-'05 Wrangler including Rubicon and Unlimited. Swing Away Trail Rack; '76-'86 CJ-7, '87-'05 Wrangler including Rubicon and Unlimited
The 411: The Garvin Industries Wilderness Expedition rack is a powdercoated overhead storage rack that mounts to your Jeep with only minor drilling. It's constructed from 3/4-inch square steel tubing with support brackets made from heavy-duty 1-inch square steel tubing. The rack measures 54x72x4 inches. The Swing Away Trail Rack mounts to the Jeep Wrangler Bumper and Swing Away Tire System and can carry up to 75 pounds of gear. It measures 32.5x16x5 inches.
Why they rock: The Expedition Rack has a specially engineered tilting feature, which enables one person to raise the unloaded rack for lowering or raising the soft top. There is also a full line of accessories that allow you to mount lights, a spare tire, an axe, a shovel, a Hi-Lift jack, gas and water cans, and even a Pull Pal to the rack. The Swing Away Tire Rack won't affect your rig's departure angle.
Contact: Wilderness Racks, 619/440-7415, www.wildernessracks.com
What it is: Full-length overhead rack
Fits: CJ-7, YJ, TJ including Unlimited
The 411: This cool overhead rack bolts directly to your Jeep's frame and offers a load capacity of 350 pounds for highway driving and 150 pounds for off-pavement driving.
Why it rocks: Not only is it a functional roof rack, it can be easily converted to a sunshade. Telescoping legs allow you to compensate for your vehicle height, whether it's stock or lifted. Olympic says some jeepers even install sun-showers and a shower curtain to the unit so that they can bathe in the outback.
Contact: Olympic 4x4 Products, 323/726-6988, www.olympic4x4products.com
What it is: Rear-mount external rack
Fits: CJ and Wrangler, including Unlimited
The 411: No drilling is required to mount this 4x17.5x43.5-inch rack. It comes ready to assemble, and easily mounts by simply removing your spare tire and placing the mounting hardware over the lug bolts. Secure the spare tire and you're done. The rack includes 3/8-inch eyebolts so you can safely secure your cargo. Available in either High Gloss Black or textured Rubicon Black powdercoated finishes.
Why it rocks: The rack is centered in the middle of the spare tire, so your Jeep's departure angle isn't affected. Also, depending on how much stuff you have stacked on the rack, it won't affect rearward visibility.
Contact: Olympic 4x4 Products, 323/726-6988, www.olympic4x4products.com
What it is: Overhead rack
Fits: CJ, YJ, TJ including Unlimited
The 411: This unit has a basket size of 4x50x66.5 inches and uses saddle brackets to bolt to the rollbar above the front seat passengers. It includes 3/8-inch eyebolts so you can secure your cargo. It is available in either High Gloss Black or textured Rubicon Black powdercoated finishes.
Why it rocks: It easily attaches and detaches, and it can multitask as a bikini top.
Contact: Olympic 4x4 Products, 323/726-6988, www.olympic4x4products.com