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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: bartolo92 on May 05, 2009, 10:26:48 PM

Title: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: bartolo92 on May 05, 2009, 10:26:48 PM
For my J1 Tintop, has anyone used this rack before? if so, got any pics? as well as how many pounds it can take? im just a bit skeptical of bolting anything to the roof as the roof feels very thin! maybe the edges aren't as i haven't really checked. anyone has any thoughts about it?
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: jawman on May 05, 2009, 10:56:47 PM
I have the same question. how much weight can the roof hold up?
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: djlantis57 on May 08, 2009, 12:38:18 PM
I dunno bartolo but i've got a 1990 2dr hardtop, and trying to look into the same thing.  Either that or hack up a Calmini soft top rack to fit the HT.  Garvin's website lists trackracks...they bolt to a track setup...which I like, to spread the load out over a long rail, not just individual bolts :) i'll keep looking at this post for updates...
Garvin's TrackRack system lists a lot of different sizes, the SMALLEST is 40x52x4...and between the black plastic rail covers on my roof, i've only got 40" so it's a tight fit it looks like!
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: Jeremiah on May 08, 2009, 02:48:27 PM
My roof rack uses the metal ribs below the rubber rain gutter (pull the gutter up and look). It looks wimpy, but it's NOT. When I made my roof rack, I was maybe 1/8" off, I tried hitting it with a 12 lb sledge to bend the roof "tab" over - it would NOT budge. I'm confident the weight limitation won't be what the rack can hold, but what will make my kick too darn top heavy.
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: TopHeavy96 on May 08, 2009, 04:17:10 PM
Quote
but what will make my kick too darn top heavy.

Oops, sorry I thought I heard you call my name ;)   

Jeremiah's right though, if you mount the rack to the rails, it'll get too top heavy(hey, there it is again ::))  before it folds under the weight.
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: djlantis57 on May 08, 2009, 04:27:25 PM
hmmm very true.  I have yet to explore my Tracker...a busy full-time college student working 2 jobs.  I have driven it, and that's about it.  Haven't even taken the tires off yet.  Prob do that on my b-day next tuesday while I enjoy some time off
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: lv2fsh on May 10, 2009, 07:26:07 PM
 :laugh: Guess you'll just have to sell it and buy a Sammy
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: djlantis57 on May 10, 2009, 07:31:34 PM
ONLY if someone has one to trade in the same condition and the 1.6L EFI 'cause that engine is the main reason I bought a kicker!!!
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: lv2fsh on May 10, 2009, 09:44:19 PM
Not trying to start a fight over which is better, just that rain gutters are good to have for holding up a rack too.
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: djlantis57 on May 10, 2009, 11:22:29 PM
yea that's the great thing about a sammy hardtop, easy to do that.  has anyone modified a calmini soft-top rack to fit a 2dr hardtop?  they look similar enough, i was able to see a soft top model with a rack when I was at calmini in bakersfield last month.  looks like i'd have to reinforce my roof around the forward mounting points and maybe add a spacer to make up the difference in height.  but the rear mount looks the same on either side of my hatch no?
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: bartolo92 on May 14, 2009, 09:05:52 AM
hi yal! thanks for all the post, iv been busy with school, but yeah, a hacked up calmini soft top rack, it looks like it will do but im not to sure, anyone done this before???? i mean i saw that yakima and thule can easily fit crossbars on my 2dr tintop but i really dont want something that looks overly modern, i like that rugged safari look!
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: djlantis57 on May 19, 2009, 02:57:58 PM
Bartolo you got any pics of how you hacked up the soft top Calmini rack to fit?  I'm curious.  If it's simple enough, I might convert one to fit my hardtop
Title: Re: Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack
Post by: chevytracker on May 24, 2009, 07:52:24 PM
I have to give Chris at Garvin racks a plug, he helped me find an application for my 01 Tracker, drop them a message.  I removed the factory cross bars since I will not be carrying anything, they have a slick mounting system using the factory rails.  Once it is bolted down you can grab hold and tug all you want, the truck rocks back and forth, I can pull myself up on the rear and it nevers flexes a bit.  Keep in mind they have a tire mount for the roof, so it should hold quite a bit.  The instructions list a 200 pound limit, I have the 44" x 52" x 6" (38506) with multiple light mounts and the two side attachments. 
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7VOxJH8ikcA/ShoHZMKfVyI/AAAAAAAAAAc/m5k9fMnVWxY/s320/garvin.jpg)