While off-roading, overlanding or even an adventurous spirit aren’t actually required to own a lifted Jeep, they do go pretty hand in hand. Whether you intend to use your lifted Jeep for camping and overlanding, for hitting the off-road trails throughout Oklahoma or even just for your next road trip, you’re likely going to want roof racks for increased cargo capacity. Whether you need to bring along luggage, recovery gear, kayaks, extra fuel or what have you, having a roof rack will make sure you have that capability.
There are a few different kinds of roof racks, and many different things to consider when shopping for your own. If you’re shopping for a roof rack for your lifted Jeep, we’re here to help. Today we’re going to discuss weight limits and wind noise in particular, but if you have any other questions you can of course reach out to us right here at LiftedJeeps.com.
What Are the Weight Limits for Roof Racks?
It’s important to remember that just adding a rack to your roof doesn’t create unlimited extra cargo capacity. Your new roof rack will create extra space to accommodate your gear or whatever you need, but it will have a weight limit that determines just how much stuff you can bring along with you. There are two different kinds of weight limits to keep in mind for your lifted Jeep, so let’s start by analyzing the differences between them.
- Dynamic Weight Limit
- This is your standard weight limit, the amount of weight your roof rack can safely carry while driving. The limit typically ranges from 100 to 420 pounds, but it does include the rack so keep that in mind.
- Static Weight Limit
- In contrast to the dynamic weight limit, this refers to how much weight your roof rack can support when the vehicle is parked. In other words, if you’re planning on overlanding with a rooftop tent or camping setup, this weight limit will be important to you. The limit can be upwards of 800 pounds.
There are a couple other weight-related things that you should keep in mind when it comes to driving a lifted Jeep, namely the higher center of gravity. Depending on how high your lift is, adding weight up top can be dangerous as it increases body roll and affects cornering, which can in turn increase the rollover risk. You should also consider what type of roof you have, as soft tops won’t be able to accommodate quite as much weight as a hard top.
How Do Roof Racks Affect Wind Noise?
There’s a pretty good chance that you’re the type of driver that doesn’t much care about wind noise. Jeep drivers like their open-air freedom and often remove their roof or doors to allow even more of the outside world into their cabins. If you are the type of driver that cares about wind noise, perhaps when using your Jeep as a daily driver, then you’re going to want to consider the effect adding a roof rack will have on it.
Because your vehicle is lifted higher into the air, it rides at a higher elevation and is thus closer to turbulent air zones. Adding roof racks and all kinds of gear will disrupt the airflow and create wind resistance, thus increasing the amount of wind noise. This is especially true when operating at high speeds, particularly once you pass 50 miles per hour. You can, however, minimize wind noise by following these tips and tricks:
- Some roof racks will offer aerodynamic fairings or deflectors that redirect airflow and reduce drag.
- Choose a roof rack that sits closer to the roofline, thus minimizing exposure.
- Frequently check bolts and alignment for anything loose or out of place, as this can cause whistling or vibration.
- Store larger, bulkier items near the rear of the rack to reduce frontal drag.
