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Best roof rack for 2014 grand cherokee

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2014
58K views 69 replies 33 participants last post by  sfnewbee 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

Would anyone be able to recommend the best roof rack system (cross bars) for a '14 grand cherokee.

I'm looking at this one: Thule Roof Rack for Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014 | etrailer.com

But not sure if that's the best or if maybe there are lower profile ones. Ultimately this will be for holding a kayak mount.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

I got these,
Amazon.com: 2011 2012 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee CrossBars Roof Luggage Racks OE STYLE FAST SHIPPING: Automotive
Same design as the Mopar ones. They hold nice and tight, but I found the wind noise to be too noticeable to leave on all the time. A shame to, as I like the way they look and wanted to leave them on all the time. I have some old Yakima bars, that I could get the grab rails for, but if the ones I got from Amazon make too much noise, I think the Yakima round bars would be worse, but who knows?
 
#3 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

I got these,
Amazon.com: 2011 2012 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee CrossBars Roof Luggage Racks OE STYLE FAST SHIPPING: Automotive
Same design as the Mopar ones. They hold nice and tight, but I found the wind noise to be too noticeable to leave on all the time. A shame to, as I like the way they look and wanted to leave them on all the time. I have some old Yakima bars, that I could get the grab rails for, but if the ones I got from Amazon make too much noise, I think the Yakima round bars would be worse, but who knows?
Didn't consider the noise factor... I was hoping to leave them on all the time as well, but any noticeable noise would probably drive me nuts

Maybe something like these "aero" would cut down on the noise, not sure... Thule AeroBlade Edge - Complete Cross Bar System - 7502, 7502 - CargoGear
 
#4 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

FWIW, I just went through this process myself. After reading threads about Thule, Yakima, and Mopar discontinuing our mounting kits last year, I pressed on and found a Whispbar S17 (53 inch) throughbar system on Ebay at a decent price and the supposedly discontinued K624 mounting kit on Amazon. So far so good, and the Whispbars are supposed to be quiet. We'll see how it turns out when I get them installed in a couple of weeks. in the meantime, if you search on "rack" or "racks" you can get some more info including photos. Good luck, and get out the credit card...
TM
 
#38 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee



I recently researched the topic too since I was wondering the same thing myself. I didn't like the newest solutions. I didn't want a kit that would fug up my vehicles paint by resting on the roof / door sill. This is an issue since I leave the rack on all year. The answer I got from Yakima and Thule was:

1.) Not enough bar spread allowed for the factory rails
2.) Too low of a load restriction for factory rails.

This does not impact persons who wish to use the rack for:

1.) Ski's / snow boards
2.) Bicycles

Since the total load and bar spacing far exceeds the requirements of these applications. Where you run into trouble is long or excessively heavy loads. Not the best solution for:

1.) Kayaks
2.) Heavy cargo carriers
3.) Surf / wind boards

Unfortunately neither company has the luxury of supporting all applications through multiple kits. They cannot afford that type of inventory for a nich market. Therefore they decided to opt for the side of worse case scenario.

Thus the reason why all new risers use the "roof rest / door sill secure" mounting method. This allows for wider bar width ans heavier loads (140+ pounds).

Regards,

gerb
 
#13 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Have been watching some more reviews on the Yakima Whispbar. Looks like it's a toss up between that and the Thule AeroBlade. Maybe the question now is the style, flush vs through/hd. Flush looks nicer and for a kayak (70lbs) at least, is probably fine.... tough call
 
#14 ·
I bought the mopar knock off ones from amazon. They're really nice. Solid piece.

I have no noticeable noise from them either. I've heard of people installing them backwards and hearing noise. But none here.

I also installed a Thule roof carrier and the fit was perfect. Although with the roof carrier in there is some noise. Not bad.
 
#15 ·
I just ordered the Whispbar K624 fitting kit from ORS Racks Direct (best deal on the kit I could find) and I ordered the S17 bars from eBay (user: bikewagon) by "making a best offer" which was the best deal I could find on those. Still waiting on the bars to be delivered but I can repost with how they work when they arrive.
 
#17 ·
I just installed the Whispbars last night. Install was easy, I like that they replace one of the bolts holding the flush racks, they feel like a real solid connection (I used the foremost and aft most bolts). As to road noise I have only used them for today but so far I'm very impressed. Driving on back roads up to 40mph I had to have the radio and blower fan off to hear them. I was able to get some noise on the highway but it was also a windy morning here in MA so I'm not sure how much can be contributed to the bars.

Overall they are the quietest roof bars I have ever owned, much quieter than my old pair of square bar thule I used with a fairing and Much Much quieter than round bar Yakima without fairing (both used on different cars). I am very please with the decision to go with the S17 Whispbar, they were more expensive then some of the other options (I'm in just under $400 for the bars, kit kit and shipping), but it is my intent not to remove them and I wanted a solid connection with minimal noise.

Only other info I have right now is the center to center distance between the bars is ~33" if you use the outermost bolts.
 
#18 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

The only disappointing thing on our JGC is that it didn't come with built in cross members like my Subaru Outback did. It just unclips and you can adjust it where ever you wish.
Maybe in the 15 model...
 
#26 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Popped into my local roof carrier shop and he suggested the following for the WK14 GC. In the Thule brand the Wingbar Edge 959x (nothing sticks out) or if you prefer the bar sticking out the Thule Wingbar. The Edge is rated to 75kg and the Wingbar to 100kg. I believe you have to add a fitting kit which is the Thule Rapid System Kit 4019. I was quoted $460Au for the Wingbar edge and $425Au for the Wingbar.

The other brand he offers is the Rhino, which comes in the following models: Vortex 2500 RS Black 2 (no stick out) - $319Au, Vortex 2500 Black 2 (bar sticks out) - $329Au and the Vortex RLCP Black (bar sticks out) -$376Au.

Interestingly the average price the dealers are quoting me for mopar racks is between $700 - $800Au. I don't think I'll be going mopar! Hope this helps.


 
#32 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Actually I don't notice any wind noise unless I open the sunroof shade and even then it doesn't bother the wife or me. I can leave the optional sunroof insert installed and still use the vent mode which was an unexpected bonus.

As far as MPGs, maybe a 1-1.5 drop on the highway but then I drive a hemi with a lead foot and a radar detector so YMMV.

I've had it installed for almost 2 months now with no regrets and lots of compliments.


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#34 · (Edited)
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Actually I don't notice any wind noise unless I open the sunroof shade and even then it doesn't bother the wife or me. I can leave the optional sunroof insert installed and still use the vent mode which was an unexpected bonus.

As far as MPGs, maybe a 1-1.5 drop on the highway but then I drive a hemi with a lead foot and a radar detector so YMMV.

I've had it installed for almost 2 months now with no regrets and lots of compliments.
Awesome. I'll be looking into saving up for one as the need for a rack is becoming more likely for me. Those lights are also a necessity too. They don't come with the rack, correct?

I just wish I was close enough to their location so I could have a reliable place install it...

Anyway, thanks for the info!
 
#35 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Lights and wiring were an additional $1200.00 and I've added an axe/shovel mount and a locking Rotopax mount for 2gal. gas and water cans.

The actual rack install doesn't look hard and only took Gobi a little over an hour to do, but definitely a two person job minimum. Living only an hour away and having them install for free was a big selling point.


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#36 ·
Lights and wiring were an additional $1200.00 and I've added an axe/shovel mount and a locking Rotopax mount for 2gal. gas and water cans.

The actual rack install doesn't look hard and only took Gobi a little over an hour to do, but definitely a two person job minimum. Living only an hour away and having them install for free was a big selling point.

Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
Ouch. That's a pretty penny but I know how costly those light systems can be. I'll probably just do it stages to keep it a bit more affordable.

Love the way it looks on the Jeep though. Props for the photos and help, once again.
 
#37 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

I put on Rocky Road Outfitters roof rails and cross bars a couple weeks ago, attached 3 pics. I suspect wind noise could be loud since it is bulky and a simple round pipe for cross bar but I can't hear it even with sunroof open. BUT I do have significant hearing loss. And I haven't gotten any friends to ride w/ me for a sound check.
 

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#39 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

BigCat, that's a nice setup, and I especially like the integrated lights front and rear. I have the sunroof on my JGC so any rack solution will have to NOT block out the sight lines when the rack is empty.

And JeepLee2011, when you have someone who can evaluate the wind noise from your Rocky Road rack (which also is nice!) please let us know.
 
#40 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

Guys, I put together a list of rack system options for the WK2, here.

I haven't decided which one I'll get for mine. I've owned Yakima for many years on my last three cars (wow, I just realized that goes back 20 years that I've been a happy Yakima customer!) but am looking at all options for my new WK2.

I keep my rack on, always. That's my plan for this one too. One good thing about a setup like RobbMG's upthread, is that the bar extensions outboard of the tower mounts give you a handhold when you're up there loading and tying down.

Anyway I hope that list helps.
 
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#43 ·
Re: Best roof rack for 2014 cherokee

It's raining right now so can't take new pics but, for echo7tango-with the sunroof insert removed the lights block a little looking forward but no line of sight blocked on the sides.

For VolJeep - the stock rails are removed and Gobi brackets bolt into the stock holes. My wiring enters thru the rear hatch and power for the switches enters at the driver's side door. I'll update with specific pics of wiring and roof mounts tomorrow.


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