Kayaks on Soft Top?

[LOSTXGOLD]

Hey y’all!

Just checking to see what y’all are doing about out kayaks in the soft top?

I plan on getting the DV8 soft top roof rack, but until then I am seeing if there’s any other options,

Thanks in advance!

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[vandyfan]

Interested as well. Was wondering if I need to consider a tow hitch solution, but on top would be better.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

It’s really annoying nobody has STILL created a simple front crossbar for the windshield mounts. That would allow everyone with softops to easily use a regular hitch rack in the back..

 

[BroncoA512021]

It’s really annoying nobody has STILL created a simple front crossbar for the windshield mounts. That would allow everyone with softops to easily use a regular hitch rack in the back..

You can commission a fabricator to create one.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

You can commission a fabricator to create one.

I mean yeah but I want something with a nice fit and finish on my truck (like rhino rack, Thule, Yakima type stuff). Not into all the aftermarket metalfab companies. Basically I’m being a beggar and a chooser

 

[Durangatan]

I mean yeah but I want something with a nice fit and finish on my truck (like rhino rack, Thule, Yakima type stuff). Not into all the aftermarket metalfab companies. Basically I’m being a beggar and a chooser

Having a fab shop create the brackets and making them compatible with a Thule arrow bar would not be rocket science. If you are skilled at design and CAD programs just draw up what you want and taking it to an appropriate shop.

 

[LOSTXGOLD]

Here are some, but they can only be used underneath the soft top. Which is okay for the summer…

https://www.smsparts.com/product-page/2021-ford-bronco-4dr-soft-top-roof-racks

 

[Black_Stallion13]

Here are some, but they can only be used underneath the soft top. Which is okay for the summer…

https://www.smsparts.com/product-page/2021-ford-bronco-4dr-soft-top-roof-racks

I have the Trektop so those won’t work since the top doesn’t have the full retract mode. I also don’t understand how those cost so much. If they were an aero design or something I could maybe see but they are just square non aerodynamic bars. Seem pretty basic for the price.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

Having a fab shop create the brackets and making them compatible with a Thule arrow bar would not be rocket science. If you are skilled at design and CAD programs just draw up what you want and taking it to an appropriate shop.

That’s true but I wouldn’t want anything on my windshield without a published/tested product weight rating.

 

[LOSTXGOLD]

I have the Trektop so those won’t work since the top doesn’t have the full retract mode. I also don’t understand how those cost so much. If they were an aero design or something I could maybe see but they are just square non aerodynamic bars. Seem pretty basic for the price.

Yeah, I was thinking max $200 - But, for that price you might as well get the DV8 soft top roof rack for $1200.

 

[Headsong]

I think the weight limit on the mounts above the windshield must give mfrs pause. There's a recent post from a guy who only put like 100+ # up there and broke the mount. A kayak would clearly be ok, but then someone will get the idea to haul that 1/2" plate steel.

 

[BlueBronco]

I made my own. No published/tested product weight rating but I have trust in my welding skillz. It does help that my brother owns a fab shop so I have access to laser cutters, press brakes, etc.

As far as the broken windshield mount, I saw that thread as well and it is the only broken mount I have seen reported in 3 years of Bronco deliveries.

 

[BlueBronco]

Nice! How are the rear body mount attachments working out? I wonder if there is enough gap to use that method of attachment with a hardtop.

It is working out just fine for what it was designed for. It wouldn't work with a hardtop as the rear bracket uses the same mounting points. I also didn't intend to use it for anything heavy like a rooftop tent, a couple of plastic kayaks is probably the weight limit.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

To me it seems the best design for a windshield mount crossbar would also incorporate the ditch light mounts next to the side view mirrors. I envision like a vertical bar on each side of windshield running along the pillars that attaches to ditch light mounts on the bottom and the windshield mounts up top to spread out the weight across multiple attachment points leading to way less stress on the actual windshield mounts.

 

[Rspayde]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bamf-soft-topless-roof-rack.55779/page-6

This is what I went with an it has been pretty great. There when I need it and away un seen when I do not. Have put paddleboards, kayak, lumber, and tents up there without issue.

I also have axe and shovel mounts on the bottom side for securely transporting those items.

Yes you run the risk of getting a bit wet if it rains while transporting but my paddleboard is about three feet wide and acts as an excellent partial roof as needed.

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