Defender Rack Mounting Solution - Resolved!

Hey all,

I picked up a SmittyBilt Defender rack (45504) super cheap NIB and am now figuring out how to mount it to my '17 TRD Pro.

Technically this rack is meant for full-size SUVS (Blazer, Yukon, Escalade, etc). I can't seem to find the correct solution to mount the rack to my existing OEM roof rack, or a solution to replace the OEM rack. Ideally this will be a no-drill style mount.

Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks

 

So I finally took the opportunity to test fit the rack (on top of OEM rails & cross bars).

The fit is not going to be ideal, and maybe requires custom fabrication...?

Scrap the idea and sell the rack?
Custom fab?
Other solutions?

(Gratuitous squad pic also below)

 

It looks like it sits on the factory rack pretty well, so just some clamps or u-bolts should hold it down fine.

 

I double dog dare you to leave the bubble wrap on it once it is mounted.

 

Maybe remove the factory rails and figure out a mounting solution. It looks like it fits ok. I have a Yakima Offgrid basket in the large size with an extension, and I like the size. It's about 49" wide and 75" long.

 

Gotta keep that finish!

 

Thanks everyone for the support - I ended up getting pretty lucky with the mounting locations in the rack and was able to squeeze a u-bolt in there, mounting it to the factory rails and crossbars.

I was scared it wouldn't be sturdy, but I got up there with a friend and shook it... Moved the whole car. Highway speeds (85ish) are a little noisy, but I think it looks great and will serve its purpose.

Here's some pics

 

Looks good! You could cut off the excess threads to make more flush for storing things. Also, was there a reason you decided to use wing nuts and standard?

 

The U-bolts could indeed use a trim, and you caught me - I didn't buy enough wing nuts. What's a project without multiple trips to the store?

In the end, I'll have 5-6 attachment points (4 corners holding L/R stability, 2 on crossbars holding Fr/Rr stability). The 4 corners will be wing nuts for easy removal or slight adjustments. I'll make the 2 crossbars have standard bolts as semi-anti-theft.

 

I actually like the idea of the wings nuts for easy adjustment/removal. I appreciate write-ups like this since it has a different way of accomplishing the job. I could see myself using this in the future.

 

i would double nut them

 

Is the concern here that they might come loose? Split lock washer not secure enough? (Still very much learning all of this, so open to advice).

 

hows the wind noise on that thing?

 

At the moment, pretty bad at Michigan highway speeds. It doesn't howl or whistle, but it does sound like you're in a wind tunnel.
I'm going to try the "wrap paracord around it" trick to diffuse the wind.

Below 70mph, it's hardly noticeable.

Not bad for a Smittybilt I picked up brand new for $111.

 

where you get that price? local craigslist? shoot id buy it for that price

 

There was a set of them (3) at a local auction last year. Couldn't believe what I got it for. Almost bought all 3 to sell, but didn't have the space to haul 'em.