Custom extended Smittybilt defender rack

In my indecision regarding roof racks, I had an idea...

I doubt I'll ever use a RTT, so I wanted a budget-friendly rack that also wasn't "cheap."

I finally landed on the Smittybilt defender, as I preferred a basket-style rack. BUT I really wanted a more full-size length rack... I'd seen a few posts from people that bought bolt-together racks and wondered if I could pull the same thing off with a bolt-together Smittybilt rack...

I reached out to Smittybilt to see if they'd just sell me an extra middle piece, but no luck. So, I started looking for them on eBay and TOTALLY lucked out - found two complete bolt-together racks for less than half the best price I'd found anywhere else. Snagged those and sure enough, it all worked out perfectly like I'd hoped. I was able to extend the rack by just over 1.5' and only had to add two swivel legs to support the front brackets as they extended past the factory rails, see below.

Here's the stock rack length:



Rack with extension added:



Swivel legs:



Final product, installed:



SO, this isn't really a cheap job UNLESS you just happen to find two racks for cheap. I'm loving it though.

 

Yo! Sick thread! I’m thinking about picking up one of these defenders (found one for ~$100 OBO) have you had good results with it? I wouldn’t be doing the extension like you. As far as I know it just needs the ds26 kit to fit on our runners? Any help appreciated! Thanks!

 

I've been really happy with mine, and I'd say go for it especially at that price - that's a steal. You're right on the DS2-6 mounting brackets too, it's a really straightforward install. I've never had any noise issues or anything like that from it either.

I actually recently removed the extension from mine because I've never needed the footprint of the full length rack and the swivel feet I put on the front were getting way too squeaky and driving me crazy. I really like the original 3/4 rack, looks great. If you ever happen to want to try the extension out I'd be glad to sell you the extra middle piece I removed from mine.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the reply. The guy who’s selling it hasn’t gotten back to me but I’m hoping he will for such a steal. I’ll let you know if I’m interested in the extension but right now you said it I’m looking for that 3/4 look. I’ll post an update once/if I get it up there. Thanks!

 

Cool, good luck!