Grand Cherokee - rails and WDH

[Moxley23]

Parents-in-law just got a jeep grand 2014 Laredo.

Any travellers know whether they'll need a drop shank with std heyman Reece weight distribution 600lb kit (classic) towing a 2012 outback 14.44 expanda?

Also, what sort of roof racks can they get? They were keen on rhino, but struggling to get solid information. Any help from other jeep owners would be very welcome.

Cheers.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Can't help you with the towbar.
But here are some options for roof racks.
http://www.whispbar.com.au/wishlist

That link should come up with Grand Cherokee.

 

[BigSkiddy]

What? they bought a Jeep?
I just wanted to get that out of the way before someone else posted it. (You know who you are).
Couple of members have Grand Cherokees so any questions should be answered.

And yes your in laws bought a Jeep because they're great vehicles.

 

[Moxley23]

Yep, they bought a jeep. And yep, it's a jeep thing. Ha ha.

Thanks for tip re whisper bar. Could be a go-er.

 

[Drover]

Have a Grand with a 14.44 and no need for any changes to the standard hitch or need a WDH on it, mine fully loaded just plonks straight on and the back of the Jeep drops maybe an inch, sits and tows well. Depends what sort of rack they want I just have a set of ALDI rails on mine.

 

[twscoot]

Second vote here for the whispbar rack. They often come up at 20% off from super cheap auto. You may have to order the fitting kit.
We have a small drop on the WDH to cater for our Outback Starcraft which is the about the same height as our previous outback Expanda.
Cheers
Andrew

 

[Patto]

We have Rola racks on ours. No WDH, just the standard Jeep tow bar. Our 16.49-3 sits nice and straight on the back. On the trip down to Albany and back last week sat on 100kph all the way, no problems.

 

[Moxley23]

Thanks all. Very helpful.

 

[Matty4]

Another vote for the Prorack Whispbar.
There will be plenty of adjustment in the standard WDH to not need anything else.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Second vote here for the whispbar rack. They often come up at 20% off from super cheap auto. You may have to order the fitting kit.

Hi Andrew, noticed supercheap have a sale on at the moment. I'm looking at the S17.
How hard is it to take the racks on and off as I don't want them on when running around town?

 

[twscoot]

Because they require a 'threaded stem' which goes into the roof and sticks up - once they are on they pretty much need to stay on.
That said they are quiet and don't seem to affect fuel economy at all.
I've never taken mine off.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Okay, so that threaded stem is through the separate mounting kit (K624).
Mrs is not keen on them, so if they don't come off that's going against my case. Might have to look at the flush end ones, but you don't get as much width.
Thanks

 

[twscoot]

But they look good! And what if you were at Bunnings and needed to pick up a piece of timber. Or a ladder. Or help a friend move a table....... !;-)

 

[BigSkiddy]

But they look good! And what if you were at Bunnings and needed to pick up a piece of timber. Or a ladder. Or help a friend move a table....... !;-)

Bought some today and installing now.
@twscoot how many slots can you see on the inside? I've got 3 at the rear and 6 at the front. Is that the same as yours?

 

[twscoot]

That's about right. Now that you've pointed it out I realise I have not made them completely even! Never noticed it before but it I'll now see it every day!

 

[BigSkiddy]

Sorry mate.
They don't look too bad, but to take them off completely isn't too hard.
The Mrs is happy to leave them on at this stage.

Now to think what new toys can I put up there?

 

[twscoot]

Thule make a lot of very expensive accessories! I have three bike racks that work brilliantly. 30 seconds to put a bike on and lock it in place. Used it today. (Just remember to not enter any under cover car parks!).
I am also working on a small 3db gain flexible uhf antenna mount.
Cheers
Andrew.

 

[Matty4]

Bought some today and installing now.
@twscoot how many slots can you see on the inside? I've got 3 at the rear and 6 at the front. Is that the same as yours?
View attachment 20753

I've got the same bars too, and the same number of slots visible front and rear.
I haven't bothered taking them off since I fitted them just before the New Year.
They have come in handy a couple of times now.

 

[straydingo]

I have the heavy duty Whispbars also. I've taken them off a couple of times, but prefer to leave them on for those occasional last minute pickups off ebay, bunnings etc. Taking them off (with teh threaded rod) is only about 15 minutes though....

 

[BigSkiddy]

Did a run down the highway last night and didn't notice any additional noise, so might just keep them on.