Defender Racks are made from 16-gauge, fully welded, 1" round steel tubing and finished in a textured black powder coat. Aerodynamic styling blends well with today's vehicle designs. Welded light tabs (4 front & 2 rear) and integrated flooring maximizes functionality. Multiple mounting options offer a secure attachment to any vehicle. The Defender Rack line is produced to exacting standards and built for years of trouble-free use. Ease of installation is always at the forefront of Smittybilt designs.
amazingly well built roof rack and for those with a jeep gladiator this rack fits perfectly on the back half of your roof allowing you to fully remove the freedom panels with no trouble...in fact i have a bestop sunrider installed and they look amazing together lining up perfectly! (super easy install by the way, i did it by myself in about 45 min)
Install was straight forward. Directions were clear and easy to understand.
Perfect for what I was looking for and not an astronomical price like many racks.
Fit’s perfect and looks fantastic on my 2021 Wrangler JL. Quality built and finish is fantastic easy to install with 2 people.
I wanted to add pictures of the first time I actually used the rack for camping.
Perfect fit for gladiator and allows for use of the freedom top panels
The basket it self appears to be very sturdy. I am surprised that it is only rated for 150 LBS. In this day and age I wonder why they do not offer their instructions in color and on the website. The instructions are vague in the assembly and some of it was even wrong and I had to disassemble it to make it correct.
Q: It shows this fits on my 2022 JL 2 door, but when I checked on the Smittybilt site, it states it is not compatible. Can you please clarify if it doe fit? Do I need to purchase any other parts to make it fit or is the Smittybilt site not up to date? Thanks Answer this question
A: In theory, it should fit right in the rain gutters. It fit right onto my Gladiator. Their website needs much updating. If you are near me, I would let you try it out.
Answered by djthumper from North Las Vegas, NV on 04/09/2022
A: It fit perfectly on my 2020 JL 2DR-the mounting brackets adjust. Just follow the directions to the tee-you need another person to help place it on the top.
Answered by Jeep Life from Middle Tennessee on 04/09/2022
A: Yes, the Smittybilt Defender Basket Rack - S/B45304JT will fit a 2022 JL 2 Door.
Answered by Dave from 4WP HQ on 04/08/2022
Q: Do the clamps to attach have rubber coating or pads? Looks like this might wear away the paint on body color hard top where it attaches? Answer this question
A: I just ordered and installed this rack. It comes with rubber pads that fit in between the clamps and the cab.
Answered by DocR from Minnesota on 09/14/2022
A: The clamps were provided with rubber pads. The pads just slip on, and fall off easily when trying to mount the rack. Also, the pads wrap around the base of the clamp, effectively increasing the length of the clamp enough so that the clamp (and rubber pad) interfere with the top frame of the door. I ended out removing the rubber pads and used a few wraps of electrical tape instead. Worked well - no interference with the door and no damage to the finish. Note that I have not left the rack on the roof for more than a few days, and I have not loaded the rack with more than about 50 lbs of gear out of concern for the fiberglass top. Overall, the rack is well built and heavy duty. The mounts are sturdy. I'm satisfied with the purchase and the performance.
Answered by GregC from California on 09/12/2022
Q: Can the freedom panels be safely removed with the basket installed on a gladiator? Answer this question
A: Yes you can mount it back far enough to give clearance to remove your freedom panels with no problems. I’ve had one on mine for almost a year and no issues.Â
Answered by MH51 on 09/10/2022
A: Yes, they can be removed.
Answered by djthumper from North Las Vegas, NV on 09/10/2022
Q: This just for the basket or does it include the method to attach it to the roof? Answer this question
A: Contacted Smittybilt Tech Support. This does NOT come with any mounts for the JT. Smittybilt does not have mounts for the JT. You can order and use the drill in mounts if you need to make it work I was told.
Answered by Mike from Chino valley, AZ on 10/01/2021
A: Since this is JT specific, it does include the mounting brackets.
Answered by Kelly from 4WP Corporate Headquarters on 09/01/2021
Q: Can't find the dimensions. Will a Roam 95L case fit with the mounts? Answer this question
A: The Smittybilt Defender Basket Rack - 45304JT is 4.5' x 3' x 4" sides (54" W x 36" L x 4" H) | 95L Case EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: 47.24" W x 18.90" L x 11.42" H
Answered by Dave from 4WP HQ on 10/28/2022
For 60 years Smittybilt has been fabricating aftermarket parts and today their products include Jeep tops, bumpers, lighting, winches and trail gear. Off-roaders count on the company's innovative parts like the original nerf bar side steps to equip their Jeeps for the trail and day-to-day driving. Pairing affordability without compromising quality is the hallmark of Smittybilt and the manufacturer's reputation carries over to products like its Overlander Series of tents, Adventure Boxes and SEMA award-winning magnetic trail skins for Jeeps. Smittybilt offers over 2,000 interior and exterior parts and accessories for 4x4s with multiple capabilities for jeepers of all levels. Shop Smittybilt Now
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