Reviews: Smittybilt SRC Defender Roof Rack - 77717

The Smittybilt roof rack mounted perfectly to my 2021 Jeep Wrangler. I heard about some issues with the factory instructions, but except for a reference to a figure that was not published and a color code that could not be seen on the black and white print they were fairly straight forward. The least clear part was describing how to remove the clips on the plastic cowl on the windshield side. Overall, it was a good experience and forced me to get to know my jeep's construction much better. Also, I did it with no help. It took about 4 hours. I bet I could do it in much less time now that I understand the process. I love the rack and know it will do a fine job with my canoe and rooftop tent!

Installed about a year ago on my 2020 JLU. The instructions leave out a bit. Make sure you read the instructions to the end before installing. I do have a few items left over. Not sure why. No rust. Looks like the day I put it on. Did not add a lot to the wind noise. Very well buit and strong. Very happy.

This is a fantastic rack very stable very solid. It took about five hours to put it together but I am very very satisfied with the quality.

My rack arrived today and I’m in the middle of installing it now in between rain showers. I must say I was surprised to see how robust this was. In my mind I was picturing something that I would have to be careful climbing around on it so I wouldn’t damage it. Well I’m pretty sure, after seeing how this thing is built, that I could jump up and down on any part of it without it budging. I’ll add some pics later. Very well done Smittybilt!!

Product arrived two very heavy boxes, each more than could be carried. Overall assembly was easy, other than had to remove my rear bumper which was too wide and one other aspect, installing front mounts, very difficult to remove, and more so re-add the under cowl windshield bolt. Recommend jamming 1@1" wood stick to hold cowl up to finger the bolt. Overall very impressed, almost as sturdy as a deer guard bumper. One other gotcha, the hardware bolts didn't match the direction s, appeared to be improved hardware, but documentation was most likely older model

The rack itself is heavy duty. It feels solid. The instructions are absolutely horrible. The finished product appears to be goo and should work well for what I bought it for. I bought this rack in part because it claims to work with a soft top. My rack absolutely does not work with the factory soft top. It does not allow for the top to be retracted. Very frustrating as that was one of the deciding factors in buying this particular rack. Smitty built has an issue with their quality control as some of the holes were drilled a little off and did not line up perfectly. That was an easy enough fix though. The rack itself though is good and solid! It looks good and will do exactly what I wanted other than retracting the soft top. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase.

The Rack is alright for the quality. It’s sound for the most part but when you put it together some of the tubing isn’t flush. Other than alright quality and non flush parts, it’s pretty nice. I like that there is pod mounts welded to the rack. Overall installation was smooth and easy (self explanatory). if you don’t have a rubicon your going to have to cut into your rear bumper if it’s still stock.

Great value and well made. Makes squeaking noises from the pipe connections. Once I figure that out 5 stars

This is a really good roof rack. Excellent value as compared to the other roll bar styled roof racks. Moderate effort to assemble. Instructions are OK. All hardware is supplied. Mounting points go on the frame making it feel secure. I gave it 4 stars because I had trouble figuring out a rear bumper solution. I have the JLU Sport with the plastic rear bumper. There doesn't seem to be a way to mount this combination without cutting out the bottom of the plastic bumper. If you have a JLU Sahara or Rubicon you have the luxury of removing the side pieces off the factory rear bumper so it fits without fabrication. Overall a really good roof rack.