Defender Racks are made from 16-gauge, fully welded, 1 inch 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 our designs.
Installed the rack per instructions but the rear clamps interfere with the rear passenger doors. This is on both sides and they catch enough to jog the door down and put pressure on the hinge when closing. I've check the fit-up and clearance and have readjusted how the clamps fit but it needs more taper to snug the bottom side of the drip rail.
Easy installation, looks solid and feels solid and looks good on the Jeep.
Really happy with this rack. It's bigger than the basket that I had on my last jeep and didn't require a cross-bar system. All the gutter mounts and hardware came with it. Even better was the price; it definitely didn't break the bank like some of the $1,000-plus racks out there. I think it looks great and still lets me remove my freedom top panels.
Great rack. Looks good and functions as intended. I prefer the flat rack design. Haven't strapped anything too it yet but I put it on my roof and jumped up and down a few times for good measure. No issues.
Ordered on 4WP website.Shipping was fast and no damage to it when received. That’s a plus in my book! Thank you 4WP! Will definitely use 4WP for future upgrades for my rig!
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.
I wanted to add pictures of the first time I actually used the rack for camping.
Packaged very well. No damage from shipping. All parts were accounted for. Directions are ok you just need to follow common sense. Powder coating is thick and very attractive. Fit my 07 -13 new body Sierra perfectly.
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: Would this rack work with the one touch top? does it have enough clearance above the roof for it to open? Answer this question
A: I don’t think it would work. It’s designed to give you just enough clearance to take the hard top off.
Answered by Danny from Idaho on 06/03/2022
A: DO NOT KNOW I HAVE A SOFT TOP
Answered by GREG from HOLLY MI on 06/02/2022
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: What is the max weight? It’s stated 300lbs. Not sure Static or dynamic. Would this support a RTT with 2 peoples? Answer this question
A: I've been responded by smittybilt customer service :" ven. 13 nov. 12:20 New reply for the ticket #SB00340793 Hello, The SRC roof rack can hold 300 lbs while moving and 700 lbs while stationary. Thank you, Chance Parks Smittybilt Cus" If it can help...
Answered by Yann from Quebec, QC on 11/27/2020
A: That is 300 lbs static weight. It will hold a roof top tent with 2 people as long as your max weight is less than 300 lbs.
Answered by Kelly from 4WP Corporate Headquarters on 10/21/2020
Q: Whats dynamic and static weight rating on this Im thinking of adding roof too tent on my 1997 jeep xj will this be able to hold up 150lbs Answer this question
A: Yes the Smittybilt Defender Rack Bolt Together Roof Rack - S/B40505 will hold up just fine. USE: The SMITTYBILT DEFENDER RACK ROOF RACK MOUNTING KIT FOR JEEP - Part #S/BDS5-6
Answered by Dave from 4WP HQ on 05/06/2022
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