NEW TrailFX JL Roof Rack Helps Wrangler Maintain Heavyweight Status
The Jeep Wrangler is synonymous with adventure—and customization. While 2021 delivers exciting upgrades to the JL model, storage remains a sore spot. Boasting a Runner-Up SEMA Award, TrailFX’s Jeep Roof Rack is an equally durable and attractive solution.
The off-road accessory market grows stronger every day. As new and exciting platforms ripe for customization hit dealers’ lots, folks dream up fresh ways to spend their hard-earned money. And up until the recent buzzy revival of the upcoming Ford Bronco, one vehicle in particular dominated this segment of the aftermarket—the Jeep Wrangler.
True, the Bronco is sure to deliver great styling, off-road prowess, and plenty of rich aftermarket support at a lower MSRP than its Wrangler contender. However, the Seven Slot Nation still has plenty recommending it. The JL model is inarguably an excellent update to the Wrangler platform, offering a little something for everyone, from weekend warriors to full-time wheelers. And for 2021, the badge serves up some exciting updates.
What’s New on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
Jeep is aware of its new threat from the Blue Oval and is taking steps to ensure the JL Wrangler puts up the fight of a lifetime. Some new features the model will receive include: a forward-facing camera for better visibility on the trail, a Selec-Track full-time transfer case offering full-time four-wheel-drive, and a few new creature comforts and tech additions as standard equipment.
The real differentiator? Two new powertrains.
First up is the plug-in hybrid 4xe, an eco-friendly variant available on four-door Unlimited models. Pairing a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor, the 4xe promises 375 horsepower combined output, up to 25 miles of electric-only driving, and a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds. While impressive, it is the new Hemi-powered V8 Rubicon 392 that really has Jeep fans sitting at attention. Riding on 33-inch mud-terrain tires and wearing the badge’s best off-road kit, the Rubicon 392 serves up 450 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The 2021 JL Wrangler will offer five trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392. Joining the Willys, and Freedom special edition packages are the new 80th Anniversary and Islander Edition models. MSRP is pretty well in line with prior starting prices, ranging from about $28k for a bare bones Sport model to more than $60k for a decked-out Rubicon 392.
Wrangler’s Weak Point
The Wrangler’s Achilles Heel always has been—and likely always will be—cargo space. In fact, as other off-road-ready SUV revivals like the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender hit the market, they stand a serious chance of converting customers if they can provide more generous space without sacrificing performance.
That said, not all hope is lost. After all, the Wrangler absolutely dominates when it comes to aftermarket support. And in recent years, two categories that have exploded with innovation and options are cargo management and mounting solutions.
Among the various creative aftermarket solutions, overhead racking systems continue to grow in popularity. This is largely because manufacturers improve functionality and style every year. Whether steel or aluminum, powder-coated or unfinished, today’s roof racks offer incredible strength and durability, low-profile designs for better fuel economy, and often, a modular construction for easy assembly and accessory mounting.
TrailFX Jeep JL Roof Rack
One aftermarket overhead rack receiving a lot of buzz as of late is the JL012T JL Roof Rack by TrailFX. In fact, the product snagged itself a SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Product Runner-Up Award at the SEMA360 Show.
Answering the call for more rooftop storage on the JL Wrangler, the TrailFX roof rack boasts a 300-pound weight capacity and heavy-duty e-coated and powder-coated steel tube construction with robust bracketry. Mounting easily to factory mounting points, the rack simply bolts into place creating fast and easy additional cargo space. According to Ryan Osbourne, TrailFX Product Manager, this is a key feature of the new product.
“I’d say our mounting ability gives us an advantage,” he says, noting how simple the installation is. “Anybody who is an outdoor or watersport enthusiast definitely is a target customer base for this product. It’s very versatile for a multitude of different purposes,” he adds, noting even home DIYers who lack a true work truck can find plenty of use with this roof rack.
“The rack is also more supportive than others, and doesn’t produce as much wind noise. Obviously, you do get some, but you are driving a toaster box when you drive a Jeep,” he jokes.
Of course, price is something to appreciate as well. TrailFX prides itself on keeping its products affordable, even when that item is a clear leader in its segment. The JL012T JL Roof Rack wears a price tag reflective of its quality around but manages to remain much lower than many premium options, coming in around $600.
Future Moves
Osbourne calls the product’s SEMA nod “an honor” and says the company has no intention of slowing down. “Our team has had several conversations around product categories that we want to go after and take part in,” he says. “We’re in the thought process and working toward getting things on paper. Bronco and Bronco Sport are definitely things we’ll have product for in the near future.”
We at The Engine Block share in the off-road fandom’s excitement surrounding the Bronco, mostly because some healthy new competition means we’ll see bigger and badder rides and mods. To be honest, we’re hoping this move lights a fire under GM and RAM to enter the market guns-blazing with some hot new product as well…
