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In any aspect of overlanding and adventure vehicles utility is paramount, particularly for those people that live for off-road adventure. For SUV and pickup truck owners, it can be rather difficult to zero in on the right kind of roof rack that is both functional as well as is low profile and long-lasting. That is where the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack comes into play – a product that has to perform well on all fronts.
Lostin Pine, a respected voice in the overlanding community, recently put the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack to the test on his Jeep Wrangler, affectionately named Gremlin. After a detailed assembly, installation, and review, Lostin Pine has provided invaluable insights into why this roof rack could be the best choice for heavily lifted Jeep Wranglers. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack stand out.
Ease of Assembly and Installation
One of the first things that caught Lostin Pine's attention was the ease of assembly and installation. In his own words, it was "probably the easiest upgrade I've done to this Jeep yet." The roof rack comes with well-designed, easy-to-follow diagrammed instructions that make the assembly process straightforward, even for those who may not be mechanically inclined.
The kit includes all the necessary hardware, and if you’re using a gutter mount system like Lostin Pine did, the process is even simpler. For those using roof rails, the only difference is a slight increase in profile due to the clamps. The low-profile design is a key feature for Jeep owners like Lostin Pine, who runs a 2014 Wrangler JKU on 38-inch tires with a 4.5-inch lift. Every inch counts when you’re trying to navigate tight trails or low-clearance garages, and the Platform Roof Rack offers the perfect solution.
Step-by-Step Assembly Process
Lostin Pine provided a detailed walkthrough of the assembly process, making it clear that you don’t need a professional mechanic to get this roof rack up and running. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:
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Corner Pieces and Cross Members: The assembly starts with the corner pieces and cross members. Using the provided Allen bolts, flat washers, and lock washers, the rack comes together quickly. A handy tip from Lostin Pine: when sliding the spring nuts into the rails, use the Allen key to guide them into place, making the process smoother.
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Installing the Cross Members: After assembling the corner pieces, it’s time to install the cross members. The spring nuts ensure a secure fit, and Lostin Pine emphasizes the importance of making sure everything is lined up correctly before tightening the bolts.
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Mounting to the Vehicle: The final step involves mounting the assembled platform to your vehicle. This is where the choice between using the stock roof rails or a gutter mount system comes into play. The process is designed to achieve an ultra-low profile that works perfectly with his Wrangler.
Key Features and Benefits
The MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack is engineered in several ways that will tempt overlanders and adventurers to have it. Here are some of the standout features:
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Lightweight Aluminum Design: A vast feature of the roof rack is it is made out of lightweight material, to be precise aluminum. For Jeep owners, it means they’ve to ensure that the roof remains lighter as much as possible to ensure the vehicle is stable especially when on rough terrain. The bars themselves are rather slender, yet the roof rack is still quite thick, which is great news because it means the thing will be able to hold quite a lot of weight – enough for all your equipment and more.
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T-Slot Attachment System: For flexibility in roof storage, there is no better tool than this freestanding garage storage system with a T-slot attachment. These T-slots can be found across the entire length of the rack and enable fast connection of a range of accessories including MGS Cargo Case, Roof Rack Awning Bracket, and Spare Tire Carrier among others. Lostin Pine highlighted the versatility of this system, showing how easy it is to install and adjust accessories as needed.
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Compatibility with Other Accessories: The use of the T-slot system however is not confined to storage cases alone. It also enables other accessories such as the light bar Brackets, Recovery Board Side Bracket, Cargo Corner Brackets, and High Jack Lift Bracket, thus making the MELIPRON roof rack an all-in-one overlanding equipment. Thanks to the design, the system can be tailored to your requirements, which is one of the many advantages of this roof rack.
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Ultra-Low Profile Design: Among Jeep owners, it is common for such drivers to be inconspicuous, and that goes for those with heavily lifted Jeep models. The Platform Roof Rack is designed with a very low profile to reduce wind load and potential ground clearance problems. This is particularly so for overlanders or people who often time come across low-hanging branches or require to fit a car into a garage.
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Durability and Build Quality: Lostin Pine was particularly impressed with the build quality of the MELIPRON roof rack. The thick aluminum construction and the sturdy design ensure that the rack can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. The secure attachment system also means there’s no rattling or movement, even when driving over rough terrain. This level of durability is essential for anyone serious about overlanding.
Real-World Application and Performance
Lostin Pine didn’t just stop at the assembly and installation process—he put the Platform Roof Rack to the test in real-world conditions. The rack was loaded up with various gear, and it performed flawlessly, staying secure and quiet even on bumpy trails. The T-slot system proved its worth, allowing Lostin Pine to easily adjust and secure his gear as needed.
One of the key goals for Lostin Pine was to build a complete camping system on top of the roof rack, including storage cases and potentially an awning tent. The MELIPRON roof rack’s versatility and durability make it an ideal foundation for such a setup. As Lostin Pine continues to evolve his overlanding rig, the roof rack will undoubtedly play a central role in his adventures.
Cost-Effectiveness
In terms of cost, the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack is a competitive option. Of course, the offering is very affordable at $399 which is quite reasonable, given the features and quality it ranges. Thus, even with the help of additional accessories, the total amount that is needed to be spent is significantly lower than what is necessary to purchase the equipment of some of the leading brands.
Final Thoughts
After putting the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack through its paces, Lostin Pine is confident in recommending it to fellow overlanders and Jeep enthusiasts. The ease of assembly, lightweight design, and versatile T-slot attachment system make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s storage capabilities.
If you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip or heading on an expedition for a year, the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack will offer a stable base on which you can build up your setup. Owing to its slender appearance, you can be sure that even when driving through congested tracks you will not have to bother about scratching your vehicle, further it is made of rigid materials that can handle any other difficulty that you are likely to encounter on the road.
All in all, if you are in the process of looking for a roof rack that gives good value for the money spent, is durable, and easy to install, the MELIPRON Platform Roof Rack is one that should be given a shot. Making use of the experience of satisfied customers, such as Lostin Pine, this roof rack will meet your expectations and perhaps, even surpass them.