This weekend I'm planning on making some rod holders for my Jeep. It will be used mostly for long distance trips on paved roads (when I'm on the beach, I just throw them in the back). My new 1 piece rods won't fit inside and ... err ... :lasso: my "passengers" would prefer not to hang them out a window.

I'm still undecided on whether to put it on the front or rear bumper. Both alternatives could have problems. The roof is not an option.

If mounted on the rear bumper I'll have to work around the spare tire which I don't see as a problem as long as I can keep the rod butts from hanging behind the rear tires where they could get damaged from road debris.

If mounted on the front bumper, rods and reels could both be damaged from road debris.

So, am I over thinking this? Is there anything else I haven't thought of yet? And has anyone experienced damaged rods / reels from traveling long distances with equipment on the front (or is it just a myth)?

Right now I'm leaning towards the rear bumper. Thanks.

I'd be inclined to go with the rear bumper, for the reasons you cite. Don't forget to put some sort of bag over the reels to prevent them from getting gunked up with "road grime."

It sounds like it's either a wrangler or a cj. I have a wrangler and face the same delema. You don't want to do either option you mention for long distance or high speed travel. I would do the front bumper option for around the beach or relatively slow secondary roads. I am still trying to come up with a solution to this myself and look forward to any input or photo's as well. I have a one piece ten footer, when the top is up the rod starts in the passenger side footwell and the tip sticks out of the rear window along the drivers side zipper. when the top is down and the tuneau is on it still starts in the passenger footwell and extends out back. Let us know what you come up with.

:ss:

Are you plannin on carrying ten ft rods from say B-water to Like the Cape or somethin standin straight up? That sounds a little risky since locally there are branches that are less than 10 feet above the road. May end up snappin em off. Down the Cape and even in RI, once I get there the rods come off the roof racks and go on the front rack and stay there. I do a lot of moving from spot to spot (P-town to Orleans/ Pt. Judith to Watch Hill, back and forth) and never have had a problem yet (knock on wood). I'm not too worried about low branches as I feel that there are enough other people drivin around in those areas with rods that I hope they have already found all the low branches before me. If they're on the front, you can keep an eye on em and not be worried about gettin to the next spot to find either by some act of god bounced out or that someone grabbed it off the back at a light.
To me it makes more sense to put it on the front in view, especially if you have a hatch back that you may want to get into.

Take a piece of 2" Aluminum tubing (plumbing store)
Cut it to the desired length
Bolt it to the bumper (I had to drill 4 small holes) I think I used 1/4" bolts
Add reel grabbers (available from the surfcaster..
Never had a problem with gunk, but the longest I'll ride with em like that is ~20min, longer trips thet ride on the roof or inside....

I would not recommend riding the highway, rt6, or any road over 30 mph with the rods on a front bumber rack. I only use mine on the beach.

What kind of Jeep do you have??

'02 Wrangler.

Yes, it would be used to transport 9 - 10 foot rods from B-Water to SC, cape, canal, south shore, Maine...

I'm not too concerned with branches, other than getting out my driveway. But I have to admit, it didn't even cross my mind. I'll have to watch out for them.

I was hoping to solve the bouncing problem with a few bungees.

If you haven't already done so, go to Search option in the blue stripe at top of page and type in rod rack or rod storage. You will find a number of threads that might help with options, especially the magnetic rod holder thread. That one mounts on hood. Good luck.

Rosco

PS I have an Allstar 1265 2pc by Saltheart that is the nuts, which solves the problem for me as that is my go to rod for the surf. :ss:

I have seen a few guys just strap them down to the roll cage, butt end up front. Of course this is with the top off. Ask BigFish he has a jeep too and he travels far.

Motor fish when I was younger I had a CJ-5. I had a lightbar that went on top of the windshield frame. I am thinking if you made a bar for on top of the windshield frame that you could attatch a ski rack to. Then make up one for the top of the rollbar and use pvc pipe for the rod butts. Make it so that the reels would ride on top, out of the way of the inside of the jeep.

Here is a pic of the light bar, it goes for around 120.00 but if you check JC Whitney you might find one cheaper.

http://www.4wd.com/shop/productdetail.asp?c=2&model=tj&subcat=otherexterior&division=6&category=295&productsku=210331

how about something that mounts to both bumpers but is just above the roof line . this wont interfer with the height of the vehicle much or access to the passenger door .

I've been meaning to post this for a while now. I also built a deck to support a cooler and a bin for wet fishing gear (korkers, waders, drytop, bag, etc...).

more photo's

more

more

more

Figured it out huh Dave. Looks good

Thanks Tony! It took a trip to the cape to motivate me! :ss:

looks sharp dave! when we fishin? :kewl:

Where do you get the front part of those racks? I to figure out a rack system for my grand wagoneer. Any got any pics of racks on wagoneers

Gracia Rob!

Everything purchased from Boaters World and Home Depot. Total cost for everything about $96.00.

Top Notch!!!
Looks great!

Thanks MF, did you ever put something together for yourself?