Overview
The Smittybilt Defender Rack 40404 is a 4-foot by 4-foot roof rack with 4-inch sides, built as a one-piece fully welded frame from 16-gauge, 1-inch round steel tubing. It has a textured black powder coat and welded light tabs, and it needs a vehicle-specific mounting kit before it can be installed on a roof.
Its square footprint makes it a compact choice for carrying gear on the roof. The frame is built for long-term use, and the integrated flooring gives a flat surface for gear.
Key features
- Compact 4 ft by 4 ft footprint
- Fully welded one-piece construction
- 16-gauge, 1-inch round steel tubing
- Welded light tabs for auxiliary lighting
- Integrated flooring
- Textured black powder coat
Gear and load planning
A square rack gives a compact, easy-to-load platform that suits smaller gear such as coolers, recovery boards and dry bags. Place heavier items low and close to the center, and use tie-down straps that run through the tubing rather than only around the edges. A flat floor keeps loose items from sliding, but it still needs straps on rough roads.
Compact racks work well on vehicles where a full-length rack would block the rear, but they offer less room for bulky loads. Before adding a light bar or accessory, check the wiring path and make sure the light tabs are used cleanly. Clean the powder coat periodically and touch up chips with matching paint to slow corrosion on the steel.
- Use straps through the tubing
- Keep heavier gear low and central
- Touch up chips to prevent rust
Specifications
| Brand | Smittybilt |
|---|---|
| Model | 40404 |
| UPC | 631410114515 |
| Type | Cargo basket style roof rack |
| Dimensions | 4 ft wide x 4 ft long, 4-inch sides |
| Material | 16-gauge steel, 1-inch round tubing |
| Finish | Textured black powder coat |
Vehicle fitment
It works with a range of vehicles and needs a vehicle-specific mounting kit. Verify your vehicle’s year, model and trim before buying.
Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering. A drilling-free or drilled mounting kit may be needed, depending on the roof.
