GGC SMS Auto Parts Co Roof Rack

GGC SMS Auto Parts Co Roof Racks: American-Made Ingenuity for the Serious Overlander

When it comes to roof racks that blend rugged durability with genuine installation convenience, GGC SMS Auto Parts Co stands in a category of its own. Founded in 1946 by the Schafer family and still family-owned today, SMS Auto Parts Co. continues to manufacture its products in Pennsylvania, USA — a heritage that informs every weld and material choice in their roof rack lineup.

The EXR (Exposed Rack) System: A Patented Approach to Roof Cargo

SMS specializes in their Exposed Racks (EXR) line, which includes an invention unique to the brand: soft top roof racks that fit under a soft top, as well as a patented weight distribution system. This isn't a generic rack bolted to a roof rail — it's an engineered platform designed from the ground up for real-world adventure use.

The EXR no-drilling crossbar platform accommodates roof top tents, overland gear, kayaks, bikes, storage bins, and more — all able to click in and out in seconds — while a unique patented design distributes weight throughout the top, not just at the roof rail contact points. That load-distribution engineering is a meaningful differentiator for anyone planning to mount a heavy rooftop tent or carry serious cargo over long distances.

No-Drill Installation for Soft and Hard Top Vehicles

EXR exposed racks are available to fit the Jeep Wrangler JL (2-Door) and JLU (4-Door), as well as the Jeep Gladiator JT from 2018 onward, with low-profile, heavy-duty crossbars that require no drilling or other modifications to install. For Jeep owners who want a reversible, non-destructive solution, this is a compelling advantage.

The crossbars are constructed from carbon steel, electroplated, and acid-washed for added durability and material strength, then finished with a black powder coat for extra protection against rust, dust, and corrosion. The result is a rack that holds up in harsh weather and off-road environments without sacrificing aesthetics.

EXR Camper and Overlander Product Lines

SMS offers two primary series within their EXR roof rack family. The EXR Camper series features three heavy-duty crossbars engineered for tent mounting and fits Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT platforms, while the EXR Overlander series steps up to four heavy-duty crossbars and is available for both JKU 4-Door and JLU 4-Door configurations. Both lines share the same no-drill, click-in philosophy, making them interchangeable with a wide range of compatible accessories.

Coverage extends to just about every vehicle with roof rails, as well as removable tops and UTVs, with accessories that click in and out with a simple push pin. That level of compatibility means the EXR system can grow with your build rather than becoming obsolete as your rig evolves.

Built to Back It Up

All SMS roof rack products are proudly made in America and carry a 3-year warranty — a level of confidence rarely matched in the aftermarket rack space. Whether you're building a weekend overlanding rig or a dedicated expedition vehicle, GGC SMS Auto Parts Co roof racks deliver the American craftsmanship and innovative engineering that serious adventurers demand.