[BDPJR]

They are necessary otherwise you would have to find a way to mount it to the factory rails. I believe there's a slight arch in the roof which would keep you from mounting the rack flat. I have a sheet metal friend that was going to build a rack of the same dimensions, but there's so much custom work to do even with the factory rails that it wouldn't be cost effective. I think for the $600 it is a very sturdy, low profile rack. I also keep my 60" hi-lift jack, 37" spare and a 3' X 4' soft luggage/tool carrier up there. It works perectly for me and that's the million dollar question you have to ask yourself; how will I use this? Let me know if there's anything else I can answer for you.

Yeah, I like the new home my plate has. It's the law here in UT.