Roof Rack and Cargo Box

I’m interested in replacing the OEM roof rails with a full length roof rack from Victory or SSO. Does anyone have experience using a Thule or Yakima cargo box on these type of roof racks?

 

Fair question. I was thinking that the roof rack would provide more usability for other items like kayaks and camping gear when we’re not using the cargo box. But perhaps I’m overthinking this and the best solution is the crossbars on the factory rails.

 

If you go crossbar/box route be careful if you go with the stock crossbars (my TRD prem came with them). With the stock bars the Yak rocketbox pro 11 clamps are really close to the roof when the box is installed. You can scratch the roof when installing or once installed with any weight they rub on the roof and can scratch it. I replaced the stock with Yak Timberline/core bar combo which gives the clamps a lot more clearance. Also pretty easy install and they look great. I went with a skinnier box like the rocketbox so I could also have space for a mount for a kayak or what not.

 

Have you looked at the gobi? It will give you the ability to carry kayaks using a full length rack as well as act like a cargo basket.

 

Good point. I hadn’t considered the weight issue but would probably go with Thule or Yakima crossbars if I go that route.

 

Nice rig! I briefly looked at Gobi but read in other forums that folks experienced issues with their customer service (e.g., long lead times, etc.). How was your experience with Gobi?

 

Oh and I also meant to mention - with the setup I described above that I used, and with placing the Yak cross bars at the reference points marked on the stock side rails and mounting the rocketbox as far back as it will go, I still had room to open the lift gate all the way. I mention this because I had read some reviews on here that said that the rocketbox 11 would not allow you to open your lift gate all the way.

 

Not my truck. I don't own a Gobi rack, but it sounded like it might fit the bill for what you were looking for.

Yeah, they had long lead times and communication issues when they first came to market. Their racks became very popular very quickly so they sounded like they had some growing pains. That was a while ago and now are owned by a new company. Not sure if those things have been fixed or not.

 

I have the victory full length and I use a Plano all weather rifle case for gear storage on mine. Works out great. To mount the box, I just drilled holes in the bottom and run bolts through to the slot nuts on the cross bars.

 

I have a prinsu. I like that it is aluminum and will not rust over time (I drive my trucks until they are dead). Plano boxes work great.

 

Thanks all. Appreciate the feedback. Lots of options. I’d like to get a full length roof rack but if I got that route I’ll have to make sure it works with our Thule cargo box....wife would kill me if I bought a rack that wasn’t compatible.

 

I'd start here, you can usually find crossbars in Craigslist or EBay for a good price. Then take some time to see if you miss not having a full rack. Figure out how you would use it and when you would need it.
If you do, order a rack and continue to use the crossbars while you wait for the rack.
If you don't, you've saved a chunk of change.

Racks do look cool, though.

(I have an Eezi-awn K9 rack, which I really like.)

 

I have a Gobi Stealth Rack that I use with a full size Thule (Thule is at least 20 years old). In terms of costumer service, I had a good experience. Ordered 12/2018 during their Xmas sale. They were closed for the two weeks due to holidays so order got processed Jan 14th. Email with expected delivery April 6th. Rack delivered May 3rd.
I wanted a rack that could fit the Thule I had so I could throw the double stroller in there to keep dry, wind from ruining it but also wanted to be able to throw extra things on the rack for storage. I wrap the cross bars with insulation you would use on copper piping to prevent condensation so I don't scratch the cross bars and cause them to rust. The Thule sits about 3 inches higher than if I would use cross bars without a rack but as long as I don't fully loaded the Thule, handling doesn't suffer more than normal. I don't have a picture of Thule on the rack currently, sorry. You can see the back of the Thule in the second picture for an idea of what model.

 

Agreed! Honestly I’m leaning towards the full length roof rack.

 

Awesome. I have a similar full size Thule cargo box. We bought it a few years ago for our Subaru Outback. I’d like a full length roof rack for camping but the wife would like to use our cargo box for road trips with the family (we’re expecting our first kiddo in May and have 2 dogs). Stoked to hear the Thule works with the Gobi. I’m thinking that I may have to pull the trigger...the Gobi looks great on your 4Runner!

 

I have the same question as you about attaching a Thule box to the victory rack. I ordered the standard length last night so I will be looking for a way to attach the cargo box for easy on and off. I could probably drill holes in the bottom of the box and attach that way but will look for other ways. I know it can be done because I saw a pic of a Thule box on the victory rack on another 4Runner forum. I will attach a screen shot of his set up...

 

I am on my first trip with the new 4Runner and noticed the Thule Pulse M did rub on the roof a little.
2 scratches where the Thule clamps attached to the front rack, the back seems fine.
I'm trying to figure out what can be done other than replacing the OEM roof rack which I don't really want to do.
Wondering if anyone else has rigged up something without a large expense.
Thanks...