Roof rack recommendations

All-

I am after a roof rack, and can't seem to find one that fits my needs. The few I've seen in person, such as the TRD Pro OEM rack is useless for my application. I don't and can't have anything sitting on my vehicle roof.
I would need a roof rack that has its own slats or cross members to secure things to such as a packout box (heavy) fuel can, miscellaneous heavy duty totes etc.
I also want a mod free, bolt on rack. I have a sunroof, never use it, but would be ok with a 3/4 rack as well.
Everything I put up there would be ratcheted down snug as I drive forest service roads in some steep country.

Is there such a rack that exists? Appreciate others recommendations. Thanks

Dave

 

Our 21 Venture came stock with a Yakima MegaWarrior and we have loaded everything under the sun on that rack - it's hoss. I agree that the the TRD Pro rack looks cool, but isn't in the same universe as the MegaWarrior in terms of functionality.

We live on a lake and the Venture is our utility transport to the beach and back. Yeti's (sometime stacked), gas cans for Jet Skis, grills, propane cylinders, skis, wakeboards, day tents... There are a lot of great racks out there from lots of great builders, but I can personally testify to this one. I didn't order this one as an add-on, just got it ("included") in the Venture package and couldn't be happier. At first, I thought I'll end up taking this on and off - as needed. But in 2.5 years and 40k miles, it's never been taken off once. And, after carrying all that gear all those times, there's not a single scratch on the vehicle roof. The MegaWarrior sits high enough that the Venture's roof hasn't been touched.

 

Hi Dave

There are loads of options, you’ll see a bunch of “I have this or that rack” posts, nothing wrong with that. Use Google and verify your dynamic weight requirements.

Good luck!

 

Hi Dave. A little clarification please. What does mod-free bolt-on rack mean? Does that mean you want a rack that attaches to the factory roof rails?

 

Yes Sir, precisely.

 

I am happy with my Sherpa.

https://sherpaec.com/products/crestone

https://www.4runners.com/threads/2022-lr-orp.25460/page-3#post-349908

 

I’d suggest watch some install videos, some are supper easy.

 

I’m tempted to get rid of my gobi for a Sherpa

 

3+ years with my Sherpa Crestone. Its been great!

 

Just got off the phone with RCI, they have what I'm after-plus its 20% off so it's a no brainer. Thanks to all that replied

 

Wha’d ya get?

 

full length roof rack, adjustable slats and 20% off came to $780ish with shipping. I'll update after install and usage.

 

I'm confused. The RCI rack involves taking off the factory rack, correct? I thought you wanted a mod-free bolt-on rack? You choice is great though- they make nice stuff.

 

Not sure about confusion, unless I'm a bit older than you and we have different ideas of what a mod is. All my years of tinkering and toys, modification or "mod" meant NOT a direct bolt on which required cutting/fitting/adapting to a specific, such as a universal part or fitment.
You are correct, the rack I ordered does require removing the factory rails, but is then direct bolt on, which requires no mods, which is what I'm after. Taking a few bolts out is a far cry from a true mod.

Looking forward to getting it, I'll post up some pics after install.

Thanks

 

Nice, I think you prolly made a good choice
But I am beyond confused OP lol;
1 . I don't and can't have anything sitting on my vehicle roof.
2 . I would need a roof rack that has its own slats or cross members to secure things to
3 . I also want a mod free, bolt on rack
Modification or "mod" meant NOT a direct bolt on
4 . The rack I ordered does require removing the factory rails, but is then direct bolt on

 

Ok guys, not sure where this is coming from, I came here with good intentions, frequent another forum where I'm a moderator, and frankly the ticky-tack word play is juvenile. If I spoke in a confusing manner, and that bothered some to take the time and point it out by highlighting, all the while probably knowing what I meant, it's not a good look. I'm a retired Marine, don't have much use for semantics. Good day to you Sir.

 

Please post some pictures after you get it on. I am interested in getting one too. You planning to mount any lights to it?

Ignore the stupid stuff you have seen posted about the words used. Some people seem like they have to point out what they think is other peoples errors instead of just moving on. I guess it thinks it makes them feel superior or something.

 

I'm glad you found something that you'll probably like.

 

I'm just legit confused trying to follow that's all. Perhaps after a couple beers I've come off as a jerk. My Canadian family is in law enforcement and swat, and my American family has military members. Thank-you for your service and goodluck

 

I mean, you get peoples confusion over words, right?

I agree that something that bolts into factory spaces isn't really a "mod" but it doesn't look like what you were looking for. Bolting to factory rails is different than bolting into factory holes.

Either way, I have several RCI produced stuff (sliders and skids) and have been thinking of taking off and selling the Gobi for the aluminum rack you got. Would be really interested in pics and a followup from you on how you like it. Even though RCI is aluminum, wasn't much less weight than the Gobi but does sit 3" high vs 5" high. Was looking at my rack today and the extra 2" just looks like basket rails and the fairing covers that same base 3" so not sure any aerodynamics would be gained. I'm really happy with the Gobi but it's steel (not a spot of rust after 3 years, good quality) and thought a lower profile and lighter (aluminum) rack may be less of a brick on top of a brick.

 

@MontanaMarine nobody is pissed off or trying to piss you off. Just genuinely confused because I asked if you wanted a rack that attached to the factory roof rails, you said yes, and then ordered a rack that requires removal of the factory roof rails. There’s a contradiction there, hence the follow up questions.

But we’re all straight now. Lets put this behind us, and please don’t let it make you feel badgered or unwelcome. It’s a pretty good group of folks here. We’re all excited to see photos of your RCI rack after it’s mounted and hear your feedback.

Cheers!

 

OP - Coming from a former Army Ranger.....Semper Fi Marine. Don't let people get to you on this forum as 99% of them are good folks. There was a little confusion but it looks like it's all straightened out. Post some pics once you get it installed.

"RLTW"

 

I chose the Sherpa rack because of the way it installed on my roof. I was most concerned leaks from the feet of the rack, and felt Sherpa had the best design. Looking forward to hearing about the install.

 

Thus the confusion.

I'll have to check out the RCI offering, that brand doesn't get much air time...

 

Thanks-I looked at the light that make for it, too pricey for me. I've wired a few light bars on trucks and they came out great and still work many years later. Hard to beat a cree led bar for $130 (back then at least)

 

All good, thanks. I do see how I created some confusion. I've already got a tracking number, so it should be here by end of week. I'll get pics up as soon as it's on.

 

The 'stupid stuff' posted about the words being used was people trying to figure out what was being asked. No one was trying to point out errors, and those who posted have explained that, and have 'moved on'. We don't need the forum police telling us who's trying to feel superior on this one.

 

Slight thread derail:

I'm about to pull the trigger on a roof rack, I think a westcott designs. Has anyone mounted lights to the rear and sides of their rack? Curious how it looks, I really like the clean/sleeper look and not trying to just throw lights up and make it look dorky.

https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/s2-sport-black-flush-mount-led-auxiliary-light-pod-reverse-kit/

https://www.bajadesigns.com/product...lush-mount-led-auxiliary-light-pod-universal/

 

Exhibit B

 

Thanks Gary. I mean when you kinda contradict yourself multiple times in one paragraph (in my opinion) while asking for recommendations, my triggering reply was a combination of beers, and not being able to help myself being a light hearted cheeky prick