Another roof rack dilemma...

I started off here:
5th Gen 4Runner Roof Racks - Full-Length, 3/4 Length & Basket Racks

And then subsequently read a bunch of one-off of racks, then thought about keeping stock rails and getting those newer generation of aftermarket crossbars a bunch are offering, but I think I've pretty much settled on upgrading from OEM setup, and going for a full OR 7/8 (I feel like there's no practical difference? But 3/4 seems a bit short)

The ones that keep popping up to me are:

- Prinsu - seems people really like the style of this one
- LFD - I am not exactly positive on, but they keep popping up on my radar! Have a lot of length + material options which is nice
- Sherpa - seems a newer player in the game, and uses a different (innovative?) approach to covering/using the stock mounting holes
- Frontrunner - Cool... so damn expensive? A little proprietary too?

I'm Canadian, and I've heard of a few other canadian options, which seem like cheaper options? Seem much less popular, so hard to compare:
4Runner Aluminum Full Length Roof Rack System — GREENLANE OFF-ROAD
03-09 4Runner Modular Roof Rack | Element By RA Motorsports

Some of my desires/thoughts on roof rack:
- Like a flatter (multiple crossbars) roof rack for if I need to strap random large items to it (lumber or otherwise)
- Reducing wind noise is pretty high up there in importance
- Still plan to use a cargo box (not full time)
- Care much less about how it looks/makes the 4runner look vs functionality

Unfortunately (and perhaps obviously!) there is no good side-by-side reviews, and these aren't $50 options when you can just try things out. I've heard of horror stories about roof leaks, often times without user awareness... this scares me a ton! Is sherpa's new approach better? Time tested?

Any guidance on selecting a roof rack? Most of these I don't have any option to check out in person either, so a big big purchase to make blind. How did you select a rack? Any really viable racks I've possibly overlooked?

 

Kaitlyn, I have the LFD 3/4 on my Runner. It goes just to the back of the sunroof, which is exactly the size I need. No noise from the rack with the sunroof open or closed, and no leaks. Mine is steel. Besides the design, the price was nice. One previously posted pic here, but let me know if you want to see something specific. It's a simple install too. I gooped the crap out of the mounting areas with silicone to prevent leaks. There are slots in the cross members and rails which provide a lot of mounting options for things. LFD quality is fantastic, and communication was great as well. They are top of my list if I ever decide to get a bigger rack.

 

Couple questions

- How come you went with steel over aluminium?
- Why 3/4? It's almost exactly the same size as the OEM rack, but I guess you also gain some extra length without the "end caps"

 

Steel was cheaper, though heavier than aluminum. I only need the smaller size of the 3/4 to carry my hang glider and didn't trust the factory cross members to carry the load properly. I also didn't want to cover the sunroof. I can climb through the sunroof if needed to strap down the glider. The 3/4 also weighs less than the 7/8 or full rack. A glider weighs around 60 - 70 pounds, so I should be able to carry three or four gliders and even with the weight of the rack be well within the roof limit, which I believe is 300 pounds. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that. Check on how the front feet mount on the full sized racks too. I think the Gamiviti bolts in to the roof, but am not sure about the others.

 

I went with the LFD steel cross bars w/ win fairing in the OEM rack.
What I like about it is, I can upgrade it to a full rack later on.

I'm only using it to mount traction boards to. Plus maybe a high lift jack in the future. I could see using it to strap on some firewood or carry small amounts of lumber.

The height of my garage door doesn't allow for a rooftop tent and I refuse to park my 4Runner outside at night.

Regarding functionality - the slots on the LFD cross bars are accessible from the under side. To mount my traction boards, I picked up some simple hardware from my local small family owned hardware store.









I have GreenLane rear hatch ladder in my garage that I need to mount to my 4Runner.

Looking at that Greenlane Roof Rack cross bars, I have to ask what hardware do I need to mount something on there?
I note they don't tell you what hardware to use nor sell it.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/roof-rack-showdown-prinsu-vs-southern-style-offroad.8591/

 

FYI - That drop down screen makes your website completely unreadable / unusable.

 

I just ordered a Southern Style Offroad rack, I went with the full rack over the 7/8 so I could still use my sunroof and I also want the entire roof covered. (I put a canoe on some LFD crossbars on the stock side rails, and it bounced around and scratched up a bit of paint). I was torn between a few brands, but went with SSO for the lower profile. Just my .02!

 

That’s the most ridiculous cop out of a recommendation I’ve seen in a long time. It’s like you just copy and pasted their advertising.

 

I went with this aluminum: https://n-fab.com/modular-roof-rack, just under $1000CAD tax in (ontario)
i keep there some gas cans, wood, coolers, mosquito tent, camping chairs, stuff that I dont usually want in my cabin.
it holds about 150lb, plenty for usual needs.
i want my sunroof uncovered, this is also my dd and i do like it open as much as i can.
plenty of hook points and comes with pre-drilled holes front and back for lights.

 

read the post above your first one for an actual review of Prinsu.

 

I put my canoe on the factory roof rack last week and also had some damage. I may need a rack also. something full length of roof. Stay tuned for suggestions.

 

I feel you, I went back and forth for months trying to decide between SSO, Victory4x4, Sherpa & LFD. All looked like great designs, but the mounting feet needing no silicone and the aesthetics of Sherpa got me. They have a good selection of rack attachments as well. Not the least expensive option and it was about a 7-8 week wait, but well worth it to me.

 

I put the 3/4 front inner slimline II on mine a couple of months ago. It’s really great and Frontrunner has a ton of great gear that you can add on to it. It’s more than I need from a roof rack though and with a new lift, I’m worried it won’t fit in my garage. If you’re still looking to buy one, I’d sell it much cheaper than brand new.

 

Evaluating my options too... I primarily need mine for rooftop tent. I was curious about something, too - all of the aftermarket roof racks bolt into the same holes on the roof as the stock rails. Weak point seems to be the cross bars. What if, and hear me out, one simply adds more cross bars to the stock rails? Instead of only two, I have 4 rails, all bolted up to the rooftop tent and bearing the weight. the actual mounting points and load bearing on the roof is no different on the aftermarket racks.
Unless I am missing something ....
Thoughts?

 

Fixed