Roof Rack?

Hello all:

I finally brought me SR5P home and I need some info on how to make my roof rack actually useful. I really like the look of the TRD Pro one but the dealership wants $700 for it. I am not sure how good it is or if it is worth the cost?

My son and I are planning on a long road trip next year and I would like some extra storage space on the vehicle. I am not sure if the one I have is worth getting rails for: can I actually put anything up there for it to be useful?

Thanks,

Skip

 

Hi there. Are you asking if cargo boxes fit up there? Or about different roof racks in general?

Searching this topic for previous forum threads will most likely offer a lot of great info!

Good luck!

 

Depending on how much extra storage you want. There are so many different options from

a full roof rack system like a Gobi
https://www.gobiracks.com/product/toyota-4runner-5th-gen-stealth-rack-gobi-racks/

or a storage box from Thule or Yakima
https://www.thule.com/en-us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-motion-xt-xxl-_-629906

https://yakima.com/products/skybox-...22.1548011599.1658255577-926563371.1658255577

another option is a cargo box that hooks up to the hitch
https://yakima.com/products/exo-gea...83.1548011599.1658255577-926563371.1658255577

 

There's oem crossbars and aftermarket cross bars for the oem roof rails. Is that what your referring to?

 

I have been looking at previous posts on the subject but still wasn't sure which way to go.

I am looking at maybe a tent and a storage box up there; eventually I want to get myself a kayak so something that will be able to hold that also.

The storage box linked above looks good. I have used the hitch storage rack before but never really trusted them to keep things secure. The box seems to give a decent option.

I really like the look of the TRD Pro rack but I am not sure how useful or versatile they are?

Sorry to ask questions about this. I have always had a truck so I never had to deal with a rack before.

Thanks,

Skip

 

If you plan to mount a tent, the TRD Pro rack is effectively a no-go. There might be people who have done it, but I haven't seen any (I am happy to admit being wrong if someone furnishes images).

Along with the great options mentioned above, Toyota has a partnership with Yakima for some accessories - On a friend's Pro I've removed the rack and used:
- LockNLoad C Platform, attached to Skyline Towers, attached via LockNLoad adapters, attached to the roof via Landing Pad #29.

What's on your vehicle currently? Naked roof? Or do you have side rails and/or crossbars?

 

The pro rack is pretty useless for most people. If you're going to carry small items it'll work fine but as you mentioned a tent or cargo box, you would be better suited with a full length rack. There are so many great options on the market, just depends what you're going to use it for and if you have any specific needs or wants in terms of features.

 

There have been people who have mounted it successfully, but then comes the issue with height and more importantly the weight limit. It just looks ridiculous honestly, I'll have to find the picture but the guy was pushing 3 feet of height on the roof.

 

First let me add a couple of ideas to Dabigono’s excellent list.

There are aftermarket crossbars that work with the stock roof rails. A couple of companies make them. These are from LFD.


Another popular option is the Rola rack. There are some trick brackets available which allow it to be mounted without crossbars. It sits lower that way.


If you want to mount both a tent and a storage box I think you are destined for a full length rack. Choices abound.

The Pro rack, while charismatic, doesn’t offer much in the way of flexibility IMHO.

 

I went with the Sherpa Crestone full length, love it so far, I do plan to put a RTT a up there, just can’t figure out what one I want and pull the trigger.

 

where are you located? I’m in AZ and I will be removing the trd pro rack in the next couple weeks. If you’re nearby I’ll sell it for half of what the dealership is asking for. I bought the 4R brand new this year so the rack is pretty much new

 

As others have stated, a full length rack may be better suited. It also comes in handy for transporting larger items from Lowes, HD, etc. I’ve been happy with my full length rack from Victory 4x4. One thing nice about the rack, which is probably true with other racks, is the crossbars are exactly 48” long standard 8020 framing that can be ordered more cheaply from 8020.net. And as 8020 is a whole system of standard components used to construct framing fixtures in industrial and manufacturing applications, you can use brackets, plates, etc. from 8020.net to create endless options for mounting stuff to the crossbars.

 

The TRD Pro Roof Rack is More Show than Go, Mine is coming off when I get over the "Pro" look and will be installing a Greenlane Off Road rack because they use the 8020 Aluminum for Cross bars so it is so easy to make mounting accessories for 8020.

 

Thank you for all of the replies!

I’ll respond to what I can:

I’m in PA.

In regards to the tent I was referring to a ground tent: I don’t think I would use a roof top one enough to justify the cost. I would like the ability to put it on the roof incase we are in rainy weather: I prefer to not put it inside the vehicle. This goes for a ground cloth or other tarps that may be used.

I currently have the stock roof rack that comes on the SR5P: it has the black mounting brackets and the silver aluminum/white metal side bars.

I was not sure I could mount a full length rack: I only have four mounting locations at the present time. How do I install the front to mounts so that I do not have leaks? Will it work with my moonroof? It’s the first time since I got my license in ’80 that I have had one and I want to use it, lol.

I really like the look of the crossbars that Captain Spalding posed but I am not sure if I can mount a kayak on there is I end up getting one. Will I need a full length rack?

Also in Cpt Spaldings third picture there is a roof ladder. How to they mount? I would assume that there are hinges on the top plate that allow it to move when the rear hatch opens? How difficult is it to install one? I am always worried drilling into a new vehicle.

I do like the look of the Rola rack.

Thanks,

Skip

 

Good luck and happy camping

 

Many of the full length racks use the 4 OEM mounting points and then use "feet" that rest on the rubber strip on the roof to support the front portion of the rack so you do not have to drill into the roof. They will work with your moonroof. Likely there is a crossbar mounting position that would place a crossbar over the moonroof though. If so just leave the crossbar out, this is what I did. And add it back on whenever you need it.

 

I went through much the same thing as you. I have a huge a cargo box, tandem kayak and tandem fat bike that would not work on the factory crossbars- their spread is not long enough, so they were either hanging off the back so much that the tailgate wouldn't open all the way or they were massively cantilevered over the front with no support . I tried the LFD crossbars, which were really clean looking and strong, but didn't really increase the spread. I next tried the Rhino Rack Backbone system using three Aero crossbars which worked very well, except..... driving around with it on when I only use it 10-20 times per year wastes gas and make noise. Some car washes won't let you in with them on either. My final solution, albeit very permanent, was to install the Rhino Rack roof tracks. It makes it easy to go naked and moving track mounted feet around is simple and accommodates any load. With a little creativity, you can mount just about anything up there, including a full or 3/4 rack like the Victory 4x4 one if you modify the mounting feet.

 

Based on your revised usage statement I think you want a basket, not a rack.

A rack is useful for semi-permanently attaching things to: a RTT, cargo box, etc.

A basket is useful for putting stuff in: the aforementioned wet tent, firewood, fuel, water, etc.

Any basket will work on your existing roof rails and factory crossbars.

Kayaks set best on crossbars, not a rack.

Ladders are a niche product that a lot of people hang on their hatch because they are cool looking. Actual use is minimal; I've owned a 4Runner since 2015, camped and traveled for literally a month at a time all over this country in one, and I've never once needed to ascend the roof.

The PRO rack/ basket thing is pretty worthless.

YMMV...

 

Adding to my above post, here is an example of basket storage.

The basket is a Yakima Loadwarrior with extension; which are fairly inexpensive. You can often find used ones on CL (the similar Megawarrior is also often found used on CL or this forum since it's the factory basket on some 4R models).

Contents of this are basically large / unwieldy / awkward to store items that are useful on a trip but aren't accessed all the time, which it sounds like fits your needs. Access to them is by standing on the rear tire or the door sill.

To run kayaks you could either remove that basket (they are quick detachable by hand), or keep the contents below the top lip of the basket and run the kayaks on top of the basket using the top of it as defacto crossbars.



Front to back: 2 camp chairs and camp table, 6 gal H2O, folding recovery boards, shovel, duffel with tools/ air compressor / battery box, empty spot for local firewood, 5 gal gas.

 

Well said! I did not like the Pro rack before I bought it and 14 months later I still do not like it. I have been thinking I would warm up to it or find a use for it, but since I am the sole user of the 4R there is plenty of inside space for my needs. I like the sleek look without it! I know it is a Pro, I don't need the Pro roof rack to broadcast that!

 

Guess I'll weigh-in here too.

So... Our 21' Venture came stock with the Yakima MegaWarrior. At first, I thought it was way-too big to leave on all the time. I didn't like the way it hung over the left and right sides of the vehicle (it's wider than the 4R's roof is), so I took it off for a while. Figured I put it back on when we needed it. But, after a couple of weeks, I put it back on for a beach trip and have left it on ever since.

We live near the beach and can jockey multiple Yeti's, gas cans for the Jet Skis, day-tents, rafts, life jackets, portable grills, etc. all at the same time. We go in groups and have become the load mule because of the Yakima. That's OK with me.

My son has a 19' TRD Pro and trust me, the Pro rack can't carry half of what I can on the MegaWarrior (yes, that's an exaggeration, but my capacity is way bigger, and things stay put better due to the compartmentalized design). Since I don't travel very far with it loaded, I just fasten everything down with bungees. There are ample bars on the sides and bottom so that you're never looking very far for something to hook a bungee onto.

There are a few minuses on the MegaWarrior and I'm aware of that. One of the biggest minuses is wind noise. Another is its weight (not super-easy to take on and off). But, for us and our application, all things considered, it has exceeded our expectations and has turned out to be one of the biggest assets the Venture brings to the table.

Here's the link - FWIW, one of the reviewers has 300k-plus miles on his and attests to the longevity of the rack. Ours only has 20k but show no sign of wear at all.

https://yakima.com/products/megawarrior

Hope this helps.

 

Tyger makes some nice cargo baskets. Everything I've read has been positive.I've been eyeing this one awhile, and will eventually

https://www.tygerauto.com/super-dut...t-l68quot-x-w41quot-x-h8quot-tg-rk1b906b.html

 

Thank you all for the feedback/input/information: it is greatly appreciated!

It looks like the basket is what I need.

Does anyone have any experience with these cross rails? https://lfdoffroad.com/collections/5th-gen-4runner/products/ruggedized-crossbar-kit-5th-gen-4runner

They looks like they are made well and have good reviews on their site.

Thanks again!

Skip

 

I have heard good about this company, but no experience. I debated using their crossbars before deciding full rack.
https://lfdoffroad.com/collections/5th-gen-4runner

 

Hi Skip,

I found myself in this same situation several weeks ago just before leaving on a camping trip. Cargo basket or cargo box? I settled with the cargo box and here's why.....

- It was extremely handy to just "throw and go". No strapping down every time I needed to pack or remove something.
- No future rust from the steel cargo basket
- Waterproof and snow/ice proof (I live in Canada)
- Lockable to keep my items secure and safe
- So nice to keep misc items up there instead of in the cargo area of my 4Runner when camping (Tent bags, life jackets, dirty clothes, etc)

Just a different perspective. Each option has their pros and cons. I will remove and install when I need it so it definitely wont be up there all the time. Only take 10 minutes to install.

I would suggest looking into a cheap one and see what your needs might be. I found one on clearance at a local store for $175.00 and felt good not breaking the bank. My needs may change in the future but at least I'll have a better idea of what will suit our family best.

Hope some of that helped......

 

Just for reference, here's everything I fit in this 330 L cargo box.

4 camping chairs
4 sleeping bags
4 inflatable sleeping pads
4 life jackets
Tent
Tarp
Duffle bag full of ropes, hatchet, hammer, ratchet straps, etc
4 Roasting sticks for camp fire
Sleeping bag liner
And a few other odds and ends.

 

You can use the stock cross rails with pretty much all baskets so you don't *need* aftermarket ones.

 

I only have the main rails; didn't get any stock ones with it.

Wasn't sure if the ones I linked were as good/better/worse than the OEM ones?

 

Ah gotcha. Some dealer packages include the crossbars, which is so weird that others don't.

Most people here like those crossbars you linked, I personally did not due to wind noise but opinions vary and I think they have been redesigned since I owned a set.

 

If you want something a little deeper snag older Thule moad ...