Roof Basket / Rack Recommendations

Howdy

I recently got a stock 2022 4Runner TRD Sport and have started looking into getting a basket or rack for the roof. I would prefer a basket style, but wonder if that would limit the versatility. I definitely want something full length. The Gobi Ranger is exactly what I am looking for, but I can't handle the wait times. I would like to be able to attach things like a kayak rack, surfboard pads, rod tube, etc. Is that even possible with a basket? I have also looked into the BajaRack standard long basket, which I like the looks of. I am extremely new to this and would love y'alls input. Thanks!

 

Welcome here! And nice choice on your Runner
Myself, I recently got a 3/4 length powder coated steel basket, flush on oem cross bars. Only need it for camping, the dump, building materials and furniture.
You sound like your budget is higher, and want one of the full lengths, probably low pro.
I recommend Westcott and Prinsu. I trust you'll get many great recommendations!
goodluck

 

I like the look of the Prinsu, seems like mor attachment points than the Westcott. What brand is your basket?

 

Yeah sure man, and Gobi is slick too, except for wait times as you say.
Believe it or not I bought off Amazoné. I think the brand is RAA, whatever that means baha.
64x39x6, 1" rails, 42lbs, 250lbs load

 

I have the baja rack and am happy with it. Very well built. I wanted a full length basket for the versatility. Works putting luggage up there easy to strap down or big items like cayak or lumber.

Decent article comparing the common brands.

https://trail4runner.com/2017/12/04/5th-gen-4runner-roof-racks/

 

Westcott modular give you the option of a flat top or a slight basket. And they are a great company with solid products.

If you look at my bars in this pic, you can see how I dropped a few of them to the lower setting, creating a small "basket"

 

Do you have any experience with attaching stuff to the rack? Most things like kayak racks, fishing rod holders, etc. are designed to connect to the rails and I am wondering if the Baja metal tubing is too thin for that...

 

I like the looks of this. My only hesitation is that it's not very deep. When/if you haul boxier things (coolers, etc) do you have any issue securing them? If you don't do that, do you think you would have issues?

 

https://lfdoffroad.com/collections/ruggedized-crossbars-5th-gen-4runner

 

The baja rack is stong I have no concerns with the tube steel. One thing I like about it is the entire rack has so many tie down or anchor points. I use straps attached to the tube steel tightened down and have not seen the tube steel flex at all.

I had the factory Yakima basket before this. Tube steel on Bajarack feels thicker and stronger than the Yakima when putting tension on straps securing loads.

The roof supporting weight is the limiting factor for me not the baja rack. Rack is very overbuilt and well engineered all one piece welded steel. The rack could support me standing on it but I don't trust the roof with that much weight.

Bajarack has shipped quick for rack and mounts I bought.

I don't have a cayak. Any cayak owners with experience on best tie down/anchor points with different rack options. I think I have seen some going down to bumper.