Roof rack question

I see I can get the roof rack that attaches to the existing roof rack....(which mine is the factory tubing roof rack) and I also see the ones that replaces the existing roof rack. What are the pros or cons on the one that attaches to the existing roof rack? Thanks.

 

Hey OP @Curt56
That's right
I crossed this bridge about a year ago.



Pros for bolt in:
Stronger
Safer
Much more low profile
And aerodynamic
Full roof length available

Pros for U-Bolt Bracket
Often less money
Often less heavy
Can be a quicker install, no removal of factory rack (factory bolts up there can be difficult to remove)
Many options for cargo baskets
Easier to remove/revert back

Saved money and bought a powder coated steel roof rack basket off Amazoné 1" bars. 3/4 roof length approx. 60". It mounts to your factory crossbars with U-Bolt brackets.

 

Does it interfere with the sunroof?

And definitely a lot less money for sure. I haul kayaks so maybe keeping the roof rails would be better.....but I do like the low profile of the bolt on but damn they are expensive

 

So mine was one of the longest cargo baskets I could find on Amazon, which is what I was looking for. It covers almost half the sunroof. Does it interfere with sunroof, no. But you could easily buy a slightly shorter length rack.
It truly is, a lot, less money.

You get what you pay for, yes low pro looks sick, especially when you know what he paid lol

 

I got the stainless version of these. https://www.4xinnovations.com/03-23-4Runner-Rola-Rack-Mount-Kit_p_43.html

 

Since the bolt on one sits higher and the spoiler inherently won't be in the best position, I think it would probably net you worse mpg for the life of your vehicle than totally new solution. That could add up to the cost or more of a more expensive rack after 100k miles.

That's a great question....what mpg hit did people see who have the bolt on version?

 

Worse than no basket, better than a basket attached to factory crossbars. Generally about 18 mpg on the highway.