Cross bar options

is anyone aware of any aftermarket crossbars (other than LFD) that tie into the factory roof rails?

 

I wanted to keep the factory look so I installed a set of ARTEC INDUSTRIES 5G Venture Cross Rails, there are a few others out there a little cheaper but I really liked the way these are built and IMO great customer service....

 

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. I really like the simplicity of the LFD cross bars but I've been hearing chatter that their aluminum ones have some wind noise or resonance on the hiway.

How are the Artec bars in that regard? I'm on the interstate a LOT with unloaded bars so want something relatively quiet.

 

All the reason I chose these over others, I put on a lot of highway miles myself. From the looks of the LFD's they sit higher than the rails possibly causing added wind noise where the Artec's sit flush, even with the sun roof open I don't get any more noise than I use to without them. Plus the Artec's are wider and I like that I can use the extra rails as tie down points or leave them off (as shown in my pic) plenty of slots for all kinds of goodies up there, I'll be mounting my RTT in a couple of weeks and seeing I can stand on this rails I'm pretty sure it will be safe up there.

 

Are you able to get a wratchet strap under the bars for tying stuff down?

 

I looked at these, but they look way to close to the roof. How hard is it to wash and wax under them?

 

The same as any rack/after market cross bars, pretty easy to loosen and move

 

Yes sir, the side rails that come with them (if ordered) has plenty of slots and there's room on the OEM rails

 

They are pricey, but if my LFD cross bars don't ship soon I will have to take a longer look at these. How long of a wait on shipping?

 

Less than a week to Nor Calif or check with 4WP they offer them as well

 

I can stand on each and no flex, should hold to my RTT and all the other gear when the tents off....

 

Rago also makes these.

 

RAGO's cross bars also work on the LFD 7/8 side rails as well.

 

following

 

Yeah I believe they would support a roof top tent but as you mentioned for a few dollars more you can have a complete rack. I don't have a boat but here is a video on tie down tips. You may know all this already but hope this helps. The straps can still wrap around the roof rails with any cross bars. I still like the Rok straps more than regular straps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajpX4kaxEC8

 

When it rains, does water sit in that center groove? Wondering if it gets grungy in that space over time if you're not keeping it wiped out.

 

Also, is the height of the crossbars higher than the shark fin? So if you put Sheetrock or plywood up there, will it clear the shark fin?

 

How did I know that was coming
When I get back from KY I will send you one

 

Drive faster!

That's what's so confusing, So many choices, go with what you like/need, as I mentioned I wanted to keep the low profile look and made the right choice for me.

 

I'd have to say no to the clearing of the fin, that's why most full racks have cutouts?
There's a Base Camp truck meet in Fremont Ca on Apr 27th, if you are in area I'll bet you'll see plenty of different options to choose from, or a local gathering

 

My God man! Why would one put sheet rock on your runner? Have

 

Haha. I'd like the option to haul a piece of sheet rock (short distance) or a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Or some lumber.

I'm a 20 year Tacoma veteran. Adjusting to a 4runner is an ongoing process! I really like the T4R but there are those "in a pinch" moments when it sure would be nice to just throw stuff up on the roof. Just searching for the right solution for myself.

Full racks are nice but I'd honestly rather put that money toward a trailer (which I will eventually do). For now, a couple crossbars will suffice.

 

Thanks! Appreciate the info!

 

Being a homeowner is a bitch .

 

Yeah a 5x10 utility trailer was my first mod after buying the 4. I am just getting to a roof rack after 3 years of ownership cuz I'm going to get a RTT. The priority was the trailer and it has paid for itself over and over. It's the best of both worlds and like having a 5x10 truck bed at my disposal.

 

Yeah pretty good video and like I said I don't have a boat but if I did I would have probably pulled down on the tie down as hard as I could. Not good according to the video. Didn't even think about how the heat and cold effects the boat swelling and contracting.

 

This is something I often forget. I have an aluminum fishing boat. And if i cinch the straps down tight on the trailer and it sits in the sun for an afternoon, I've had it get to a point where they're so tight I've had to cut the straps off.