Making Use of OEM Crossbars

I’m trying to figure out how to mount the Waterport Day Tank (and other things) to OEM crossbars, using the OEM crossbars of my 4Runner. Is there an elegant solution to mount a few items, using the OEM crossbars?

In advance:
8 gal: No, I do not want a huge 8 gallon tank permanently mounted on my rack. I'd like the smaller tank that is removeable and small enough to easily handle.
Hitch: No, I don’t want to install it on hitch mount (it’s occupied and gets dirty anyway).
Inside: No, I don’t want to carry a tank inside my truck.
Another roof rack: No, I don’t want to spend tons of money for a new roof rack just to mount a day tank. I'd like to make use of the OEM crossbars.

 

Here's an idea (for awning) that was posted elswhere: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/arb-awning-on-factory-roof-rack-bars-100-and-200-series.1091954/

 

I honestly like how specific your request is, makes it easier to pin down a solution. Would aftermarket cross bars be a possibility? The rack would be the same but the aftermarket cross bars would allow a ton more options.

 

Here's one for Hi Lift and Shovel:

 

No, I already have the OEM crossbars, so I want to make use of them to mount a few items, and easily remove them (the items).

 

Here's another idea that I found.

 

Ok, last time I'll push since you're decided. BUT, some of the aftermarket cross bars are cheap and really easy to mount things to. You might be better off getting a cheap aftermarket cross bar vs paying a bunch for different mounting solutions. Just food for thought, good luck!

 

Like which one's? I do like the adaptability of some, except, these typically aren't aero and cause wind noise. Quiet isn't something I want to sacrifice for occasional use. For routine use, I'd likely change out the rack.

 

These look pretty awesome, I'll admit I've never used them, but seems pretty easy to T Nut and bolt whatever you'd want to it.

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/...8bVXfD-bCEP_qbDC4GJP8wsNhwXbzWxRoC3IsQAvD_BwE

 

Yes, they do. I've looked at these, but they do create wind noise, given the profile. So, I decided to stay with the OEM aero bars that I already have.

 

I did this on my factory bars on my taco, and now on my Sherpa on the 4Runner.

$57 Yakima 4-Pack Universal MightyMount Car SUV Roof Mounts for Aero/Factory Crossbars, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-8003590-Universal-MightyMount/dp/B0012SHLVK


OP, how does the tank mount?

 

It's pictured here. https://thewaterport.com/product/day-tank/ I would have to devise a way to mount it on the OEM rails and bars. I'm thinking that I might be able to attach the mount to the Yakima MightyMounts or some rail, running from crossbar to crossbar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9XJ8mYGkrE

 

I think they would work, my concern is the mounts won’t be flush with the rack, thus lifting the tank up off the rack.

 

The only way I see it working with the factory crossbars and no other mounting accessories is if you push the two crossbars close together and then mount the tank to them and also against one of the side roof rails, thus giving you essentially three points of contact. It would be up to you to determine how to attach the tank to those various components, but any other means of mounting it using the cross bars would be two flimsy to sustain weight and lateral forces. You definitely don't want just one or two points of mounting.

 

I may have changed my mind. I went to the overland expo today and saw the Sherpa.

 

I have a Sherpa crestone and think it’s awesome so far.

 

Whenever you have a chance, can you please post some pictures of it on your 4Runner?

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/2022-lr-orp.25460/page-3#post-349908

 

Thanks. Very nice

 

@Empusa , another option could be to fashion some sort of carrier for the water tank, and attach it to the side rails with 3/8" carriage bolts. That way you're not spending much money, and It would be easily removed when you're not using it. I attached my roof basket to the side-rails this way so I can remove it for winter, and any time I won't use it for awhile.

It looks like you're finding some good ideas already, though. Just throwing out more options to make your decision more difficult.

 

The factory cross bars are virtually useless...they dont hold much weight and sit very low to the roof line.
I carry a christmas tree on my roof once per year and a 59 pound canoe in the summer months.
Thats about all they are good for.
Shame on toyota..........but the aftermarket racks sell like hotcakes if you have the $$$$$$$$$

 

How long have you owned it? How much noise/turbulance does it cause?