LFD VS ARTEC Roof racks

I know there’s a few guys with the LFD Roof Rack, how about ARTEC? Pro’s and Con’s

 

I don't have experience with ARTEC, but my 3/4 LFD has been fantastic for my needs. I am considering moving up to a full length rack, and LFD will be at the top of the list. The price was reasonable, and shipping fairly fast too.

 

Call me dumb but I got to ask. What is that you are carrying?

 

Its my hang glider...not a dumb question!

 

Looks good, probably should have clarified. I’m looking at the Cross Bar bundle that utilizes the OEM rails. I’ve read that on some vehicles the wind faring doesn’t fit, rubs on the roof.

 

airplane mod

 

I installed the Artec rack a few months ago.

Pros: easy install, low profile, fairing not necessary(no wind noise) no lead time (in stock), low cost, good quality, Steel (stamped I think), can use with or without side rails.

Cons: low to roof if you want to bolt from underside, no front or rear rail for extra security carrying loads, (but good for longer items)

Pro or con:mounts to OEM roof rails (so limited to weight capacity of rails. Weighs 50 lbs with rails (not sure if pro or con)

 

While this is not exactly what you are asking, but I have LFD stainless steel crossbars on the stock rack. I was blown away with how well build and solid those bars were. So with that said, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to purchase any LFD product. I have yet to find a single con to these crossbars which are identical to what you would get with their rack. No noise or running with their wind fairing.

Edit: Saw that you replied that you were looking for crossbars with the OEM rack. In that case, but LFD and you will not regret it!

 

I bought lfd with the integrated wind deflector bar, and it did touch the roof, so I returned them. But they were very well made otherwise. If I would do it again, I would skip the wind deflector bar and just use another regular bar. Probably no louder than the malone bars im using now

 

I’m looking at the 3/4 LFD rack like you have and am interested to know how close the fairing is to the roof. Is there enough clearance to avoid and rubbing?

Cheers,
Bob

 

I have the LFD cross bars + the integrated wind deflector.
Awesome quality plenty of room between the roof and bars to bolt stuff on the from the bottom.

Hindsight being 20/20 - skip the wind deflector altogether.

The integrated wind deflector touches my roof. The bolt on one acted like a jackhammer on my roof at 85 mph. LFD is great company and sent me out the integrated crossbar wind deflector - free of charge.

 

I'll measure the gap later today, but no rubbing at all...

 

I also use the LFD crossbars with 5 bars, one being the integrated wind-fairing and an extra "wide" fairing. As of yet they only serve cosmetic purposes but in the Spring they will be put to use for a planned trip to Moab. Wind noise is not an issue at the moment but that will change when when loaded for the trip out West. The wind-fairing clearance is minimal but has not been an issue yet.

 

The gap between the bottom of the LFD fairing and the roof is 5/8" on my Runner...

 

Thanks! So just to confirm that is the integrated wind fairing that comes with the crossbar bundle correct?

 

Yeah. You can see the fairing in the first pic I posted:

 

Hope you are still around. Did you move to a LFD full rack yet? I have the crossbars right now but saw they have 3/4 stainless rails for sale and I think 3/4 would be just fine for me. I guess it would give me another food or so in length.

 

I still stop by occasionally, but I traded the Runner for a Tundra last fall. I never did swap to a full length rack.

 

Thanks man and enjoy the Tundra.

 

Did you create a setup for your glider with the Tundra?

 

Yeah, I only mount the rack when needed, but it works great for my glider. For reference, the glider is approx 19 feet long bagged up.

 

I miss the Runner sometimes, but I'm digging the Tundra. Much roomier inside and generally more comfortable. I drove to PA and back last month, and did the drive in two days each way. The Tundra isn't a sail like my lifted 4Runner. It just feels solid, even in heavy winds. Gas mileage is slightly worse, natch, but I did get 18+ MPG on one highway leg.

 

I'll admit the glider looks more natural on the Tundra.

 

How did you get into hang gliding? One of those things I always want to do, but probably never will.

 

I've been a pilot since the '80s but I can't afford to fly airplanes now! A couple of work buddies fly HG and thought I've give it a try to see if I liked it. I did. This was supposed to be my summer to start mountain launches, but the weather has been crap for flying. I still might get the chance if the snow/cold holds off, but I don't think that will be the case this year. I like the mental part of flying un-powered aircraft too. Being in the sky is my happy place.