Roof Rail Crossbars

Hey All,
I've had my 4Runner for just a little over a month and loving it so far.

I have just a quick question. It came with factory cross bars for the roof rails, but I had Thule crossbars on my previous vehicle. Should I take the factory cross bars off and use Thule? We will have a carrier on top, as well as SUPs, if that makes a difference in opinion.

Thanks
Tim

 

It’s one of those things. Some folks put the Thule box on their OEM crossbars with no issues. Others have complained that the “claws” touch the roof and mar the paint.

People will deride the stock crossbars but one thing that can be said about them is that they’re quiet.

 

I added my thule rack onto the factory roof bars. Just leave them on

 

Thank you both for the replies. I do like how I can't hear the OEM ones, but was more concerned about the limit of them. I load the carrier pretty good with things when going on summer vacation, not so much in the winter as it is only snowboards.

 

I'm confused..... I'm looking at your pics and I see Thule horizontal cross bars. I think the OP is asking can he mount the Thule box directly to the OEM cross bars.

 

I know you can place the box on the OEM crossbars. My question was, since we load the box pretty well, am I better off using Thule Crossbars or factory?

 

I took the factory crossbars off and just use Thule wingbars when I need them. My Thule box hit the roof then I tried mounting it. Thule bars should be able to accommodate more weight.

 

I'd say if you didn't want to use the Thule crossbars, and carry serious weight, you should look into something like these:

https://lfdoffroad.com/products/ruggedized-crossbar-5th-gen

 

If you already have the Thule, run them. That's a way better option than the factory crossbars for any kind of actual use (eg straight, not curved; protrude beyond the edges of the roof rails; more secure mount to the rails).

 

Thanks everyone. I think I’m gonna run the Thule and take off OEM.