Roof rack advice (sherpa, gobi)

Hello,
I’m getting used to my 4runner, but I’m having to adjust a bit coming from my old tundra. I used my truck bed a lot for lumber, skis, paddle boards, etc. i now need a roof rack for all of that stuff (I regret loading those 2x8s through the rear window of the 4runner last week).

I don’t want lights or a roof top tent or awning. I just need to be able to carry the stuff mentioned above.

I’m looking at the gobi racks vs the sherpa crestone rack. The things that stand out to me are the construction material (steel vs aluminum), one-piece vs modular design, weight, and the raised border/basket of the gobi vs flat sherpa. I’ll need to mount a ski carrier to either rack.

I have a trd pro with fox shocks and it’s pretty soft (I bought it used without a rack). I do worry about exacerbating the body roll with a heavier rack. But, I like the basket style of the gobi to keep stuff from sliding off if a ratchet strap comes loose.

Are there any other things to think about? Wind noise? MPG differences? Longevity?

In case it matters, I keep my trucks for decades. I’d rather pay more for quality up front than to have to repair/replace down the road. I don’t off road much except to get to campgrounds, mtn bike spots, etc, and thats just dirt road stuff, nothing gnarly.

thanks for your help!

 

I have the Sherpa Crestone rack and love it. No leaks, very versatile and super strong. No noticeable wind noise at all. Installed about 8 months ago and still looks as new. No noticeable gas mileage difference that I can tell. Having said all of that, I wish I had gotten what my heart really wanted-the Gobi. When I see one around town, I just love the look so much and the ability to stand on it on the roof is pretty cool. Beware if you go that route, there is a substantial wait time to get it. The Sherpa shipped to me immediately. Hope this helps but probably, it did not.

 

I went the Gobi No-Rise route and I love it.

You'll lose about 1mpg with it on. Wind noise is minimal with the no-rise option.

The big negative with a steel rack is you'll scratch it and it will rust.....so you have to keep up with that. Weight is a minor issue, IMO. You'll notice it a little at first and then get used to it being there.

The basket feature on the Gobi has been invaluable. I love being able to throw bins of firewood up there, strap them down and not worry about them sliding around in any way. But with the no-rise option, it can also be used as a flat rack with longer lumber.

I've hauled a ton of stuff with it and it's been a massive space saver. Makes trips so much easier and comfortable in the cab. Bikes, surfboards, paddleboards, griddles, camping gear, ect.....

No matter what you choose, my only recommendation is to do a clear vinyl wrap on the roof prior to install so you don't have to worry about the paint up there under the rack.

 

Thank you both! @nimby what do you mean by the “no rise”. I was looking at their site and I can’t tell what that means. Also, are there crossbars to mount a ski rack to?

thanks again!

 

Yes, it comes with cross bars.

The Stealth no-rise is an off menu option. You just have to ask for it. It's when the top bar that forms the "basket" part is level all the way around instead of rising in the front (above the wind faring).

No Rise:


Regular Stealth:

 

That’s perfect man, thanks!

I’d better get my order in now so I can have it for ski season!

 

Gobi is a shit company that tries to sue competitors into oblivion. The rack looks cool and is versatile but you're supporting shitters..

Sherpa has excellent support and quality while also having a budding motorsport team.

 

We have both and they are both great products. Easy to install. If we had to choose 1 based on functionality and durability it would be the Gobi. But you can’t go wrong with either. Seems like your needs also suit the Gobi a little more than the Crestone.

Good luck!

 

Question for you Gobi guys: since ti has a mesh bottom how do you wash the roof? Do you just ppf the roof and let it go?

 

Sherpa 100%

Great customer service. I've had mine since 2020 and only ran into an issue some time last year when I sheared the front adjustable legs while on Red Cone (I had the original design). I emailed Sherpa that night at camp and they told me to bring it by in the AM, luckily I was only a few hours from Berthoud. Long story short, they replaced my whole rack free of charge including removing and re-installing my RTT and rewiring some of my auxiliary lighting.

 

I think PPF would be the easiest solution.

I don't have PPF so I just scrub where I can but I can't reach the middle.

Once a year, I'll take the Gobi off (12 bolts) so that I can wash and wax the roof properly.

I'll also go over the rack to touch up paint.

 

What’s PFF? Is that like a clear vinyl wrap or 3M tape?

 

PPF=paint protective film.


Gobi vs. Crestone. I wonder what the strategy for each is to secure 4x8 plywood/drywall to the rack. I don’t think either one is 48” wide.

I think The crestone looks cleaner, especially if you bolt storage cases to it. But I think the Gobi is more versatile. Ready to accept tie downs or rope.

 

Sherpa no question. I love it

 

Cali Raised LED has a good looking rack for under $1k @Caliraisedled

 

I did this same mental exercise about 4 months ago. I ended up with a Sherpa and mostly based on the non-drill landing pads. The install was fairly easily, took me about 2.5 hours solo. No regrets but there are many good choices.

 

Right on, thanks everyone for your recommendations. I put an order in for the Gobi. Seems like the best fit for my use. I’ll let you know how it goes once it gets here!

 

Good call!

 

I just use a pressure washer with soap. If something is stuck on, using a golf aligment stick to push a soapy microfiber cloth will work, but we have a garage so the roof has stayed pretty clean. Almost 2 years and no rust.

 

I did the Crestone because I live at the beach and anything that won't rust is a big benefit around here. The aluminum is strong too

 

I think plywood would be a challenge for any 4runner with any rack.

When I'm using plywood, I often don't need the entire sheet so I just have the lumber yard rip them in half lengthwise and go about my business.

I'd love to know how other people deal with carrying plywood with their 4Runner though.

 

For OP, whose going with a Gobi rack, Gobi makes some accessory crossbars that attach to the Gobi rack.

Many companies offer racks with a “hang over” and bars longer than 48”. I’d choose the Thule Square Bar Evo, 53” long.

The cheapest and most versatile option is the stainless steel Unistrut used by @java but we’d have to ask him how they are attached to the stock rails. A similar setup could be made with 80/20 bars.


Photo Credit: @java

 

Not sure where you're located, but I have a Sherpa Crestone I'm going to be putting up for sale for dirt cheap, but only for in-person in Washington state. It'd be way too expensive/ big hassle to ship.

 

hey, thanks man!

 

thanks man, I already ordered a gobi one. We moved down here from Tacoma, WA. enjoy the summer… it’s like Shangri-La up there right now i bet.

 

Hello Captain.
I used these for attaching the struts to rails:

https://a.co/d/58XTSiE