Roof rack tiedowns

Good evening,
Have a question for you all.
In early summer my wife & her best friend will be taking the first long trip in our new T4R. I am almost certain we will be needing the rooftop rack for some things.
Current status of roof: We have 2 factory cross bars.
If I were going I would use ratchet straps as I have a lot of experience with them. My wife refuses to use them.
Here is my question.
What do you all use to secure your rooftop possessions while on the interstate?
Is a cargo net the answer? Also, should I invest in a different rack just to start?
I know we could use a nice cage/rack in the fall when we go to Colorado. I just don't know the limits of the factory bars.
Much appreciated from a guy who comes from a world of pickups. Rooftop storage is completely new to us both. Thanks again!

 

Wow you need the roof for two people, what are they bringing?? Is this a shopping trip? Two women on a shopping trip, you should just buy a trailer.

For your wife who doesn't want to deal with tie downs, the net would essentially be the same thing. Maybe look into some type of cargo box. She can just open and close the box versus having to try and climb around and deal with securing things. The box is also lockable and hopefully weatherproof.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier


https://www.yakima.com/product-type/cargo-box

 

Correction:
When she & her friend go they will be taking 2 dogs. We have a metal dog divider in the rear so all storage is in the middle row.
Those boxes are ugly!
I remember my parents having a "turtleback" in the mid '90s. Ugly as hell.
I think her main concern with ratchet straps is them coming loose.
Thanks.

 

I use large Rok Straps from my motorcycle. They are two piece, with a soft loop on the end and a fastex buckle in the middle joining the two pieces. One piece is nylon strap and one piece is kind of stretchy. This enables you to cinch stuff down but still have room for things to move slightly under suspension movement without loosening.

 

I will look into those after work today.
Thanks for the advice.

 

Ahhh, that makes sense, dogs and their stuff can take up a lot of room.

 

These work so well, I have a couple pair for my bike as well.

 

It really all depends on what you're putting up there.

I don't see a scenario where a cargo net will work with the 2 factory crossbar system you currently have. You would need more of a basket style roof rack to utilize a cargo net.

Ratchet straps (or rope) are probably the most secure you can get for your set-up.....but if you plan on using roof storage more often in the future, it sounds like it would be best to start researching aftermarket roof racks and get whatever fits your needs best.

I wouldn't trust the factory crossbars with too much weight. You can get some really sturdy aftermarket crossbars that use your factory rails if price is a big concern.

 

I have a lot to say but little time.
I believe that we will be needing a aftermarket bar setup. Maybe a basket.
Only problem I see is that they shorten the rear for tailgate clearance & we have a sunroof.
Please, anyone with that setup or a vendor reading this please post a pic and/or a link.
I have seen a few that have a static weight of 600# & almost flat! If we could sit up there @ night...
Tall order & much appreciated as always.
Ryan.

 

Some type of basket may just be the answer for you.

https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Baske...MIhOT3wIXD4QIVE8DICh1qNQeFEAQYAyABEgKkNvD_BwE


Baja rack basket

More info and pics
https://www.rackmaven.com/best-4runner-roof-rack/

 

Oh yeah, I should have clarified, I use ROK STRAPS in conjunction with a basket... used only on the roof rails any strap is going to be iffy.