5th Gen / roof rack alternatives

Whenever asking about roof racks for the 5th Gen most posts push towards the Crestone or Prinsu options. I've think I'm looking for something different (but open).

My use case is for a tougher than stock roof rack, good not only for camping trips / mild off-roading (worse than gravel roads, but no "crawling" adventures. I do alot of home improvement projects and a better rack would be very useful for this use also.

I have considered an RTT at length and decided it's not for me, so this is not a driver. I'm a landscape photographer for fun - and the idea of having the roof as a shooting platform option is useful also.

I would like the ability to throw a gas can or water can on the roof for longer adventures, likely a storage case too, and maybe traction boards and tools if needed (likely not).

I keep coming back to either upgrading my cross bars to something like the LFD cross bar kit, or another Amazon option.

The ARB Base Rack looks like a great option as well, and seems easier to remove if not needed and store on the garage well, but a bit pricey.

Anyone else in a similar spot, or have recommendation's to share?

Thanks!

Scott

 

Try a Google search with:

5th gen 4runner roof racks site:4runners.com/

At least 10 threads come up. This has been discussed extensively.

 

I have this one. It's a no drill rack. I do some serious off roading and this works great. 800 lb static load rated.

YZONA Roof Rack Cargo Basket Full Size Compatible with 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen, Overland Rooftop Luggage Storage Holder, 800 LBS Platform Style Cargo Carrier for Outdoors Gear

https://www.amazon.com/YZONA-Compat...767848771&sprefix=4runner,aps,180&sr=8-9&th=1

 

have you looked into Westcott and sherpa ? I can help get you better pricing !

 

I did, most of the threads didn’t apply well to my question, hence asking.

 

Gobi rack is super cool, but seems way overkill for my use case.

I’d never heard of Greenlane, thanks for the suggestion, I’ll check them out.

 

Thanks for this suggestion, seems like a good option.

 

If you find yourself considering the Base Rack you can come back to this comment.

I have the ARB Base Rack in the 72" x 45" size. The part number on ARB's site is 1770010.

Its very sturdy/thick and doesn't feel or look like "a bunch of thin plates bolted together" like some other racks. Also light weight. I think its around 40lbs. With the 45" width it also doesn't stick out on the sides, its pretty much flush with the roof width of the 4Runner. Looks very clean.

I like the Base Rack but there are some things to note:

- Get the kit that comes with the wind deflector or it'll sound like a tornado everyday.

- This rack has zero rattle because its mostly welded.

- When nothings on the rack you'll have vortex shedding at 50mph and up. You can cancel out the vortex shedding by adding decking panels to the first two crossbar gaps and then wrapping the crossbars with paracord. Alternatively just having stuff on the rack fixes both these issues.

- Even with the fixes though there is some wind noise at highway speeds starting at 70mph and up so its not going to be dead silent like the factory roof rails. The wind noise is about the same as if you had some stuff on the rack. Basically it sounds like its slightly windy outside even when there's no wind.

- Plan ahead if you see yourself adding an things like a jerry can holder, a RTT or an awning because you'll likely have to get the mounting hardware from ARB. For example with my awning I had to order two T-Slot mounts made for the Base Rack to mount the awning to it since the Base Rack uses the dovetail system which isn't super common.

If you have questions about the Base Rack you're welcome to fire away

 

Been on BBS and sites like this since dial up 300 baud acoustic coupled modem days. 34 years in IT, even worked specifically in web search.... Wasn't finding a good answer, hence the post. 2nd time replying to this.

 

Thank you for this reply, more like what I was looking for, some real experience - not just buy the Prinsu/Sherpa or what ever I was finding.

I've read about noise from the rack - I ran a Yakima on the roof for at least 20 years over different cars, it always had some noise, especially at higher speeds and cross winds, but was never horrible (with the deflector) hoping the ARB would be like this? Let's be honest, the 4runner is no luxury car when it comes to interior noise anyway, it's pretty loud even stock. Do you have a sun roof, wondering if that makes the noise worse? My TRD Off Road Premium does not have sunroof.

The ARB mounts seem great, but I could imagine a pain if you are missing one you need, or if they stop making them.

Thanks again for commenting and sharing your experience with the ARB Base rack.

Scott

 

I also do not have a sunroof.

Yeah the general wind noise after optimizations isn't too bad. Its similar to what you would hear driving on the highway on a somewhat windy day but you hear all the noise from above rather than all around the vehicle if that makes sense.

Likely going to be a bit louder than something like a Yakima Skybox (if that's what you meant by Yakima) since the Base Rack doesn't have that sculpted aerodynamic shaping.

In terms of noise volume I'd say that all terrain tire noise, provided you don't have sound deadening, is a hair louder than the wind noise from the Base Rack but the noise from the rack comes in spurts (like cross winds) which makes it more noticeable than tire noise which stays constant.

Happy to pass on the info. I've been optimizing the Base Rack in solitude so it feels good to see that the time spent is useful to someone.

 

Here's some photos of the 45 inch width Base Rack. Couldn't find any while I was researching them. The 51 inch width Base Rack is what you will generally see online, which is wider than the roof of the 4Runner and sticks out on both sides.

Second photo:
- Has an awning on the passenger side, which is not a part of the Base Rack.
- There's also some pipe insulation (pool noodle material) where the rack meets the roof, which is also not a part of the Base Rack. Its another optimization I'm testing.

 

@MellowCat you may want to consider Unistrut. Very versatile.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/roof-rack-advice-sherpa-gobi.46129/#post-753862

 

jerry cans check
traction boards check
tools check

 

One of the benefits of unistrut is that you can choose the width. Choose a wider width if you want to carry 4x8 sheets and have enough of the unistrut protruding beyond the edge to secure the load with ratchet straps etc.

 

Looks great, thanks for sharing the photos!

 

I do like this setup, seems to be everything I need, and nothing I don't. Thanks for the details and taking time to share.

 

I run Outgear Solutions crossbars. They replace the OEM rack and mount directly to the roof, and sit as low as possible. Ideal for running an RTT at the lowest height, but I use them to hold my awning and they've been great for that.

 

Go on Amazon and read reviews. Most of the name brand racks are overpriced(imo) or have wait times/made to order

 

I went with the LFD crossbars,very happy with them and the options they offer...

 

Not my thing, but as mentioned, Gobi. About as African Safari as you can get.


I like that white case. Looks good.