Roof rack ramblings

Soooo this is just senseless ramblings but while rigging up some redneck (unistrut) load bars for my Yakima roof rack I realized that none of the racks on the market really fit my needs/ wants. Gobi is sweet but very tall and a 2 grand it's kind of a turn off. The Sherpa is nice but I would like something that has some assemblance of a basket. A recessed platform... anyways maybe I'll make my own.
The plan is to mount the boards on the rails as well

 

Most pre-made racks are made to be generally useful, baskets especially.

But once you’re looking to do something specific with it, then I agree, you’re kind of on your own to figure out a safe way to attach a lot of things.

Occasionally you’ll be able to buy custom mounting solutions for particular things, but they’re expensive and probably dependent on rack. Too many variables to depend on premade solutions.

In the end, I went the same route as you. I made a basic square tube rack with my Little Tykes mig welder and a million cheap clamps from HB, since I don’t have a big enough area to lay out a rack. The idea was to mount it to factory rails since the factory mounting system is a known quantity. Over the last couple of years I’ve made attachments for things I want to mount. It’s an interesting, sometimes fun way to spend heaps of time and effort lol.

After all the work for even a basic homemade rack, I can understand the prices of Gobi’s…but back when they were at 1,000 bucks. Are they really 2 grand now?? !!!

 

I recently bought a roof rack from this site. I really wasn't expecting much but it was tested in Moab for 12 days. No squeeks, creaks or rattles. Wind noise is minimal. Thing seems legit. Spare tire and 5 gals. of gas on it. No regrets.

https://www.temu.com/bmw.html?tmpl=...commend&seo_search=1&search_key=car+roof+rack

This is the rack I have.

https://www.temu.com/-full-length-r...59793663422_t8igk3bgid&_x_sessn_id=g2oxlcstwj

 

Can you post pics?

 

Glad to see another TEMU rack use case posted here ...

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-1368#post-764339
https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-1362#post-759543

there is also the Amazon one

Full Size Roof Rack Cargo Basket (generic)

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-Compatible-2010-2024-Toyota-4Runner/dp/B0D6S12JRM

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-1367#post-763331