200 series roof rack options (2 Viewers)

[TXMoose]

Hey guys. I used the search option and also looked through the pins and didn't really find anything detailed. I wanna get a roof rack for my 200 series before bumpers n sliders. More helpful for family camping trips. I didn't really see a comprehensive comparison of different racks. The ones i know are Prinsu. Gamaviti. Front runner. Rhino. Gobi and Baja. I just wanted to know your opinions. Pictures. Why you chose yours . Buyers remorse? Also if the statement "i would never buy (brandX) because..." comes to mind. Please do tell.
I like the expedition look so slim doesn't matter. With that said most all of them have the basket attachments of some kind. I'll probably do LED spots uptop for a more classic look rather than light bar. Price doesn't matter because they're all fairly close. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[ElRob]

Prinsu is my pick. Great options direct from prinsu and easy to add on.

 

[radman]

Gamiviti - I love the look, and seriously considered it, but stupid long wait time and and steel construction (Heavy and rust prone). Also, lots of complaints with the wind fairing.

Gobi - same as above
Front Runner - aluminum, modular, flat on top, but (to me) zero design. Looks like someone strapped a ping ping pong table up top, but advantage over prinsu if you need something completely flat.

Prinsu - aluminum, modular, low profile, ready to ship, great design

dissent - newest rack on the market (that I know of), and I would have gotten it had I know about it. @bemerritt has a thread around here somewhere.


Post in thread 'The Big Bad Rad Dad LX Build'
Builds - The Big Bad Rad Dad LX Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/the-big-bad-rad-dad-lx-build.1208847/post-13083188

Dissent Roof Rack Review

After receiving countless messages regarding the Dissent Roof Rack, I felt like it might be useful to just do a post regarding it. Yes there is a general Dissent thread, but I felt like this discussion could be productive outside of that large thread. I picked the rack because a) I also wanted...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[HSTexan]

Full disclosure--my experience with these two racks was from my 4Runner, but it tainted my opinion of one of them. I had a Prinsu to start and the design on the 4Runner only had two mounting points per rail to the roof. It caused a sag in the middle which then made the rack bounce off of my RTT. It did not instill much confidence into it's strength and I did not feel super comfortable standing on it. If two bolts end up failing on you, you will send one of the bars straight into the roof, probably scratching/denting it in the process.

I switched to a Front Runner and never looked back. It does sit taller, but it allows me to mount my table underneath and free up interior space. It's also built like an absolute tank and the number of purpose designed accessories are a huge plus for me. It uses beefier hardware than the Prinsu and if you don't want the actual Front Runner accessories you can still go to any hardware store and make your own mounts out of whatever you want. I'm going to try to custom fab some aluminum blocks to direct mount my GFC tent to my incoming 200 so that I can park in the garage with it on, but if that doesn't work it's getting a Front Runner without hesitation.

I realize the Prinsu has more mounting points on the 200 and likely won't have the sagging problem I did, but I'm still not a fan of how the slats attach to the side rails. Since slim isn't a priority for you that basically eliminates the one benefit it has over the Front Runner IMO.

 

[sdnative]

I had a Front Runner on my 100 and it was extremely functional. Only issue I had was the wind noise with the sunroof open. I really liked it and would certainly consider buying another with the upgraded wind deflector.

I am strongly considering the ARB Base Rack once they get the antenna issue sorted out.

Consider Rhino Rack as well.

 

[Mogwai]

Full disclosure--my experience with these two racks was from my 4Runner, but it tainted my opinion of one of them. I had a Prinsu to start and the design on the 4Runner only had two mounting points per rail to the roof. It caused a sag in the middle which then made the rack bounce off of my RTT. It did not instill much confidence into it's strength and I did not feel super comfortable standing on it. If two bolts end up failing on you, you will send one of the bars straight into the roof, probably scratching/denting it in the process.

I switched to a Front Runner and never looked back. It does sit taller, but it allows me to mount my table underneath and free up interior space. It's also built like an absolute tank and the number of purpose designed accessories are a huge plus for me. It uses beefier hardware than the Prinsu and if you don't want the actual Front Runner accessories you can still go to any hardware store and make your own mounts out of whatever you want. I'm going to try to custom fab some aluminum blocks to direct mount my GFC tent to my incoming 200 so that I can park in the garage with it on, but if that doesn't work it's getting a Front Runner without hesitation.

I realize the Prinsu has more mounting points on the 200 and likely won't have the sagging problem I did, but I'm still not a fan of how the slats attach to the side rails. Since slim isn't a priority for you that basically eliminates the one benefit it has over the Front Runner IMO.

What table do you mount under, theirs or someone else's?

 

[HSTexan]

What table do you mount under, theirs or someone else's?

It's their table--they offer 3 or 4 different options I believe

 

[TXMoose]

Thank you guys keep the input coming. I too am so torn on the front runner. Functionally it makes so much sense because it's the LEGO set of roof racks. But its just so damn unattractive and although i'm sure it's NOT. It almost looks flimsy.

 

[Simpleman]

Rhino rack is on mine. Came with it when I bought and at first I thought "what is that?". grew on me right away as it's long enough to use like the bed of a truck.

 

[terdrocket]

Poser shot

• terdrocket
• Feb 3, 2019

1.25" spidertrax spacers installed

My Gobi was worth the long wait. It has held up well over the last three years.

 

[Cruisin911]

Prinsu for me all the way. Primarily because its adaptable to whatever you need. Ive had tons of stuff mounted to it and you just move the bars around based on need. Never an issue and it'll even take most accessories from the other companies (frontrunner, rhino, etc...) because you can just bolt things onto it. Its held up great and zero regrets.

 

[TXMoose]

Damn. I just looked at ARBs new Base Rack. It has what it calls 3/4 guard rails. And it looks pretty damn nice

 

[radman]

Damn. I just looked at ARBs new Base Rack. It has what it calls 3/4 guard rails. And it looks pretty damn nice

there's currently an issue with this rack making contact with the shark fin antenna. You can either rig (shim) it, or wait for arb to release a kit for it.,.

 

[catastrofe]

I have a Frontrunner. It is not “flat” as @radman mentions, but instead, the rails sit above the slats by about 3/8”. It’s probably the tallest option out there. Lots of accessories which is nice, but I had several issue with their quality control (mainly missing parts) with the rack and some accessories.

I was going to swap to the new ARB Base Rack based on its super low profile, but they didn’t account for the shark fin antenna on US spec LC200s and are redesigning the mounts to raise the rack higher. A non-starter for me.

I ordered a Gamiviti. It’s fairly low profile and the weight of the standard rack is within 10 pounds of a Frontrunner or ARB. Lead time is currently 5 weeks. Tim (@nakman) is great to work with and its nice to be able to support a small business (and ih8mud member).

 

[DPA200]

Surprised nobody mentioned the

Eezi-Awn K9 Vehicle Roof Racks - Eezi-Awn - Worldwide - Overland Gear built to last

Roof Racks - The Eezi-Awn K9 Vehicle Roof Rack System is thinner, stronger, more functional, aerodynamic and made to last!

eezi-awn.com

I currently have an ARB Base on order. The shop I ordered from said they can get me the original low mount option because my 08 doesn’t have the shark fin antenna.

if I couldn’t get the ARB I’d Probably go for the Eezi Awn K9. I know someone who just got it recently and he said fit/finish/quality is day and night difference compared to the FrontRunner he had on his 100.

 

[tdcruiser406080100]

I don’t have a rack yet but I keep coming back to the Rhino Pioneer Platform. My use is not so much overlanding. . We have a travel trailer and am gravitating to renting houses/cabins more and more. I want a rack that the perimeter is flat with the top of the rack. For wood, ladders, pipe, plywood, etc.. I also have the Thule swing down kayak rack and a space case.. sometimes both at same time. Only practical way for that is on Thule bars that are 60” long. The mounting groove at the outside edge of the Rhino will be easy (and quick) to mount and remove the bars with Frontrunner adapters. I can just leave the adapters attached to the bars.

 

[scott johnson]

I love my Gamiviti. The powder coat is tough and I like having the extra side rails to hold onto if I’m loading something or setting up my RTT. I also like that I was able to get one that didn’t block the sun roof. As far as wait time, it took me a around 6 weeks to get mine if I remember correctly. I fixed the noise issue with the fairing with a $5 dollar piece of weather strip off Amazon. Now it’s just as quite as it was before I added the rack. (Without the tent) the tent adds a little noise but I don’t keep the tent on all the time.

 

[TeaBrew]

This was very helpful. I was considering going with the GOBI STEALTH on my 2009 200 Series primarily for the continued use of the sunroof, but since I see the Gamiviti has that option also, I have some thinking to do!

 

[grinchy]

new vendor to mud - aluminum rack in the rhino style

Group Buy: Big Country 4x4 LC200/LX570 welded aluminum racks, drawers, load bars - One week only!

Any pics of the 3/4 rack? The ones on the website seem to be the full one. Bryan, Sorry - we are waiting on the correct photos - we need to remove those to avoid confusion. Effectively it is the same rack minus the forward feet section, it ends just behind the sunroof. I will post them up as...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Dashome]

It's a personal preference. For me, it came down to function of the frontrunner which they make a fairing for, look of prinsu, or the purpose and design oriented build of dissent. I ordered dissent based on it being specifically designed for the 200 and Dissent being a strong forum supporter. You can get optional bars that will be comparably sized for standard applications from thule, etc.