200 series roof rack options

[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

 

[linuxgod]

I am also in the market for a roof rack. I think I decided on a rhino rack with the backbone support. Since it will be difficult to wash / wax the roof of the vehicle, I think I will try to vinyl wrap the roof in satin black. maybe it will contrast well with the blizzard pearl and the black bumpers / wheels.

If I ever have to pull the roof rack off again I'm doing a white wrap on top in FJ40 tribute

 

[Espalda]

Is the ARB issue fixed at this point? I need a low profile rack for my 200 and trying to figure out what the best option is…

 

[TXMoose]

Is the ARB issue fixed at this point? I need a low profile rack for my 200 and trying to figure out what the best option is…

I'm gonna end up going gamiviti. Too good of quality. Too good of a dude to go another way for me.

 

[A161]

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.

Do you have pictures of your ARB Base mounted you can share? I have an 08 as well and looking for the lowest profile/high quality RR

 

[DPA200]

Do you have pictures of your ARB Base mounted you can share? I have an 08 as well and looking for the lowest profile/high quality RR

Mine is from the 1st batch they had in the US, so not sure if the super low mounts are still an option. I heard they raised the mounts for shark fin models after I'd already received mine. No shark fin on the 08 so I was happy I got the lower one. But that's what appealed to me. I have it covered with a tent now but 2 years in zero issues.

 

[TheComedian]

Do you have pictures of your ARB Base mounted you can share? I have an 08 as well and looking for the lowest profile/high quality RR

Here are a few more pictures of me for decision making. The profile is nice and low, and if you then also take the lightbar from ARB to it fits perfectly.
And even at 170kmh (~105mph) you hear no big difference when the wind deflector is mounted.

 

[jjtrou2072]

Alot of good rack info in this thread.

I've been trying to find a set of OEM LC roof rails/crossbars for my LX570. Figured I'd ask here to see if anyone had a lead on a set.

Don't mind paying something for them & shipping.

 

[lecoq]

Question for those of you with the ARB platform rack, how did you mount the RTT? I'm looking a the rack but I'm not sure the mounting kit of my Thule Basin tent is wide enough for the crossbars. Anyone know the width of the individual cross bars?

Thank you

 

[arun1]

Question for those of you with the ARB platform rack, how did you mount the RTT? I'm looking a the rack but I'm not sure the mounting kit of my Thule Basin tent is wide enough for the crossbars. Anyone know the width of the individual cross bars?

Thank you

I have the ARB base rack new edition fitted on 2016 LC200. Zero issues, it's been on it for over an year now. the wind noise is at it's highest at 45-50mph and it fades out after that. The cross bars for ARB base rack are 5 inches wide. I was also looking to mount the Thule Roof top box and the supplied Thule hardware won't work with 5inch bar. Working on ordering 5inch square bolts as a work around.

 

[lecoq]

I have the ARB base rack new edition fitted on 2016 LC200. Zero issues, it's been on it for over a year now. the wind noise is at it's highest at 45-50mph and it fades out after that. The cross bars for ARB base rack are 5 inches wide. I was also looking to mount the Thule Roof top box and the supplied Thule hardware won't work with 5inch bar. Working on ordering 5inch square bolts as a work around.

Sounds exactly like the problem I think I’ll have. I was hoping to steer away from using my rtt since I have ARB drawers inside to use as a sleeping platform. But I would be at least using the Thule ski box on one side and the clamps don’t open 5 inches. Let me know how you solve the problem. Interested in seeing the outcome

 

[arun1]

Sounds exactly like the problem I think I’ll have. I was hoping to steer away from using my rtt since I have ARB drawers inside to use as a sleeping platform. But I would be at least using the Thule ski box on one side and the clamps don’t open 5 inches. Let me know how you solve the problem. Interested in seeing the outcome

ordered couple from Amazon that claimed they were 5inch square bolts but they were not exactly 5inches wide. it's a work in progress, I currently have the Thule box on the 4runner so I am not in a hurry to move it to LC200.

 

[panseythecat]

First post here with the obligatory intro pic--happy to finally be part of the family! Have been looking at 200s for a couple years now right after I realized it should have ordered a '21...got lucky last week on a CPO with 15k miles. This will be a long term build, but first order of business is a roof rack. I've spent quite a bit of time on this forum and others, but it also feels like there are some newer RR options recently that haven't been "reviewed" yet. My priorities are as follows:

1) Light weight - aluminum mandatory?
2) Low profile - minimally higher than OEM rails to allow for garage parking when necessary
3) Sunroof cutout option - we use and enjoy it in the shoulder seasons
4) Support for standard Thule carrier/accessories as well as other accessory systems (ARB, etc.)

Don't really care about a certain "look"...more concerned with functionality. Other than the household names (Gam, Prinsu, Dissent, ARB, etc.) is there anything I'm missing and/or any specific recommendations any of the more experienced folk out there might have? Thanks in advance!

 

[jlm43]

I'm a big fan of the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform. I've run the platform and the Vortex bars on my 100 series. The Pioneer platform will be on my newly acquired LX in the next couple of days. I'll post up some pictures once it's mounted. Generally run the platform most of the time but the vortex bars go on in the snowy months.
Here's some of the highlights of the Rhino Rack set ups.
Aluminum so it won't corrode on me.
When using the 6 point mounting option (not BackBone), I can easily swap between 3 bars or the platform
All accessories mount using standard strut channel nuts, making it easy to make my own or retrofit Thule and Yakima stuff.
The slats on the Pioneer are big enough and close enough together that I can stand up there. Super handy when strapping stuff down.
Endless supply of Rhino Rack accessories.
Many sizes to choose from depending on how you plan to use it.

 

[gaijin]

First post here with the obligatory intro pic--happy to finally be part of the family! Have been looking at 200s for a couple years now right after I realized it should have ordered a '21...got lucky last week on a CPO with 15k miles. This will be a long term build, but first order of business is a roof rack. I've spent quite a bit of time on this forum and others, but it also feels like there are some newer RR options recently that haven't been "reviewed" yet. My priorities are as follows:

1) Light weight - aluminum mandatory?
2) Low profile - minimally higher than OEM rails to allow for garage parking when necessary
3) Sunroof cutout option - we use and enjoy it in the shoulder seasons
4) Support for standard Thule carrier/accessories as well as other accessory systems (ARB, etc.)

Don't really care about a certain "look"...more concerned with functionality. Other than the household names (Gam, Prinsu, Dissent, ARB, etc.) is there anything I'm missing and/or any specific recommendations any of the more experienced folk out there might have? Thanks in advance!

View attachment 3724073

If I were buying today, I'd give serious consideration to the rack setup sold by Westcott Designs : Westcott Designs Roof Rack

It mounts to the existing roof rack rails, so there is no disassembly of the stock hardware required.

At least worth a look.

HTH

P.S. Or maybe the more budget friendly options from LFD Off Road: Ruggedized cross bars

 

[lecoq]

If I were buying today, I'd give serious consideration to the rack setup sold by Westcott Designs : Westcott Designs Roof Rack

It mounts to the existing roof rack rails, so there is no disassembly of the stock hardware required.

At least worth a look.

HTH

P.S. Or maybe the more budget friendly options from LFD Off Road: Ruggedized cross bars

Looks like a great option! Although it’s the same price as a full rack almost. I do like the idea of not having to remove the stock one.

Unfortunately my LX has the short rack and would need the full size LC200 rack anyway.

 

[arun1]

If I were buying today, I'd give serious consideration to the rack setup sold by Westcott Designs : Westcott Designs Roof Rack

It mounts to the existing roof rack rails, so there is no disassembly of the stock hardware required.

At least worth a look.

HTH

P.S. Or maybe the more budget friendly options from LFD Off Road: Ruggedized cross bars

100% agree with @gaijin on the basket style RR by Westcott Designs. I recently saw one in person and was blown away with how good it looks and the functionality of it. I initially didn't know who made it, after some searching i found it was WSD. I saw their instructional video on how to mount that rack, you do have to loosen all the factory hardware and slip the WDS rack under it and reuse the factory hardware. They also sell panels to go on top of it so one could use it as a basket rack. if i had seen this prior to my ARB base rack, i would have gone with that design. The only thing is it's a shorter rack then my full length ARB rack. I do love my ARB base rack though, the accessories and attachments are pricy but well made. My sunroof does open for wind or ventilation but its blocked with rack bars going on top.

 

[coleAK]

First post here with the obligatory intro pic--happy to finally be part of the family! Have been looking at 200s for a couple years now right after I realized it should have ordered a '21...got lucky last week on a CPO with 15k miles. This will be a long term build, but first order of business is a roof rack. I've spent quite a bit of time on this forum and others, but it also feels like there are some newer RR options recently that haven't been "reviewed" yet. My priorities are as follows:

1) Light weight - aluminum mandatory?
2) Low profile - minimally higher than OEM rails to allow for garage parking when necessary
3) Sunroof cutout option - we use and enjoy it in the shoulder seasons
4) Support for standard Thule carrier/accessories as well as other accessory systems (ARB, etc.)

Don't really care about a certain "look"...more concerned with functionality. Other than the household names (Gam, Prinsu, Dissent, ARB, etc.) is there anything I'm missing and/or any specific recommendations any of the more experienced folk out there might have? Thanks in advance!

View attachment 3724073

Yakima round bars on the OEM rails. I can’t recommend it enough. Has been flawless for
Me for >30 years. Going on 11 years now on my 2013 200.

There is a bunch of roof rack discussion/info here as well

Rooftop tent and base rack suggestions please

Hi all, I am in the process of picking a base rack and rooftop tent any pictures of what ya got or suggestions would be highly appreciated

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[WCDAVE]

Depends on what you need the roof rack for to determine what is the best option - no single BEST one (IMO). I have the Dissent because for me I wanted a secure (non wobbly) mount for my Alucab awning that also kept it "low" i.e. not sticking up. Then I added the 40 gal so the spare tire went up there and while I was at it the traction boards. If I didn't have dogs and a crate in the back, the spare and traction boards would be in the back and I'd (at this point) forego the awning and do a rack delete. It might be helpful if we called out the bad ones instead since most of the ones discussed are good quality and have their own use cases.

 

[lecoq]

100% agree with @gaijin on the basket style RR by Westcott Designs. I recently saw one in person and was blown away with how good it looks and the functionality of it. I initially didn't know who made it, after some searching i found it was WSD. I saw their instructional video on how to mount that rack, you do have to loosen all the factory hardware and slip the WDS rack under it and reuse the factory hardware. They also sell panels to go on top of it so one could use it as a basket rack. if i had seen this prior to my ARB base rack, i would have gone with that design. The only thing is it's a shorter rack then my full length ARB rack. I do love my ARB base rack though, the accessories and attachments are pricy but well made. My sunroof does open for wind or ventilation but its blocked with rack bars going on top.

How noisy is the rack one a daily basis?

 

[arun1]

How noisy is the rack one a daily basis?

As I said before, most noisy between 45 and 60mph. Meaning you know there is a rack on top, but tolerable. On a 1 to 10 scale a 3. I don't even notice it otherwise. On a windy or crosswind (>20 to 30 mile gusts) days, it's definitely noisy like any other roof rack.