Aftermarket roof racks... what do folks have experience with?

[MissouriLC]

I am researching aftermarket racks, and my head is spinning! I am hoping that folks can give me some first-hand impressions... what you have, what you like, etc.

Here are my criteria for use:

• I want a flat platform, with the most flexible tie-down options possible. Anticipated uses include transporting building materials (2X4s, plywood, etc.), occasionally transporting camping/travel gear (boxes, pitch tents, Orca coolers), and the ability to mount a Yakima Skybox to the rails.
• I want it as low profile as possible. I usually park in my garage, and I frequently need to access downtown parking garages, etc.
• Aluminum seems nice (no corrosion).
• Flush mount/recessed mount lighting (light bar) provision would be a good future option.
• Would like the ability to mount an awning in the future.

Based on this, I think I've narrowed my options down to three (3):

1. Bowfin Cruisers rack: This is probably my favorite looking option available. Low profile, flat, flush light bar option, aluminum. I also like the fact that it is mostly commonly-available 80/20 style extrusions, so there's lots of roll-your-own options I can think of. I don't like the fact that the T-slots are not bored to allow drop-in installation of T-nuts, and I wonder to what extent you can just hook bungee cords or ratchet straps to the bars? $995.
2. Gamiviti: The other obvious choice. More expensive, and steel, but it looks like a good rack. The only thing I DON'T like about the Gamiviti is that there are less easy roll-your-own options for tube racks without breaking out the welder. About $1050 for a basic rack, probably about $1300 optioned the way I'd like.
3. DIY 80/20 extrusion rack with Gamiviti towers: I've priced out all the hardware/extrusions from Tnutz, and it looks like I could what I need--plus 6 Gamiviti towers--for a total of $750 to $850. Of course, this does NOT include a fairing or some of the other niceties that Bowfin and Gamiviti offer. Basically, what I've priced is an Eezi-Awn/Frontrunner style platform. Not sure this is worth the marginal savings over the other two.

I'm curious to hear thoughts from folks who've taken these approaches, pro/cons, etc. Thanks!

 

[Ayune]

I love my Gamiviti and use it just as you describe: Most often for Home Depot runs, then for transporting a 17' canoe and overlanding gear. Super low-profile and the main frame is ONE PIECE with no fasteners to loosen or corrode. You can get a front drop-down light bar opening.

Clamps can easily be found for 1" bars. I've added these for my Maxtrax, see the details here: Cheap mount for maxtrax crosspost for increased viewership

Amazon product ASIN B0791NB4FM

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I will start building racks to order again starting Jan 1, 2020.

J

 

[oakback]

What about 80/20 cross bars on factory uprights? I haven't done this yet, but I'd like to.

 

[nitteo]

been happy with the soflo rack. he has a flat version of mine. he was local to me so i saved on shipping.

 

[Leandro]

been happy with the soflo rack. he has a flat version of mine. he was local to me so i saved on shipping.

How's that soflo rack? I have his rear bumper

 

[Maxthrust27]

Just bought this bajarack using code 4wp10 drops the price to $896 plus tax with free shipping. if the link doesn't take you to the product just use the search bar for BRTLC100UT

BajaRack Land Cruiser 100 Utility Rack - BRTLC100UT

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I looked around but with shipping other racks with BF discount were still $200 more.

 

[robgv]

prinsu design is having a black friday sale, another option to look into. My criteria is the same as yours.

 

[kelly saad]

My Gamiviti is awesome. I load it up with plywood all the time, even 5' wide sheets strap down just fine. Trail Tailor and Dissent are great options too.

 

[pstevens3307]

I have a Front Runner rack on mine and use it all the time. Extremely flexible - you can mount anything up there - and low profile.

 

[ajs]

What about 80/20 cross bars on factory uprights? I haven't done this yet, but I'd like to.

I wanted to try that too. Unfortunately I couldn’t come up with a configuration with enough clearance between the roof and crossbars so I could still mount my Yakima box.

 

[MissouriLC]

I love my Gamiviti and use it just as you describe: Most often for Home Depot runs, then for transporting a 17' canoe and overlanding gear. Super low-profile and the main frame is ONE PIECE with no fasteners to loosen or corrode. You can get a front drop-down light bar opening.

Clamps can easily be found for 1" bars. I've added these for my Maxtrax, see the details here: Cheap mount for maxtrax crosspost for increased viewership

Amazon product ASIN B0791NB4FM
View attachment 2142969

Your Gamiviti looks great! Do you have the Expo++ with the full mesh floor?

It also looks like you are running 6 towers, not 8, correct? Is there much advantage to running the 4th pair of towers?

Thanks!

 

[MissouriLC]

I will start building racks to order again starting Jan 1, 2020.

J

Jason, that's good to know! I've always admired the custom racks you show on your site.

Do you have a price list and menu of options? Thanks!

 

[MissouriLC]

been happy with the soflo rack. he has a flat version of mine. he was local to me so i saved on shipping.

Soflo looks nice... much like ARB/TJM. Any relation to those? (I'm not familiar with Soflo.)

They are definitely seem like a more affordable option than ARB/TJM, and the quality looks comparable. I like the large, detailed photos provided on their site. I wish more companies would do the same.

 

[Ayune]

Your Gamiviti looks great! Do you have the Expo++ with the full mesh floor?

It also looks like you are running 6 towers, not 8, correct? Is there much advantage to running the 4th pair of towers?

Thanks!

Correct, Expo++, full mesh, and 6 towers. I didn’t anticipate a need for the extra load capability of 8 towers, we sleep inside and likely won’t use a RTT. Added side gussets since they look cool .

I also omitted the front light tabs from inside the sunroof opening since I could see them possibly gouging someone while maneuvering through the hole:

(2017 eclipse pic)