ARB BASE RACK AND SHARK FIN ANTENNA ISSUE ON 2021

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Maybe so but you don't keep selling them with a major known issue either.
That’s easy enough to resolve by sending a note out to all vendors to add a note (in bold print) that the rack isn’t currently compatible with models that have the shark fin antenna.
 
Maybe so but you don't keep selling them with a major known issue either.
This is the temporary plan we have. We added machined aluminum spacers. I heard from ARB yesterday who committed to sending me the updated fit kit once it is developed with an eta of 6-8 weeks.

They said there was an oversight initially in the design.

B658AFAD-10C7-41AE-9D2E-77272367B5A1.jpeg


00E127A1-723B-45CB-946A-8E0F2CC5CD9B.jpeg


1AB24892-7C36-4299-A2E8-2D5028031194.jpeg


D7F379E0-F726-42C5-BD9F-74A340B93B2F.jpeg


FA0AAF75-3C50-47F0-83C6-B7A71675F327.jpeg
 
This is the temporary plan we have. We added machined aluminum spacers. I heard from ARB yesterday who committed to sending me the updated fit kit once it is developed with an eta of 6-8 weeks.

They said there was an oversight initially in the design.
What is the height of the aluminum spacers used to elevate the rack above the shark fin?
 
I like that there is a fix for the time being, curious whether or not that spacer is up to the task in regards to weight/load.
 
It is solid aluminum. It has more body to it than the rack. It will not be forever, but it is for now.

View attachment 2559429

So it is the rack foot that has the bend to it, interesting. That is indeed better than what the rack itself provides.
 
Why is the rack backwards?
It is not. I don't want the high rails forward for the wind noise. Plus in the back it also allows a good hand hold with loading. We are at 84.5" OAH unladen. The modular side and rear rails may not stay on the project.
 
It is solid aluminum. It has more body to it than the rack. It will not be forever, but it is for now.
That looks like a nice clean / solid solution to me, especially for something that will be temporary. Do you happen to know how the height of the rack platform (so without the rail) compares to the height of the factory rack?
 
That looks like a nice clean / solid solution to me, especially for something that will be temporary. Do you happen to know how the height of the rack platform (so without the rail) compares to the height of the factory rack?
Sorry, I don't have that info right now. just with it.

IMG_0723.jpeg
 
Sorry, I don't have that info right now. just with it.
A measurement from some sort of fixed point that takes the variables of tire height and suspension out of the equation would be awesome if you get a chance. I'm asking because my garage door height is a limiting factor in anything I do that affects the overall height. Obviously, the final height is likely to change a bit when you get the solution ARB comes up with.
 
A measurement from some sort of fixed point that takes the variables of tire height and suspension out of the equation would be awesome if you get a chance. I'm asking because my garage door height is a limiting factor in anything I do that affects the overall height. Obviously, the final height is likely to change a bit when you get the solution ARB comes up with.

I have the same constraint, my garage door is not roof rack friendly. A measurement from the highest point on the rack down to say the top of the rear wheel arch would be most helpful.

I'll probably have to decide between suspension or roof rack, but not both.

My next garage...
 
FedEx just delivered a 165 lb pallet of Base Rack that does not fit after being assured by ARB that the shipment was being held until the revised vehicle installation kit was ready.

Just spoke to ‘tech support’ at ARB and played the game that it ‘technically does fit’ just not on US spec vehicles and well, if you want a revised kit we can put you on a waiting list or contact Summit Racing and see if they will accept the rack back from you.

Merry Christmas.
 
FedEx just delivered a 165 lb pallet of Base Rack that does not fit after being assured by ARB that the shipment was being held until the revised vehicle installation kit was ready.

Just spoke to ‘tech support’ at ARB and played the game that it ‘technically does fit’ just not on US spec vehicles and well, if you want a revised kit we can put you on a waiting list or contact Summit Racing and see if they will accept the rack back from you.

Merry Christmas.
If the arc on here is consistent with their messaging then it sounds like ARBUS has been given marching orders to slowly walk away from the fire they set. Disappointing if true.
 
Last edited:
I wanted to update that ARB U.S.A. followed up with me with an apology for all of the headache tonight. Initially I spoke with one of the tech support guys who was either having a bad day or just sick of his job, but the manager was more than helpful and is working very hard, and I would say above and beyond what I would expect. Their response to this has been stellar today and I am back onboard with the ARB brand.

After spending time on the phone with them, I am convinced this was a crap situation thrown at ARB U.S.A. and they were not prepared with a response.

No update on timeframe. I’m still not excited about having $2,200 sunk into a roof rack sitting in the corner of my garage, but after today, they are working it and I am impressed with how they are now working the issue and trying their best to make sure I am not left hanging.
 
So empty we are at 84.5” with the 1” spacer to clear the shark fin.
This includes a BP51 suspension set for a bull bar and winch (not installed yet) and BFG 286/65-18 tires. LRA 24 gallon aux tank, empty. I expect it to settle suspension wise when loaded bit.
 
Ok, so we called ARB today and get this, they said oh yes, we have a fit issue. ARB is developing a different fit kit etc. blah blah blah but that does not help me now. I guess we will have to custom fab some spacers to bring it up a little higher. WTH! Photo shows we took the shark fin off to see how much space we need, and it is about 3/4"

View attachment 2550573

View attachment 2550574
I'm considering the smaller rack (behind sunroof) as well. Would the hardware allow for the rack to move forward an inch or two to clear the fin?
 
I'm considering the smaller rack (behind sunroof) as well. Would the hardware allow for the rack to move forward an inch or two to clear the fin?
It sure. I got the 61x51 size and that interferes. Is there a smaller one?
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom