Eoof rack options

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Roverrad95

Roverrad95

10 Year 15 Year
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SB, CA & Chi, IL
I valeted my truck a few months ago in Dt Chicago and the attendant scraped the factory rack (thankfully only the rack was damaged). I did some searching, and finally settled at $1500, or the cost for a new factory roof rack. However I'm thinking of going with something aftermarket. Since I got $1500 to burn what are some options? I don't have the option of crafting my own, and I want something that I can mount a few lights on, but I'm pretty flexible. Where do I start? I don't need something to sleep on either.

Sorry for the typo in the title, on my phone typing
 
What is the primary use of the rack? Bikes? Camping? Looks?

I've had custom, BajaRack, etc. And finally just went with $1,200 worth of Thule and Yakima - 95% of my use is carrying bikes.
 
Options:

1. MetricTLC - LabRak - Aatlas1x - Custom extruded, aluminum/stainless steel, modular, and miles above the next best manufacturer when it comes to build-quality, materials, craftsmanship, options, etc.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/583729-100-series-roof-rack-mounts-ocd.html

Metric Tlc | Facebook

Metric TLC

Shane has been around for a long time doing $50K FJ40 builds and selling leather replacement kits that are higher quality than OEM (among many other Land Cruiser offerings). You will not be disappointed.

2. Front Runner Wind Cheetah Slimline 2.2m (aluminum)

Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series 2.2M | Equipt Expedition Outfitters

This is the rack that I am currently running. At the time of purchase, I thought it was the best option available. Solid build with plenty of accessories.

3. Rhino Rack (aluminum) - Again, good quality and lots of bolt-on accessories. Aesthetically, I think it is a little lacking but many others seem to love them.

Slee - Rhino Rack

4. Gamiviti (steel) - Sort of a budget option but sturdy with a very low profile.

Gamiviti - roof racks

5. BajaRack (steel) - Cheaper than the aluminum racks and more accessories than Gamiviti.

Baja Rack

6. Gobi (steel) - Another worthy alternative.

GOBI Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series Roof Racks
 
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I took a look. I LOVE the Front runner. I am also very much afraid to ask what those even go for. My second choice is the Baja, probably because it's also the cheapest. It also looked pretty simple and I can pretty much custom build what I want on it. Does anyone have one? Let me rephrase, does anyone like the Baja? I try not to cheap out on the 100, and I almost feel like I am. I just don't want to regret the rack I buy either.
 
Roverrad95 said:
I took a look. I LOVE the Front runner. I am also very much afraid to ask what those even go for. My second choice is the Baja, probably because it's also the cheapest. It also looked pretty simple and I can pretty much custom build what I want on it. Does anyone have one? Let me rephrase, does anyone like the Baja? I try not to cheap out on the 100, and I almost feel like I am. I just don't want to regret the rack I buy either.
Click to expand...

The FR pricing was in the link I posted. A $1500.00 budget will cover it. I'd hold off if I were you and see what the LabRak comes in at... As for the steel options, keep in mind that the more you use the rack, the more scuffs and nicks it will get. Every one of them is just laying a welcome mat out for rust. Touching up a roof rack is not my idea of a fun time on a Sat. I ran some steel towers and crossbars for a few moths and by the time I took them off I could already see little lines of rust forming on the scratches. I like the companies that put out stainless steel and aluminum products. May cost a little more up front but think about how much your time is worth and then think about how many hours it will take to properly touch it up every time it gets banged up. In my case I end up saving a considerable amount by paying a higher up front cost.
 
I have a Baja Rack and I like it a lot. I've used it a few times only, but the quality seems very good.

Touching up a roof rack isn't a big deal. When I had a Yakima mega warrior basket I would just put a cardboard between the roof and the rack and rattle can the scratched up areas. Takes 5 minutes.
 
ran a baja on my FJC and loved it....wanted to get one for my hundy but they kept changing design and never got back to me on pricing so I still have oem rack from Toyota. Now that I have my canoe carriers mounted not in hurry to change again.
 
I've been looking at one for my wife's rig. I like the looks of the Gobi myself and they are local to me. Honestly, I've not looked at the functionality of any of them but would before making a purchase.
 
I would wait/look at Shane's offerings, depending on what you want. His mounts look awesome, and will tie in with Yakima or Thule standard bars, plus Thule's Aeroblades---giving you a VERY quiet ride (and better gas mileage).

I've done the dance you are doing for the last 3 months--Pfran has all good options. Personally, unless you are going to use the rack frequently for carrying lots of gear, look at Shane's mounts + Aeroblades. you can always throw a Craigslist $300-500 Confer rack on top if you need a floor (or Thule/Yakima basket).

Shane's Mounts: $250ish
Thule Aeroblades: $160
Aftermarket basket from CL: $300-700

My system on my 100 is 60" Aeroblades; that way I can run 2 bike racks + an Inno Surfboard/Kayak holder in the middle....and on long family trips a Thule 2100XT cargo box & 2 bike racks or surfboard or 6 skiis or 4 snowboards or (and this is still in the works) a custom 30" wide x 60" long 3" high cargo basket/flat "mesh" platform to tie down the big/bulky stuff.

None of the high-end roof racks give me the carrying capacity I need for those 10% of the time trips/occasions....and the Thule Aeroblades are quiet & sturdy for the other 90%.
 
I'm a big fan of DiamondRax. They're quite like the legendary old Con-ferr racks, since they're built in the same place and one of the guys at DiamondRax used to work with Pete Condos. They'll accommodate your sunroof if you have one. There are photos of mine here.
 
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