Gamiviti rack for the GX460 (1 Viewer)

[nakman]

Hey 460 gang, wanted to share some of the newest info with you on what we're doing with the GX460 racks. There's a lot of good information on the forum already, but it's either buried within someone's build thread, or tacked onto a thread about another rack, or in other vehicle areas, or it's old and likely out dated. So in the interest of consolidation, and making myself available to this group, I wanted to start this to be sure you know I'm open to questions, comments, and best yet suggestions for improvement.

If you don't know me personally hey that's ok, short version is my name is Tim and I've been a TLCA member for 20 years, on mud since its inception, and have owned and operated Gamiviti for almost 15 years now. Past rigs include multiple Tacomas, 4Runner, 62, 80, and 100, current lineup is a 40, 60, and GX470. We've been making roof racks for 10 years, with primary focus on all the Land Cruisers including the 40, 55, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 200, and of course 150 series, which is why you're here. All of the racks share components, but each one is a little different dimensionally. Material is all steel, solid welded, and every key step of the supply chain is done right here in Colorado, in local businesses operated by other Cruiser guys. It's been a great ride so far and I sincerely appreciate all of the support that I get from the mud community here, and the reputation I have here is something I'm very proud of. Hiopefully we get the chance to meet at a future event out west here. Ok enough of me, here are some pictures... you'll likely recognize at least a couple of these:

 

[nakman]

What makes our racks different starts at the quoting stage, as I've developed and continue to tweak a very bespoke customization process that allows you to choose from a number of welded features including the side Expo bars, side gussets, grid floors, drop basket, stepping stone plates, light tabs, sunroof opening, and sunroof cover. So every one of our racks tends to be a little different, based on your needs and intended uses. I'll do my best to steer you in the right direction. And most recently I've been pushing the accessory side, developing a suite of bolt-on solutions including the multi bracket, G bracket, tube clamps, rack receivers, side ladder, traction ramp bars, snap-on fairings, snap-on grid panels, integrated light bars behind the fairing, and most recently a snap-on case system. These are all unique to Gamiviti, and you can see all of those at Roof Rack Accessories — Gamiviti - http://www.gamiviti.com/roof-rack-accessories The question I have is what else would you like to see? or what accessory do you have, that you'd like to mount to your rack? I'm always looking for new ideas to add value to new and existing customers.

Today I published an install video for the GX460, which I'll post below. Feel free to watch my other youtubes if you need a good laugh, though there's some cool info in there also. And again I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions either post here, PM, email sales@gamiviti.com, DM on instagram, whatever you like. And thanks again for all the support... guys who already run our rack feel free to post up your feedback also, and thanks again for the pics!

 

[r2m]

Hi Tim! Yep, I'm one of your customers. I think I've also persuaded a couple of MUD heads to get your rack! You can see my rig sporting your rack with my RTT mounted: Builds - R2M 2013 GX460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r2m-2013-gx460-overland-build.1104719/
Here are a couple of my suggestion on an already awesome rack!

1. Offer a clear fairing such as I made with the pattern you sent me. That helps a lot with wind noise when there's a light bar up there.
2. A super low profile LED (side) proximity light or lower profile mount that fits better between the side bars so when the lights are used, they're not reflecting off the rack tubing.
3. A mount/tab for HAM (or CB if anyone uses that any longer) radio antennas. Someplace on the rack that would not interfere with a RTT mounted on top. Perhaps a tab that can be extended towards the rear since we (GX 460's) don't have a rear hatch opening upward there is nothing preventing a tab sticking out the back of the rack.
4. When we were talking about my rack (a couple of years ago) I mentioned that simple wide angle "v" cleats (think boat cleats) would be very handy for tying/lashing something down on the rack instead of having to fumble with knots long forgotten. It could be a Christmas tree, lumber, PVC lengths, whatever, but being able to just use some twine from wherever you purchase your from the store, is very easy and secure with cleats. Simple to make, simple to weld. Just get a ~6" length of 1/4" - 3/8" round rod, bend it in the middle about 20°, weld it and done!
5. And this is just something I have to come up with, but I need a way to mount surfboard racks to my rack without putting them on top of the RTT. iKamper tents are not supposed to support any racks on them.

 

[jmanscotch]

Still loving my rack!

Only thing I’ve thought I’d want, besides many of the accessories already available, is an additional removable crossbar (that runs front to back orientation between existing crossbars). Sometimes I have odd sized loads up there and need a better support or tie of point and would love to have a few strategically places ones that work best for my specific use.

 

[nakman]

Hi Tim! Yep, I'm one of your customers. I think I've also persuaded a couple of MUD heads to get your rack! You can see my rig sporting your rack with my RTT mounted: Builds - R2M 2013 GX460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r2m-2013-gx460-overland-build.1104719/
Here are a couple of my suggestion on an already awesome rack!

1. Offer a clear fairing such as I made with the pattern you sent me. That helps a lot with wind noise when there's a light bar up there.
2. A super low profile LED (side) proximity light or lower profile mount that fits better between the side bars so when the lights are used, they're not reflecting off the rack tubing.
3. A mount/tab for HAM (or CB if anyone uses that any longer) radio antennas. Someplace on the rack that would not interfere with a RTT mounted on top. Perhaps a tab that can be extended towards the rear since we (GX 460's) don't have a rear hatch opening upward there is nothing preventing a tab sticking out the back of the rack.
4. When we were talking about my rack (a couple of years ago) I mentioned that simple wide angle "v" cleats (think boat cleats) would be very handy for tying/lashing something down on the rack instead of having to fumble with knots long forgotten. It could be a Christmas tree, lumber, PVC lengths, whatever, but being able to just use some twine from wherever you purchase your from the store, is very easy and secure with cleats. Simple to make, simple to weld. Just get a ~6" length of 1/4" - 3/8" round rod, bend it in the middle about 20°, weld it and done!
5. And this is just something I have to come up with, but I need a way to mount surfboard racks to my rack without putting them on top of the RTT. iKamper tents are not supposed to support any racks on them.

yes sir, and thank you again for all the referrals! yes more than a couple folks have mentioned your build thread. also thank you for the suggestions! I might not run with all of them, but definitely appreciate the ideas.

1. Are you running polycarbonate? or clear acrylic? any issues with it getting dirty, or scratched? I've hesitated to offer this for those reasons, but heck if that's what folks want then it would be quite easy to offer that, could get some made next time I have fairings cut.
2. Yes I think a more integrated side light is a good idea, agreed. Though my experience has been when it's dark out, there's still a bunch of light, so the blocking of the bar not really an issue. I would want to preserve the rack's ability to protect the light from branches and rocks. but yes, good idea.
3. This one I struggle with. Antennas on the roof are great for trucks on the highway, but off road they're tree grabbers. Plus they interfere with tents, the rear hatch, often in your way, I dislike the side of the hatch for the same reasons. That's why I like the side of the fender mount, as it's never in my way except when changing the air filter, which at most is 2x per year. Also makes running the coax much simpler to not have to go onto the roof. It's a sacrifice though, as clearly your best ground plane is the roof of the truck.
4. you could bolt cleats to the gussets of the rack. Maybe not as clean as if they were welded on, but simple to do nonetheless. I wouldn't want to weld anything on that would be pokey as I have a tendency to cut my arm, rip my pants a lot, and could just imagine what a tent or awning would do if it caught the wrong end of something sharp.
5. One solution I've done is a bolt-on set of cross bars, with extensions, which created a 6" gap between the rack and tent. Then the customer slid the boards between the tent and cross bar. Not ideal as raising that weight up that high has some downsides, but depending on the trip could be a solution. You could also maybe do this yourself repurposing some Yakima bars with our multi brackets... not sure that's tall enough for your surfboard though, but close. Can you just flop the board over the tent, the put a couple straps over it? Obviously would have to remove the board before you could set the tent up... I carried a spare tire this way once when I found myself needing to haul an additional spare over Imogene pass, just strapped it to the top of the RTT. Not ideal, but it got it done.

 

[nakman]

Still loving my rack!

Only thing I’ve thought I’d want, besides many of the accessories already available, is an additional removable crossbar (that runs front to back orientation between existing crossbars). Sometimes I have odd sized loads up there and need a better support or tie of point and would love to have a few strategically places ones that work best for my specific use.

Awesome, thanks! And your pics are killer too, been liking those on the IG... so we do have bolt-on cross bars for that purpose... Cross Bars — Gamiviti - http://www.gamiviti.com/cross-bars but they run across the rack, tend to be best for some bike racks, and those odd shaped Yakima/Thule boxes.

However it's totally doable to make a set that run lengthwise, would be like a bolt-on guardrail. Would have 3 legs to it, to attach to each of the plates on the side. But I think if I'm understanding you right you would want this more in the middle of the rack, and at the same plane as the other cross bars? We've definitely done that, but it's welded on... for a bolt-on option probably the closest I have today is the bolt-on stepping stone plate:

 

[r2m]

yes sir, and thank you again for all the referrals! yes more than a couple folks have mentioned your build thread. also thank you for the suggestions! I might not run with all of them, but definitely appreciate the ideas.

1. Are you running polycarbonate? or clear acrylic? any issues with it getting dirty, or scratched? I've hesitated to offer this for those reasons, but heck if that's what folks want then it would be quite easy to offer that, could get some made next time I have fairings cut.
2. Yes I think a more integrated side light is a good idea, agreed. Though my experience has been when it's dark out, there's still a bunch of light, so the blocking of the bar not really an issue. I would want to preserve the rack's ability to protect the light from branches and rocks. but yes, good idea.
3. This one I struggle with. Antennas on the roof are great for trucks on the highway, but off road they're tree grabbers. Plus they interfere with tents, the rear hatch, often in your way, I dislike the side of the hatch for the same reasons. That's why I like the side of the fender mount, as it's never in my way except when changing the air filter, which at most is 2x per year. Also makes running the coax much simpler to not have to go onto the roof. It's a sacrifice though, as clearly your best ground plane is the roof of the truck.
4. you could bolt cleats to the gussets of the rack. Maybe not as clean as if they were welded on, but simple to do nonetheless. I wouldn't want to weld anything on that would be pokey as I have a tendency to cut my arm, rip my pants a lot, and could just imagine what a tent or awning would do if it caught the wrong end of something sharp.
5. One solution I've done is a bolt-on set of cross bars, with extensions, which created a 6" gap between the rack and tent. Then the customer slid the boards between the tent and cross bar. Not ideal as raising that weight up that high has some downsides, but depending on the trip could be a solution. You could also maybe do this yourself repurposing some Yakima bars with our multi brackets... not sure that's tall enough for your surfboard though, but close. Can you just flop the board over the tent, the put a couple straps over it? Obviously would have to remove the board before you could set the tent up... I carried a spare tire this way once when I found myself needing to haul an additional spare over Imogene pass, just strapped it to the top of the RTT. Not ideal, but it got it done.

I'll try to reply as numbered:

1. I don't really recall what it is. It is what Lowes had in stock. Did a quick search on Google between the two materials: "In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch." So personally, I'd go with Acrylic, since there is little bend to the fairings and not too much of a chance of impact, but you'll need the scratch resistance because of dirt, dust, etc. with washing and wiping off.
2. I agree, there is good light when they're on, but it does block some field of view closer to the rig. And I absolutely agree that they MUST be protected, so they have to stay within the profile lines of the rack and not stick out.
3. The antenna bracket could just be 1" tube mount (like some of what you already have) with a tab and hole. This way a person can mount the antenna on at any location along the perimeter tubing for an antenna, e.g. front, rear, or either side front and rear. Actually this may come in handy for those that just have a RTT and use magnetic antennas. They can have the tab near one of the rear passanger doors or the very rear door and run their coax out the door.
4. Perhaps two size tabs, a small one for bolting the antenna on and a larger base for magnet antennas?
5. Regarding the cleats, perhaps I wasn't clear on where to mount them. I'm thinking upside down along the top rail. Not sticking out, but in the same plane and keeping the side profile. Being upside down, also allows for a little more leverage on tying something down before cleating it off. This way they are between the upper and lower rails, do not stick out would be impossible to get caught on, pant legs included. Also, round the ends of the cleat rods.
6. Great idea about lifting the tent! Never thought of that! Yes, the CG does get a little higher, but a couple of long boards would fit! I've also thought about a couple of side panels along the side of the tent to help distribute weight and put racks on those. The most weight I'd probably ever put up on there would surfboards or paddle boards.

 

[jmanscotch]

Awesome, thanks! And your pics are killer too, been liking those on the IG... so we do have bolt-on cross bars for that purpose... Cross Bars — Gamiviti - http://www.gamiviti.com/cross-bars but they run across the rack, tend to be best for some bike racks, and those odd shaped Yakima/Thule boxes.
View attachment 2554169

However it's totally doable to make a set that run lengthwise, would be like a bolt-on guardrail. Would have 3 legs to it, to attach to each of the plates on the side. But I think if I'm understanding you right you would want this more in the middle of the rack, and at the same plane as the other cross bars? We've definitely done that, but it's welded on... for a bolt-on option probably the closest I have today is the bolt-on stepping stone plate:

View attachment 2554173

I was thinking something that mounts flush with the existing bars. I use my rack as my equivalent "truck bed" more than an expedition rack for gear. We're still remodeling a house, doing yard renovations, building all kinds of stuff that requires me to bring home boards, metal stock, house doors, etc and the bars would be to help tie down or support more flexible loads or heavy loads in key spots to keep it from shifting left/right on the rack.

That said, now that I perused the website again, I see the G brackets that are new and those will probably handle 95%+ of the function I'm after, just differently than I had in my head. Let me finish my internal debate on running an awning on the rig and decide if I want to grab some the awning receivers and I'll surely be placing an order soon.

Jake

 

[r2m]

I was thinking something that mounts flush with the existing bars. I use my rack as an my equivalent "truck bed" more than an expedition rack for gear. We're still remodeling a house, doing yard renovations, building all kinds of stuff that requires me to bring home boards, metal stock, house doors, etc and the bars would be to help tie down or support more flexible loads or heavy loads in key spots to keep it from shifting left/right on the rack.

That said, now that I perused the website again, I see the G brackets that are new and those will probably handle 95%+ of the function I'm after, just differently than I had in my head. Let me finish my internal debate on running an awning on the rig and decide if I want to grab some the awning receivers and I'll surely be placing an order soon.

Jake

Just curious, do you think some upside down cleats along the side, maybe 2 front, 2 rear, for quickly lashing down Home Depot material?
I'm still wondering if there really is any value to having any on these racks. Tim isn't really for them, so I'm trying to convince him they are. But that's just me in my little narrow minded hole looking out.

 

[jmanscotch]

Just curious, do you think some upside down cleat along the side, maybe 2 front, 2 rear, for quickly lashing down Home Depot material?
I'm still wondering if there really is any value to having any on these racks. Tim isn't really for them, so I'm trying to convince him they are. But that's just me in my little narrow minded hole looking out.

I run ratchet straps 100%, keep 4-6 of them in the rig at all times. Since I never secure loads with just ropes, and wouldn’t be comfortable doing so (not a competent knot guy) the cleats wouldn’t offer much practical use to me specifically.

The G brackets he has are good options for me to anchor to. I typically use the gusset holes or just wrap around a bar anytime those aren’t located quite where I need.

 

[jmanscotch]

To anyone reading this in search of or considering a Gamiviti rack for their 460 (or rack in general), Tim is a stellar dude who makes stellar roof racks. He’s an enthusiast who saw an opportunity to make the thing he and his buds needed, not just a business, but it worked out as such.

Instead of paying shipping cost, he invited me over to let me try to help him install the rack. He walked me through the process and even let me take his Honda African Twin bike for a ride (Automatic DCT is way better than I imagined). That’s the kinda guy you want to buy from, old school good.

 

[KGB007]

 

[nakman]

@KGB007 dude sweet video! thank you for taking the time to do that... couple comments-

at 1:45 you show the tools, instead of an 11mm I use a 7/16" for those 1/4-20 nuts... but whatevs the 11 works also so run it. You could have swapped in the 14mm if you didn't have the 9/16" for that matter. What is the crescent wrench for? You point it out, but never used it. and I don't ever use that either with installs.

at 4:15 you show the tower positon the truck, and that's opposite of how I do it. But as you see it works both ways. Most important is that they're all the same, and I see your middle towers are flipped when you bolt these on... but then at 12:28 it looks like you discover that and move the middle towers to match the front and rear. I think it fits a little better with the rear hatch and sat antenna if you run the towers shifted forward though, not back, which requires you to trim a little bit of that front rubber piece. But it works both ways which you've clearly demonstrated! Anyway thanks again for the effort here... that's awesome you did this on the street like that.

If anyone wants to see another install you can watch my version on the site, Videos — Gamiviti - http://www.gamiviti.com/videos is where they all reside.

 

[KGB007]

@KGB007 dude sweet video! thank you for taking the time to do that... couple comments-

at 1:45 you show the tools, instead of an 11mm I use a 7/16" for those 1/4-20 nuts... but whatevs the 11 works also so run it. You could have swapped in the 14mm if you didn't have the 9/16" for that matter. What is the crescent wrench for? You point it out, but never used it. and I don't ever use that either with installs.

at 4:15 you show the tower positon the truck, and that's opposite of how I do it. But as you see it works both ways. Most important is that they're all the same, and I see your middle towers are flipped when you bolt these on... but then at 12:28 it looks like you discover that and move the middle towers to match the front and rear. I think it fits a little better with the rear hatch and sat antenna if you run the towers shifted forward though, not back, which requires you to trim a little bit of that front rubber piece. But it works both ways which you've clearly demonstrated! Anyway thanks again for the effort here... that's awesome you did this on the street like that.

If anyone wants to see another install you can watch my version on the site, Videos — Gamiviti - http://www.gamiviti.com/videos is where they all reside.

All of your statements are right on the money. I didn't use the crescents and played around with the towers until they were where I wanted them to be especially clearing the antenna. The most important thing as you say is symmetry. Great product, if not the best out there.

 

[r2m]

One thing I found when I received my rig back from YotaMasters, who did most all the work (and in general, a fine job!), including my Gamiviti rack, is that they did not mount the rack symmetricly, meaning that looking at it from the rear, the left post was leaning further inward than the right post. The rack was level, but skewed to the right. This also caused some minor water leaks inside the cab (???). I had them remount the rack so ALL the posts were symmetrical (leaning inward at the same angle) and level, looking at it from the front and rear. I also had them seal all the mounting points for the leak/s.
It's been great ever since!
One last point if you're adding the LED lightbar and/or proximity lights, YotaMasters ran the wires down along the A pillar in that grove next to the windshield, then smoothed it over with silicone so the wires wouldn't be constantly popping out. This too came off really good!

 

[KGB007]

One thing I found when I received my rig back from YotaMasters, who did most all the work (and in general, a fine job!), including my Gamiviti rack, is that they did not mount the rack symmetricly, meaning that looking at it from the rear, the left post was leaning further inward than the right post. The rack was level, but skewed to the right. This also caused some minor water leaks inside the cab (???). I had them remount the rack so ALL the posts were symmetrical (leaning inward at the same angle) and level, looking at it from the front and rear. I also had them seal all the mounting points for the leak/s.
It's been great ever since!
One last point if you're adding the LED lightbar and/or proximity lights, YotaMasters ran the wires down along the A pillar in that grove next to the windshield, then smoothed it over with silicone so the wires wouldn't be constantly popping out. This too came off really good!

Good to know YotaMasters.

 

[skey44]

Any images of actually lashing things to this roof rack? I'm a visual learner and need some help as I have limited experience with this. I'm considering a quick set type tent (OZ or Gazelle) and I already have a Quick Set Clam shelter which I'm pretty sure would go great up there. Thanks for the information so far!

 

[nakman]

So lashing on a tent... like this?

Just wrap the strap around a bar, hook the strap to itself and cinch away... that's how I do it usually.

 

[skey44]

So lashing on a tent... like this?

View attachment 2761084

Just wrap the strap around a bar, hook the strap to itself and cinch away... that's how I do it usually.

Yes, glad to see you use the product! Thanks for contacting me yesterday and spending some time walking me through the product. I watched about 30 minutes of your YouTube videos yesterday.
Just see a lot of these freshly installed with nothing on them or attached (hopefully Bc after install they’re not just used for instagram). Trying to visualize my use before buying. I’ve never bought a roof rack like this before and would like to get it right the first time!

 

[skey44]

Ordered my rack today! Should be here in a week or so. Thanks Tim. Looking forward to “rack life.”

Went with the 8 gussets, fairing, and open moonroof. Also added two of the awning receivers. Ordered an Ironman 6.5’ awning tonight. Really like the idea of just strapping s*** down. Glad I found out about Gamiviti before I sunk a lot of money into something like a Rhino-rack.
Added two of his g brackets with round mounts too. To safely tie down my Plano box.

Will update.