GX470 Short Roof Rack Replacement

[Borgs]

Hi guys,
I did get both racks built and tested and could sell them if you're interested. I didn't get any pictures of the 3/4 with the fairing installed unfortunately. I really liked that style for its reduced wind noise. I also have found that, without the pressure of wind on my sunroof , it rattles much more. This is only any issue with the full length. There is a thread on here with guys discussing the same issues on other brands of full length racks . However, the functionality of the full length rack is amazing. I use the rack all the time for buliding materials and anything else that I need to haul. Anyhow, if anyone is interested in purchasing either rack style, let me know. Send me a DM and I can talk through some options with you depending on your needs.
Thanks!

First thread here. These look awesome. I just got a 2019 GX460 for my roof rails are useless on it. We won’t be doing much overlanding with this vehicle, I have a Tundra for that, but we will be carrying the occasional cargo box and strapping some random things up there. I like the OEM GX470 roof rails and rack nad Prado rails, but they seem hard to come by. And for what they cost I could upgrade with your set up here that looks awesome. Question: I assume these would fit a GX460? If so, happen to know anyone with these on a 460? Great look - great work man.

 

[GXoverLanderfam]

I'm looking for a budget friendly roof rack that will replace the stock rails without adding much additional height (to still fit in the garage). Ideally it would install into the OEM roof rails and not require drilling.

I love the SSO Roof Rack, but looking for a solution under $500.
Lexus GX470 Parts & Accessories | Southern Style OffRoad

Thanks so much!

I'm thinking about putting a tent on the OEM rails. (07 gx470) I read that the weak point in the system is the aluminum crossbars, and have been recommended the Thule Areoblade or the square cross bars at around $500. but using the stock side rails. I have been looking for the static weight allowance for the stock equipment??

So here is the question-
Has anyone added another one or two OEM crossbars to beef up the weak link and spread the weight around onto the OEM side rails?

I have a 50# tent, fits just fine for the lbs limits of the OEM crossbars. and 320# of people up there when at rest.... if I install four OEM cross bars, why not wouldn't this work?

Thanks

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I did. Found two used oem crossbars for $20 and added them to the existing roof rails, so I have 4 oem cross bars.

Since I didn’t plan on a roof top tent, I didn’t research the weight limits. Also, only plan to carry light stuff up there.

Oem crossbars are curved and hollow. Not sure how you are going to evenly distribute a RTT load across all the curved oem crossbars.

 

[Dharma Dude]

I'm thinking about putting a tent on the OEM rails. (07 gx470) I read that the weak point in the system is the aluminum crossbars, and have been recommended the Thule Areoblade or the square cross bars at around $500. but using the stock side rails. I have been looking for the static weight allowance for the stock equipment??

So here is the question-
Has anyone added another one or two OEM crossbars to beef up the weak link and spread the weight around onto the OEM side rails?

I have a 50# tent, fits just fine for the lbs limits of the OEM crossbars. and 320# of people up there when at rest.... if I install four OEM cross bars, why not wouldn't this work?

Thanks

Take a look at these: Shop | Apex Overland | Off-Road Part Accessories
They look alot stronger than the Lexus OEM cross bars, and not expensive.

Rago Fabrication makes beefy cross bars for the GX but they cost alot more.
Lexus GX 470 Modular Factory Rail Support System

 

[TXLX100]

I was making these for a while, but no longer. Was selling for $500. Made side brackets from angle, rack frame from angle, and cross bars made with c-channel (could use 80/20) even. Aluminum Deflector custom fit for GX.

 

[GXoverLanderfam]

Take a look at these: Shop | Apex Overland | Off-Road Part Accessories
They look alot stronger than the Lexus OEM cross bars, and not expensive.

Rago Fabrication makes beefy cross bars for the GX but they cost alot more.
Lexus GX 470 Modular Factory Rail Support System

THose are some great options, I'm looking for Apex Overland ratings on static loads? Still a question unanswered

Although, here is a good read for this particular question for those looking for the ratio between static and dynamic loads...

I'm an "overlanding lite" beginner and to that extent, not looking to outfit a super complicated rig....I'm a minimalist overlander...

Read here for the MATHS behind loads of rood racks....

Roof Loading and Roof Top Tents

last updated 24/05/2018 WARNING: Never exceed manufacturer’s specifications. Doing so could cause property damage, injury or death. This article is concerned with whether it’s safe to b…

outbackjoe.com

 

[GXoverLanderfam]

I did. Found two used oem crossbars for $20 and added them to the existing roof rails, so I have 4 oem cross bars.

Since I didn’t plan on a roof top tent, I didn’t research the weight limits. Also, only plan to carry light stuff up there.

Oem crossbars are curved and hollow. Not sure how you are going to evenly distribute a RTT load across all the curved oem crossbars.

View attachment 1956024

Since the suggestion is to place rubber between cross bars and the tent, perhaps I cound add more to the outer mounts, to build up some cushion.

I was thinking like strong hard plastic, maybe boat trailer rollers cut and fitted for example, but suggestions would be appreciated. The curve isn't too drastic that some plastic cushion washers could manage? Your thoughts?

 

[runningdrew]

Since the suggestion is to place rubber between cross bars and the tent, perhaps I cound add more to the outer mounts, to build up some cushion.

I was thinking like strong hard plastic, maybe boat trailer rollers cut and fitted for example, but suggestions would be appreciated. The curve isn't too drastic that some plastic cushion washers could manage? Your thoughts?

dense foam "washers" or rubber, do it.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

If I were to put a RTT, I would consider at minimum the aftermarket crossbars that are flat and stronger than oem crossbars.

The aftermarket crossbars also allow you to attach all kinds of aftermarket tie down rings, shovel holders, rotopax fuel containers, etc.

Also, I’ve seen @Dissent on the 80-series use an REI tent as a RTT. He setup some type of platform on a Prinsu roof rack and placed the tent up there. I thought that was creative.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

I ran a roofnest Sparrow X on my OEM side bars with 5 sections of 80/20 crossbars for about a month before I bought my Prinsu rack. I started getting a weird rattle that I discovered was a broken aluminum mounting foot for my factory roofrack side rail. I'd avoid a rtt on the factory rack.