Help me vet out a flexible rack solution. (1 Viewer)

[OregonLC]

Trying to figure out what I want for a rack on Leonard (16 LX). Most likely candidate for a full rack solution is a Prinsu, though the Wescott seems appealing. I really like the Front Runner that I have on the 13 LC and would probably just do that again if they still offered the full fairing, but I don't see that on their website for the 200.

So I'm half considering a different path altogether. And that is running Yakima Sightline Mounts on the OE flush rails and then using a large LockNLoad platform on it when needed.

Advantages:
- Only run platform when needed for trips. Saves drag and noise when not needed. Able to keep the roof clean.
- In the winter can run Yakima ski racks on crossbars with them pushed outboard for ease of reach.
- Can quickly mount Space Case when needed.
- Vehicle can be quickly converted to a slick top for highway use.
- Ease of install. Not dropping headliner.
- No risk of water leaks. OE rails stay in place.
- Can enjoy sunroof when platform is not on.

Disadvantages:
- Large potential for wind noise with platform due to combo of crossbars and platform.
- More expensive.
- Need to find alternate mounting points for scene lights, antennas, etc.

Potential Problems:
- Strength of SlightLine clips in overland application? Will they pull off of the flush rails? Should I run four crossbars instead of two?

Thoughts on any of this?

 

[Sandroad]

Here’s a couple quick thoughts. I’ve found the variety of Yakima attachments super useful. You’ve already mentioned the ski rack and cargo box. Their boat hauling versatility is outstanding. Up to their rated load, they will be strong enough to stay up there. I’ve been wiling to pay Yakima and Thule prices because of their engineering and strength. I also think (but don’t know) that wind noise with the LockNLoad platform will be minimal as long as it’s loaded. I’ve had wind noise issues mostly with empty racks. The fact it’s easily removable is important.

 

[OregonLC]

Thanks @Sandroad. Any thoughts on the grip strength of the sightline mounts on the flush rails?

 

[Sandroad]

Thanks @Sandroad. Any thoughts on the grip strength of the sightline mounts on the flush rails?

Good question. The Skyline roof system on my RAV4 attaches securely to the flush rails with vehicle-specific Landing Pads. I don’t know the attachment for the LC/LX, but I assume it’s strong enough up to the rated load.

 

[OregonLC]

Same with our Yukon XL. I'm not concerned at all with the gravity load, but rather retention over rough terrain where the rail clamps are subject to negative loads. I don't intend to have a heavy RTT on it, but will have a 75lbs OZ Tent + the usual accoutrements, so probably 150-200lbs live load.

 

[CT3]

If I were doing it again, I wouldn’t have a Prinsu rack on my built ‘15 LC. I think I would have found a crossbar solution, maybe Eezi-Awn or Alu-Cab bars if I were doing a quick mount/dismount of a RTT. Alternatively I would consider options like what you’re describing if I had skis, roof boxes, etc on my list.

Less is more up top. Same goes for lights up there but that’s a different story.

Good luck

 

[grinchy]

It would be great if there was a flush clamp for those stock rails. The way the tower/clamps add three or four inches puts the load high.

 

[OregonLC]

We have the SightLine clamps on the Yukon XL and they’re pretty short. I’d say maybe 2” from top of OE rail to bottom of bar. They’re not like the old towers that are really high.

 

[OregonLC]

I hadn’t looked at the LX’s rail that closely. It has a much more pronounced lip than I had remembered on the GM. I’m much less concerned of it pulling up and off.

 

[jlm43]

I’m very happy with my Rhino Rack set up. I run the 76x54 Pioneer platform during the non-snowy months and three 65 inch Vortex bars in the winter. The Thule ski box mounts up to the bars so much easier. With an extra set of hands, I can swap between the two set up’s in less than 10 minutes. RR’s doesn’t show it available for the 16+ LX’s but it will work just fine. Just have to drop the headliner to get at the hardware.

 

[OregonLC]

Another option is the RuggedLine from Yakima. For whatever reason we don't get it here for the 200, but it's available in Oz. It's the same LockNLoad platform but using rails down the side. We can get the same thing here, but branded as the Atlas platform through Ironman 4x4. They currently don't have the rails on the website, but I did confirm they're in stock. It's a cool option in that it gives you some choices in platform size should you want it to stick out more. I did this with my FrontRunner by ordering different slat widths, though it took a bit of convincing before they would sell me the front and rear end pieces.

I'm not sure it the right thing for me as I like the idea of keeping the factory rails, but it looks like a really good solution.

The one potential downside:

 

[lx200inAR]

Why not look into using something that adapts the factory rails to the platform. You could remove the factory cross bars and then only the put the platform on when needed. I think Gamiviti makes a lot of brackets that attach to the factory rails. Probably have to do something custom for the interface between the platform and the brackets.

 

[OregonLC]

Why not look into using something that adapts the factory rails to the platform. You could remove the factory cross bars and then only the put the platform on when needed. I think Gamiviti makes a lot of brackets that attach to the factory rails. Probably have to do something custom for the interface between the platform and the brackets.

That's exactly what I'm planning to do with the Yakima SightLine towers clamping to the 16+ LX flush rails. I don't believe @nakman supports affixing to the 16+ LX rails?

 

[lx200inAR]

That's exactly what I'm planning to do with the Yakima SightLine towers clamping to the 16+ LX flush rails. I don't believe @nakman supports affixing to the 16+ LX rails?

Ah, that's true. I was skimming and didn't notice this was for an LX. Was going off your handle. Not wanting to mess with the rails makes a lot more sense now as well.

 

[OregonLC]

Ah, that's true. I was skimming and didn't notice this was for an LX. Was going off your handle. Not wanting to mess with the rails makes a lot more sense now as well.

Once Leonard gets a build on him I'll update the Avatar.

 

[nakman]

That's exactly what I'm planning to do with the Yakima SightLine towers clamping to the 16+ LX flush rails. I don't believe @nakman supports affixing to the 16+ LX rails?

lx570 brackets — Gamiviti - https://www.gamiviti.com/lx570-brackets is the solution we came up with. Not as sexy as some of the others but definitely clamps down and supports the cross bars when installed correctly, you can see the vid on the website.

but tbh, if I had a 16+ LX I'd likely just drop the head liner, and then upgrade the whole rack for real.. stronger, lower, probably not as bad as you think it is once you get into it, just block out a weekend for it.

 

[OregonLC]

@nakman thanks for the link! Wasn't aware. Removal of the headliner isn't really my barrier. It's more the ability to convert the roof to different modes. With the Yakima product I can go back to the Jetstream bars for the winter season and have a lightweight platform that can hang on a wall, ready to convert back quickly. Not certain yet, but I'll keep your solution in mind.

 

[jlm43]

@nakman thanks for the link! Wasn't aware. Removal of the headliner isn't really my barrier. It's more the ability to convert the roof to different modes. With the Yakima product I can go back to the Jetstream bars for the winter season and have a lightweight platform that can hang on a wall, ready to convert back quickly. Not certain yet, but I'll keep your solution in mind.

This is exactly what I do with the RR setup. Running the full platform is less than ideal in the winter. RR provides cover plates for the mounting locations if you choose to go without bars or platform.

 

[KLF]

Just curious, have you considered this one:

The Blanca (2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series / Lexus LX570 Roof Rack)

This full-length aluminum roof rack, for the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (LC200), expands on our lineup of tried and true rack systems. Our racks are some of the toughest on the market and are designed to get your gear to the places that matter the most.

sherpaec.com