LC200 Roof Rack Install

[Eire32]

Hi guys

Anyone here try install a roof rack to a LC200 (2019)?

I have the standard factory rails, wondering is it just as well to let the shop do it or a definite do at home easy install?

I am thinking between Front Runner Slim Versus Rhino Rack Pioneer....thoughts? Which is more versatile to add more things?

 

[Romer]

As long as there is a second person to help lift into place, they are all pretty easy to install. I have a Gamiviti and the towers just bolt into the stock rack holes. Then you lift the rack up and bolt it to the towers

 

[RET2]

Research the proper sequence of removing stock towers to save yourself some grief.

 

[Markuson]

Research the proper sequence of removing stock towers to save yourself some grief.

OK… Who’s got a direct bead on those specific procedures? My roof rack is coming off tomorrow, and want to make sure on this…. Anyone?

 

[Romer]

OK… Who’s got a direct bead on those specific procedures? My roof rack is coming off tomorrow, and want to make sure on this…. Anyone?

I just took it off. Maybe if there is a secret order I lucked out. I didnt have any issues. I started at the front on the drivers side and worked my way back and around if I recall, but that was 4 years ago

 

[Markuson]

I just took it off. Maybe if there is a secret order I lucked out. I didnt have any issues. I started at the front on the drivers side and worked my way back and around if I recall, but that was 4 years ago

I hear so many references to horror stories about lodi g stuff into the headliner...but I don’t recall seeing photos, etc. I’m on a short schedule, so don’t wanna create any unnecessary time pain.

 

[RET2]

From what I hear it's not a pain but rather an approach that minimizes the chances of dislodging the backing plate, some have issues when they go gonzo

 

[RET2]

I just took it off. Maybe if there is a secret order I lucked out. I didnt have any issues. I started at the front on the drivers side and worked my way back and around if I recall, but that was 4 years ago

Perhaps I was a bit to cryptic in my post, all I was referring to was not totally removing first bolt till the second one was also pretty loose.

 

[Romer]

Mark, once you have the rack off, unless your putting the new rack on right then, just put the bolts back in the holes. Hand tight is fine. I ran like that for a few days until I got up to Gamiviti to get my new rack

 

[TheGrrrrr]

My experience (not a good one) indicates that going slow and being incredibly careful is all that is required. The moment you think you are doing well is the moment immediately before you lose a retainer in the headliner. As long as you are 100% focused on not letting that happen, its very easy. I also suggest having an extra set of hands for placement of the platform. The Backbone system and Pioneer Platform from Rhino rack have been great. If you install an optional rail system, I would suggest a lightbar attached up front to act as a fairing. Otherwise it can get a little loud. Without the rail system its plenty quiet.

 

[Markuson]

Mark, once you have the rack off, unless your putting the new rack on right then, just put the bolts back in the holes. Hand tight is fine. I ran like that for a few days until I got up to Gamiviti to get my new rack

Thanks, Ken. Will do that.

@RET2 also responded via pm with another key bit of info about what is what is actually holding the nut plates on.... So little clips...that can pop off if not delicate while removing bolts. That makes total sense now. I had not heard what specifically was holding them on, and knowitall g that it’s flimsy clips helps. Let’s me visualize what I’m preventing.

Thanks guys!

PS. Thx @TheGrrrrr

 

[gaijin]

I hear so many references to horror stories about lodi g stuff into the headliner...but I don’t recall seeing photos, etc. I’m on a short schedule, so don’t wanna create any unnecessary time pain.

This is a pretty good video that may help: Gamiviti Roof Rack Install

Go to 2:32 to see the point about carefully removing the existing roof rack bolts.

HTH

 

[Markuson]

This is a pretty good video that may help: Gamiviti Roof Rack Install

Go to 2:32 to see the point about carefully removing the existing roof rack bolts.

HTH

Thx!!
Honestly just won’t have time to dig under the headliner before trip if they fall in, so avoidance info helps!

 

[RET2]

You will succeed!

 

[Eire32]

Guys
Front runner Slim or Rhino Pioneer Platform?
What has more options later? ie primarily the roof tent and awning will be fixed to it, but if possible I’d like to have room for a propane tank, maybe an axe etc

 

[Tighe]

Regarding bolt removal procedure:

 

[radman]

I've yet to locate a good torque spec for an after market rack installation, but here are the 2 oem options. Don't forget the non-hardening form a gasket under your spacers, above your spacers, inside your spacers, on your bolt threads, Under your bolt head, then dump whatever you have left in the tube on top of the bolts
but seriously, the stuff is great. I go around every once in a while and press on the stuff and mold it around.

 

[Atwalz]

If you do drop the nuts while removing, be prepared to install the nutserts. Have them handy in case this happens. I dropped two nuts in the passenger-side rear corner. There are some pics in my build thread linked in the signature below.

 

[ArnieC]

Hola amigos.

Did this install the past summer and have a few notes:

• Definitely do the "back off one bolt 1/4" approx then break the other loose and then remove them both" method. The blue loctite was pretty stout on the bolts. I had no issues
• Installing my ARB backbones required a ball style allen wrench which I did not have at the onset of the project. Upside was I got to take my Viper to Harbor Freight, which is always fun.
• I used some clear silicone to seal the ARB bolts since the stock seals would not work. 1 year in and no water intrusion issues.
• I was originally going to have my 5'7" friend help me put the rack on top of my LC. I am 6'1" and it was a stretch. Fortunately my 6'4" tall neighbor was outside in the midst of the struggle and I was able to rope him in.
• Barring a tall, bearded neighbor your best option may be to crib your rack off some rafters in your garage using some come-alongs, drive underneath, and lower it into place. Its not a time to cut corners.

 

[Tighe]

@ArnieC obviously we’d like to see the Viper!