Need a roof rack recomendation that's compatible with the carwash.

[jackajm]

Hey everyone,

I need a roof rack recommendation for one compatible with being taken through the car wash. Any suggestions? I like the CBI or Victory ones. Would those work? Is there something better?

 

[Aonarch]

A lot of people like the Prinsu. Personally they are all very similar designs, so not sure if one is better for car washes, which is a sore subject for me that I won't get into...

LFD has their rugged rails, which leverages the factory side rails, maybe that would be better.

 

[HVLA]

Hey everyone,

I need a roof rack recommendation for one compatible with being taken through the car wash. Any suggestions? I like the CBI or Victory ones. Would those work? Is there something better?

Why would any roof rack not be car wash safe? If you can go through with stock roof cross bars I would think a roof rack would be fine as well.

 

[McDuff123]

I’ve had a full-length Prinsu on my GX470 for 2+ years and have take it through multiple carwashes. No problems and the people working there have never said a word about it.

Side note, if you’re looking for that style of rack, I highly suggest you get one with the ability to adjust the location of your crossbars (Like Prinsu).
Some have slots that are only as wide as the crossbar, so you can’t slide the bar fore or aft. The Prinsu (and probably others) are designed so that every other slot is roughly 6” long. You can mount that crossbar anywhere in the “travel” zone.
Being able to place a crossbar exactly where you want or need it, or to customize its location relative to adjacent crossbars, is pretty important.

 

[r2m]

I have a Gamiviti: Lexus GX Racks — Gamiviti - https://www.gamiviti.com/gxracks
I chose this for several reasons:

1. It's one of the lowest designs. When in stalled, not any higher than the factory rack with cross bars.
2. It's completely flat for roof top tents and other gear.
3. Design it how you want it. Full length? Half? Fairing? Whatever.
4. Very sturdy. Six (6) mounting points to your roof.
5. Tim is truly great to work with and it's a very good product.
6. And personally I prefer the old school Camel Trophy Land Rover Defender style look of the rack.

 

[jonshonda]

If you are using a carwash with brushes then consider yourself banned from this group!!

 

[Banandalorian]

I've had my Prospeed roof rack since May 2021 and it has been great. I have no issues with anything related to leaks or squeaks or other wear and tear and it goes through a car wash just fine.

I know some of the roof racks require drilling additional mounting holes, the Prospeed and many others do not. If you are worried about leaks, get one that re-uses the factory mounting holes and seal everything correctly. I put some plumber's tape on the new mounting bolts in additional to sealing everything with silicone.

If you are worried about the rack causing issues with brushes and/or height, get the lowest profile that works for you. The Prospeed and Gamiviti are probably the lowest/shortest profile that I am aware of.

 

[r2m]

If you are using a carwash with brushes then consider yourself banned from this group!!

My wanting a low height was a concern more for parking garages.

 

[jonshonda]

My wanting a low height was a concern more for parking garages.

I think Wescott claims to have one of the lowest profile racks for the GX, which looks to be true based on their pics.

 

[Rednexus]

If you are using a carwash with brushes then consider yourself banned from this group!!

Agreed....auto-washes are terrible on clearcoat. And do a crappy job of getting a dirty rig clean anyway.

 

[LostLexus]

I think Wescott claims to have one of the lowest profile racks for the GX, which looks to be true based on their pics.

I have the Westcott rack and I’m very pleased with the build quality. Best of all there’s pretty much zero wind noise, and I didn’t notice a change in my MPG after installing it.

 

[r2m]

I have the Westcott rack and I’m very pleased with the build quality. Best of all there’s pretty much zero wind noise, and I didn’t notice a change in my MPG after installing it.

View attachment 3351277

View attachment 3351278

Those cross bars do look really low. Do they flex and touch the roof at all when a load is on them? Or is it more the perspective of the photo.

 

[LostLexus]

Those cross bars do look really low. Do they flex and touch the roof at all when a load is on them? Or is it more the perspective of the photo.

They sit close to the roof but do not touch even with me walking across putting my full weight (200ish lbs) on the crossbars. I don't buy their claim of increasing MPG, but I didn't notice a drop either.

 

[jonshonda]

They sit close to the roof but do not touch even with me walking across putting my full weight (200ish lbs) on the crossbars. I don't buy their claim of increasing MPG, but I didn't notice a drop either.

Good to know they don't touch. I think the wording is a bit misleading, as it might not impact MPG and other roof racks.

I had a Prinsu style on my GX470 and what I didn't like was the front fairing didn't have cutouts in the lower corners where the fairing met the roof, which seemed to trap tree debris and snow. It also seemed to modify how rain came off the windshield at certain times. These aren't deal breakers by any means, just observations. I went with a Victory 4x4 this time due to the cutouts in the corners of the fairing. I am sure it might be a bit louder with wind noise, but I like the "idea" of the self cleaning using the wind at higher speeds. I haven't received it yet, but will share how I like it vs the prinsu.

 

[mudwagon]

Second the Gamiviti option if you want a rack that can hold a LOT of weight. 600lbs of lumber at 50mph for a few miles home and did not flinch; you wont be able to do that with any of the assemble it yourself racks. Overall pretty happy with mine. The only thing I dislike is the incompatibility with straps and having to get accessories to do that, but I found a nice sleek solution off Amazon to bolt on the sides. No real impact to fuel economy, but there is more wind noise with the sunroof cover open, usually close that on the highway unless I'm really craving some sun.

 

[r2m]

Second the Gamiviti option if you want a rack that can hold a LOT of weight. 600lbs of lumber at 50mph for a few miles home and did not flinch; you wont be able to do that with any of the assemble it yourself racks. Overall pretty happy with mine. The only thing I dislike is the incompatibility with straps and having to get accessories to do that, but I found a nice sleek solution off Amazon to bolt on the sides. No real impact to fuel economy, but there is more wind noise with the sunroof cover open, usually close that on the highway unless I'm really craving some sun.

View attachment 3353487

Regarding tie-downs, When I was ordering my rack (some years ago), I suggested he add (weld) some small cleats along the side rail. All it would have to be is a 1/4" dia rod x 3" - 4" long bent at a 15° angle on both ends for a simple cleat. Add two or three to each side and that would work great for tie-downs.
Unfortunately Tim wasn't too keen on the idea, thus I wasn't able to get any on mine.
If more people let him know how easy cleats are to use and how simple to make and install, maybe he'll change his mind?

 

[nakman]

Regarding tie-downs, When I was ordering my rack (some years ago), I suggested he add (weld) some small cleats along the side rail. All it would have to be is a 1/4" dia rod x 3" - 4" long bent at a 15° angle on both ends for a simple cleat. Add two or three to each side and that would work great for tie-downs.
Unfortunately Tim wasn't too keen on the idea, thus I wasn't able to get any on mine.
If more people let him know how easy cleats are to use and how simple to make and install, maybe he'll change his mind?

I don't use cleats as I can generally get it all done with ratchet straps, simply wrapped around the bars. Our racks have very few sharp edges, making it somewhat inviting to grab on anywhere, or put a strap around anywhere, which is one of the appeals. But you knew that.

My only real beef with cleats is that they can get caught on stuff, like my sweatshirt sleeve, etc., and I also don't need to look like a contractor all the time. I've snagged myself with enough welded on cleats on truck ladders racks, enough to swear I'd never do that. But I could probably make a case for a bolt-on option though, for example it wouldn't be too difficult to create a new side gusset with 2 holes so that one could easily bolt on a cleat, and then take it off again. I can look into that if someone would be interested. thanks as always for the great comments!

 

[mudwagon]

I don't use cleats as I can generally get it all done with ratchet straps, simply wrapped around the bars. Our racks have very few sharp edges, making it somewhat inviting to grab on anywhere, or put a strap around anywhere, which is one of the appeals. But you knew that.

My only real beef with cleats is that they can get caught on stuff, like my sweatshirt sleeve, etc., and I also don't need to look like a contractor all the time. I've snagged myself with enough welded on cleats on truck ladders racks, enough to swear I'd never do that. But I could probably make a case for a bolt-on option though, for example it wouldn't be too difficult to create a new side gusset with 2 holes so that one could easily bolt on a cleat, and then take it off again. I can look into that if someone would be interested. thanks as always for the great comments!

If it were an option I would've ordered on mine! But also it's hard to visualize what you need until you have the rack and use it. I just got a few cleats I posted about a few posts above and they work great. Just installed in the holes where you mount the rack to, but you could totally install on the side holes. My issue with the side holes is my straps destroyed the coating in that area, so have to respray it due to road salt now. And the straps got very stuck one day and almost could not remove them. Only thing I would either prefer is a strap that fits around the tubing, but all the standard straps are too small.

 

[r2m]

I don't use cleats as I can generally get it all done with ratchet straps, simply wrapped around the bars. Our racks have very few sharp edges, making it somewhat inviting to grab on anywhere, or put a strap around anywhere, which is one of the appeals. But you knew that.

My only real beef with cleats is that they can get caught on stuff, like my sweatshirt sleeve, etc., and I also don't need to look like a contractor all the time. I've snagged myself with enough welded on cleats on truck ladders racks, enough to swear I'd never do that. But I could probably make a case for a bolt-on option though, for example it wouldn't be too difficult to create a new side gusset with 2 holes so that one could easily bolt on a cleat, and then take it off again. I can look into that if someone would be interested. thanks as always for the great comments!

Good to hear from you Tim!
Actually, as it turns out, since having purchased the rack, and lov'n it, I've had a full size iKamper RTT on it the entire time so as it turns out, I would not have used any cleats, so far. Some day my wife and I are planning getting an adventure trailer and drop the RTT on that, then it may open up for rack hauling.

Love the idea of having the option for some gussets/brackets that cleats (or proximity lights, awning, etc.) could mount to!

 

[JDUB fab]

I feel you on this one, probably the number one item I strap to the roof is lumber. (Currently gut renovating a house)
I bought the rig with a steel Ironman platform rack, wasn’t a fan, had a big tube step up in the front, wasn’t flat thus couldn’t load sheet goods or dimensional lumber on top. I sold the platform and kept roof rails and mounted some stout aluminum rectabgular tube I had laying around, didn’t even have to cut it down! While this is burley, it’s not the final solution as I am designing a prinsu style rack to go on eventually (low on the list). I hadn’t heard of Wescott I’ll look into it in terms of design ideas. My current setup definitly makes some wind noise and probably cut my MPG. Definitly need a faring lol. For reference those are 2x10x14fts.