New Front Runner Rack Mounting System for 100 Series...

[rob1171]

rob1171,
It does look nice on the truck.
I really had my heart set on a Front runner rack but the last time I talked to Brian at Front Runner, which was about a month ago now, he said the new longer racks were not on the manifest for the container currently in route from S. Africa (which takes 8 week to get to the U.S.). And as a matter of fact he said the engineers hadn't even started working on the new longer design yet.
So now we're looking at maybe near the end of the year for delivery.....if it happens at all.

Unfortunately that would not fit into my travel plan time frame and since I definitely needed a longer length rack I bailed from Front Runner and went ahead a purchased an Eezi-Awn 2.2 meter (86.6") K9 rack form Equipt.

Sorry Front Runner, but you LET ME DOWN.

I already have the K9 rack installed and am in the process of building it up, making brackets for the Foxwing awning, brackets for accessories, etc.. I have a CVT Mt Shasta being delivered in about 3 weeks and once I get that mounted on the rack I can get everything else arranged and placed where they fit best on the rack.

So far so good - this was the first real trip with the rack and I couldn't be happier. Looking to go with the Front Runner light bar when the $$$ comes available. Also, I just ordered the bike accessory for the rack as the Thule 4-Bike hitch rack extends out way to far for me.

 

[rob1171]

On Monday I went to front runner in agora hills, ca and picked up the remainder of my roof rack accessories. This includes a roof top tent, 2.5m awning, brackets for both, and jerry can mount. I also managed to install the roof rack. View attachment 1061733View attachment 1061734

While I was there I met with Bryan and Steve. They are both great and have exceptional customer service skills. I think it's them personally but front runner as a company as well. Because of this thread Bryan has been working with the home office in South Africa which is manufacturing extensions for the new designed rails and an 8" extension for the roof rack. This should alleviate all the concerns about he size change. I should be receiving those parts in a few months and will update my post at that time.

As far as this rack install goes. I had to Dremel out 4 holes in my rain gutter. The middle attachment requires three bolts and the stock roof rack comes with two so that had to be extended. Also these current rails and the future roof rack rails use a hidden set of bolts that need to be opened up under the rain gutter. They are about a foot behind the most forward attachment point on the stock roof rack. All together the install job would have taken about 1.5 hrs, but because I had no idea about the mounting bolt locations it took me about 4 including research.

Front runner assures me that they will update the instructions to reflect USA spec land cruisers to make install easier. I'll update more pics when my cruiser is out of the shop.

How has the Roof Top Tent worked out for you? I am looking to get one.

 

[Ed B]

I like the new mounting system but unfortunately for me, I will have to wait for the longer option. I enjoy my sun roof and was going to leave a couple of the slats out that covered it. Looks the end of the current rack stops about 3/4 of the way over the sun roof. Worth waiting for me. Glad the new mounting system appears to be working out.

 

[Bloomer]

@sdnative.....Not sure, that was just my understanding from talking with them. I actually have the old mounting system, they had 1 left in stock when I was ordering. These (comments in my last post) were things we discussed when I was contemplating whether to go with the old or new mounting system. My ultimate decision to go with the old mounting system came down to having side access, not necessarily having the longer roof rack.

As for wind noise with the old mounting system, I virtually have no more than with the OEM roof rack (with sunroof closed). There is more with the sunroof open, but I never use the sunroof so it's a nonissue for me.

Just wanting to comment that it seemed like they were trying to respond to feedback and improve the product by making the change to the mounting system. They were also amazingly helpful throughout the install process.

 

[Bomar]

What amount of wind noise does everyone have now that the rack stops midway on the sunroof?

 

[rob1171]

I have very little if any.

What amount of wind noise does everyone have now that the rack stops midway on the sunroof?

Very little - but I have the wind deflector in place. I love this rack, it's versatility is amazing and looks great on the vehicle. I've had many, many comments.

 

[climberoleg]

How has the Roof Top Tent worked out for you? I am looking to get one.

Rob1171,
I personally think the roof top tent is great but I have nothing to compare it to. I did have an issue with my first one tearing at one of the inside windows, but the guys at fr had no issues replacing it for me, but I live in Southern California and getting it replaced was not an issue. Overall the tent looks like any other "budget" rtt on the market and works similar. The height of it on the truck is great it is obviously shorter than anything out there. So in conclusion If you want a lower budget rtt I think this one is a winner.

 

[rob1171]

Rob1171,
I personally think the roof top tent is great but I have nothing to compare it to. I did have an issue with my first one tearing at one of the inside windows, but the guys at fr had no issues replacing it for me, but I live in Southern California and getting it replaced was not an issue. Overall the tent looks like any other "budget" rtt on the market and works similar. The height of it on the truck is great it is obviously shorter than anything out there. So in conclusion If you want a lower budget rtt I think this one is a winner.

Would you mind posting pics of the Awning and the RTT on your rack?

 

[climberoleg]

 

[climberoleg]

This one has all my fr accessories in one picture plus some off road posing.

 

[rob1171]

That looks awesome!

 

[climberoleg]

Thanks

 

[btbowie]

Did the new, longer rack ever surface? Still shows 52"x77" on the site. I was looking at ordering but not 100% into the rack stopping 3/4 of the way into the sunroof area. Frontrunner fits the bill every single other way so still might pull the trigger but thought I'd check in.

 

[Bomar]

Yes just call them. I got one a few weeks ago.

 

[btbowie]

Yes just call them. I got one a few weeks ago.

Nice! Great to hear, thanks for the info.

 

[fisherman978]

just wondering if theres a side by side pictures of the full length 100 series and the new model shorter one. trying to decide on size. thanks so much

 

[Kiwi in Alaska]

Anyone who ordered the 85 length have a picture they posted?

 

[implayaz9]

Does anyone know if the front runner /Prinsu accessories can be install on either racks?

 

[LTrain0800]

How high above the roof does the Frontrunner sit? Judging from the above picture it is noticeably higher.

 

[2manycruisers]

Did the new, longer rack ever surface? Still shows 52"x77" on the site. I was looking at ordering but not 100% into the rack stopping 3/4 of the way into the sunroof area. Frontrunner fits the bill every single other way so still might pull the trigger but thought I'd check in.

Yes just call them. I got one a few weeks ago.

Anyone had luck with this recently? FR is one rack I'm considering but don't like the shorter length. I inquired about a longer version through the Contact link on the website. I received a reply that an extension can be added but they don't recommend it and won't warranty the rack with it because the extra length is not supported.