Roof basket or roof rack for 80 series

[pavell]

in 2024 what is the best quality roof rack for an 80 series ? I’ve been looking at a prinsu but it does not look like the attachment points are as well designed as others.

Also what about a roof basket ? GOBI ?

Would like recommendations thanks !

 

[arthog]

Gamiviti racks I think are the best. I have one on my 55. Mine is fully custom but they offer more standard racks, too. they even have a basket option. the attachment brackets a supper strong and well designed. there are several accessory attachments also.

 

[jkl72-40]

Im in the same boat... Am looking to add a rack for general purpose and a 270 awning

 

[greentruck]

I really like the Bowfin Cruisers rack on my LX. It's similar to the Prinsu and many accessories fit or can be adapted. The feet are good and sturdy. They are a bit hard to source, though. When available, they're posted on the webpage on Wednesdays from what I've heard. Then they go fast and what you usually see is Out of Stock. I got mine by buying the truck under it, as it was owned by the sister of the Bowfin Cruisers owner.

One thing I didn't like about the BC, the Prinsu, and similar designs is how there is virtually no inside lip above the crossbars. I drilled a series of holes one inch below the slots that the crossbars usually mount in. This will require that the roof skids originally installed on the roof underneath the port installed Toyota rack be removed, if present. Here's a view:

While the rack mfgs like to sell all kinds of special tiedowns to secure loads to the crossbars and strapping things down will secure them, I prefer to start with having a substantial lip to keep stuff from sliding off. The roughly 1/4" you typically find just doesn't satisfy me. This is particularly the case with rack loads subjected to being tossed back and forth on the trail.

 

[Brindleboxer]

Although the lower roof line of the newer racks is nice, especially if you have clearance issues to getting into your garage, I tend to like the old school looking racks with actual side rails. Like @greentruck said, the benefit of being able to know the load is secured outweighs my desire to have the new hottness.

FYI, I have an old Inti rack.

 

[Fosters]

Still happy with my INTI…

 

[80t0ylc]

in 2024 what is the best quality roof rack for an 80 series ? I’ve been looking at a prinsu but it does not look like the attachment points are as well designed as others.

Also what about a roof basket ? GOBI ?

Would like recommendations thanks !

What do you want or expect to carry? Remember, recommended roof loads usually are limited to around 100 lbs to, in some cases, 250 lbs. A few reasons for this besides actual roof strength. Center of gravity concerns and also difficulty of access to items carried on the rack or in the basket.

I really like the Bowfin Cruisers rack on my LX. It's similar to the Prinsu and many accessories fit or can be adapted. The feet are good and sturdy. They are a bit hard to source, though. When available, they're posted on the webpage on Wednesdays from what I've heard. Then they go fast and what you usually see is Out of Stock. I got mine by buying the truck under it, as it was owned by the sister of the Bowfin Cruisers owner.

One thing I didn't like about the BC, the Prinsu, and similar designs is how there is virtually no inside lip above the crossbars. I drilled a series of holes one inch below the slots that the crossbars usually mount in. This will require that the roof skids originally installed on the roof underneath the port installed Toyota rack be removed, if present. Here's a view:

While the rack mfgs like to sell all kinds of special tiedowns to secure loads to the crossbars and strapping things down will secure them, I prefer to start with having a substantial lip to keep stuff from sliding off. The roughly 1/4" you typically find just doesn't satisfy me. This is particularly the case with rack loads subjected to being tossed back and forth on the trail.

I had more difficulty attaching my RTT with my Prinsu, than with the Yakima bars I originally had. The clamps that hold the tent to the rack require some vertical room to access between roof and rack bars. You may not be interested in a RTT, but it would be almost impossible to attach a RTT to your modified rack, with traditional RTT mounting methods. Nice mod otherwise and agree that it would give more peace of mind to have the taller lip.

 

[jpoole]

It sounds like you want a platform rack of some sort and if that's your focus others will be of more help than I can be.

If you are looking for options beyond larger platform racks then I'll throw out that I think a two bar (Yakima / Thule) type of rack has a lot of benefits and is where I've settled after having different types of racks (including larger/platform racks) over the years.

• a bar type of rack is easy to remove/install (can be removed solo in just a few minutes) and store and since most of us only use a roof rack occasionally this can be important
  • my 80 likely has a rack on it, in various configurations, a good bit less than 50% of the time
• this type of rack is very flexible and easily supports a variety of attachments or loads since they can be moved around/etc.
  • I most often use the roof rack for a large roof-top box which offers very useful/secure (lockable) storage that keeps things dry/etc. A box is a great place to throw loose or dirty/wet items that you don't want inside or larger/bulky but lightweight items when you have a full interior.
  • I've hauled larger materials, bikes, etc. on the two roof bars that I have.
  • I avoid putting much weight on the roof at any point so the two bars are always sufficient in terms of weight capacity.

Ultimately I try to avoid having anything on the roof of the 80.

• Lower center of gravity means better handling and less likely to roll over
• Clean roof allows access to more parking options (garages/etc.) and clearance for pull-through/drive-throughs, etc.
• Less noise at speed
• Better fuel mileage/range

I also have a cargo carrier that mounts to the rear 2" hitch receiver which I don't use often but find very useful when it's needed. The cargo carrier can safely handle more weight than the roof rack (I also have airbags for when it's loaded down) and is great for carrying heavier items that you don't want inside the 80. It's lower so it's easier to get heavy stuff on/off and safer since they won't go flying around inside the 80 in an accident. I've moved stuff like tires/wheels, transmissions, bags of dirt, etc. on the hitch rack and think it's a great accessory for the 80.

I'll also throw out that a cargo cover for the interior that can cover just the rear of the truck or further forward when the seats are down can be a useful expansion of an 80s utility. This is sort of like a sturdy blanket that is form fitted and is great for dog hauling or moving dirty stuff inside the 80 with minimal cleanup after.

Good luck figuring out what's best for your purposes.

 

[greentruck]

What do you want or expect to carry? Remember, recommended roof loads usually are limited to around 100 lbs to, in some cases, 250 lbs. A few reasons for this besides actual roof strength. Center of gravity concerns and also difficulty of access to items carried on the rack or in the basket.

I had more difficulty attaching my RTT with my Prinsu, than with the Yakima bars I originally had. The clamps that hold the tent to the rack require some vertical room to access between roof and rack bars. You may not be interested in a RTT, but it would be almost impossible to attach a RTT to your modified rack, with traditional RTT mounting methods. Nice mod otherwise and agree that it would give more peace of mind to have the taller lip.

Yeah, a RTT attachment would be trickier with the mod I made. Got no plans for one. However, if you did want to mount one from time to time (as opposed to permanently) on q rack modded like I did, you could just raise the specific bars needed for the RTT mounting points and reinstall them in the original slots.

Just returned from a trip to High Rock Bay in the UP. I didn't weigh it, but I'm sure I had around 300 to 400 lbs up there. I was concerned about effects on handling. While I'm sure that emergency handling would be significantly impacted, normal operation saw virtually no effects. Just gotta remember that stuff is up there, which is helped by a small card I slip in above the instrument cluster with a note reminding me I need at least 8' of clearance. With an unloaded rack, I have about 1/2" clearance to get in the garage. With it loaded......well, don't try this at home. Started using the rack for shorter trips into the boonies because, while I love my M101 CDN, it still a trailer that needs drug around.

 

[CharlieS]

I have a Gamiviti on my 200 and an old ARB on the 80. With Gamiviti you can get all kinds of customization and they are very well made. I have mine rails down so I can easily carry full 4'x8' sheet goods. On the other hand the ARB was cheap (used) and functional. I primarily carry bulky stuff on it like maxtrax, hi-lift jack, and on occasion a large tent.

 

[greentruck]

I have a Gamiviti on my 200 and an old ARB on the 80. With Gamiviti you can get all kinds of customization and they are very well made. I have mine rails down so I can easily carry full 4'x8' sheet goods.SNIP

One thing I really like about my Bowfin Cruisers rack is that (like the Prinsu, IIRC) it's wide enough (51"?) that a 4x8 sheet slips right in. There is a little overhang at the rear, but very easy to tie that down. I can even get in the garage with several sheets now that I've lowered those crossbars.

 

[bicycleagent003]

I think the Ironman alloy roof racks are a good value and a good product. I know some people have a negative opinion of Ironman products, I don't share that view. Also, their alloy roof racks are a gunmetal gray which is a nice alternative to the black racks which dominate the market. Finally, the Ironman racks have a mesh bottom so you have infinite attachment points, you can walk on them if you want to, and they are very stout for their weight. They always have sales, I'm sure a Black Friday sale will happen next month. I recommend checking them out.

 

[MarlinCrawler]

Our full-length roof rack, for the 1990-1997 80 Series Land Cruiser (1996-1997 Lexus LX450), 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. Explore more and worry less with our industry-leading 1/4” thick aircraft-grade aluminum side panels and 3/16″ steel gutter mounts. Secure your gear by bolting into one of the 10 extrusion crossbars or by strapping it directly to the side plates. This rack is “drill-free” and requires zero modification to your vehicle. Our rugged gutter mounts, provide superior strength and easy installation.
This rack comes standard with a black textured powder coat finish, black anodized crossbars, and black oxide stainless steel hardware.
What’s included:
(2) Sideplates
(10) Crossbars
(8) Gutter Mounts
(1) Fairing with Edge Trim
All required hardware for assembly
Weight
~ 60 lbs.
Crossbars
10×52″
Rack Dimensions
92”x52-1/2”x2”*
Load Rating
300 lbs. Dynamic
700 lbs. Static

 

[80t0ylc]

One thing I really like about my Bowfin Cruisers rack is that (like the Prinsu, IIRC) it's wide enough (51"?) that a 4x8 sheet slips right in. There is a little overhang at the rear, but very easy to tie that down. I can even get in the garage with several sheets now that I've lowered those crossbars.

You reminded me by saying about the width of your Bowfin and carrying a sheet of plywood, what I did with my Prinsu (being they're almost identical in looks and size, except mounting methods). One of the benefits that my hardshell RTT provided was moisture and sun protection for my roof and sun roof. So after I sold my RTT I was concerned about the exposure to the weather of my aging sun roof seal. I got a 4 x 8 sheet of diamond plate aluminum and fitted it to my rack. I only had to trim the length for it to fit. I also made a joint so I can remove it above the sun roof temporarily, if desired. The protection benefits of the RTT returned, plus I can stand or even sleep on it (under the stars) if I dare. Or even store gear, like the rack was designed...lol. Here's a couple of pics for clarity:

 

[greentruck]

Nice work there. Some folks use their racks for viewing or videoing platforms and this is a great solution for that, also.

A potential improvements would be to slot that sheet in places so that a strap hook could be used in the middle of that sheet. These probably wouldn't be primary tiedowns, because the AL might bend, but would help tidy up some of the strapping if needed.