Roof rack decision, flat or basket? Pro's vs Con's

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AATLAS1X

AATLAS1X

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I have never used a roof rack, myself and a friend are in the market but would like solid advise from both owners and experiance on them both.

He is a MIL contractor and a moments notice toss all his gear, fuel, shovel, axe, water, go bags ans such ect ect ect and go.

I however would like a RTT and be able to carry fuel and other cases like pelican up front.


Looking into a MULE and others.


Also would want fuel can mounts, axe, shovel and other items such as lights to bolt up to rack.

Sell me on each with pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.


Shane
mule top.webp
mule side.webp
mule corner.webp
 
I went with the Front Runner rack. For me I like the lower profile of the rail-less rack. It provides more options for me and less wind drag/noise when unladen. It also helped with Fernando (CampingLab) having them at a discount with free freight. And it is a very stout rack!

Having said that I like the looks of the AO rack. But its quite a bit more $ and no USA dealer right now. In the end, due to the price difference, it wouldn't have been my choice anyway.
 
Shane, here's my build thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/163919-roof-rack-build.html. It sounds like you have different needs, but I think you should build whatever you need, the way you want it. My roof rack cost me ~$350 in materials. I got exactly what I wanted. If I would have bought a rack, it woulda been ~$1,000 or more and not exactly what I wanted. My .02

Nick
 
I'll def go with a flat style any day..over a basket.

Flat style lets you haul just about anything on top as supposed to basket and they wind noise is waaaay less.

my $0.02
 
Shane,

I started the process of installing the Front Runner on my 100 yesterday and I'm still wrestling with it. If I'd have known what a total RPITA this thing was going to be to install I wouldn't have bought it. I can only hope the AO is better constructed and easier to install, square up and adjust. If so that explains the price difference!

Dan
 
If you want a roof top tent you are best to go with a flat rack, lower placement which will help with fuel efficiency as well as your COG will be higher with it mounted on a basket not to mention access to your items when stored in the basket with the RTT mounted.

IMO baskets are really only good for getting in the way since you still have to secure everything anyway.
 
spressomon said:
Shane,

I started the process of installing the Front Runner on my 100 yesterday and I'm still wrestling with it. If I'd have known what a total RPITA this thing was going to be to install I wouldn't have bought it. I can only hope the AO is better constructed and easier to install, square up and adjust. If so that explains the price difference!

Dan
Click to expand...

What's the problem with the rack? Mine went on with no problems.

I really like how lightweight and strong it is. Also, the flat deck design makes it easy to carry big/wide loads.
2009-Rack 003 (Large).webp
2009-Rack 004 (Large).webp
 
Dave...are the feet/attachment points part of the Front Runner package?
 
MANUCHAO said:
I'll def go with a flat style any day..over a basket.

Flat style lets you haul just about anything on top as supposed to basket and they wind noise is waaaay less.

my $0.02
Click to expand...


Agreed - I have the Front Runner as well with the Large RTT from Camp Lab. Very versatile. I haul a canoe up there too, for me the basket would just get in the way. If you want the best of both worlds you might look at a Hannibal Rack, it's pretty much the same as the front runner but I believe they have sides you can put on to make a basket when needed.
 
davegonz said:
What's the problem with the rack? Mine went on with no problems.

I really like how lightweight and strong it is. Also, the flat deck design makes it easy to carry big/wide loads.
Click to expand...


Dave,

I finally got it on. I needed to drill a hole and countersink into each rail for the missing hole in the middle tower location of each rail. No big deal...I just expected it to fit since its a 100 series specific rail system. Yoter100 relayed he had to do the same to his...

Also I can't reposition the rack, front to back, without taking the vertical risers that attach to the rails completely apart: There is not quite enough vertical clearance for the special 'flat' nuts that reside inside the rail channel. That would have helped me a ton! The rail channel ID just needs to be about 1-2mm taller to make it right.

Now that it is on I'm happy with it.
 
Yeah, that's the only thing I didn't like. The AO mounting feet were way easier to access and made repositioning easier. It's not a big deal once you get it positioned where you want it.

Here's a pic of the Tradesman rack I used to have mounted via AO feet and the AO aluminum channels. As you can see, the bolts attaching the feet to the aluminum channel are outside and easily accessible.

attachment.php
 
I saw Gary at MudRack do a custom crossbar on a 110 basket for an Autohome RTT. The basket was still useable for surf boards, sand ladders (dont know their official name) and other stuff.

Since Autohome hard shell RTTs do not fold in half, a basket was nice so that more crap can be accomodated up there. If you are going with the soft sided models, you can get away with the flat racks and have room up front for stuff...

I am partial to the hard shell RTT for the ease of use. I've tried both types... My clients also like renting the hard shell tents 10 to 1 over my soft RTTs.
 
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