Roof Rack Options

[JDWCruiserMS]

I’ve got a Charcoal Grey 2002 LX. My roof rack has given way to the Texas sun after 16 years. Sun faded, paint gone, and gaskets crumbling. What are my options? I don’t particularly want to spend $1000 on a rack. I’m not opposed to replacing the stock rack with another or refurbishing the one I have if I can. I’d like to find a cost effective rack I could put a rooftop tent on. Anybody have any tutelage they’d me filling to pass along... or a check stock rack!

 

[Luke111]

I’ve got a Charcoal Grey 2002 LX. My roof rack has given way to the Texas sun after 16 years. Sun faded, paint gone, and gaskets crumbling. What are my options? I don’t particularly want to spend $1000 on a rack. I’m not opposed to replacing the stock rack with another or refurbishing the one I have if I can. I’d like to find a cost effective rack I could put a rooftop tent on. Anybody have any tutelage they’d me filling to pass along... or a check stock rack!

This might be an option... 3 Cross Bars from Rhino Rack

#JA9589 - Vortex RCH Black 3 Bar Roof Rack | Rhino-Rack

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

This might be an option... 3 Cross Bars from Rhino Rack

#JA9589 - Vortex RCH Black 3 Bar Roof Rack | Rhino-Rack

I like this! Has anybody ever used one?

 

[TXLX100]

I make simple cross bars that work with factory rack, specifically for mounting tents (if you don't need a full roof rack for other uses). PM me, I can send you my website or DIY ideas.

 

[Ayune]

I like this! Has anybody ever used one?

The Rhino Rack option is good & strong, but they require you to use the more-rearward front mounting points: There’s a fourth set of mounting points hidden under the rail trim in line with the rear of the sunroof opening. They claim this is a stronger mounting location than the points located mid-sunroof that the OEM rack uses. The bolt pattern is slightly different so their feet can’t be simply mounted to the front-most locations. You’ll have to pull up the trim and toss it (no biggie and easier than cutting new holes) and plug the front holes with screws.

What this means is the rails end up closer together front-to-back so you get a narrower footprint for your RTT and anything else you plan to put up there. May not matter for you but I had to figure this all out myself and it’s not obvious from their literature.

In the end I got a Gaviviti for canoe & lumber hauling for slightly more $$. No regrets.

- Jim