Roof Rack Recommendation

[1world1love]

Did you both use the “ppf” tape FR provided between the rubber strip and your roof?

No, I didn’t. It was too narrow to seem worth fooling with. I’m also not sure it’s completely necessary. I’ll check on it in a couple of weeks and if it looks like it is rubbing, I may get a clear wrap that covers that whole area between the windshield and the sunroof.

Honestly, it’s a truck and between all the dust, rock chips, and tree branch scratches, I’m not sure it’s something I’ll worry about too much.

I will take it off every now and then when I get the truck waxed.

 

[1world1love]

I installed the FR fairing as well, and one other tip to throw out here - adjust some of those bolts from inside with the sunroof open. I used one hand/arm to serpentine around to the front of the fairing, pressed down to remove the wrinkles, then tightened those bolts with my other hand working my way across. There's only 4 bolts IIRC but opening the sunroof and adjusting from the inside worked really well.

Yeah, I should have mentioned that part too. I’d say this isn’t even optional as I’m not sure I could have done it any other way.

 

[Harp123]

I originally had significant wind noise and vibration with the default deflectors. I had to adjust them so that there was about a .5 inch gap in the middle. This really helped, although not to the point that I could ride with the sunroof open as the deflector does actually deflect right into the sunroof area unfortunately. Another issue is that it would be relatively fine under normal circumstances, if there were strong crosswinds, the vibrations got so bad that I thought my sunroof was going to pop out.

I have since switched to the newer fairing. While it is expensive and frankly should be included with the rack by default, it actually helped tremendously. It is actually quieter now than it was with the OEM bars and I can pretty comfortably ride with the sunroof open at reasonable speeds. Again, at least as much as with the oem bars.

View attachment 2230027

Okay then...I did not know this was available. This was not an option at the time of my installation on the 80 series. Mmm, makes me ponder the ideal that FR was indeed aware of the stock deflector issues. Thanks for posting this information.

 

[Harp123]

I originally had significant wind noise and vibration with the default deflectors. I had to adjust them so that there was about a .5 inch gap in the middle. This really helped, although not to the point that I could ride with the sunroof open as the deflector does actually deflect right into the sunroof area unfortunately. Another issue is that it would be relatively fine under normal circumstances, if there were strong crosswinds, the vibrations got so bad that I thought my sunroof was going to pop out.

I have since switched to the newer fairing. While it is expensive and frankly should be included with the rack by default, it actually helped tremendously. It is actually quieter now than it was with the OEM bars and I can pretty comfortably ride with the sunroof open at reasonable speeds. Again, at least as much as with the oem bars.

View attachment 2230027

If you have any other photos (from a distance) of the rack from the side and front, could you post them. Thanks

 

[1world1love]

If you have any other photos (from a distance) of the rack from the side and front, could you post them. Thanks

Hey. Sorry I missed this. Here are a few (sorry for all the pollen):

 

[Harp123]

Thanks

 

[Supra88]

Do you recall the part number for the FR wind deflector? Did you purchase it directly from FR?

 

[catastrofe]

Do you recall the part number for the FR wind deflector? Did you purchase it directly from FR?

Here’s a link to the various optional fairings offered by FR:

Search results for: 'Fairing'

Adventure gear for vehicles, including roof racks, roof rack accessories, tents, water tanks, camping gear, recovery equipment and more.

www.frontrunneroutfitters.com

This model is sized for the rack on my 2019:

Wind Fairing for Rack / 1165mm/1255mm(W) - by Front Runner

Make a statement and change the standard Front Runner rack Wind Deflector to this bold Front Runner Wind Fairing. Quickly mounts to the front of your roof rack to help move air over large rack loads and accessories, while reducing wind noise at high speeds.

www.frontrunneroutfitters.com

 

[livebetter36]

We have the frontrunner on our LX and really like it. I like all the available attachments for it, although many are pricey and not worth it imo. The 2 we have bought are the ladder brackets to hold our telescoping ladder in place and the kayak/canoe mounting brackets. It does a great job of securing the canoe with minimal effort.

Sorry to dredge up an old post but I am considering a FR on my ‘17 LX. Did your LX have the flush factory bars? I am looking for some hints at how to remove them / install a rack.

 

[grinchy]

Builds - Mountain Goat '18LX build thread

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[kcruiser200]

maybe I missed it .... but does the OEM rubber weather striping on the roof need to come off and stay off on the slimline II once its installed?? And if so, any concerns about potential roof leaks or corrosion??

 

[kcruiser200]

My rubber strips have been missing ever since the roof vinyl guys lost them. No leaks. But I only have OEM rack.

You mean you vinyled your roof ?? any specific reasons why ?? as in bird droppings?? chip protection?? The reason I was asking is when I finally convince wifey about getting the rig, we may land up needing a roof rack during our yearly road trips. We do not travel light and between a family of 4, a 130lb dog the luggage area of her LR4 is barely enough. Given that the LC has a smaller area (do not want to remove the third row, we land up using it way too often when my parents visit), I may need additional luggage storage options. I was hoping that I don't need to cut the OEM weather striping off OR if it needs to be removed then it comes off in 1 piece. That way, when I need the rack, I can remove it in-toto to install the rack and the put it back on when I take the rack off. Not really a fan of leaving a rack on there permanantly due to the mileage penalty since we do commute a lot for work too on a daily basis.

 

[coleAK]

You mean you vinyled your roof ?? any specific reasons why ?? as in bird droppings?? chip protection?? The reason I was asking is when I finally convince wifey about getting the rig, we may land up needing a roof rack during our yearly road trips. We do not travel light and between a family of 4, a 130lb dog the luggage area of her LR4 is barely enough. Given that the LC has a smaller area (do not want to remove the third row, we land up using it way too often when my parents visit), I may need additional luggage storage options. I was hoping that I don't need to cut the OEM weather striping off OR if it needs to be removed then it comes off in 1 piece. That way, when I need the rack, I can remove it in-toto to install the rack and the put it back on when I take the rack off. Not really a fan of leaving a rack on there permanantly due to the mileage penalty since we do commute a lot for work too on a daily basis.

Just do a yakama rail grab on the OEM rails with wide cross bars and a box or 2. Like I mentioned a while ago on this thread. I have a ‘13 LX with that set up and regularly haul: two cargo boxes with up to 14 pairs of skis or full of gold prospecting gear, set net/dip net fishing gear, two 10’ duck/mud boats, bikes, a 14’ John boat, or a huge touring canoe.

Best part is the rails go on and off in 5min and store easily. The double box set up takes ~15 min to install or take off with one of my kids helping, slightly longer by myself.

As per the weather stripping mine fell off within the first year or so. I replaced it the first time, fell off again and haven’t replaced. I’ve been without for at least 5 years with no issues.

 

[catastrofe]

You mean you vinyled your roof ?? any specific reasons why ?? as in bird droppings?? chip protection?? The reason I was asking is when I finally convince wifey about getting the rig, we may land up needing a roof rack during our yearly road trips. We do not travel light and between a family of 4, a 130lb dog the luggage area of her LR4 is barely enough. Given that the LC has a smaller area (do not want to remove the third row, we land up using it way too often when my parents visit), I may need additional luggage storage options. I was hoping that I don't need to cut the OEM weather striping off OR if it needs to be removed then it comes off in 1 piece. That way, when I need the rack, I can remove it in-toto to install the rack and the put it back on when I take the rack off. Not really a fan of leaving a rack on there permanantly due to the mileage penalty since we do commute a lot for work too on a daily basis.

To the best of my knowledge, the rubber stripping is not a weather seal. When I installed my Frontrunner Slimline, the stripping did not form a water tight seal on the OEM rails, nor does it do so for the FR rack. I've had no water intrusion, and I live in Tampa where heavy downpours are very common.

Edit: I have a 2019 LC 200, not an LX.

 

[kcruiser200]

Just do a yakama rail grab on the OEM rails with wide cross bars and a box or 2. Like I mentioned a while ago on this thread. I have a ‘13 LX with that set up and regularly haul: two cargo boxes with up to 14 pairs of skis or full of gold prospecting gear, set net/dip net fishing gear, two 10’ duck/mud boats, bikes, a 14’ John boat, or a huge touring canoe.

Best part is the rails go on and off in 5min and store easily. The double box set up takes ~15 min to install or take off with one of my kids helping, slightly longer by myself.

As per the weather stripping mine fell off within the first year or so. I replaced it the first time, fell off again and haven’t replaced. I’ve been without for at least 5 years with no issues.

Hmm.... something to think about!! thx!!

 

[kcruiser200]

To the best of my knowledge, the rubber stripping is not a weather seal. When I installed my Frontrunner Slimline, the stripping did not form a water tight seal on the OEM rails, nor does it do so for the FR rack. I've had no water intrusion, and I live in Tampa where heavy downpours are very common.

Edit: I have a 2019 LC 200, not an LX.

this is good to know!! always thought that the roof top rubber stripping was for additional sealing purposes!!

 

[grinchy]

this is good to know!! always thought that the roof top rubber stripping was for additional sealing purposes!!

Yeah it's totally cosmetic. I have only a couple pieces left and no leaks. The water intrusion points are the 16 bolt holes for the roof rack, and the windshield.

 

[kcruiser200]

Yeah it's totally cosmetic. I have only a couple pieces left and no leaks. The water intrusion points are the 16 bolt holes for the roof rack, and the windshield.

assuming this should not be a problem if installed correctly per instructions?? The frontrunner website says that no drilling required and mounts to the existing attachment points, even for their full length rack. IF drilling is required, then that would be a non starter for me.....

 

[Cokecan79]

Hey. Sorry I missed this. Here are a few (sorry for all the pollen):

View attachment 2235245View attachment 2235246View attachment 2235247View attachment 2235248

Out of curiosity what landed you on the FR? I only ask because I’m going to purchase a rack soon and I keep toggling between the Frontrunner and the Prinsu. I like the low profile of the prinsu and the accessory options with the FR. How much clearance roughly would you say you had if the top of the awning was flush to the top of the rack? I wanted to mount a larger hard shell RTT (ikamper 2.0, roofnest condor xl) and a 270 awning. The rtt overhangs both racks by a few inches on either side, it appears like I will need to mount the awning just below the rtt and I was concerned about it hitting the vehicle body.

 

[Cruisin911]

Out of curiosity what landed you on the FR? I only ask because I’m going to purchase a rack soon and I keep toggling between the Frontrunner and the Prinsu. I like the low profile of the prinsu and the accessory options with the FR. How much clearance roughly would you say you had if the top of the awning was flush to the top of the rack? I wanted to mount a larger hard shell RTT (ikamper 2.0, roofnest condor xl) and a 270 awning. The rtt overhangs both racks by a few inches on either side, it appears like I will need to mount the awning just below the rtt and I was concerned about it hitting the vehicle body.

I've got the Prinsu rack on my 200 and use a bunch of the FR accessories. You can mount anything to the Prinsu with a 0.25" carriage bolt. Ive run an RTT, maxtrax, roof boxes, etc....

I am not 100% sure about your specific application but everything I have done mounts to the top of the cross bars. I haven't run into anything yet that I can't mount to this thing and the low profile nature of it helps me fit it into the garage during the winter. If you need measurements or anything, just let me know.