Roof Rack Suggestions

[Simplespirit]

I took my LC camping for the first time Labor Day weekend. Everything fit fine inside, but that only left a marginal amount of room for our 3 dogs so I'd like to move some of the camping equipment to the roof on future trips. If I just throw a basket on the OEM roof I would have to remove it every time I need to pull in my shop for maintenance work (low door height). Bajarack was my initial go to but they are 3+ months out on Expo/Flat racks. RhinoRack is the next cheapest that is readily available I think, then FrontRunner, Eezi-Awn, and last Gobi. Gamiviti is out because their closest shipping receiver is over two hours from me. Am I missing anyone?

I think I'm mostly between Rhino, FrontRunner, and Eezi-Awn unless I'm missing someone. Noise is some concern - if the bar orientation makes any difference. I won't be carrying an RTT and unless on a trip it'll mostly be empty.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sdnative]

Couple of Yakima load bars and a hard case? The bars are low profile and the box can be removed when not being used.

 

[Battleship]

Maybe one of the individual fabricators: Roof Rack For Toyota Land Cruiser by BIO, or check out Trail Tailor @reevesci

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

In the next week or so, once the tube arrives, I will be making a new rack for my 100. Lower profile than what I've made in the past.

Always happy to make one-offs (within reason)

Also, I will be having another free shipping special in a few weeks to boot. Working out the details with my freight carrier now.

J

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Very happy with my Frontrunner...not a cheap piece of equipment, but its a great rack!

 

[nnnnnate]

I'd drive a couple hours each way to pick up my Gamiviti. Figure out how to make it an adventure. Its exactly what I had hoped it would be and Tim was great to talk me through some of the options while I was making up my mind.

 

[randomquickness]

I use a cargo carrier on factory cross bars. It's super easy to put on and take off if you have a 2nd person to help. That being said, i don't garage it and if you do some wheeling in the woods it would probably get broken on tree branches.

 

[dubitup]

if you want a new rack with many options...gamaviti @nakman is a no brainer.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

I'm also looking into roof racks/crossbars, but my situation is different from @Simplespirit. I want to be able to carry RTT on camping trips, but with no permanent modification to the roof. I don't want to deal with any height increase or MPG decrease since most of the time nothing is carried on the roof.

Would it work with some aftermarket crossbars on OEM roof rails? If so, can you guys recommend some?

BTW I just realized I'm only 15-min drive from gamaviti @nakman. So I may consider a gamaviti as well. Do you guys have any data on gamaviti rack impact on MPG and the height increase from OEM roof rail/crossbar? I have to deal with a 6'7" parking garage daily and I'm already scarily close.

 

[Simplespirit]

I believe Gamiviti, FrontRunner, and Eezi-Awn are all at or below OEM heights.

 

[SmoothLC]

If I were to go this route, I'd suggest removing the factory rack and replace with Front Runner rails or tracks. They fit fine and are more aerodynamic than the factory rack + cross bars. Plus, you can easily mount a Thule or Yakima box using their towers and cross bars.

 

[dubitup]

@thegreatgazoo you are welcome to check my Gamaviti rack out, I'm in Boulder/Broomfield area. You can make the rack lower than OEM and mpgz are negligible.

My 33's, bumpers, etc..... Made for less MPGs but TBH with you this, is by far the wrong platform to be concerned with a few MPGz less than a stock truck to gain some flexibility. The versatility of this rack far out weights any concern of frequent pump visits or even wind noise (nearly silent with fairing Gamaviti offers)

 

[cmck]

Ditto on the FrontRunner lightweight, low profile, never rust and top notch quality in my thinking.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

Ditto on the FrontRunner lightweight, low profile, never rust and top notch quality in my thinking.

This one?
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...foot-rail-mount-front-runner-slimline-ii.html

 

[cmck]

This one?
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...foot-rail-mount-front-runner-slimline-ii.html

Yes that's the one. I do have an older attachment system that uses a separate track and feet. I think the new approach is simpler for them to make and for you to install.

 

[AimCOtaco]

Before I had my Gamiviti I ran an RTT on just Yakima bars attached to the factory rack. Been done by many and works for occasional tent use... but will be taller than your other options by at least 4" or so.