Roof Racks: Pros and Cons

[zags]

I am not a fan of roof racks, but the limited space in my FJ40 has had me revisiting the idea. Here in the desert when you got out way back past where the Jeeps go, there aren't many trees, but the ones you do pass through are low and thick. They tear at everything on your rig and get tangled in roof racks, cages, etc era. Also, with giant rain ruts, washes and washed out mountainside trails, you find yourself in off-camber situations where having a lot of weight up high is not good. So here is how I see it:

Pros:
More storage space

Stuff stays dry when crossing water

You look like you are on an African expedition while cruising the mall, flexing out over speed bumps.

Cons:
A lot of weight up high, raising the C/G

Cargo hard to get at

A giant tree branch catcher on your roof.

You look like you are on an African expedition while cruising the mall, flexing out over speed bumps.

Opinions? experiences?

 

[Krust]

I recommend the Gobi racks. They really hug the roof but I guess I depends on what vehicle you have. The Gobi stealth for example for the FJ seems legit. It's on my mod list for sure.

 

[THE MAN]

I have limited space in my 4 runner so I having the same thoughts and concerns as you do, pondered your exact question so after much debate. I made my own. I keep the light weight stuff up on top that way my center of gravity remains somewhat under control. also the stuff that I will unload last goes up on top, pillows sleeping bags blankets light stuff that takes up a lot of room. here's a picture of the rack.

 

[ice man 1]

That looks very nice. What did you use for the material? (Looks like 1" in 095? or did you make this out of aluminum?) I'm going to fab one up this weekend but are still knocking around dimensions.... My 40 sits so tall already I don't think it'll ever fit in another parking ramp with the rack on it. Any feedback after fitting yours? Thanks!

 

[herm]

i have one made of aluminum tubing for a 1/2ton pickup. I use it with any long loads that sit over the cab, and when I have my non-cab over camper installed for extra storage.

I think the concerns are ligit. It all comes down to storage space for me.

 

[CruiserStuff]

From one who has a little experience with roof racks , here's my pros and cons list:

Cons:
1) Added wind resistance on a vehicle that already has the aerodynamics of a glorified brick on wheels
2) Higher center of gravity, exacerbated by the weight of your cargo in the rack, especially in off-camber scenarios
3) Increased height can limit access to covered parking, garage parking, etc.

Pros:
1) Obviously, the ability to carry more cargo
2) Mounting points for axe/shovel, hi-lift, lights, awnings, etc.
3) Aesthetics....looks great on the 40
4) Removable when not needed - takes me less than 10 minutes

If I were in your shoes, I would get a low-profile roof rack or a platform roof rack that is 60" wide. In off-camber situations, this will not affect you nearly as much as a full 6-7" tall safari rack.

Think aerodynamically as you load the rack, shortest stuff in front, tallest stuff in back. Put the tallest items in the center of the rack for off-camber reasons.

Keep heavier stuff in the back of the truck and lighter items in the rack for COG and off-camber reasons.

An air deflector and limb risers help quite a bit to move low branches out of the way. A good heavy duty canvas cargo cover, secured tightly, can keep items protected as well.

I keep a small stepladder in the truck and can move it to where ever I need to around the vehicle to access gear in the rack. It folds up and stores easily in the truck.

Hope my 2 cents helps.