Stock roof rack functionality?

[Apresski]

I want to put a light weight basket or platform and an awning on my stock roof rack. A truck accessory store said my crossbars need to be replaced with Rhino crossbars in order to place a Rhino batwing on my stock rails. Any baskets or platform would require a complete replacement of my rails and crossbars. Has anyone been able to use the stock crossbars ( 150 lbs rated) to add any aftermarket basket?

 

[molanginaeda]

You dont need to have a platform or basket to install an awning. You just need to find a bracket attached to the stock roof rail to hold the awning. I have seen many people customized a bracket using material from Home depot. You can also install a basket on the stock crossbars. But, you do have some limit on the load with stock crossbars.

Platform like Rhino rack is a good solution and integrates with many accessories. If you have the budget, that the better solution.

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Before I installed my Prinsu rack, I used to use Yakima crossbars and their Load Warrior rooftop basket. I hauled tons of gear, along with kayaks, mountain bikes, etc. Worked great. Here’s a photo with the crossbars and basket. Actually have this setup for sale if you’d be interested. The basket has the extension which makes it 18” longer. While I didn’t have a awning I’ve seen several solutions posted around where people have attached awnings to Yakima crossbars.

 

[tbisaacs]

I want to put a light weight basket or platform and an awning on my stock roof rack. A truck accessory store said my crossbars need to be replaced with Rhino crossbars in order to place a Rhino batwing on my stock rails. Any baskets or platform would require a complete replacement of my rails and crossbars. Has anyone been able to use the stock crossbars ( 150 lbs rated) to add any aftermarket basket?

I’ve been looking at these to attach an awning to my factory rack:

Lexus GX Canopy/ Awning Mounts for Factory Roof Rail

CAD designed and CNC cut from stainless steel and then powder coated textured black, these mounts are built to last. The mounts allow you to mount your canopy* on the stock roof rack on your GX470. The mounts are low profile and slotted which allows for adjustment to ensure proper fit.

www.ragofabrication.com

 

[cboyd]

I would say it’s true that you don’t need rhino or other platform mounts to do a basket or a small awning. I’ve done both on my 100s and now run a small awning with bomber products mounts on my 200 with Yakima cross rails mounted on the factory tracks.


I would caution doing any of the above with more than a simple straight awning. Especially on 270s like the batwing or fox wing. I have an Alucab shadow on my 100 with a front runner rack and I doubt there is any real way to mount this on the factory rails. There is simply too much weigh on the back corner where the hinge is.

 

[TeCKis300]

The factory rack is actually pretty robust. The side rail footings are substantial castings and rail itself a solid extrusion. I bet stronger and more durable than 90% of what's available in the aftermarket.

The OE crossbars are also strong but built to flex as there's durability in flexibility. With additional crossbars, can hold just about anything.

As mentioned above, trick is to find a bracket.

Just saying I wouldn't discount the stock rack from a strength perspective. And it's a ton quieter and more aerodynamic.

 

[Crush 4]

Before I installed my Prinsu rack, I used to use Yakima crossbars and their Load Warrior rooftop basket. I hauled tons of gear, along with kayaks, mountain bikes, etc. Worked great. Here’s a photo with the crossbars and basket. Actually have this setup for sale if you’d be interested. The basket has the extension which makes it 18” longer. While I didn’t have a awning I’ve seen several solutions posted around where people have attached awnings to Yakima crossbars.

View attachment 1928659I may be interested I’ll PM you my

View attachment 1928660

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Replied!

 

[Apresski]

Replied!

sorry the the delay.. not familiar with this platform..PM..etc Is your old Yakima cross bars & basket still available?

 

[txtortoise]

FWIW, I was going to mount an awning on some new Yakima cross-bars mounted to the OEM rails. Bought some crazy expensive brackets to do that at Overland Expo two years ago, but never moved forward. I can provide bracket details and a price, if it's something someone might find useful. (to go further off topic, I also have the cubby box replacement for ash tray for the LC available. I have an LX...don't ask.

Just PM me.