Would an LC 250 factory roof rack fit a GX550?
- Thread starter CarcaineProblems
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #2
What could go wrong??
I went to the dealership and they had a black LC in the showroom, with a roof rack. I took some measurements and I swear it has the same mounting points as my GX roof rails.
So I ordered up a LC roof rack. There was one in Kentucy and it should be in ND by next week. PLUS they gave me about 8 pages of documentation for removing roof rails, the list of all the parts that come in the kit, and how to install the rack. I'm pretty confident this will work.
More to come....
I went to the dealership and they had a black LC in the showroom, with a roof rack. I took some measurements and I swear it has the same mounting points as my GX roof rails.
So I ordered up a LC roof rack. There was one in Kentucy and it should be in ND by next week. PLUS they gave me about 8 pages of documentation for removing roof rails, the list of all the parts that come in the kit, and how to install the rack. I'm pretty confident this will work.
More to come....
Any updates?Well, I had to toss the box to get it to fit (that sounds really dirty). Let’s see how it works
View attachment 3673727
- Thread starter
- #8
Fits perfectly and a 1-
job to install. The 11 page instructions make is super clear - even noting what direction to pull the trim pieces off.
A couple of pics and thoughts:
The bolts from the roof rails have a red sealant on them.
I used black FIPG Toyota gasket sealant when installing the brackets for the roof rack, although they do have a really nice gasket setup on them
NOTE - the instructions say to remove the rubber trim/gaskets that run inside the roof rail, between the mounting points. No need to do this as they fit back in once the roof rack is installed
Here are the roof rack brackets installed
Then you simply slide the roof rack on and forward. Its light and I did it by myself (I'm only 6' 180lbs) but it would be easier with someone's help
Line up the bolt holes and off you go. Super simple
Note on this picture that I had remove the passenger side back rubber trim piece. No need to do so. There is a clip that is glued to the body that came off (this clip is not used in the other sections, just the very back, short trim piece)
I worked slow and it took maybe an hour? Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Toyota fit and instructions
Its very light. Like molded plastic for most of it
I like that its short, which is why I chose this over waiting
In stock and not a 2 month wait- I HAVE CAMPING TO DO DAMMIT!
Cons:
Crossbars have limited adjustability
Is it as strong as the other ones coming to market? This has a 600 lb static capacity which is probably good enough for me
Maybe it could fit a bit snugger?
Anyways, hopes this helps!
job to install. The 11 page instructions make is super clear - even noting what direction to pull the trim pieces off.A couple of pics and thoughts:
The bolts from the roof rails have a red sealant on them.
I used black FIPG Toyota gasket sealant when installing the brackets for the roof rack, although they do have a really nice gasket setup on them
NOTE - the instructions say to remove the rubber trim/gaskets that run inside the roof rail, between the mounting points. No need to do this as they fit back in once the roof rack is installed
Here are the roof rack brackets installed
Then you simply slide the roof rack on and forward. Its light and I did it by myself (I'm only 6' 180lbs) but it would be easier with someone's help
Line up the bolt holes and off you go. Super simple
Note on this picture that I had remove the passenger side back rubber trim piece. No need to do so. There is a clip that is glued to the body that came off (this clip is not used in the other sections, just the very back, short trim piece)
I worked slow and it took maybe an hour? Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Toyota fit and instructions
Its very light. Like molded plastic for most of it
I like that its short, which is why I chose this over waiting
In stock and not a 2 month wait- I HAVE CAMPING TO DO DAMMIT!
Cons:
Crossbars have limited adjustability
Is it as strong as the other ones coming to market? This has a 600 lb static capacity which is probably good enough for me
Maybe it could fit a bit snugger?
Anyways, hopes this helps!
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #12
Wind noise - can't really tell if there is much more. There must be, but I didn't notice much at 65mph. I'll be heading on a road trip Friday so will report back.
Better angle:
Better angle:
Looks good. Any feedback on any change of MPG would be appreciated.
- Thread starter
- #16
I don't bother with MPG. Let's say the MPG went down 2 mpg. If I drive 12k miles a year, how much does that actually cost me?
I won't even do the math b/c I don't care too. I probably spill more beer than I'll waste in gas
I won't even do the math b/c I don't care too. I probably spill more beer than I'll waste in gas
I've got 2k miles on my OT+ and couldn't tell you what the mpg is, a roof rack that sits that far back won't even affect it 0.5 and if it did I love that fact neither of us would know/care.
The MPG like you'll say doesn't matter it's the wind noise that will be a problem. Highway speed and side wind. I have a Frontrunner on my FJC and it's pretty noisy. Hope it works out.
- Thread starter
- #20
Wind noise was discussed a bit above. I do have a 2500 mile road trip to Glacier coming this next week, so I can write up a better report later this month.
People have been doing a lot of complaining regarding the factory Lexus roof rack, which I think I similar to the Front runner? Very noisy!
I've like @dogfishlake roof racks myself! Maybe he can get into the 250 game, I see he just released a 200 roof rack?
People have been doing a lot of complaining regarding the factory Lexus roof rack, which I think I similar to the Front runner? Very noisy!
I've like @dogfishlake roof racks myself! Maybe he can get into the 250 game, I see he just released a 200 roof rack?