Your dream Gamiviti rack

[LCHardriver_02]

Mine is on order. Not sure when to expect it. Site says up to 6 weeks. Went with the Expo++, which allows the bar to come out right about the rear tire. We added cutouts for the towers, allowing the rack to fit either my 80 series or the 100. Initially, it will be fitted to the 100, but depending upon several factors when we purchase our next 200, I'll only keep one of the two and wanted the ability to keep the rack on the truck that is staying. I really like the way this turned out drawing wise and I'm very much looking forward to seeing it in real life. I foresee some accessory mounts being purchased once the rack is ready to come home!

Thank you Tim!! Great working with you on this!

 

[geargarcon]

Ok, I think the recessed basket option on these has now won me over.

Question: If the basket spans 3 bars, is it possible to get 2 baskets in the back 2/3 of the rack and the sunroof cutout at the front?

 

[nakman]

Ok, I think the recessed basket option on these has now won me over.

Question: If the basket spans 3 bars, is it possible to get 2 baskets in the back 2/3 of the rack and the sunroof cutout at the front?

Yes, totally. As you mention the drop basket is a 3-bar span, and you have 6 of them behind the sunroof, so can totally put 2 drop baskets in there. If your desire was holding lots of smaller, loose items, this could be the solution.

Few downsides of this would include losing those other cross bars, so in the future if you wanted to bolt up a Yakima box, or RTT, or bike rack, ski rack, well you're limited to just the back rim and center bar, and the one behind the sunroof. Just limits your options... of course you could do bolt-on cross bars to give you a few more options. Other downside is weight... each one of those baskets is about 20-25 pounds so by doing 2 of them you're taking a 40-45 pound rack and making it more like 85 pounds. I might suggest doing the 4th tower if you went with this, just for some added piece of mind.

This is what that looks like on a 4th Gen 4Runner rack... the spacing here is a little different compared to the 100 series, but I think you get the idea?

 

[geargarcon]

Whichever Gamiviti rack you choose, get the ladder from him. It mounts on the side and is super convenient to get onto the roof. Unlike rear mounted ladders, this one doesn't take up space and is easier to use. Additionally, it's got "quick" releases so you can remove it with the flip of 2 bicycle style clamps and a cotter pin. Also, it's designed so that any hit to the bumper isn't transmitted to the rack. It actually has a pivot at the top to allow the ladder to move vertically so that any hit to the bumper wing won't transmit to the rack and damage it or the body.

I run my "expo" down. I use those for handholds. The tabs are then used for various quick fists that hold my shovel and other gear.

View attachment 2080704

What basket is that mounted at the back of your rack? I love the idea of having something stashed in the garage that I can just add when I want a basket!

 

[geargarcon]

And has anyone really had a problem with these rusting? This is quickly becoming my favorite rack, but I keep hearing people talk about the risk of steel racks rusting (although I haven’t seen many personal testimonies of it actually happening).

I park outside and we get a lot of rain so this is something that is a concern for me.

 

[linuxgod]

And has anyone really had a problem with these rusting? This is quickly becoming my favorite rack, but I keep hearing people talk about the risk of steel racks rusting (although I haven’t seen many personal testimonies of it actually happening).

I park outside and we get a lot of rain so this is something that is a concern for me.

Mine has a small amount where the grid and bars meet. I’ve heard it’s an artifact of power coating - difficult to get all the crevices. Also a bit where one of the grid squares got bent and cracked the PC off. Otherwise it’s been fine so far, though I’ve only had it 3.5 years

 

[nakman]

^^ all true... tough to get into every tiny area. In 2019 we upgraded the powder coat process to include a zinc-rich primer step between the wash and top coat process... it takes longer, and costs more, but the result is about double the coating thickness, have been really pleased with it so far in comparison. But even if you have an older rack, thankfully it's easy to touch up if you see anything develop, or scratch it, etc. Just get a can of this at Walmart, Home Depot, etc., it's almost a dead match for the textured powder coat:

What I do is clean off the rack area to be painted, then put a rag or paper towel behind the area I'm going to spray to protect the truck paint, spray the can away from the truck to judge the spray and get my aim right, then hit it.. 2 minutes later it looks almost like new. You can do this to your bumpers, sliders, anything else that gets the same powder coat. I've also painted raw steel parts using this stuff and it works pretty well, just need to clean the steel really well beforehand (like TSP, or similar).

 

[geargarcon]

thanks to everyone for the replies. I wouldn’t think it should be an issue but it seems to be a major talking point among some people.

And I appreciate the touch-up recommendation! Getting really close to pulling the trigger on one!

 

[nakman]

@guardcompany hey Shea as a follow up I've been having a good time with the snap-on clips and the grid over the sunroof.. I put 2 on the long sides and 1 on the short and once I got them adjusted snug that thing is really tight in there, flexes the heck out of the panel when you go to remove it,I still may put a little veclro strap or zip tie up there for some security, but really not too worried about it. There hasn't been much wind noise either, I trimmed the front edges to match the rack a little better, and from the inside I kind of like the pergola effect with the shading.

 

[nakman]

It's also been really cold up here, so I've been taking this thing on and off when it's 15-20f and so far so good... certainly adequate to support a few chairs or a duffel bag if needed, it gets a little squishy in the middle though so I probably wouldn't suggest you stand on it, and if you do stick to the rim where the rack bar is.

But you know as they say, don't try this at home...

 

[linuxgod]

It's also been really cold up here, so I've been taking this thing on and off when it's 15-20f and so far so good...

OT: Is 15-20F considered cold for Colorado? It was 0F this morning here in Chicago (which is typical for February, but I think the first night we've gotten into/below single digits this winter)

 

[guardcompany]

@guardcompany hey Shea as a follow up I've been having a good time with the snap-on clips and the grid over the sunroof.. I put 2 on the long sides and 1 on the short and once I got them adjusted snug that thing is really tight in there, flexes the heck out of the panel when you go to remove it,I still may put a little veclro strap or zip tie up there for some security, but really not too worried about it. There hasn't been much wind noise either, I trimmed the front edges to match the rack a little better, and from the inside I kind of like the pergola effect with the shading.


View attachment 2210827
View attachment 2210828

Thanks! What vehicle is this on? I noticed your grid goes all the way to the edge and mine is just shy. I love my grid panel solar setup! I'm running a solid panel and it doesn't allow the grid panel to flex a lot so no way it is coming off! Great solution. Next up Pelican cases!

 

[nakman]

Thanks! What vehicle is this on? I noticed your grid goes all the way to the edge and mine is just shy. I love my grid panel solar setup! I'm running a solid panel and it doesn't allow the grid panel to flex a lot so no way it is coming off! Great solution. Next up Pelican cases!

This is on a GX470 rack which is 4" narrower... I would prefer the 100 size actually as you can sneak a strap between the grid and outer rim of the rack on top, with this setup I can only go around the outside. But not a huge deal either way, in the case where I'm using it over the sunroof the result would essentially be the same.
My next move here is to mount my thin solar panel to the top... just need it to warm up a bit hopefully this weekend, and of course get some shipping done before the R&D hat goes back on @linuxgod it's actually been pretty cold and snowy here, it's snowed like 17 out of 20 days in February so far, which is not normal. Will be interesting to see if we get all the late snow again this year like what happened last, which affected all sorts of things here most notably to this crowd the road conditions around the Silverton area. The snowbanks I'm used to seeing around seem bigger this year than in years past... pretty unscientific but an observation nonetheless.

 

[Mojay101]

It's also been really cold up here, so I've been taking this thing on and off when it's 15-20f and so far so good... certainly adequate to support a few chairs or a duffel bag if needed, it gets a little squishy in the middle though so I probably wouldn't suggest you stand on it, and if you do stick to the rim where the rack bar is.

But you know as they say, don't try this at home...

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Just to clarify: you don’t recommend standing on it? I thought that was part of its value.

 

[nakman]

Just to clarify: you don’t recommend standing on it? I thought that was part of its value.

Standing on a plastic grid in the center of the sunroof opening might not the best choice as it's a larger rectangular opening without any cross bars... but on the rest of the rack with the bars running every 10.5", by all means stand away!

 

[Mojay101]

Standing on a plastic grid in the center of the sunroof opening might not the best choice as it's a larger rectangular opening without any cross bars... but on the rest of the rack with the bars running every 10.5", by all means stand away!

Got it! Thanks.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

So, Tim has let me know that mine will be shipping tomorrow. I was just reviewing all of the installs and the one thing I did not see was whether or not any torque values on the bolts was stated. For the ones going into the roof, does Toyota recommend a specific torque setting on those bolts or is just "hand tight"?
Thanks!

Hopefully, this weekend will be bright and sunny so I can get mine installed!

 

[krice118]

I just ordered a Expo ++ with some grid panels and extras! Cant wait for it. Super excited about the grid panels and love the versatility - ability to move them, use as sunroof cover and move easily even while on a trip without having to use tools (these can snap on). Thanks to Tim for innovative products!

 

[geanes]

I just ordered a Expo ++ with some grid panels and extras! Cant wait for it. Super excited about the grid panels and love the versatility - ability to move them, use as sunroof cover and move easily even while on a trip without having to use tools (these can snap on). Thanks to Tim for innovative products!

You'll LOVE those grid panels. You should check out his ladder attachment for the side. I absolutely LOVE that clever piece of engineering....I use it ALL the time.

 

[krice118]

You'll LOVE those grid panels. You should check out his ladder attachment for the side. I absolutely LOVE that clever piece of engineering....I use it ALL the time.

Thanks Geanes. I am super pumped! I love his ladder, I will look into it once I get a rear bumper. I love that Tim constantly innovates and brings new ideas to market.