Your dream Gamiviti rack

[Dr Gil]

I've put fire wood, ladders, miscellaneous things, strapped to the roof by use of the gussets and ratchet straps. I also have a Titan Rod vault that I put on the rack as well as our 16' canoe! I've not really had a need for the basket up, but use it more or a handle to pull myself up, etc...very handy to use. the mesh floor helps a lot with small things, I've also used some ply wood to help things from falling thru etc..

Hi, I just ordered my Expo ++ Up Gamiviti rack. I saw your post about mounting a 16' canoe on top. I have a 16' kayak. Any chance you have any picture of your canoe mounted on top of the rack? Trying to figure out how to mount the kayak without buying more accessories to overcome the 4" Expo up rise. I know I can buy the Add on Cross bars Tim sells but I only use my Kayak 2-3x per year now and don't want those crossbars sitting in my garage doing nothing the rest of the year? Any ideas to help out? Gil

 

[linuxgod]

Anybody go full mesh and regret it?

I'm mixed on it. The full mesh makes it a PITA to wash the roof, and made it much more difficult to get a wrench underneath to install my kayak racks. Also the powercoating doesn't completely cover the spots where the mesh welds to the bars so there's a tiny bit of rust at those points. OTOH I used kayak lashing (ratchet-style) straps to mount my maxtrax and they're wrapped around the mesh, so without it I would have had to fab up a mounting bracket.

In the end I'd probably do it again though I'd ask Tim to cut out the center rear section because it ends up directly over the antenna.

 

[JADANT]

I'm mixed on it. The full mesh makes it a PITA to wash the roof, and made it much more difficult to get a wrench underneath to install my kayak racks. Also the powercoating doesn't completely cover the spots where the mesh welds to the bars so there's a tiny bit of rust at those points. OTOH I used kayak lashing (ratchet-style) straps to mount my maxtrax and they're wrapped around the mesh, so without it I would have had to fab up a mounting bracket.

In the end I'd probably do it again though I'd ask Tim to cut out the center rear section because it ends up directly over the antenna.

Reading all the after thoughts before getting my Gamiviti really is helping me but hope I am not being a pain in that arse to Tim. I just sent an email to Tim asking about doing a v-notch out where the antennae is. Will let you guys know what comes of it.

Anybody have any gripes about the drop down basket? Also anybody switch there rack from time to time expo up vs expo down with the drop down basket?

 

[linuxgod]

I felt the same way when Tim fab'ed my rack. And mine was the first he made for a 200, so we probably exchanged dozens of emails, plus he was working with Romer on the fitment for me since I'm 16 hours from Denver. All I can say is Tim was awesome to work with, and I'd buy more gear from him if he had more stuff for the 200

Cutting out a notch for the antenna would only be "necessary" if you have the grid. Even still, the grid does clear the antenna by about 1/4" and doesn't seem to impact the (already crappy) reception.

I wondered that as well, but after installing it, it seems like it's be a huge pain to switch from basket down to basket up. Also keep in mind the front bars are slightly different lengths so if you design the rack for basket down and use a fairing (which I HIGHLY recommend) it'll be slanted the wrong way.

FWIW I like the Gamiviti rack, but if I was going to run basket-up I would see if Tim could flip the bars so the top one was shorter. If not I'd have to consider a Gobi rack as well, because the bars on my 200 made a ton of wind noise without the fairing (and my rack is slid back as far as it can go without hitting the spoiler).

 

[rjones]

So many Expo down racks. Anyone here comment on switching back and forth ever? I guess with so many tie-down points that the "containment" of Expo up just isn't really necessary?

Also could anyone comment on the full grid install with regards to switching between Expo up and Expo down? Is the grid pretty well centered on the tubes or is it higher or lower to "match" the Expo up or down choice?

Waiting to hear back from Gamiviti sales but I figured I would get some additional feedback here as well. Thanks.

rjones

 

[nakman]

Hardly anyone flips them... yes it's technically possible, but once you start adding accessories and lights the effort just gets bigger than it's worth. You are correct with so many tie-down points, and the fact that most items have their own attachment system anyway, having some side bars for containment becoumes less necessary.

And the grids are welded to one side of the cross bars- generally that would be on the "bottom" unless otherwise directed, so that the tops of the cross bars remain clean for your RTT, home depot runs, etc. So yeah it's higher or lower, not centered. The plates on the sides for the towers OTOH, those are actually centered. the drop-down basket, if flipped, would become a "drop up" basket, and be useless as a basket but perhaps then be a nice elevated platform to stand on. but it would stick up, and get in the way of your RTT... of course we could overcome that with cross bars, but why complicate things.


and for no particular reason, here's a cool pic of Romer

 

[Greenbean]

Good looking rig man.

And um, "Nice Rack!"

 

[geanes]

I got my Gamiviti from Tim on June 23rd! Expo++, sunroof cutout, 4th plate option and LED dropbar option with LED light. Absolutely LOVE this rack. Rock solid and the Expo provides fantastic handholds all around. Tim is a GREAT guy to work with and really knows his stuff. I didn't go with any grid and can't say I miss having any at all. I've been able to stow anything and everything I've wanted on this rack with no issue. The plates, while used as mounting points for the towers, have numerous "free" bolt holes where I can attach tie down hooks, quick fists, LED lights or any myriad of bolt on attachments one could think of. I discover new ways to use this rack every few days. This thing is truly a work of genius.

 

[LostAfrican]

I have some pre-purchase questions as part of my homework...apologies if these are answered somewhere else in the thread...I didn't see them.

If the rack has no Expo i.e. Flat Rack, can it be mounted lower - closer to the cruiser's roof? Can the flat rack still use the fairing?

When using 8 towers, where do you attach the extra two? Are there bolt holes under the plastic trim towards the front? My 2001 LX470 seems to have only 6 openings for towers in the black trim. To use 8 towers do I cut additional holes in the trim or just remove it?



thanks!

 

[nakman]

I have some pre-purchase questions as part of my homework...apologies if these are answered somewhere else in the thread...I didn't see them.

If the rack has no Expo i.e. Flat Rack, can it be mounted lower - closer to the cruiser's roof? Can the flat rack still use the fairing?

When using 8 towers, where do you attach the extra two? Are there bolt holes under the plastic trim towards the front? My 2001 LX470 seems to have only 6 openings for towers in the black trim. To use 8 towers do I cut additional holes in the trim or just remove it?



thanks!

Just a flat rack or Expo down it's the same height... the drop basket and light bar drop-down are the only caveats to that, they require you to run a little higher than the lowest setting. Yes a flat rack can still get a fairing, would weld on some angled light tabs to support that.

You have additional threaded holes underneath that 1" wide rubber strip, when you remove your factory rack then pull that up you'll see them. Technically you could cut more holes in that trim, but really no one does, instead it just doesn't get put back on.

 

[nutritiouspig]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Gamiviti for my 1999 LC. Considering an Expo ++ w/ sunroof cutout, light bar drop-down, and a basket. Is that the same configuration as in this image?

Has anyone taken their LC through a carwash with this roof rack?

 

[nakman]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Gamiviti for my 1999 LC. Considering an Expo ++ w/ sunroof cutout, light bar drop-down, and a basket. Is that the same configuration as in this image?

Has anyone taken their LC through a carwash with this roof rack?

View attachment 1646547

yes that's pretty much the rack you described.. that rack pictured also has the 4th set of plates for running 4 per side, which you could do if you choose.

And yes car washes are no issue, that rack certainly isn't going anywhere. However the snap-on fairing can get popped off if you are in the car wash with the brushes... so good idea to pop that off before you run through. Never had an issue with the all spray ones, though usually run the manual style.

 

[nutritiouspig]

yes that's pretty much the rack you described.. that rack pictured also has the 4th set of plates for running 4 per side, which you could do if you choose.

And yes car washes are no issue, that rack certainly isn't going anywhere. However the snap-on fairing can get popped off if you are in the car wash with the brushes... so good idea to pop that off before you run through. Never had an issue with the all spray ones, though usually run the manual style.

Thanks for the quick reply!

One more question, what's a ballpark on residential delivery to Los Angeles area?

 

[nakman]

About $1400.. shoot me an email and we can talk specifics thanks.

 

[geanes]

@nutritiouspig .. the rack you pictured above has the additional 4th plate mounting option which gives a total of 8 mounting points on the roof. I have that EXACT rack minus the basket. Can NOT say enough good things about mine. Very versatile and very well constructed. Tim @nakman really produces a quality rack. The light bar is fantastic as the lower bar creates a "shielding" effect which keeps the LED light from cascading all over the hood. It really cuts out hood reflection. I didn't go with any grid or the basket because I have a Yakima MegaWarrior I can attach easily for basket purposes. Also, not having the basket meant I could get the rack a little "closer" to the roof. The EXPO++ is a godsend. It provides handholds all around which is nice when your scampering about loading and unloading things from the rack. The 4th plate option helps distribute shock loads across the maximum number of mounting points. Probably not important unless you're planning on have a rooftop tent or carry a spare up top. I went with it because for $100 extra, I'd rather have the peace of mind and options available. The only thing I'd do if I were you, would be to get the sunroof cover option. That way, you can keep the sunroof open for most times, but have a solid or grid panel to support objects that you might mount up when in expedition mode. Good luck with your decision. You can't go wrong with a Gamiviti and Tim is super cool dude and supporter of this community and HIH.

Owned my rack since of June and absolutely love it and feel it's my best upgrade to date.

View attachment 1647761

 

[gblakley]

After much anticipation, I got my rack in today. Expo ++ with light bar drop down and half mesh. It looked great..... until midway through the installation my wife noticed a pretty big bend in the light drop down that must have happened while shipping. Such a bummer.

I have an email to Tim on what to do about it, needless to say I am a bit bummed. The rack still works and the fairing covers it up for the most part, but the bend will definitely be an issue when I want to put a light bar on the drop down.

Picture for proof

 

[LEX]

Has anyone taken their LC through a carwash with this roof rack?

View attachment 1646547

I have with no problems.

 

[nutritiouspig]

About $1400.. shoot me an email and we can talk specifics thanks.

Thanks, will do!

@nutritiouspig .. the rack you pictured above has the additional 4th plate mounting option which gives a total of 8 mounting points on the roof. I have that EXACT rack minus the basket. Can NOT say enough good things about mine. Very versatile and very well constructed. Tim @nakman really produces a quality rack. The light bar is fantastic as the lower bar creates a "shielding" effect which keeps the LED light from cascading all over the hood. It really cuts out hood reflection. I didn't go with any grid or the basket because I have a Yakima MegaWarrior I can attach easily for basket purposes. Also, not having the basket meant I could get the rack a little "closer" to the roof. The EXPO++ is a godsend. It provides handholds all around which is nice when your scampering about loading and unloading things from the rack. The 4th plate option helps distribute shock loads across the maximum number of mounting points. Probably not important unless you're planning on have a rooftop tent or carry a spare up top. I went with it because for $100 extra, I'd rather have the peace of mind and options available. The only thing I'd do if I were you, would be to get the sunroof cover option. That way, you can keep the sunroof open for most times, but have a solid or grid panel to support objects that you might mount up when in expedition mode. Good luck with your decision. You can't go wrong with a Gamiviti and Tim is super cool dude and supporter of this community and HIH.

Owned my rack since of June and absolutely love it and feel it's my best upgrade to date.

View attachment 1647761

View attachment 1647765

View attachment 1647766

Nice rig! Can't wait to get mine set up with a Gamiviti. I think I'm going to opt for the 4th plate and sunroof options.

 

[geanes]

Thanks, will do!



Nice rig! Can't wait to get mine set up with a Gamiviti. I think I'm going to opt for the 4th plate and sunroof options.

You'll like those options. Relatively inexpensive too. The reality is, IF you ever want them in the future and do NOT get them know, you'll have to buy an entire new rack. Buy once, cry once is my adage.

 

[geanes]

Here are 2 pics with the fairing removed showing how sleek and clean the 1-row LED lightbar provided by Tim is. Light is super BRIGHT and the lower bar shields the light from reflecting off the hood. Very nice design and well thought out. The wiring harness is ridiculously simple to install and very good quality. Lightbar is very well sealed against the elements. Not a single issue over the past 9 months despite driving in torrential rain and an icestorm.