Hey everyone, been a little bit since I posted, but wanted to run something by people!

I'm looking at purchasing a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform for my 3rd gen 4Runner and I wanted a little advice.

Looking at the different size options, 49" is the best width. But for length, instead of a 60x49" like I've seen some runners do, I was considering going longer.

The options are 76x49" with 23.5" of overhang which brings it to the middle of my sunroof OR 84x49" with 30" of overhang which brings it in front of my sunroof (like a full length rack).

I feel like with some small feet that fit in the slots, I could have them sit against the roof like other full length racks do (see Materhorn made by Sherpa Equipment Co). The rear uses two large feet that sit in the stock rails and bolt to the platform securely.

I don't plan to add a RTT but I want space to have rotopax, small alu boxes and an awning and so on...

Thoughts?

This should work, we sell our front adjustable feet on our website. You could probably find a way to mount them to the RhinoRack.

We are also going to be releasing our custom adjustable levelers in the next week or so. Keep an eye out for those.

Or extend the factory roof rails;
Inexpensive Full Length Roof Rack (Curt Rack)

If you place a roof rack and something lucky, pay attention to the height. I became a witness as a car entered the parking lot. There were bicycles on the roof. As a result, bicycles, railings, etc. are broken.

Sheesh, I thought maybe you sold your runner or something man, it's been a while since you posted!

Couple questions- are you sure you are willing to give up your sunroof? That rhino is pretty blocky, you'd have to say goodbye to sticking your head out the top ever again. I'm sure you have experience with this, but it's kind of like a prison cell, getting barred in. I wouldn't know, I have an opening in my WMM-inspired rack...

Also, is there a reason why you are going with a rhino in particular? If I were to do it again, I'd probably look at the Sherpa stuff (post- Rocky Mountain Racks) (you can thank me later @Flemster ). Looks, functionality, price, IMO the Rhino doesn't rank highly in any of those categories. I guess it's all preference though- i'll leave it at that!!

I'm thinking about doing the same thing myself, do you think the sunroof would still function with an 84"?

I have a K9 Roof Rack

from ROOF RACK COMPONENTS – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

basic same idea as Rhino.

I have a full length rail. I used the 3 mounting points. M6x1.0 30 mm pan head hex bolt. I did add another hole in my roof for the fronts. Because at the time I had the headliner out so it was pretty easy. sealed it up with window weld.

you could also use a self stick adhesive for sure and as long as your don't go super nuts it should be fine.

yes this is me walking up there and it's solid. having 4 brackets is key IMO it's a super solid connection.

Are guy lines/cables necessary with the matterhorn?

Not sure what you mean by guy lines/cables but we do not use cables or lines on our racks so Ill go ahead and say no, they are not necessary!

You can make your own limb risers, but I doubt you'll ever need them.

Those would be limb risers.

Mike

Pfft, clearly not, I didn't even know the term, nor did I realize what they were for until I googled it just now. LIMB risers, duh lol. I don't know why I always thought those were to help hold down racks that weren't attached at the front of a roof.. Learn something new everyday.

Yeah, just another tool for overlanders that won't get used. They serve a purpose, and work well in certain situations.

Mike

Does your sunroof still open?

I wen this route and a curt with two extensions. It has been loaded to the max on my move from Oregon to Alaska. It now hauls tons of building materials, more than I thought of putting on it. I have been asked by other 3rd gens what my rack system is and I tell them. Sadly around here its near impossible to find a factory rail system to make this mod, glad I did it in Oreogn.
Pretty cheap way to go, looks near stock and is solid

the sunroof still opens.

I did not take pictures of how I mounted the rail up front but I had my headliner out when I did the rack work. you do have to be careful not to mess with the sunroof tracks up inside the roof. if your going to drill a new hole that is, it seems most people just use some type of self stick adhesive up front but I wanted something that was permanently fixed in place.

I like the curt setup it's a great looking rack.