Hey guys, I have a 99 V6 SR5 that I wanted to get a roof rack for but wanted the opinion of those who already have them before I invest too much in one and find I don't like it.

I currently have the factory roof rack as shown and am looking for something that will allow me to carry additional things on my roof, currently I use the roof rack to put a couple of mountain bikes upside down but I'm worried I'm scratching my roof by doing so, does anyone use a roof rack for mountain bikes that would also carry other items? Along with the mountain bikes we also carry fishing rods.

I have spent a lot of money down this path. First I built a decent 3/4 rack myself. It worked really well but I wanted more space than it provided so I started shopping for a full length rack. I bought one of the first gen Matterhorn roof racks and was not real happy from the onset. It worked but had serious issues that I ended up not being able to ignore. So after CBI started selling the Prinsu racks for 3rd gens I ended up buying one of those. I have used it for almost a year now and wish I had just went to it first. I would have saved a lot of money and frustration.

Yes - the Matterhorn and Prinsu are made out of similar materials but the design and supports in the Prinsu are significantly better in my experience.

I built my own for $300.

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Sherpa Matterhorn MKII all the way!

3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack | 1996-2002 4Runner | Sherpa Equipment Co. — Sherpa Equipment Company

This rack has been nothing short of an awesome addition to my rig. I don't keep a lot of weight up there full-time, but for what I do have (awning, Hi-Lift, MaxTraxx) this thing is perfect and looks slick. Tons of setup options and a decent weight handling capability.

Do you have a writeup?

No, I didn’t write it up. However, I mostly followed this video, which was my inspiration. When I bought the 4Runner, it had a roof basket on it, which I wasn't real fond of. Kind of wondered if I should keep it or replace it with building my own, like the video. Then I installed OME springs and Bilstein shocks in the rear, which made the roof basket too tall to get out of the garage. Basket was removed and I started taking notes from the video.

Bought my aluminum 6061 flat bar at 1/4” x 2” x 84” for $50 shipped from Midwest Steel and Aluminum. The aluminum was inexpensive, but unfortunately, the shipping was the same cost as the aluminum. So some money could have been saved there by sourcing locally if you have that ability.

Already had the same style aluminum L brackets at home (4), so those were free, but you could get them at the same place as the video mentions - T-Nutz.

I left the roof rails on the sides and then re-used the OEM tie down hoop metal squares that slide around and are used to screw into.

Bought 8 crossbars at $176, pre-tapped. I bought these from the same place the video mentions - T-Nutz, using 1020.

Bought my buttonhead socket cap screws from FMW Fasteners in 3 lengths to be sure I had the correct lengths in varying applications.

Also bought adjustable swivel leveler feet for the front that is just past the sunroof. These were expensive, but I wanted an exact fit and not the feet that half stick out because they don't swivel. Could save some money there too.

My rack crossbars were built very specifically so that I could accommodate 4 sets of Yakima box corner holders, a shovel and a pair of traction boards. Then with the left over room in the rear, I added two aluminum square flat pieces so I can use Rotopax water containers and a propane tank. Bought the aluminum flat pieces also from Midwest Steel and Aluminum. You can see this in the picture attached.

I will be buying a Frontrunner front wind fairing for it, so that is the only thing left to do. I am pretty happy with how it turned out and really enjoyed building it.

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I got my hands on a full length Whitson Metalworks carrier. Getting it powder coated and then mounting. Love the look and functionality of it.

I have a cheap Rola basket-style rack that I welded some angle iron to and direct mounted it to the OEM track re-using most of the original hardware.
I then u-bolted a set of 58" round bars (Yakima style) to the basket. This now gives me a place to throw random stuff (wood, camp gear, etc.) and still
have stout crossbars for kayaks, bike trays, and also an old ski holder that I clamp my fishing rods into.

bullsh*t photobucket image of basket mounts

Not a 4Runner and not exactly what OP is looking for but maybe my uncles roof basket setup can give some inspiration to someone wanting something similar. It’s a simple basket with the spare tire, traction boards, and auxiliary lights. It goes well with his lifted Subaru Crosstrek and will look pretty sick on other rigs too.





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That’s a sick looking Subaru! Awesome setup. I was originally wanting a Subaru, but decided I needed something bigger.

Thank you haha! It's a pretty sick rig and with the lift it's a lot more capable than I was expecting lol! It keeps up on the trails no problem.

Inexpensive Full Length Roof Rack (Curt Rack)

$50 on amazon prime. It works great for me and comes essentially to the sun roof but you can't see it, which is a big plus for me. Almost no wind noise and because its not a full basket, it looks more streamline and flatter.

If price isnt in the equation strongly, then go Prinsu full length all the way.

Cant beat the quality, engineering and fit/finish of it.