Hi - I ride long boards and while the factory rails with Yakima cross bars work well, I'm afraid they are too close together for a 12' surfboard or a 14' SUP. I need a wider platform for the long stuff!

Help!

Here's my current setup:


Just a few things:

• I WILL NOT drill holes - period - if there's no way around drilling holes then I'm SOL


• LED lights or any lighting in general - no need


• No sunroof on my SR5, so no worries there


• Yes - I installed nerf bars, got a problem with it? Leave your **** comments to yourself, please.

Cheers and all the best!

I'm needing to get a set up for on top of my front runner for 3 boards

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Check this one out...

www.prinsudesignstudio.com

I'm in the process of making a new setup for my kayaks. I don't like anything that is out there, and there is no way in hell I'm paying those prices, so....I'll do it. Helps that I work in a machine shop.

Today I cut out new 304 (stainless) brackets for the stock rails (to work with the T-bolts) on the waterjet. I have to cut some lengths of 304 tubing, bend them, and set it all up in a jig to TIG them up. Then plug the ends.

Once that is complete I can fit them on the rails and build off of them to accommodate the kayaks. I'll add provisions for straps and tie-downs also.

I don't see why it wouldn't work for long boards also. They just have to be secure and stable so it doesn't cause fatigue points.

My point of posting........ it all goes well, maybe I'll make another.

Get a full sized roof rack. Then cover the front and back bars of the rack with a surfboard foam cover and you are good to go.

Dang it! I clicked on here to see a surf board with a roof rack.

9'6" Longboard fits right down the center between the headrests, no problem.

OP, I think you are fine. I put my 10' Harbour on my factory roof rack with factory crossbars all the time. Never a problem, although that stupid shark fin antenna requires me to use thick bar pads to clear it. If I'm feeling lazy and the roof is dry I put the board inside with the rear window down. I also strap a 14' paddleboard to it. Never a problem either. I don't take the paddleboard on the freeway though. That's an 8' board in the picture.

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Yakima makes 78" wide crossbars. Why not a set of those? No way your boards are wife's than that. They also make 66" wide ones. That would fit 2x28" wide boards easy.

They are the round bars, but I have used them tons for surfboards, cargo boxes, snowboards etc. they were great. They also make a thing call "windjammer" that is like a little wing that cuts down on wind noise. Jut buy rail grabbers, 78" bars and a windjammer off eBay and you are golden.

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I think his concern is the front to back spread.

I run my 9'6" longboard out the back window like your photo. I put one tie down strap across it diagonally inside the 4runner using the hooks in the rear cargo area and it is easy to throw it in and feels secure. No problems on the freeway either. I just put a towel down to prevent wax from rubbing onto the liftgate. Only problem would be if you were going to have passengers in the second row.

You will have absolutely using the factory bars spread is more than enough. Put them on there so the the front has a bit les overhang than the rear so it will help catch the wind less. Just keep spreads under $85 and you should be fine

If you are getting stress fractures or any other problems on those sized boards they are probably glassed too light but at the same time stress fractures won't do any harm

I have owned a surf shop for the last 10 years and can promise you 99% of the people out there are using a setup similar in spread to what the factory bars are and I have never seen a problem.

I agree that the factory bars are good, and it's enough for such boards. Imagine that after some time, you will want to change the board. I don't think you will change your roof rack every time for the goods you will transport. By the way, I also thought about buying a new surfboard after reading the article on outdoorlifecafe.com. I follow different blogs about tourism and sports and sometimes find new ideas and life hacks for myself. It is very great that people who discover the world for themselves share this information with others.

I haul my SUPS on my Sherpa Crestone rack all the time. Love it, no drilling, great utility, keeps wet boards out of your truck, etc. Not cheap but worth the $$ to me for the overall utility beyond SUP / Surf board carrying.