06-26-2020, 04:14 PM
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#31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mynameistory
Can you take some pictures of the mounting feet and hardware?
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Not of mine since it’s installed, but here’s some from the instructions.
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06-26-2020, 04:36 PM
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#32
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by opusvelo
So, I did not realize that Frontrunner racks have plastic spacers at the feet. Tried using the butyl tape and washers anyway and it was not good. The spacers don’t press against the washers evenly. Had to take the siderails off again and remove all the butyl tape and use silicone the next time. No other option really.
Not recommended for Frontrunner.
I’m not implying you suggested it would be, I should have investigated more before ordering $60 worth of supplies. Oh well.
I did end up using the metal washers though! Haha
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For your plastic spacers, I still would have used the butyl tape but instead of the silicone washers, I would have bought a sheet of high temp silicone and cut gaskets that sit between the roof and the spacer.
So, lay a string of butyl down around the OEM spacer like mynameistory did in his pictures, then I'd lay a bunch more strips on the roof on the contact patch of the spacer/silicone gasket. Specifically, I'd make sure the perimeter of the silicone gasket has butyl around it.
So, lay down butyl, then 0.125" silicone gasket you cut to size, then your spacer.
edit: this is what I bought to put under my plastic spacers: Red Silicone Rubber Sheet Roll High Temperature Thick Commercial Grade 8" x 8" x 0.12": Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
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2018 Super White SR5 Premium aka Ben Affleck: Procharged (D1SC), Bilstein 5100s w/ 2" Toytech Superflex, 285/70/18 duratracs (E), 18x9 Volk TE37, OEM Audio+ Ref500, RA Motorsports rack, TRD hood + skid // 2003 Black Limited (2UZFE) aka Blacky Chan: Bilstein 5100 w/ Icon 2.5" springs, BMC, air bag delete, 17x9 SCS Ray10, 285/70/18 Yokos
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06-26-2020, 09:18 PM
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#33
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Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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Yeah I see how using washers would be troublesome with those spacers. I still think more manufacturers should come up with more robust sealing methods that work like factory...
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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07-12-2020, 07:41 AM
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#34
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Join Date: May 2020
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Hi Troy , I am about to purchase this rack , but also considering the Victory 4x4 they look very similar,
Since you have it installed almost 2 year now , do you have any regret ? Is the powered coating holding good ?
If you do off-roading any issue that you noticed ?
I am on the fence between the 2 so I need that push 😀
Thank you for the great write up .
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07-12-2020, 05:57 PM
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#35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaRunner
Hi Troy , I am about to purchase this rack , but also considering the Victory 4x4 they look very similar,
Since you have it installed almost 2 year now , do you have any regret ? Is the powered coating holding good ?
If you do off-roading any issue that you noticed ?
I am on the fence between the 2 so I need that push 😀
Thank you for the great write up .
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I think this rack is much sturdier than any of the flat-sided racks with the extruded crossbars. It sits on the rubber roof seams along its entire length, rather than at just the mounting points. It's much stiffer and doesn't flex or shimmy the way I've seen the Prinsu/SSO/Victory racks do offroad. Someone at work stopped me and said that their Prinsu rack bounced and squeaked like crazy, especially with a rooftop tent mounted. I haven't run a tent but the Ecotechne is sturdy enough that I can jump up and down on it without it moving or bending.
However, everything else about this rack is less convenient. Customer service, quality control on the fit and finish, ease of attaching items (T-slot is much easier), etc... I would only buy this rack if you're prepared to address a lot of these things yourself the way I did. I think the design is better but everything else is sub-par.
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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07-12-2020, 09:06 PM
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#36
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If end up with the ecotecne I will be getting all the hardware that you used
I have a local “ dealer” that will do the install as well and he will support anything afterwards
The price for the roof rack with cross bar and and roof plates is 899 installed
So this a tipping point . And with your confirmation of durability , I guess I should go with it . My plan is to use their ladder later because I like the design
And I will be installing a hard top roof tent
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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07-13-2020, 08:33 AM
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#37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaRunner
If end up with the ecotecne I will be getting all the hardware that you used
I have a local “ dealer” that will do the install as well and he will support anything afterwards
The price for the roof rack with cross bar and and roof plates is 899 installed
So this a tipping point . And with your confirmation of durability , I guess I should go with it . My plan is to use their ladder later because I like the design
And I will be installing a hard top roof tent
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Also please remember that unless something has changed, the powdercoat on the Ecotechne rack is famously bad. You'll see it rusting within a year. If you're going to get one, please make sure the powdercoat is properly prepared.
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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07-13-2020, 11:09 PM
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#38
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA, WA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mynameistory
Also please remember that unless something has changed, the powdercoat on the Ecotechne rack is famously bad. You'll see it rusting within a year. If you're going to get one, please make sure the powdercoat is properly prepared.
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I would even recommend not ordering it powder coated because:
1.) The rack is going to get banged up a bit due to how large and heavy it is; it will likely arrive marred/chipped in some spots.
2.) You may need to adjust some mounting holes on the brackets like I did. I ordered my rack bare metal knowing I wanted to get it powder coated locally so I could choose the exact finish (smooth satin vs textured matte) + I modified my rack crossbars per Tory's example as well.
Turns out some of the mounting holes on the brackets wouldn't line up with the rack and/or the brackets were a touch too long and wouldn't fit into the slots on the side rails. I found this out the hard way when I tried to install the rack the first time after I got everything powder coated. What I should have done was test fit first. Oops
I ended up widening the mounting holes on the brackets a bit and trimming just the excess face of the bracket(s) so it would fit in the side rails, hit the brackets with a rattle can b/c I didn't want to go thru powdering them again + the brackets are tucked inside the side rails and then installed the rack in my driveway w/ the help of my Dad, a couple Harbor Freight moving blankets and some step stools/work platforms.
1yr later, no leaks, no rust and the coating is still strong and smooth. Definitely took a bit of work to get it to fit and how I wanted it, but I was willing to put the work and $ in b/c I really like the lines and strength of this rack. s/o to Tory for the write up and recommendations!
Last edited by DEUS-MACH1NA; 07-13-2020 at 11:33 PM.
Reason: wordz
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07-28-2020, 02:19 PM
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#39
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Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Oklahoma
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What’s up Tory! I installed my Eco rack last week & had a hiccup with the white plastic parts.
Long story short, I used the factory bolt (much longer than your 1 inch recommendation & it broke completely through my driver side plastic pieces so we had to find the piece inside the interior & hold it while we drilled it.
However, I forgot to add some silicon (something) to make up for the water that Oklahoma gets from rain. I’m afraid to take the side rails off because I know for a fact I won’t be able to screw it back on lol. Any recommendations? So far I don’t have a leak but I’d imagine a large storm would allow some water under the bracket. 😖
Thanks a ton!
Ian
IG: e_sioux
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07-29-2020, 10:20 AM
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#40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IanSioux
What’s up Tory! I installed my Eco rack last week & had a hiccup with the white plastic parts.
Long story short, I used the factory bolt (much longer than your 1 inch recommendation & it broke completely through my driver side plastic pieces so we had to find the piece inside the interior & hold it while we drilled it.
However, I forgot to add some silicon (something) to make up for the water that Oklahoma gets from rain. I’m afraid to take the side rails off because I know for a fact I won’t be able to screw it back on lol. Any recommendations? So far I don’t have a leak but I’d imagine a large storm would allow some water under the bracket. 😖
Thanks a ton!
Ian
IG: e_sioux
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I'm trying to understand what you're saying here: you're saying you used the factory bolts and tightened them down all the way, and it broke through into the interior? To be honest with you, I don't even know what is under those holes or what happens if you max those out. Whatever you drilled through to complete your installation, you are in uncharted territory.
Also am I understanding that you have absolutely no sealant installed, just bare brackets attached to the roof? Yes, you will get leaks that way. You don't even have to wait for rain or the carwash, a humid morning will collect enough dew and moisture to start leaking into your headliner. Even if you could smear enough silicone in there to completely seal it, the average silicone would dry up and let moisture creep in anyway.
If you can, take it apart and do it properly. If you don't, you may end up with a 4Runner rotting from the inside out in a few short years.
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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01-25-2021, 02:35 AM
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#41
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This article popped up in my feed recently. It borrows a little liberally from my original how-to guide, but it's interesting to see what updates there are.
Ecotechne (Steel) Roof Rack Install and Review For the 5th Gen 4Runner
It looks like Ecotechne has changed their racks up a little more. The crossbars look skinnier and even less useful than before, and the front fairing has been significantly chopped down. The channel for light bar mounting looks smaller as well- mine is 3" wide which allowed me to perfectly tuck in the Diode Dynamics SS30 bar. This one looks to be about half that.
Problems with fit and finish, especially the powdercoat, still appear to persist with this rack. Now more than ever I would not recommend buying this rack unless you are prepared to do some cleanup work and source your own powdercoat. The one improvement seems to be that a stateside supplier has picked them up for distribution, so maybe shipping times and customer service will improve.
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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12-22-2021, 07:14 AM
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#42
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Location: Torrance, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mynameistory
. . . I will update this thread with any long term rain or snow events, to see if my seals are working as intended.
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It's been a few years now. How has this mounting method held up? Would love to get a report, since I am about to install a roof rack in the next few days.
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12-22-2021, 02:09 PM
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#43
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My rack/seals still holding strong for me using mynameistory's install method 3yrs in PNW rain/snow conditions, no leaks, no rust. (btw: I ordered mine bare and powder coated it locally)
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12-22-2021, 08:19 PM
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#44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmmabey
It's been a few years now. How has this mounting method held up? Would love to get a report, since I am about to install a roof rack in the next few days.
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I posted this response on the other forum earlier this year. Have not removed the rack to check the bolts, but from the outside it's still going strong!
I might consider taking everything off to check it one of these days, just to see how it's holding up. I'm very confident in the integrity of the hardware, and the washers are said to be unaffected by sunlight, ozone, and water. My only concern is if the joints can't drain water away properly and pools, as I can't guarantee they're absolutely watertight. But so far I've seen no evidence of poor draining, and that includes several snow loads in Mammoth. I've noticed zero dampness in the headliner, and I've even pulled off the driver side kick panel to check for moisture (a common area that will collect water when running down the door frame). I've also heard horror stories of water collecting in this area and shorting out critical connectors and putting the truck in limp mode. So far all is bone dry.
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-Tory
- 2016 4Runner - WeatherTech Floor Liners - Key Fob Window Roll-down Mod - 35 PSI Tire Pressure - Gum Holder Delete - iOttie Phone Holder - RainX Windshield Mod - Stock Windshield Wipers (for now) - Radio Stations are 105.9, 106.7, 95.5, and 93.1 - Chrome Exhaust Tip - Really want a Gobi Ladder but I guess I'll just stand on the Tire because it's free and does the same thing - Some Old Coleman Ice Chest - A Gas Can I Found -
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