So I have OMAC cross bars for my 4Runner. They are a few inches raised above the stock rails. Probably 2.5-3 it appears. They're great for some things, like transporting kayaks.

I bought a nearly full-length (64" long) basket (for when we're camping and not kayaking) and something occurred to me as the massive box arrived today.

That thing is going to be WAY above the roof. I can't see that being a good thing, as wind at 75 miles an hour will be going under it and essentially lifting the gear in the basket (or if the gear is tied down sufficiently, the entire truck).

Do I take the crossbars off to mount the basket (wouldn't seem too study without the extra support), or do I need to trash (sell) those raised crossbars and buy some that are inset into the factory rails and therefore "flush"ish with the rails?

Anyone have experience or a good answer?

As always, thanks for all the help. I appreciate y'all.

I have Thule bars and a roof basket and it sits pretty high but even in high winds have never given me any issues. I put my fork bike rack and drove with three bikes cross country with pockets of incremental weather high winds and I could feel it up there but no issues.

I said screw it and put it on. If it's too tall or too whatever I'll just ditch the OMAC crossbars, buy the flatter one from Gobi and sell this thing on eBay.