My other thread titled "Wilderness Rack" maybe wasn't clear enough.

Rocky Road Outfitters is considering developing a rugged roof rack for the 5th gens. They are curious how many people are interested.

They would prototype to a TE. I think they would bolt directly to the rack mounts on the roof, replacing the stock rack.

They have mounts for oversized spare tire, hi-lift jack, lights, tools (shovel/pick/axe), and gas/water cans.

See pics here: Toyota 4runner Roof rack, tire mount / carrier

I have been in touch with them and don't mind relaying your interests.

The design would probably be worked out around the end of the month/beginning of next month.

So, if you're interested, make some noise!

Very interested.

I have a dream of being able to park on the side of the road in Yellowstone, set up one tripod with a camera and an another with our binoculars and take pictures of the wildlife without fear of our view being obstructed by anything smaller than a tour bus. That requires some sort of floor and flexibility in the accessory department.

How much weight can the Wilderness Rack hold and can you stand/sleep on it?
You mean like this Gobi Stealth....rated at 600 lbs

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I could use a rack like the Gobi that Gary noted above - don't have any use for spare tires, gas cans, jacks, etc., so it would need to be a basket type to be used as photography platform...

I would be interested if it was made out of aluminum, and would be a "clean/uncluttered" fit to the OEM rails that are on the roof of my SR5.

I'm hoping a Gobi will make its way on my roof.

I love the Gobi.

But I also need flexibility, because I may need four gas cans and 6 water cans and a spare mounted up top with an ax, a shovel, and a high lift jack.

I want it all, and if no one is going to sell what I need, I will take the closest I can get and re rig it to meet my needs. Laying down a metal mesh over a frame can't be that difficult.

I looked a little closer at those racks...not sure I'm diggin it? It looks as if they are too specific to offroading/excursion type trekking. To me the Gobi stealth would be ideal. Nice basket style with a wee bit more functionality. My $.02 on it, but I think it would serve a wider range of people.

I don't think it takes much to modify any of these racks to mount direct, just a matter of correct measurements and a welder.

that's a lot of weight. What is the roof rated for, regardless of which rack you use?

10cans * ~5gal each * 8lbs per gallon = ~400 pounds

No clue what the total capacity is, but I wouldn't be using the factory crossbars. Since the roof has to hold up under rollover, I'm going to assume that it won't buckle with my fat ass sleeping up there.

I'm definately interested. Granted I dont own a 4R yet but will soon. I want something that can hold all my hunting/camping gear on top. Maybe even big enough to carry Tipi poles.

You plan on sleeping up there? I'm intrigued. Would you lay down a board on top of the rack or how would you do that comfortably?

I'm too lazy to link it. Google "Roof top tent".

You'd be surprised...take a look at this link: AutoHome Maggiolina top roof tents for car camping

Mike

He says the racks wont bend.

According to the owner:

"The limitation factor in our racks isn't the rack itself... but the roof of the vehicle. You can't bend or damage our racks. It would be the roof of the Toyota itself that would be your limiting factor. Have a party on it if you dare..."



I gotta admit, I like his attitude.

So what is the weight limit of the roof? There's your limit.

Still not sure whether it will be basket-like or not... Worst case you would have to stand on the bars or add your own mesh or board.

As far as those roof top tents go... to each their own. I'd rather just sleep in the truck. The maggiolina does look pretty nice, actually, but notice they all have rear tire/accessory mounts. Now if one of those were available...

Personally, their 4th Gen rack is perfect for me. Takes care of a number of off-road essentials, freeing up the cargo area from sharp, hard objects (hi-lift, shovel, axe) and keeping the spare off the trail. Not to mention keeping dirty tools out of the interior.

The Gobi does look nice... I don't expect one for a while if ever, though. Too bad, because I don't think it would be hard to design one. If only I had my own machine shop and access to the Toyota 4R CAD files...