Aftermarket cross bars vs rack for RTT

[PhotoRunner]

At some point after my 5th gen is delivered I plan on getting a RTT and I'm weighing the options. Instead of replacing the entire factory rack I was wondering if anyone has used aftermarket rails like these :4Runner Roof Rack Crossbar | 5th Gen (10+) - Victory 4x4

I'm just planning on keeping the tent up there, not really storing a bunch of stuff up there. Thanks, guys!
Paul

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I went with 4 wide LFD crossbars. I have tons of stuff on these bars with the factory rails. They were also at least half the price of less expensive full size racks. I went this route because I did not want a full rack or worry about sealing/leaking. You can install these without removing anything. Also, if I went with a RTT I need at least a full size platform, 55" wide interior, for my wife and seven year old son. Many clamshell designs mount fore/aft and usually are 90" x 50" i.e.; Roofnest Falcon and GFC Superlite and are only good for 2 people. They are very expensive at ~$3500. Whereas, a standard folding RTT like a Smittybuilt 2-3 person tent has the following Dimensions: Open Size: 95"W x 56"L x 51"H. Closed Size: 47"W x 56"L x 11"H. Mattress Size: 92" x 55". These were my considerations.
I think you could cantilever a longer tent with these crossbars. A larger rack with a RTT that didn't take up the entire rack would allow you to mount some recovery gear if you had extras space. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Pedro367]

I don't have a tent and don't really plan to, but I replaced the factory rails with 2 of those from Victory. They are great. If you read through the Q&A on their site a bunch of people ask about RTTs with those. Looks like they say you can get away with 2, but recommend 3. If it were me, I'd buy 3 or 4 and sleep just fine.

I also didn't want a full rack for a few reasons. Price, garage clearance (biggest reason), wind noise, mpg drop, etc. I think these or the LFDs are a great cheap compromise and when I need a rack I have a Rola basket I throw up there in 5 minutes.

 

[YellowSnow]

Why not just use the LFD overland bars? I’m using them now with a RTT, and they are awesome!

 

[jdm-v35]

I use a smittybilt XL RTT and went with a full rack for that reason. Depending how big and heavy your tent is and the weight with you and any things in it, you may be pushing the limits of the OEM plastic rail mounts. I have a hoist in my garage so I take my RTT off when not in use, but at 149lbs for just the tent, I would not have risked just going with crossbars to hold a large tent that would hold 2 people+gear.

Straight from the crossbar link you posted: Toyota rates the factory roof rails at "Max load 165 lbs evenly distributed."

I think that's when moving and like 300lbs when not moving. I think as long as you stay close to the weight limits of the actual rails it should be fine.

 

[IrishRover]

Many discussions on this topic and clarification on RAIL vs CROSS BAR. I’ve had my smittybilt tent on the rails (bar that runs front/back) without issue. Feels very solid.

 

[Elvir555]

Many discussions on this topic and clarification on RAIL vs CROSS BAR. I’ve had my smittybilt tent on the rails (bar that runs front/back) without issue. Feels very solid.

Can you post a few pictures of how you mount yours to the rails? Thanks!

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Why not just use the LFD overland bars? I’m using them now with a RTT, and they are awesome!

Your Falcon Roofnest is awesome, but too expensive and small for my use. It's nice that it has the crossbars on top that you have utilized. The overland bars are simple. Your rig is setup nicely. You should post up a pic of your rig for the OP.

 

[YellowSnow]

Here’s the LFD overland bars. Correct me if I’m wrong, the oem roof rack is not rated to support a RTT and an additional 400-500 lbs with people sleeping.

 

[Ripper238]

At some point after my 5th gen is delivered I plan on getting a RTT and I'm weighing the options. Instead of replacing the entire factory rack I was wondering if anyone has used aftermarket rails like these :4Runner Roof Rack Crossbar | 5th Gen (10+) - Victory 4x4

I'm just planning on keeping the tent up there, not really storing a bunch of stuff up there. Thanks, guys!
Paul

Wow, those look perfect for me (been looking for a while). Low profile for my low garage clearance and i wont be doing a RTT. They may be a little too low profile for easy installation of a RTT though.

Thank you for posting.

 

[PhotoRunner]

Why not just use the LFD overland bars? I’m using them now with a RTT, and they are awesome!

I will check them out! Thanks!

 

[PhotoRunner]

I use a smittybilt XL RTT and went with a full rack for that reason. Depending how big and heavy your tent is and the weight with you and any things in it, you may be pushing the limits of the OEM plastic rail mounts. I have a hoist in my garage so I take my RTT off when not in use, but at 149lbs for just the tent, I would not have risked just going with crossbars to hold a large tent that would hold 2 people+gear.

Straight from the crossbar link you posted: Toyota rates the factory roof rails at "Max load 165 lbs evenly distributed."

I think that's when moving and like 300lbs when not moving. I think as long as you stay close to the weight limits of the actual rails it should be fine.

I'm going with the lightest/smallest hard shell tent available (one of a couple different choices), so the static weight should be 130 or less. I would likely get at least 3 cross bars as well, just to have the extra.

 

[Ripper238]

Just ordered a set. lol