ARB flat steel roof rack

[tackleberry1145]

Edited to add: Installed my new ARB Steel Flat Rack today. Install wasn't crazy difficult or anything. Since I was unable to find photos of this particular rack (and only 2 pix of their Alloy Flat Rack) online, I figured these might help anyone contemplating this roof rack:

Updated to add pix of the ARB Steel Flat Rack on my 2014 Trail.

I was unable to find any photos of this rack online, so maybe this will help anyone else trying to make a decision on this particular rack. Install was not crazy difficult, although the installation bolts already have threadlocker on them, and when adding a bit of grey permatex it can feel like the bolts don't want to thread properly, but they are.

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Has anyone seen ARBs 'new' flat rack(s) in person yet? The price point on the steel ones doesn't look too shabby, even with needing to buy a $200 fit kit.

 

[UnderFire]

Looks real similar to the Rhino Rack mesh platform I've got on my Tacoma. Prices are higher though I think.

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[Road Bull]

It sort of looks like a section of chain-link fencing. On the other hand, ARB usually makes some nice gear. I just couldn't find much in the way of mounting accessories that went with it. Maybe they figure most will just want to mount a RTT or something. I was wondering if they had other mounting options for things like jerry cans and the like, but I couldn't find any. Maybe I missed it.

 

[tackleberry1145]

It sort of looks like a section of chain-link fencing. On the other hand, ARB usually makes some nice gear. I just couldn't find much in the way of mounting accessories that went with it. Maybe they figure most will just want to mount a RTT or something. I was wondering if they had other mounting options for things like jerry cans and the like, but I couldn't find any. Maybe I missed it.

I'm leaning towards the non-mesh steel racks if I go this route. I'm not too worried about having widgets to mount things, I'm pretty comfortable with my tie down skills. ;-)

 

[IRONLUNG]

Sweet! Toyota of Dallas has 'em....too bad shipping kinda kills the deal.

 

[tackleberry1145]

I updated my original post with installed pix of the rack.

 

[IRONLUNG]

Where did you get yours? Price? Looks nice!

 

[tackleberry1145]

4Wheel Parts

So far I'm happy with it. Now I'm itching to go buy some lumber and see how it works, lol

 

[tackleberry1145]

Where did you get yours? Price? Looks nice!

It was just over $600. I got it from 4Wheel Parts. I ordered mine via phone and had it shipped to the closest one to me. Granted it is a little over an hour away, but it saved on shipping (but I probably knocked down my savings a bit in time/gas used to go get it, lol).

 

[470SNC]

Very nice, love the super sleek clean look of it!

 

[Racehoss]

My alloy version.

 

[SCZFZJ]

Looks sick! Around here you need aluminum because the powder coated steal stuff rusts in a few years.

 

[Vinosaur]

Hi all. Thanks for the post on this. A couple of questions. Does everything come with this on the install or do I need an additional kit.

Thank you in advance.

 

[tackleberry1145]

Hi all. Thanks for the post on this. A couple of questions. Does everything come with this on the install or do I need an additional kit.

Thank you in advance.

The fit kit is sold separately from the roof rack itself. I STRONGLY encourage you to buy a tube of grey or black permatex sealant and to goop the hell out of the mounting points.

I ended up getting a very small dripping leak through the passenger side rear bolt holes that only showed itself when my granddaughter noticed her seat belt was wet after a really hard downpour. I removed the rack entirely and resealed EVERYTHING using black permatex. Goop the piss out of it. Cheap insurance.

The install isn't crazy difficult, but make sure you take your time, you don't want to cross thread the bolts when reinstalling them. ;-)

 

[Ch0nz]

Hey OP what size is that? I have a Barcelona Red OR and have been looking for a basic rack, hard to justify some of the other rack prices I’ve seen.


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[tlc.dfw]

Anyone out there have the shorter version: ARB STEEL FLAT RACK WITHOUT MESH FLOOR 53" X 49"? i believe it is ARB part number:3800180. Not many reviews on this rack in general. Looking for wind noise, and how much impact to the sunroof does the full size mesh or rails model cause versus the shorter flat rack.

thanks!

 

[Buszzbait]

My alloy version.

I been really leaning towards getting this rack. The same as yours(Alloy Mesh). ARB makes great products that are functional. My other choice of racks are SSO and TFD. I do like the solid look and less parts of the ARB.

I would like to get your personal thoughts of the rack now that you have had it for awhile. Wind noise level with sunroof closed, open,cracked? Any cons? Is it worth double the price of the non mesh steel one? Right now I can get free ship at 4Wheeler Parts.
Thanks!

 

[Racehoss]

It’s solid. The wind noise is minimal when the sunroof is closed. When open the wind does blow inside the cabin but not too bad.

What are you putting on top?
The mesh can make mounting a RTT a little harder but not impossible.

I’d probably rather have the steel without mesh if the savings is there.

Where do you live? If you buy the steel flat, I’ll trade you.

 

[TBTally]

Thanks for the pics, I was really leaning towards this rack but not do much now. Just not quite what I thought it was. And looks like sunroof can't be tilted anymore.:cry2:

 

[Buszzbait]

It’s solid. The wind noise is minimal when the sunroof is closed. When open the wind does blow inside the cabin but not too bad.

What are you putting on top?
The mesh can make mounting a RTT a little harder but not impossible.

I’d probably rather have the steel without mesh if the savings is there.

Where do you live? If you buy the steel flat, I’ll trade you.

I don’t have a rtt....yet. I will be using it for hauling a kayak and camping gear along with recovery gear.. I’m thinking that mesh could get In the way of mounting certain thing. It’s gotta be hard to clean the roof I would think. See now I’m trying to talk myself outta of it. I live in Montana.