ARB Style Awning on OEM roof rails?

[JSparky]

While that looks perfect, I don't have factory cross rails. I could potentially pick some up, but I'd hate to dump too much money into the project knowing I'll be getting a full rack in the upcoming months.

Damn. Ok, if I think of something I'll let you know.

 

[Trixx]

Damn. Ok, if I think of something I'll let you know.

Worse case scenario I found some cross bars for $100. Just hate to buy them knowing they'll be coming off and likely not really sellable in the next month or two.

Either way, thanks for the better picture, helps a lot.

 

[youngwas]

(Part14) 2017 4Runner TRD PRO Cement. EEZI AWN 1000 on OEM Roofrack Crossbar.

(Part14) 2017 4Runner TRD PRO Cement. EEZI AWN 1000 on OEM Roofrack Crossbar.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8FnoHOY5Eg0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[mgreen6616]

While that looks perfect, I don't have factory cross rails. I could potentially pick some up, but I'd hate to dump too much money into the project knowing I'll be getting a full rack in the upcoming months.

I was in the same boat. Going to eventually get a frontrunner or rhino rack but wanted to get my awning on and did not have OEM cross bars. I was trying to figure out how to spend as little as possible until I got the aftermarket rack. I looked at Eezi-Awn G-Clamp at $80 that would attach it to the stock side rails, or getting OEM rails for $100-$125 (eBay or fourm sale), with brackets (another $25-$50) and drilling, but I ended up using some Yakima crossbars I had and spending $200 on new Yakima grab towers. I did this because the Yakima components can be used on another vehicle or if I decided to sell they they have good residual eBay value, recouping a good bit of the cost. The mounts were made from hardware store stuff for $8 ea. (all available at Lowe's etc.) and are very strong internal compression mounts for a real clean look. Just my experience, starting from where you are.

 

[Trixx]

It can be very easily done. Use ARB's gusseted awning brackets and some bits from the hardware store. The factory cross bars are aluminum and can be drilled out no problem. Be sure to put a large drop cloth down to collect any metal shavings during drilling. Laying something down to protect the roof from overdrilling wouldn't be a bad idea, I used some HDPE I had left over from another project. I also stacked two fender washers under the bracket to sit it even with the outer lip of the factory cross bars. I'll update with more photos when I get to my computer.

Decided to bite the bullet and order the crossbars. Got them from McGeorge Toyota for 33% off, local dealer wasn't willing to match that (even though I just bought a 4runner from them). Total for both bars was $94 + shipping. Your setup looks very clean and secure. I have a reservation for a beach campsite in a week and a half and won't have my 4Runner all next week so I'll have minimal time to install before I leave.

If you don't mind, could you send a few more pictures, mostly from like the front and side? I like how with this way you can tuck it in closer to the vehicle a bit more so it's not sticking out.

Looks great and thanks again for the suggestion.

 

[JSparky]

Decided to bite the bullet and order the crossbars. Got them from McGeorge Toyota for 33% off, local dealer wasn't willing to match that (even though I just bought a 4runner from them). Total for both bars was $94 + shipping. Your setup looks very clean and secure. I have a reservation for a beach campsite in a week and a half and won't have my 4Runner all next week so I'll have minimal time to install before I leave.

If you don't mind, could you send a few more pictures, mostly from like the front and side? I like how with this way you can tuck it in closer to the vehicle a bit more so it's not sticking out.

Looks great and thanks again for the suggestion.

Nice, good deal. Here are some more shots. The ARB bracket allows for vertical/height adjustment. I set mine at the top, this enables enough room to get your fingers underneath to operate the zipper. You're gonna love the awning!

 

[Trixx]

Nice, good deal. Here are some more shots. The ARB bracket allows for vertical/height adjustment. I set mine at the top, this enables enough room to get your fingers underneath to operate the zipper. You're gonna love the awning!

That looks great! Definitely looks to be the best way to mount on the OEM rack/cross bars. I already had those ARB mounts ordered anyways as I planned to use them when I do upgrade the rack, so they will double as both purposes.

Looking forward to using the awning. We move all over the country for work and are usually close to beaches, however I typically sunburn bad and had skin cancer at 27, so I avoid the sun quite a bit. With the awning and walled awning room, I should be 100% good to go!

 

[Home Team 4Runner]

Is that ARB the 2500? Looks good. How long is the part in the front that is unsupported? I believe they recommend 2ft or less.

 

[JSparky]

Is that ARB the 2500? Looks good. How long is the part in the front that is unsupported? I believe they recommend 2ft or less.

Yea it is the 2500, figured if I was going to carry an awning mind as well get as much coverage as possible. It does stick out pretty far in front.. I had read that 2ft recommendation as well but it works for now until I get a proper rack on. It survived a week in Death Valley if that helps. I can take a pic tomorrow showing overall length.

 

[JSparky]

Is that ARB the 2500? Looks good. How long is the part in the front that is unsupported? I believe they recommend 2ft or less.

Measured, when the awning is adjusted such that you have it all the way back but can still open the tailgate, it overhangs 4' from the front mount.. not ideal but seems to be holding up fine for temporary use. Hope this helps.

 

[Trixx]

Measured, when the awning is adjusted such that you have it all the way back but can still open the tailgate, it overhangs 4' from the front mount.. not ideal but seems to be holding up fine for temporary use. Hope this helps.

I'm honestly not at all concerned with that route of mounting. Mine is 500mm shorter so will be slightly better, but I'm sure still ok either way.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

Nice, good deal. Here are some more shots. The ARB bracket allows for vertical/height adjustment. I set mine at the top, this enables enough room to get your fingers underneath to operate the zipper. You're gonna love the awning!

What's the model number is that awning? Really liked what you did

 

[JSparky]

What's the model number is that awning? Really liked what you did

Thanks, I've been really happy with it. It's the 2500x2500 model, biggest one they make I believe. Ordered from Sierra Expeditions: https://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=15733

 

[FiReBReTHa]

im pregaming an awning purchase, but gotta ask why folks havent considered doing a simple L bracket off of the Tslot OEM rails? torsion issues?

something like this

black is the ARB bracket mount they sell. Purple the awning, Gold is screws. and grey is the custom fab.

 

[FiReBReTHa]

I have mine done on factory rails, for now. I bought 2 super strut z-brackets and had 2 mounting plates made up. Been super sturdy so far.

grasslands by Chris Weathers, on Flickr

Untitled by Chris Weathers, on Flickr

Chris how they holding up for you?

 

[clweathers]

Chris how they holding up for you?

It held up fine for the time i used it that way. Which wasn't very long. It was a temporary solution until the gobi showed up.

 

[Mick1]

Looks like this was solved but On a stock rack i think a lighter more compact awning like the shady boy would be better.

I have one on my baja rack. See here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/200351-shady-boy-awning.html

 

[Mick1]

Pics

 

[sahib]

Rail mounts

Bringing this back from the dead...but my team and I are working on a roof rail mount to fit on stock roof rails so that you can attach awnings/lights/shovel etc. without the need of a roof rack.

Were in the process of testing them and will have a beta public test run in late-January. I wanted to see interest from fellow wheelers and to create an initial list of people that want a set. They will be at cost and mailed out as soon as they are completed. Designed and built in California, high quality materials.

If anyone is interested DM me with your name and number.

 

[mrblah]

Bringing this back from the dead...but my team and I are working on a roof rail mount to fit on stock roof rails so that you can attach awnings/lights/shovel etc. without the need of a roof rack.

Were in the process of testing them and will have a beta public test run in late-January. I wanted to see interest from fellow wheelers and to create an initial list of people that want a set. They will be at cost and mailed out as soon as they are completed. Designed and built in California, high quality materials.

If anyone is interested DM me with your name and number.

not to burst your bubble, but you are a bit late to the ballgame. There are two companies doing just that. The key to your success is going to be in price, so good luck with that.