Attaching things to the flat utility Baja rack

Y

Yotta

Member
I'm thinking of getting the long utility Baja rack. I don't have the sunroof and I like the idea of a flat surface with no raised sides or crossbars in the way. However I'm unsure of what happens if you need to mount something like a aero shell on top of it, or, say, a kayak mount, or any of the other myriad things which are designed to be attached to fairly high crossbars.

I'd appreciate if people with the utility rack shared some of their experience with it -- what works, what doesn't, what needs additional mods...
 
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I have the same question but more specifically with mounting a Thule (Force Alpine 623) with the Quick Grip System. Wondering if the cross bars on the utility rack are too narrow.
 
I have the flat baja and there is an accessory I use that allows me to mount whatever I want up there from other manufacturers. The pic is old and my truck has gone through some changes. I don't have these adapters installed at the moment but the four mounts can be attached anywhere on the rack to allow for other feet, rack systems etc to attach. Hope this helps. A little tough to describe.
I use mine for a Yakima box but anything really would work. They could be mounted sideways if needed.
 
Bimrunner, do you know where you got those adapters? I looked at the Baja rack website and they don't show anything like that. I like them and I'm thinking about one of those flat utility racks myself. :fishing:
 
You get them from baja rack but they don't have them on their site. No idea why they don't. They cost about $100 if I recall but are nice powder coated steel parts that match perfectly. You have to call them to order the adapter kit.
 
bimrunner said:
You get them from baja rack but they don't have them on their site. No idea why they don't. They cost about $100 if I recall but are nice powder coated steel parts that match perfectly. You have to call them to order the adapter kit.
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Thank you. :nerd:
 
bimrunner said:
You get them from baja rack but they don't have them on their site. No idea why they don't. They cost about $100 if I recall but are nice powder coated steel parts that match perfectly. You have to call them to order the adapter kit.
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Thank you.

I've had the same question and actually steered away from getting a Baja Rack due to lack of accessories.
 
Can't go wrong with BajaRack.

Give them a call. I can't remember the guys name, but they have fantastic customer service and great products.

I had a wind deflector chipping a little after a few years and they sent me a new one with no charge... all the stuff I have gotten from them is very high quality.
 
mjohns2 said:
Thank you.

I've had the same question and actually steered away from getting a Baja Rack due to lack of accessories.
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I've learned that many things aren't on fabricator's websites. They are simply too busy in their shops making badass parts to put everything on their sites. There are exceptions like MetalTech, but I can name quite a few that don't. It is a shame but there isn't enough time in the day for many of them.
 
Bimrunner -

How secure have you found it to tie-down boxes or soft luggage to the flat rack?

Are there any large downsides for you with not having the side rails?


btw - that's a good looking rig you've got
 
AllenL said:
Bimrunner -

How secure have you found it to tie-down boxes or soft luggage to the flat rack?

Are there any large downsides for you with not having the side rails?


btw - that's a good looking rig you've got
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As long as you are competent at tying down, everything is secure. I use a bungie net, cargo thingy for not too heavy stuff that is bulky but ratchet tie-downs for bigger/heavier stuff. Biggest downside I have found is that if I want to mount lights (which I plan to do), they are completely unprotected and limits the useful space up there to load up whereas the Gobi and Drabbits have light protection built in and a second level you can use. I actually have plans for a different rack... that's all I got to say about that for now...:tongue1:
 
bimrunner said:
As long as you are competent at tying down, everything is secure. I use a bungie net, cargo thingy for not too heavy stuff that is bulky but ratchet tie-downs for bigger/heavier stuff. Biggest downside I have found is that if I want to mount lights (which I plan to do), they are completely unprotected and limits the useful space up there to load up whereas the Gobi and Drabbits have light protection built in and a second level you can use. I actually have plans for a different rack... that's all I got to say about that for now...:tongue1:
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New Rack! hmmmm :)
 
bimrunner said:
As long as you are competent at tying down, everything is secure. I use a bungie net, cargo thingy for not too heavy stuff that is bulky but ratchet tie-downs for bigger/heavier stuff. Biggest downside I have found is that if I want to mount lights (which I plan to do), they are completely unprotected and limits the useful space up there to load up whereas the Gobi and Drabbits have light protection built in and a second level you can use. I actually have plans for a different rack... that's all I got to say about that for now...:tongue1:
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Thanks for the feedback. That's pretty much what I figured abt securing cargo, I've just had way too much experience on adv-style dirtbikes with EVERYTHING loosening up after a couple of hours of hard riding.

Also, good point on the lights. I'm not sure if I'll mount any lights, but not having a spot to mount a camp light or two seems like a pretty big downside.
 
Hey guys, so I just ordered my flat utility rack. Any accessories and/or tie down systems you guys would recommend after having time with your racks? Looking for ways to put bikes and bike trailer up there, as well as other miscellaneous stuff. Thanks.
 
SoCal4Run said:
Hey guys, so I just ordered my flat utility rack. Any accessories and/or tie down systems you guys would recommend after having time with your racks? Looking for ways to put bikes and bike trailer up there, as well as other miscellaneous stuff. Thanks.
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I think you'll only put bikes up there one time. It's a pain! Use a hitch mounted bike rack and you'll be so much happier!
 
bimrunner said:
I think you'll only put bikes up there one time. It's a pain! Use a hitch mounted bike rack and you'll be so much happier!
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May I ask what was difficult about mounting bikes up top? I've got a hitch rack that I use mostly to carry a couple, a way to carry a couple inside, as long as the saddle height allows, but would like to be able to carry at least 2 more up top if the other places are all taken. Team stuff and such. Is it just a matter of the overall height, or what?
 
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So I'm also looking into purchasing the BajaRack Utility rack. I have a question regarding mounting my Thule Universal Pull Top. Can this be mounted without the Accessory item they sell? I called Bajarack and the individual couldn't really give me a straight answer.
 
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