Baja Racks - Standard Basket Length or Long?

[el_kab0ng]

The next purchase for my '16 T4RTE will be a Baja Rack so I can store things on the roof that I don't want in my cargo area. I've noticed there are a couple of choices, but I wanted to get some opinions from folks who own these as to whether or not to get the standard basket length or the full length model. The weight capacity doesn't change between models, so other than having more real estate with the long one I'm not sure if it would be worth it to get the longer model over the standard basket.

Do any of you guys with the long rack wish you'd gone with the standard length? Do you find yourself needing the extra real estate more than you would have if you'd just installed the standard length?

 

[DesertCanyons]

BajaRack carrying long items

The biggest difference I can see is that with the long rack you can load canoes, kayaks and lumber closer to the center of the truck. With a standard rack you're confined to loading long items so they balance on the front and back. That means farther back on the vehicle. Canoes and the like end up sticking out quite a ways over the back.

I have on order a Baja Rack long Utility Rack without the sunroof opening. When I'm doing home projects I often carry 16 foot pieces of lumber. It's easier to load long items when the front and back rail are the same height. No side rails from a basket means it sits lower. My driveway has trees branching out at 6'-0" or so. I need better clearance to avoid raking through the branches. Some parking garages are very low too.

 

[Raven]

In my opinion, the short Baja looks better (top curvature is better, and it looks good on the Runner), and it will be quieter. If you don't really need the extra length, that would be my choice.

I personally have the long rack, for carrying canoes and kayaks, and occasionally, lumber.
It is really a personal choice - you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Knight-Errant]

I don't have a rack, but I'd go with the full length rack. I'd climb up, put a sleeping bag pad on top, crawl into my sleeping bag, and it would be the perfect platform for looking up at the sky and watching meteor showers. I'd also consider sleeping in a bivy, which would be the poor man's roof top tent.

I've seen photos on this site with people sleeping on top overnight, using it as a photography platform with a tripod, photos of people having picnics on top...I think if you're creative, there are plenty of unique ways to use a full length rack. The shorter basket length is fine, but it may be "limiting" (which I put in quotes because it will still be plenty useful)

In the end only you can figure out what style (both practical and aesthetic) will suit you best (and what you want to spend).

 

[Land_Shark]

Here's my review of a full rack (start watching at about 2:30):



One thing to consider, and I have no numbers to back this up, is fuel economy. Most crossover manufacturer's manuals say to keep the cross bars in the most rear position when not in use b/c they have less effect on aerodynamics further back. A full length rack will be that much closer to the front of the roof than a 3/4 rack, thus decreasing aerodynamics and fuel economy. Given the opportunity again, I'd still buy the full length for its increased utility in all the ways described above.

 

[el_kab0ng]

Thanks for all the insight guys! I don't really go kayaking and lumber would be something I'd probably haul on a trailer instead of on the roof, but you guys definitely gave me something to think about.

 

[delloro]

Thanks for all the insight guys! I don't really go kayaking and lumber would be something I'd probably haul on a trailer instead of on the roof, but you guys definitely gave me something to think about.

I went long because fishing poles and ez-ups are more easily hauled on a full-length rack.

 

[zehyani]

any other ideas for full length roof rails

my 15 sr5 does not have a sunroof and I like to canoe. I was wondering how to get one to fit. Having full length roof rails would be very helpful, as then I could buy some cross bars and mount them. I would appreciate any ideas. Budget limited.
thanks

 

[ST1FLER]

my 15 sr5 does not have a sunroof and I like to canoe. I was wondering how to get one to fit. Having full length roof rails would be very helpful, as then I could buy some cross bars and mount them. I would appreciate any ideas. Budget limited.
thanks

:shrug: put it on the factory rack... it works

 

[Deuskid]

:shrug: put it on the factory rack... it works

Hope this is not a hijack but since it is an alternative to buying aftermarket thought the question was germane.

I'm planning on ordering a 4runner in a month or so and am trying to learn about what needs modding.

How good is the factory rack? Would it handle 2 kayaks or a couple of large plastic tubs?

Thanks.

 

[ST1FLER]

I have carried 2 on mine but ideally I would at least get wider crossbars

 

[Arizonaguy]

Hi guys, I’m a brand new member. A few months ago I purchased a 2020 TRD Off-road premium. I really like it so far, and have been “personalizing” it lately. (I joined the forum a couple days ago.)

I want to put a roof rack up there, but am overwhelmed by the selection out there (which in a way is a good thing). I saw the Baja rack, and it is currently in the running.

I have to agree with what has been said above; the standard size “looks” better on the 4Runner, but the longer one seems more practical.

Personally, I would probably go with the standard size, as I don’t plan to put that much stuff up there, I just want the option of it’s needed.

I am enjoying the forum so far. It seems like a friendly place with knowledgeable and friendly people