Best Roof Rack ?

[jak3_t]

thanks for pictures

 

[rut-n-buck]

Rola Votex Mounting Options

I ordered a Rola Vortex roof rack ($115 from Home Depot) for my wife's 2015 4-Runner. Now I am trying to figure out how I can and want to mount it. The 4-runner didn't come with the roof rack crossbars. It just has the grey side rails. So it looks like I am going to have to order some cross bars for a normal install of the rack. I have also seen that Armour Tech sells low profile mounts for the Rola roof rack, but it mentions it's only been tested to fit on the 03-09 models. Does anyone know if they will fit on a 2015 4Runner, or anyone have any cheap DIY ways to mount the Rola to the side rails without the crossbars?

 

[TXLX1]

I ordered a Rola Vortex roof rack ($115 from Home Depot) for my wife's 2015 4-Runner. Now I am trying to figure out how I can and want to mount it. The 4-runner didn't come with the roof rack crossbars. It just has the grey side rails. So it looks like I am going to have to order some cross bars for a normal install of the rack. I have also seen that Armour Tech sells low profile mounts for the Rola roof rack, but it mentions it's only been tested to fit on the 03-09 models. Does anyone know if they will fit on a 2015 4Runner, or anyone have any cheap DIY ways to mount the Rola to the side rails without the crossbars?

Can you post a picture of the rail? Is it the kind where the crossbar mounts to the side of the rail? You might have more knowledgable response in the 5th gen forum.

If it's side mount cross bar, something like this will probably be what you need.

http://www.4xinnovations.com/03-09-4RNR-Rola-Rack-Mount-Kit_p_43.html

 

[rut-n-buck]

Can you post a picture of the rail? Is it the kind where the crossbar mounts to the side of the rail? You might have more knowledgable response in the 5th gen forum.

If it's side mount cross bar, something like this will probably be what you need.

03-09 4RNR Rola Rack Mount Kit

Thanks for the reply. I am new to the forum and tried starting a new thread in the 5 gen section, but couldn't seem to post a new thread. So I was doing some searches and came across this thread and thought I would check in here. Those are the mounts I was talking about, that say they have only been tested to fit on the 03-09's. I'm not sure if the channels on the newer rails are the same as the ones on the older models. I'm also still trying to decide if I want more of a lower profile or want the rack to sit just above the rails. Here are a couple of pics of the rails.

 

[Oman350]

Where can I buy a rack locally? Wal-Mart?

 

[Joaquineee95]

I am also on the same boat as you, but instead of buying the rails for the rack i think im going to get some UNIstrut like JohnMc did and buy a rola then just use the existing plastic rails to mount it one.

 

[4RBuddha]

I've been very happy with the smaller Baja rack. My only regret is not putting a clear bra under it to protect the paint.

 

[kolelt]

Best roof rack is Whitson metal works

 

[theesotericone]

I am also on the same boat as you, but instead of buying the rails for the rack i think im going to get some UNIstrut like JohnMc did and buy a rola then just use the existing plastic rails to mount it one.

You mean something like this? I used 7/8th unistrut. The factory sliders, some fender washers, a few m6 x 15 bolts, and some 3/16" u clamps. That things been on there for a while now and is bomber solid. Using the 7/8" strut I have about 3/8" clearance from the rack to the roof. The racks a Rola.

 

[Joaquineee95]

You mean something like this? I used 7/8th unistrut. The factory sliders, some fender washers, a few m6 x 15 bolts, and some 3/16" u clamps. That things been on there for a while now and is bomber solid. Using the 7/8" strut I have about 3/8" clearance from the rack to the roof. The racks a Rola.

Yeah i like this idea but my only issue is i don't have the factory rails. So i think ill just have to use UNIstrut as a rail but i guess instead of just drilling directly into the basket ill do what you did with the 3/16 u clamps. Did you just pick up the clamps at Home depot? :thanks:

 

[Sup41]

Stoked on infidel racks!

I just got my infidel roof rack and couldn't be more stoked. ..i wanna give a shoutout both to the guy who reccomended infidel garage and the man himself. Quick turn around, very sturdy, cheaper than competitors and more bang for my buck. Not to mention I think they are the coolest looking racks on the market too.



[MENTION=84518]Infidel[/MENTION]garage

 

[xdustin]

I keep going back and forth on something like the infidel (it's amazing) and the rocky mtn rack (also amazing). I'll have to look more into that infidel though, that thing is gorgeous!

 

[Flemster]

Rocky Mountain Racks.
Currently only marketing for 3rd gens. (Hopefully adding more vehicles down the road)
PRODUCT INFORMATION: Matterhorn Rack

Rack Dimensions: 91”L x 43-1/2”W x 6”T
Crossbar Dimensions: 1”Tx2”Wx43”L

MOUNTING — The roof rack mounts into the OEM roof rails with four 1/4” thick aluminum brackets that are 2” tall. This height is the perfect balance of keeping your weight as low as possible while still making it easy to mount things to the rack. The front of the rack rests on two adjustable mounts that allow you to set the amount of pressure you need.

CROSSBARS — The rack itself features six aluminum extrusion crossbars that can be adjusted forwards and back. When you combine the adjustability of the bars with the versatility of the t-slot channel built into each cross bar, it makes for an endless number of ways to mount your gear.*

HAND HOLDS — Built into the side plate of each rack are hand holds that make getting to the gear on your roof a breeze.*

TIE DOWNS — More important than just getting to you gear is securing it. The built in anchor points can be used to quickly secure things to the roof without hassle of hard mounting.*

FAIRING — The front fairing includes options for mounting a single row light bar or you can go with the full-size fairing if you wanna keep it simple. The fairing can be adjusted to varying heights, ensuring proper fitment on each vehicles. Fairings include rubber stripping to prevent vehicle damage.*

DETAILS
The roof rack DOES NOT ship assembled in order to reduce the cost of shipping.*
All racks come UNPAINTED and are bare aluminum. Aluminum will not rust in wet conditions, but we do recommend painting as the bare aluminum does get micro scratches and finger prints on the surface during the manufacturing process.

@4_ripcord

[MENTION=144428]RockyMtnPhoto[/MENTION]

 

[Snowden]

As far as the Gobi goes it's definitely the sheeet on style. But I hate the fact that their philosophy seems to be 'make as much profit off the few guys that can justify paying $1600. for it'. Why not lower the price to a realistic number for the demographic actually buying these things, sub 8/9 bills for example, and do even better in profit on market share and exposure? Look how many guys post up just drooling over it and are only able to wish they could afford it. Myself for example. Sure someone's now going to tell me I don't know anything about running a custom shop, etc. but I do know a little about market share and I'm very sure they'd turn a small fortune off those racks if they hit a more realistic price point. The funny thing is, if you've never actually seen the Gobi rack for 3rd Gen's in person, frankly speaking it's definitely not the most practical rack out there. It's like the i-crap of the roof rack world. A 10 on style but a 5 on practicality vs. what else is out there. Just my $0.02 as a consumer.

 

[Mauzer]

Rocky Mountain Racks.
Currently only marketing for 3rd gens. (Hopefully adding more vehicles down the road)
PRODUCT INFORMATION: Matterhorn Rack

Rack Dimensions: 91”L x 43-1/2”W x 6”T
Crossbar Dimensions: 1”Tx2”Wx43”L

MOUNTING — The roof rack mounts into the OEM roof rails with four 1/4” thick aluminum brackets that are 2” tall. This height is the perfect balance of keeping your weight as low as possible while still making it easy to mount things to the rack. The front of the rack rests on two adjustable mounts that allow you to set the amount of pressure you need.

CROSSBARS — The rack itself features six aluminum extrusion crossbars that can be adjusted forwards and back. When you combine the adjustability of the bars with the versatility of the t-slot channel built into each cross bar, it makes for an endless number of ways to mount your gear.*

HAND HOLDS — Built into the side plate of each rack are hand holds that make getting to the gear on your roof a breeze.*

TIE DOWNS — More important than just getting to you gear is securing it. The built in anchor points can be used to quickly secure things to the roof without hassle of hard mounting.*

FAIRING — The front fairing includes options for mounting a single row light bar or you can go with the full-size fairing if you wanna keep it simple. The fairing can be adjusted to varying heights, ensuring proper fitment on each vehicles. Fairings include rubber stripping to prevent vehicle damage.*

DETAILS
The roof rack DOES NOT ship assembled in order to reduce the cost of shipping.*
All racks come UNPAINTED and are bare aluminum. Aluminum will not rust in wet conditions, but we do recommend painting as the bare aluminum does get micro scratches and finger prints on the surface during the manufacturing process.

Amazing, this will be my next purchase (just did my elocker swap so may take a few months)...thanks for posting.

 

[zanes71]

I keep going back and forth on something like the infidel (it's amazing) and the rocky mtn rack (also amazing). I'll have to look more into that infidel though, that thing is gorgeous!

I can't reccomend the Infidel rack enough, it's absolutely amazing. I got the removable sunroof option and the removable cross bars, which are both totally worth it. I can throw my bike on it one day, and the next go star gazing on it. Its all expanded sheet so theres plenty of spots to tie stuff down to, and its awesome if you have a ladder. Plus he's the nicest guy in the world, I got my rocksliders from him as well and while he welded them on we got to talk about cars for a few hours. The only way it could be better would be if it was powder coated, which he said he was thinking about trying out soon.

 

[quetzal]

Marking

 

[Jayjayb96]

You mean something like this? I used 7/8th unistrut. The factory sliders, some fender washers, a few m6 x 15 bolts, and some 3/16" u clamps. That things been on there for a while now and is bomber solid. Using the 7/8" strut I have about 3/8" clearance from the rack to the roof. The racks a Rola.

Nice idea! Got more pics of this setup?

 

[quetzal]

You mean something like this? I used 7/8th unistrut. The factory sliders, some fender washers, a few m6 x 15 bolts, and some 3/16" u clamps. That things been on there for a while now and is bomber solid. Using the 7/8" strut I have about 3/8" clearance from the rack to the roof. The racks a Rola.

Hi,
I'm a bit confused, how did you secure the unistrut to the sliders? I see the washers and the bolts, just not sure how it bolts to the sliders.
Thanks.

 

[theesotericone]

Nice idea! Got more pics of this setup?

Not really. lol It's super simple.

Hi,
I'm a bit confused, how did you secure the unistrut to the sliders? I see the washers and the bolts, just not sure how it bolts to the sliders.
Thanks.

Sorry man I responded to your PM before I checked my quotes. You use the M6 x15 bolts with a washer on them to attach to the factory slider nuts.

I can try to get some more pictures but it's already mounted and the few above show as much as any new ones will.

If either of you guys needs more help I'm around.