best roof top carrier?
- Thread starter Scotttyd
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just some more info - my 4 runner has the factory bars that run lengthwise (apologies for not using the right terminology) - not sure if that is considered a roof rack. I plan on pulling the cross bars off my wife'ss suburu crosstreck - will this work?? (I was told they Thule, they came off the dealer lot with them) - not sure if all of the cargo boxes are compatible with those cross bars? or if any will attach directly to the lengthwise bars? I am new to all of this! thanks
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Deuxdiesel
New member
I doubt that the Subie crossbars will fit the 4Runner rack unless they are an aftermarket universal fit style, then you might get lucky. Thule, Yakima and Rhino Rack (plus a bunch of others) make crossbar systems that rest on top of your factory rails and use a band or clamp that attaches them to the rail. As far as roof top carriers go, it depends on what you are carrying. I have an old Yakima that I could literally sleep in (180 cm x 90 cm) that is still great after 20 years. I also have a Thule that is long and skinny for skis (210 cm x 60 cm). The problem with them is storing them when not in use. They are heavy and cumbersome. If you can get away with a soft carrier that can be used as is on resting in a roof basket, that is a great solution- light, easy to store. Both e-trailer and rackoutfitters.com have lots of videos on different racks.
Went the cheaper route, Roof Basket and Hitch Basket, fits all the camping gear and coolers nicely, rest in the back of course, just sitting on the factory cross bars so nothing seriously heavy of course. Thule model isn't noisy up there in the wind, not bad at all actually.
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Subalpine James
New member
LFD Off Road
Check out LFD Off Road, i've researched a bit and this seems like a very good option, if you're looking for somewhat inexpensive and can piece together as you go.
Check out LFD Off Road, i've researched a bit and this seems like a very good option, if you're looking for somewhat inexpensive and can piece together as you go.
kaitlyn2004
New member
I've never really considered a "hitch basket" - how do you access the trunk area with that just sticking off the back? I assume given the choice it would be better (fuel efficiency, noise, ease of access, etc.) to carry hitch box instead of on roof? Any reason why you'd choose roof over hitch if only need space of one?
What do you want to carry?
If it's a couple of 2x4's the factory one should be fine. If you want a carry a canoe, you might need some extra hardware.
Trailers are cheap rentals too if you have something really big.
Mudhorn
New member
Rightline Gear. Soft carriers, but great quality and hold up to the elements.
If you are looking for a rack, then figure out your uses/needs and work off of that. I have a Gobi Stealth and like it for my needs. I enjoy sitting on the roof (mesh flooring). I like the low profile and mounting an awning and some lights that are the same height as the top of the rack. If I didn’t keep stuff mounted on the rack then I probably would have went with the Bajarack Flat. A lot of great options on the market currently and some nice home builds on the forum.
If you are looking for a rack, then figure out your uses/needs and work off of that. I have a Gobi Stealth and like it for my needs. I enjoy sitting on the roof (mesh flooring). I like the low profile and mounting an awning and some lights that are the same height as the top of the rack. If I didn’t keep stuff mounted on the rack then I probably would have went with the Bajarack Flat. A lot of great options on the market currently and some nice home builds on the forum.
The Tule Motion XT fits well on the factory crossbars and is low profile. Easily clears the shark fin and trunk. I use it for basically any trip as the dog/sleeping setup takes up most of the inside space. It’s driven across the country twice and been on multiple camping trips. I think they look ridiculous when people get those aftermarket crossbars that have a giant gap and mount the box like 6inches off of the roof.
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thanks all -
and yes, I should have clarified a little.
I am looking for an all purpose cargo box (not just a rack). We live in NC and do a lot of trips to the beach and the mountains for camping/hiking. Recently had to trade in the tacoma for a 4runner as I am not a family man
- with the baby, we needed more inside space. But the cargo area inside just isn't enough to haul what we need. We would use the cargo box for overflow (suitcase, beach gear, camping gear) since it will vary - I think something enclosed/weather proof is necessary)
as far as a hitch carrier - we have a bike rack that we use on the hitch, so that is why we don't want to go with that - I know it would be easier to get to if we did.
and yes, I should have clarified a little.
I am looking for an all purpose cargo box (not just a rack). We live in NC and do a lot of trips to the beach and the mountains for camping/hiking. Recently had to trade in the tacoma for a 4runner as I am not a family man
- with the baby, we needed more inside space. But the cargo area inside just isn't enough to haul what we need. We would use the cargo box for overflow (suitcase, beach gear, camping gear) since it will vary - I think something enclosed/weather proof is necessary)as far as a hitch carrier - we have a bike rack that we use on the hitch, so that is why we don't want to go with that - I know it would be easier to get to if we did.
The Tule Motion XT fits well on the factory crossbars and is low profile. Easily clears the shark fin and trunk. I use it for basically any trip as the dog/sleeping setup takes up most of the inside space. It’s driven across the country twice and been on multiple camping trips. I think they look ridiculous when people get those aftermarket crossbars that have a giant gap and mount the box like 6inches off of the roof.
I love how low this sits - has to help with MPG - mine does not have crossbars (just the bars running lengthwise) - I can't even see the cross bars, are they something I can add on?
Mike07SE
New member
Just FYI that I can confirm that the Yakima boxes with their style of mounting feet will not work with the factory crossbars (with the typical 4Runner side rails; not vouching for TRD Pro rack setups and old Trail Edition versions). The claws used in their setups do not have enough clearance between the roof skin and the cross bar. This was a real bummer for me as we already had the box when we purchased our 5th gen.
Yeah you can order the Toyota crossbars online or from the dealer. Mine didn’t originally have them, I bought them when I decided to get the box. The end caps on the rear come off and the rails slide into the factory rack. It’s PT27889170
Toyota 4Runner Roof Rack Cross Bars. Exterior, Rails, Weight - PT27889170 | Desert Toyota, Tucson AZ
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I found some better pics of it on the Toyota crossbars for you or anyone interested. Thule Motion XT L
If you’re able to find an older style box for cheap they are great because it’s easy to drill holes to clear the trunk and shark fin. Would have ran into that issue with a new box but I’ve got a beast of a box up top and it fits no problems with some added holes. Had to do the same thing on my old RDX.
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