I am going to buy a fishing kayak, (not sure which make/model yet) & will need some crossbars for my OEM rails. I have searched the forum & I'm not sure if the OEM crossbars are my best option or aftermarket. Price does not matter, but I would like to remove the crossbars when not going fishing. Recommendations, Please ?
Crossbar ?
- Thread starter Gstick
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sn_85
Senior Member
I'd get the Niserack brackets and get some 80/20 aluminum extrusion.
4Runner Roof Rack | NiseRack.com
I don't see the reason for taking them on and off though. Just keep up there. It won't impact the 4Runner in anyway by keep them up there and it's probably more of a hassle to take them on/off every time.
4Runner Roof Rack | NiseRack.com
I don't see the reason for taking them on and off though. Just keep up there. It won't impact the 4Runner in anyway by keep them up there and it's probably more of a hassle to take them on/off every time.
WOW ! Thanks for the link. I have never heard of niserack before. Seems like a well made/strong option when buying the extruded crossbars from TNUTZ. Also cheaper than the Thule crossbars. You are probably right about leaving them on, there really is no benefit to remove them other than possible theft. (which would be slightly time consuming) Thanks Again.
ElectroBoy
Banned
The NiseRack is a great system. Designed by forum member [MENTION=176262]Eitek1[/MENTION].
Here’s a link with some more information.
5th Gen Aluminum Roof Rack Using OEM Siderails: NiseRack
Thanks for the info !
Do these crossbars come with mounting hardware ? (its not listed on the website)
yeah they will come with everything you need to mount the bars to your stock rails
whatever you decide to buy don't use the stock rails, they are a waste of money
CollinJ
New member
Yes they all come with hardware, at least all mine did! Ha
Redsoxx1918
New member
I don’t know about that. I used the stock crossbars on my off road premium and now on my TRD Pro. I attached my Malone folding J racks to the stock crossbars and carry two kayaks very easily. The stock crossbars are pretty inexpensive and do the job. They can easily be removed by popping the roof rail caps, on the SR5 or off road, and sliding them out. They are even easier to remove from the Pro rack. They might not be the absolute best but if you’re just looking to carry some kayaks, they are a good, affordable option.
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Thats a completely different rack than what OP has, you have a trd pro rack
Redsoxx1918
New member
Really? It’s different??? Yeah, I know. If you read my post I said I also used the stock crossbars on my TRD off road, for carrying kayaks, prior to getting my Pro. My point was that the stock crossbars work great for that purpose. They might not be the best for more hardcore usage but for carrying kayaks, they work very well.
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Baystate4Runner
New member
While the rack is different the OE crossbars are the same or similar.
PJSnow
Member
I have to agree with redsoxx about the factory cross bars (even though we don’t agree on baseball teams). I use the factory crossbars (not the pro basket) for a ski rack and it has worked out just fine. I’ve never thrown a roof top tent on them but I also don’t plan to. It really depends what you’re intending to use it for. I also like OEM fit and finish compared to most of the aftermarket. It doesn’t stand out like an after thought.
EffinNewGuy
New member
I made cross bars using some superstrut, spring nuts, and brackets. Come's off in minutes with a 3/8" wrench (if I want it to).
I haven't painted them yet and it doesn't bother me (my wife hates the unpainted look though).
Total cost, about $47.
I haven't painted them yet and it doesn't bother me (my wife hates the unpainted look though).
Total cost, about $47.
Redsoxx1918
New member
Right. Probably not the best choice if overlanding is your thing and you want to put a rooftop tent or other gear up there. But, for simple stuff like carrying kayaks, skis, bikes, they work just fine and are pretty affordable.
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The fundamental problem with OE crossbars on the non trd-pro rails is that their far too low.
You may be fine with that depending on what you're loading up.
However, if you ever plan on carrying a RTT, a roof box, basically anything wider than half the rack width, you WILL have interference issues with the shark fin antenna.
You may be fine with that depending on what you're loading up.
However, if you ever plan on carrying a RTT, a roof box, basically anything wider than half the rack width, you WILL have interference issues with the shark fin antenna.
keyser_soze
New member
The shark fins "height" is not even used, and can be replaced on 2010-2015s with a OEM toyota low profile antenna for around $70. Or cut down on 2016+
Just another option if you are having issues with antenna clearance
low profile antenna swap
They sit much higher, the OEM crossbars are so low its difficult just strapping things down, not to mention of soft and springy they are
Bayou_Pro
New member
Couple of thoughts I might add. Keep in mind depending on what brand kayak you are getting, fishing kayaks are considerably heavier then the sit in types. I have a Hobie Outback myself and there is no way I would want to deal with loading that thing on the roof. About to get another Hobie Pro Angler and that again would be terrible by myself. After a long hot day on the water I wouldn't want to deal with that.
Have you considered a small trailer? I modified a small Jon Boat trailer and it works great and so easy to load. Going to modify it to carry both soon. I also just leave my yaks on the trailer for storage.
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Have you considered a small trailer? I modified a small Jon Boat trailer and it works great and so easy to load. Going to modify it to carry both soon. I also just leave my yaks on the trailer for storage.
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Thats a no for me dog. Just checked out your link and it looks like a total pain in the ass for a questionable mod. Cut the antenna?! Nope.
How about just don't buy the crappy OEM crossbars? Problem solved.