DIY: Gobi Stealth Roof Rack/Ladder Install

[Sleeter]

For those who have a stealth rack installed, how difficult is it to clean the roof once the rack is on? I've gotten a couple of quotes on options ranging from ceramic coating to applying a clear bra. I'm leaning towards having a clear bra installed which would need minimal maintenance as I understand it. The shop suggested putting on a coat of ceramic coating on top of the clear bra to help protect it. The ceramic coating will not allow any adhesive to be applied to it, and I understand the front two foot pads use adhesive backings to keep it attached to the roof?

What, if anything, are you all doing to protect the roof before the rack goes on?

Uhh I don't wash my roof, ever.

 

[leftyguns21]

For those who have a stealth rack installed, how difficult is it to clean the roof once the rack is on? I've gotten a couple of quotes on options ranging from ceramic coating to applying a clear bra. I'm leaning towards having a clear bra installed which would need minimal maintenance as I understand it. The shop suggested putting on a coat of ceramic coating on top of the clear bra to help protect it. The ceramic coating will not allow any adhesive to be applied to it, and I understand the front two foot pads use adhesive backings to keep it attached to the roof?

What, if anything, are you all doing to protect the roof before the rack goes on?

i got a $800 quote for a clear bra. little too deep for me. ill apply proper wax job before install and....not sure after that.

 

[Sifrk]

i got a $800 quote for a clear bra. little too deep for me. ill apply proper wax job before install and....not sure after that.

That was my initial plan with the wax but it'll wear away fairly quickly. My quote is $550 (w/o the ceramic coating). Still it's a good size investment. Gonna have to mull over this one.

 

[DisPhu]

I use a brush similar to this when washing under the rack.

 

[Khjphoto]

Full wrap on roof. No objectionable noise. Love the rack.

 

[jameygraham]

This write up is excellent and super helpful. I did a video of the install below to add even more detail.

https://youtu.be/-mVbiEFSVgQ

I decided to film the install, hopefully this helps clarify some of the details of the install. It's a LONG video. Tried to speed up the parts that I could while maintaining the detail. Sorry, it's real boring.

Just wanted to give a BIG shout out to jondoe1482 for putting together the Gobi rack install video. I used his video while installing my rack last week and the "boring" detail helped me lot! Thanks amigo!

 

[Sifrk]

I ordered my Gobi rack with removable cross bars. I think I know the answer but are there any security measures with the removable cross bars to prevent them, and whatever they're holding, from being stolen?

 

[92879]

The cross bars themselves, no, but whatever you mount to the crossbars like gas cans, can be secured/cabled and locked to the rack itself. Hope that helps.

I ordered my Gobi rack with removable cross bars. I think I know the answer but are there any security measures with the removable cross bars to prevent them, and whatever they're holding, from being stolen?

 

[leftyguns21]

I ordered my Gobi rack with removable cross bars. I think I know the answer but are there any security measures with the removable cross bars to prevent them, and whatever they're holding, from being stolen?

they come with 3/8-16 bolt connecting to two metal pieces that sandwich the bar to the rack. someone would need to be carrying around that size wrench and have a need for your crossbars. the bolt is pointing down and a bit of a pain to get in there and remove. not to say it wont happen, but is an unlikely scenario.

 

[Sifrk]

The cross bars themselves, no, but whatever you mount to the crossbars like gas cans, can be secured/cabled and locked to the rack itself. Hope that helps.

Much appreciated. This might be a good option for the short term.

they come with 3/8-16 bolt connecting to two metal pieces that sandwich the bar to the rack. someone would need to be carrying around that size wrench and have a need for your crossbars. the bolt is pointing down and a bit of a pain to get in there and remove. not to say it wont happen, but is an unlikely scenario.

I'm not so concerned with the Gobi crossbars, more about my roof top box or bike rack (w/ bike docked). When on road trips we often find hikes to take, and some of them take several hours to complete.

 

[Wander]

Thanks for all the links and tips. I did a quick price compare between Gobi and Trail Duty websites.

What is the advantage ordering from Trail Duty. Both have free ladder and shipping offer but Trail Duty seems about $1,000 more than Gobi site? Starting price before add ons.

 

[jhn17843]

Thanks for all the links and tips. I did a quick price compare between Gobi and Trail Duty websites.

What is the advantage ordering from Trail Duty. Both have free ladder and shipping offer but Trail Duty seems about $1,000 more than Gobi site? Starting price before add ons.

They are both $1,595. You must be looking at the package from Trail Duty that includes a $1,000 Rigid light bar.

 

[leftyguns21]

Thanks for all the links and tips. I did a quick price compare between Gobi and Trail Duty websites.

What is the advantage ordering from Trail Duty. Both have free ladder and shipping offer but Trail Duty seems about $1,000 more than Gobi site? Starting price before add ons.

not sure if this is always true or if it matters, but trail duty charges you right away while gobi wont charge until ships. at least that's what most people have experienced. otherwise, same prices. i always prefer going directly to the manufacture if given the chance.

 

[Snacks]

Can you give me a measurement from the back of the rack to the gap where the ladder goes? I had a custom rack made and while it looks like I have room to open the hatch without hitting the back of the rack I want to be sure before I order one. Thanks!

FYI, I plan on selling my Gobi Ladder/Shocks when my group buy order arrives.

 

[Wander]

Thanks. Overlooked the light bar. Since they are the same price and seems communication is limited, probably will go directly with Gobi.

 

[Sifrk]

What's been the installation time you all have seen? Should I be blocking out a whole day to get the rack on the Runner?

 

[V8eR_Runner]

What's been the installation time you all have seen? Should I be blocking out a whole day to get the rack on the Runner?

Block out a solid 3hrs for prep and install. I did several mock ups prior to committing.

 

[TonedeafBard]

Thanks. Overlooked the light bar. Since they are the same price and seems communication is limited, probably will go directly with Gobi.

Trail Duty has a coupon code [gobi100] for $100 off. I ordered mine from there a few weeks ago. I wonder how long it will be until it arrives...

 

[SteelStacks]

The front plates/feet that came with mine didn't have sticky pads on the bottom. They just had the rubber things on the bottom. They were also much skinnier than the ones in the OP's instructions.

They were the same size as the rubber stripping on the roof. As a matter of fact, one side is pressing against the edge of the paint itself so I'm afraid it's going to scratch the paint. Is this normal?

Driver's side

Passenger side

Passenger side has a little gap in between so that should be fine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dwheels0912]

Great write up. Will definitely make my install of my new Gobi a lot easier!