DIY: Gobi Stealth Roof Rack/Ladder Install
- Thread starter W8kbrder
- Start date
Trail-AMMO
New member
What size tire?
Can't be too big, I'm basically the same on stock 265's BFG's without any issue.
Though I also get my landcruiser on 8" of lift and 37's under my standard garage header.
Trail-AMMO
New member
You should have no problem.
Just picked up my score today. Long story short it was a wrong order for someone local and I picked it up for $1k instead of Gobi shipping it back. Just waiting on Gobi to send me out all the hardware, ladder, and deflector.
Anyone ever put 3m clear bra below where deflector goes to help protect the paint?
Anyone ever put 3m clear bra below where deflector goes to help protect the paint?
Last edited:
bloodninja
New member
Any thick, clear plastic film will work fine. I used Trimbrite T9020 Body Guard 6IN X 12FT
Worked perfectly
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Just picked up my score today. Long story short it was a wrong order for someone local and I picked it up for $1k instead of Gobi shipping it back. Just waiting on Gobi to send me out all the hardware, ladder, and deflector.
Anyone ever put 3m clear bra below where deflector goes to help protect the paint?
Wow great deal! I used this under the wind deflector and worked great.
3M Scotchgard Clear Bra Paint Protection Bulk Film Roll 6-by-84-inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VFYCZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sKEPybR5QD375
Gobi indicated to me they are now including clear film on new orders. Not sure if that's the case though.
Exactly what I was going to order. I will see if they include any when I get my ladder and hardware
n2advnture
New member
Mine did include the film and a soft rubber on the bottom of the wind deflector
WODWorldWide
New member
For what its worth, mine included it about 2.5 years ago when I ordered it but they installed it so I don't know if they were shipping with out it before.
Insurgent
New member
End of a looong wait
So it took over 20 weeks for my rack finally to come in, and here is my write up. If you want the short version, here it is: the rack is worth the wait. Just spent the money, suck it up, add a month or so to your expected date, be patient, and later rather than sooner you’ll have a killer rack. End of the short version.
If you want my full Gobi rack story, or are considering/waiting and want to know what to expect, read on. No intention to praise or bash any of the involved parties, just an account of my experience, from what I read here it’s probably a typical one. I found this forum to be a gold mine for 4runner info, so this would be my contribution. Bought a ’16 TRDP in September of last year, and after some research into racks, mostly here, I decided the Gobi Stealth was the way to go. Placed the order in the last week of September thru Trail Duty group buy that was open at the time, paid about $1400 for full length Stealth, no sunroof, adjustable crossbars, ladder, wind deflector, struts as the free accessory, and free shipping. My CC was charged immediately by TD, without getting any email confirmation for the order. No one was answering the phone there either.
About a week after I placed the order I found out about the no-rise option, which fit my needs much better for hauling surfboards, snowboards, and less sexy cargo like lumber. I also found a post here about another (cheaper) source for the upgraded rear struts, so I figured the Gobi tie-down may be a better deal for the free accessory as I’ve seen these going for over a hundred. I tried calling TD to change my order. Still no answer and no word, other than on my CC statement… I used their website to send a message about the change in order. I had to follow up a few more times before I finally got a confirmation from TD that my original order and the change were received, and ETA was 12 weeks. I figured back then the timeframe would make the big Gobi box a nice Xmas gift, and I settled for a long wait.
After 12 weeks (mid-December) I followed up with Gobi, was told early January was the new date. Good thing my 4runner came with factory cross bars… Mid-January, still no rack, most calls to Gobi were not returned. Finally was told it shipped on 1/17 and would take 5 days, but no tracking number though… Weeks came and went, Gobi blamed the weather for delays, still insisted it was shipped mid January and was in transit, I’ll be getting a delivery call ‘next week’, etc. I kind of needed to know to schedule a day off… Finally, instead of a phone call, 2nd week of February I got an email from TD with a great news that my rack was shipped. I’m a patient guy but being lied to by Gobi is a different story. Rack finally showed up on 2/15, and after the 20+ weeks waiting ordeal, I was half expecting totally wrong rack, damaged or half of parts missing. But nope, everything was perfect.
As others already mentioned, packaging was great, instruction posted here were on the money and great help. I would add though, where Gobi instruction say to use anti-seize lubricant (provided), do so. I somehow skipped that step with three wind deflector bolts, and sure thing, when I had to remove them to install the clear protective tape (also provided), two bolts stripped. So use the anti-seize, and save yourself an hour with a dremmel and trip to a hardware store.
Sort of as a test, I drove for a day without the wind deflector. Bad idea… At 30mph I could already hear it humming, at 50 it was hauling, at 70 it was jet engine loud. Needless to say I was very happy the deflector does its job. Still can hear it, but not enough to bother me (or more importantly my wife). I didn’t get the stronger struts yet, wanted to see how the original ones work with the ladder. Gate definitely is slower to open, still stays up, but most likely I’ll upgrade the struts later.
The tie-down accessory is pretty cool, basically 2 ratchet straps that attach to the rack rails on the outside, Came with two triangle shaped brackets that attach the strap hook to the deck mesh, and also two angle brackets to hold jerry cans from sliding around. Bad design on the triangles though, they keep the strap above the crossbars, so can't use that for a flat cargo like a snowboard. A wrench is needed to attach or move the ratchets, I plan on replacing the bolts/nuts with some sort of a knobs or handles so I can install/remove them as needed. Very nice thing is that the ratchet reels are spring loaded and self-retracting. Good as a free accessory, but I don’t think the kit is worth $150 that I’ve seen it on some web sites. An $7 ratchet set from harbor freight would probably hold the stuff in place as well.
Two things I was a bit disappointed with – I like the Gobi logo cut out in the middle and rear support brackets, but it’s missing in the front ones. These two are different, overlapping pieces, but still it would have looked much better if they also had the logo. Second, the adjustable crossbars are just painted black, not powder coated, and don’t match the rest of the rack. Not a big deal, I’ll probably put a black pool noodle-like padding over those anyway to protect the surfboards/snowboards. Also, like the tie downs, a wrench is needed to attach or move the crossbars. Gobi decal came applied to the wind deflector – sorry, that space is not for free rent. Off it went.
I definitely like the look of the no-rise, but I think that added extra month or so to my wait. I’ve seen posts here with orders placed a few weeks after I did, and they came in before Xmas. Gobi also mentioned on the phone that group orders get lowest priority and add a month or so. Saved me about $200 compared to buying directly from Gobi, so you need to decide what you value more. I did call Gobi before ordering and tried to get the similar discount, no dice.
In the end, it’s a great looking and functioning rack, really completes the 4runner. Can’t really compare to other ones, never seen any in person. Gobi and Trail Duty customer service definitely has a lot of room for improvements, but they sell a great product and know they can get away with it. If you order one, it will test your patience, but once you get in, install it, and climb on top, you’ll forget most of the pain. Maybe…
And the obligatory "I'm on top of the world" pic...
eace:
So it took over 20 weeks for my rack finally to come in, and here is my write up. If you want the short version, here it is: the rack is worth the wait. Just spent the money, suck it up, add a month or so to your expected date, be patient, and later rather than sooner you’ll have a killer rack. End of the short version.
If you want my full Gobi rack story, or are considering/waiting and want to know what to expect, read on. No intention to praise or bash any of the involved parties, just an account of my experience, from what I read here it’s probably a typical one. I found this forum to be a gold mine for 4runner info, so this would be my contribution. Bought a ’16 TRDP in September of last year, and after some research into racks, mostly here, I decided the Gobi Stealth was the way to go. Placed the order in the last week of September thru Trail Duty group buy that was open at the time, paid about $1400 for full length Stealth, no sunroof, adjustable crossbars, ladder, wind deflector, struts as the free accessory, and free shipping. My CC was charged immediately by TD, without getting any email confirmation for the order. No one was answering the phone there either.
About a week after I placed the order I found out about the no-rise option, which fit my needs much better for hauling surfboards, snowboards, and less sexy cargo like lumber. I also found a post here about another (cheaper) source for the upgraded rear struts, so I figured the Gobi tie-down may be a better deal for the free accessory as I’ve seen these going for over a hundred. I tried calling TD to change my order. Still no answer and no word, other than on my CC statement… I used their website to send a message about the change in order. I had to follow up a few more times before I finally got a confirmation from TD that my original order and the change were received, and ETA was 12 weeks. I figured back then the timeframe would make the big Gobi box a nice Xmas gift, and I settled for a long wait.
After 12 weeks (mid-December) I followed up with Gobi, was told early January was the new date. Good thing my 4runner came with factory cross bars… Mid-January, still no rack, most calls to Gobi were not returned. Finally was told it shipped on 1/17 and would take 5 days, but no tracking number though… Weeks came and went, Gobi blamed the weather for delays, still insisted it was shipped mid January and was in transit, I’ll be getting a delivery call ‘next week’, etc. I kind of needed to know to schedule a day off… Finally, instead of a phone call, 2nd week of February I got an email from TD with a great news that my rack was shipped. I’m a patient guy but being lied to by Gobi is a different story. Rack finally showed up on 2/15, and after the 20+ weeks waiting ordeal, I was half expecting totally wrong rack, damaged or half of parts missing. But nope, everything was perfect.
As others already mentioned, packaging was great, instruction posted here were on the money and great help. I would add though, where Gobi instruction say to use anti-seize lubricant (provided), do so. I somehow skipped that step with three wind deflector bolts, and sure thing, when I had to remove them to install the clear protective tape (also provided), two bolts stripped. So use the anti-seize, and save yourself an hour with a dremmel and trip to a hardware store.
Sort of as a test, I drove for a day without the wind deflector. Bad idea… At 30mph I could already hear it humming, at 50 it was hauling, at 70 it was jet engine loud. Needless to say I was very happy the deflector does its job. Still can hear it, but not enough to bother me (or more importantly my wife). I didn’t get the stronger struts yet, wanted to see how the original ones work with the ladder. Gate definitely is slower to open, still stays up, but most likely I’ll upgrade the struts later.
The tie-down accessory is pretty cool, basically 2 ratchet straps that attach to the rack rails on the outside, Came with two triangle shaped brackets that attach the strap hook to the deck mesh, and also two angle brackets to hold jerry cans from sliding around. Bad design on the triangles though, they keep the strap above the crossbars, so can't use that for a flat cargo like a snowboard. A wrench is needed to attach or move the ratchets, I plan on replacing the bolts/nuts with some sort of a knobs or handles so I can install/remove them as needed. Very nice thing is that the ratchet reels are spring loaded and self-retracting. Good as a free accessory, but I don’t think the kit is worth $150 that I’ve seen it on some web sites. An $7 ratchet set from harbor freight would probably hold the stuff in place as well.
Two things I was a bit disappointed with – I like the Gobi logo cut out in the middle and rear support brackets, but it’s missing in the front ones. These two are different, overlapping pieces, but still it would have looked much better if they also had the logo. Second, the adjustable crossbars are just painted black, not powder coated, and don’t match the rest of the rack. Not a big deal, I’ll probably put a black pool noodle-like padding over those anyway to protect the surfboards/snowboards. Also, like the tie downs, a wrench is needed to attach or move the crossbars. Gobi decal came applied to the wind deflector – sorry, that space is not for free rent. Off it went.
I definitely like the look of the no-rise, but I think that added extra month or so to my wait. I’ve seen posts here with orders placed a few weeks after I did, and they came in before Xmas. Gobi also mentioned on the phone that group orders get lowest priority and add a month or so. Saved me about $200 compared to buying directly from Gobi, so you need to decide what you value more. I did call Gobi before ordering and tried to get the similar discount, no dice.
In the end, it’s a great looking and functioning rack, really completes the 4runner. Can’t really compare to other ones, never seen any in person. Gobi and Trail Duty customer service definitely has a lot of room for improvements, but they sell a great product and know they can get away with it. If you order one, it will test your patience, but once you get in, install it, and climb on top, you’ll forget most of the pain. Maybe…
And the obligatory "I'm on top of the world" pic...
eace:
Last edited:
Insurgent
New member
leftyguns21
New member
[MENTION=146776]Insurgent[/MENTION] don't take offense but, are you even old enough to drive!
great write up and great observations. little disappointed to hear that the removable crossbars are only painted and a bit of a pain to remove. I was hoping they would be easily removed so I could take them off, strap to bottom of a RTT when needed, and bolt back on easily. now I am wishing I would have gotten fixed. I didn't even think about snowboards touching that front riser part. as is now mine only goes up to about the middle of my sunroof so I might be ok. I like the riser for lights and believe it looks better. I didn't even notice the accessory for tie downs, that does seem steep $ for them. I will just stick with the off shelf ones. more flexibility too.
clean 4Runner!
great write up and great observations. little disappointed to hear that the removable crossbars are only painted and a bit of a pain to remove. I was hoping they would be easily removed so I could take them off, strap to bottom of a RTT when needed, and bolt back on easily. now I am wishing I would have gotten fixed. I didn't even think about snowboards touching that front riser part. as is now mine only goes up to about the middle of my sunroof so I might be ok. I like the riser for lights and believe it looks better. I didn't even notice the accessory for tie downs, that does seem steep $ for them. I will just stick with the off shelf ones. more flexibility too.
clean 4Runner!
Insurgent
New member
Lefty, I'm glad I got the removable bars. I took them off already, I actually like the clean look without any center bars, and will only add them when needed. I wasn't crazy about the non-powder coated finish, so I sprayed the bars with Rust Oleum bedliner, it has textured finish that sort of matches powder coating. I also replaced the lock nuts with a 3/8" knobs I had laying around, not pretty but make thing easier. I'll try to find some low profile threaded knobs that could go under the bars instead of the top. I also added some padded tape to the clamps to protect the rack bars.
Before
After
leftyguns21
New member
[MENTION=146776]Insurgent[/MENTION] that made a huge difference. looks much nicer. again, great advice.
MuchoAloha
New member
Rear door opened with ladder
Can someone post a pic with the rear door opened all the with with a ladder on it?
Thanks guys!
Can someone post a pic with the rear door opened all the with with a ladder on it?
Thanks guys!
NutZac
New member
It looks the same as your door now. Just with a ladder on it.
As long as you replace the stock struts with the heavier lift ones.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Insurgent
New member
I still have the same struts, so far so good...
Just put my rack on yesterday as well, I need to get some pics up here. Only complaint was that I used a level for the rear ladder and installed it but it must have shifted now it's about 3/4"-1" off. Looks a little dumb but since it's taped now not sure it's ever moving over to make it level. shoot... 
Anyways, anyone have a clue how to fish a fire through the rack? I'd like to put (2) 6" lights at the back for camping but really not too keen on running the wires along the bottom. I noticed there are grommets that could be used but no clue how I'd fish such a small opening. Despite what I found on this form, wires are not already run for me. Thoughts?
Anyways, anyone have a clue how to fish a fire through the rack? I'd like to put (2) 6" lights at the back for camping but really not too keen on running the wires along the bottom. I noticed there are grommets that could be used but no clue how I'd fish such a small opening. Despite what I found on this form, wires are not already run for me. Thoughts?
