DIY: Gobi Stealth Roof Rack/Ladder Install

[5280 TRail-Runner]

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!

 

[NutZac]

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?

If you have a length of Romex strip out one of the pieces of copper. It's thin enough to fit through and rigid enough that you should be able to push it without having it bind on a hard angle. Fold the back half over about 2" and loop about 6" of wire through it. Use a bunch of electrical tape to secure it all together. Make sure the wire is about 2' longer than the rack that way it pokes out where you want it to end while it's still out the other side.


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[TheDozer]

If you have a length of Romex strip out one of the pieces of copper. It's thin enough to fit through and rigid enough that you should be able to push it without having it bind on a hard angle. Fold the back half over about 2" and loop about 6" of wire through it. Use a bunch of electrical tape to secure it all together. Make sure the wire is about 2' longer than the rack that way it pokes out where you want it to end while it's still out the other side.


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You use the factory grommets? How do you get the wire out the other end?

 

[NutZac]

I haven't done it yet. But I was just contemplating it the other day as well. There are rubber bungs in the front and back. Just need to make the curve.

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[TheDozer]

I haven't done it yet. But I was just contemplating it the other day as well. There are rubber bungs in the front and back. Just need to make the curve.

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If you end up doing it, let me know as I'm wanting to order my lights in the next few months.

 

[NutZac]

If you end up doing it, let me know as I'm wanting to order my lights in the next few months.

I haven't ordered mine either. But I am thinking about (2) 6" bars on either side in flood pattern. I'll use it for beach fishing at night and camping as well.


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[jondoe1482]

Video of Gobi Stealth Install 2016 5th Gen 4Runner TRD Pro

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.

 

[susanbanthony25]

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.

Thanks for doing this, will definitely help out.


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[hammerheadt4r]

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

https://youtu.be/EC55oEbBcG4

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.

Great video and writeup from the OP. Quick question, what is in the spray bottle when you applied the 3M tape? Also, any wind noise with your deflector?

 

[TheDozer]

Has anyone ran some light cables within the rack tubing? :wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf:

 

[5280 TRail-Runner]

Has anyone ran some light cables within the rack tubing? :wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf:

I'm sure someone has done it before but heres a write up that may help.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread.html#post831769

 

[Insurgent]

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!

I'm not quite sure what measurement you're talking about. But if you already have a different rack and want to make sure Gobi ladder would clear it, my rack starts 1 3/4" away from the start of the roof (or the gap between the tail gate and the roof), at 2 1/4" height above the roof. That's the spot where the 1/4" gap is between the ladder and the rack on the picture, the only place where it's tight.

 

[5280 TRail-Runner]

I'm not quite sure what measurement you're talking about. But if you already have a different rack and want to make sure Gobi ladder would clear it, my rack starts 1 3/4" away from the start of the roof (or the gap between the tail gate and the roof), at 2 1/4" height above the roof. That's the spot where the 1/4" gap is between the ladder and the rack on the picture, the only place where it's tight.

Thanks for the response. I should of been a bit more clear as to what measurements I was looking for but the measurements you gave me is what I am looking for. I think I have just under 2" from where the gap is to the back of my rack so I think I can fit one. Thanks again! :cheers:

 

[jondoe1482]

Great video and writeup from the OP. Quick question, what is in the spray bottle when you applied the 3M tape? Also, any wind noise with your deflector?

There are 2 different solutions you make. I believe one is soap and water, and the other is alcohol and water. If you look on youtube or google "3M Clear Bra Installation" there are lots of tutorials available for that. The soapy water allows the film to be moved around on the car before sticking. Then the alcohol and the squeegee allow it to stick down to the car.

 

[jondoe1482]

Great video and writeup from the OP. Quick question, what is in the spray bottle when you applied the 3M tape? Also, any wind noise with your deflector?

Forgot the other question. There is a little wind noise, but it's not bad. For instance, my wife didn't notice it until I pointed it out. It was obvious to me on the first ride, but I was listening for it, and now I don't really notice it most of the time.

 

[j0sh_]

Finally got the hardware and ladder from gobi so got mine installed yesterday. Thanks for the guide and video.

 

[lionscourt]

"Doing home repairs and carpentry I often need to haul long lumber."


Hi,
I am beginning to do the same, meaning carpentry. I was wondering how your 4runner fared with your Gobi carrying longer lumber, ie 20'? I most likely will be purchasing a 4th gen but wanted to know.

 

[jondoe1482]

Video of Gobi Stealth Install 2016 5th Gen 4Runner TRD Pro

Sorry, had to move the video to a different youtube account. Here's the new URL:
https://youtu.be/-mVbiEFSVgQ

 

[Sifrk]

Preparation for Gobi install

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?

 

[kanab ram]

I never wash my car so I can't say for certain but after a recent install of the rack I would imagine that it would be difficult to keep as clean as the rest of the vehicle as I could barely work my arms underneath to get a wrench on the bolts for the optional tool box