Ecotechne rack

[007Tacoma]

Is the the TFORCE package that was an option for SR5? I saw one at dealer and I liked the look. I have a Curtis basket with extension and it overlaps past the rails by a bit so I can get by without a full rack right now. The TFORCE stays on tho right? My basket gets taken off for mileage and noise concerns

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Yep. I found a guy locally that was selling his and going full Gobi. I get some funny looks when I tell people at the dealership that it is a Trail Edition. The response is usually... "...sure..."

I love the look of the TForce rack, but it isn't adjustable or configurable. Right now I am getting some wind buffing noise on the sunroof because the rack redirects wind forward at highway speeds (65+). It isn't horrible, but it is annoying when I have the shade open and the stereo off.

I keep mine on all the time since I use it at very random intervals. It is extremely easy to take off though. 4 bolts and you are done. I would be afraid of someone stealing it, but the brackets that hold in to the rail are in the channel. Removing those is a whole other story.

Late March or early April it will really start being put to the test as I intend to start sailing my Sunfish every weekend I can. That is when I may reconsider going full length...

 

["krax"]

Wolfgang, how are the Maxtrax and pelican box secured to the rack?

 

[quicksandTRDPRO]

Wolfgang, how are the Maxtrax and pelican box secured to the rack?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2622614-post285.html

 

["krax"]

Got it. Thanks.

 

[L-Force]

Finally got around to getting mine installed. I had some issues with the truck mounts, the holes that attach against the truck were in the radius of the mounts, not secure enough for me. I ended up replacing them by fabricating 4 new mounts out of 2" angle iron. The painted bolts were about half and half, so I ended up ordering the same hardware Quicksandpro recommended, they should be here in a few days. I also noticed one side rail was about 3/8" longer than the other, so I had to grind it down so they were the same length. It was more than I would want to do to something I purchase, but for the price and the look, I am still glad I decided to go with this.

 

[Rynooo]

Finally got around to getting mine installed. I had some issues with the truck mounts, the holes that attach against the truck were in the radius of the mounts, not secure enough for me. I ended up replacing them by fabricating 4 new mounts out of 2" angle iron. The painted bolts were about half and half, so I ended up ordering the same hardware Quicksandpro recommended, they should be here in a few days. I also noticed one side rail was about 3/8" longer than the other, so I had to grind it down so they were the same length. It was more than I would want to do to something I purchase, but for the price and the look, I am still glad I decided to go with this.

That cinches it for me. It looks great but I don't have the time to mess with something I've purchased that much. More power to you guys though; it's definitely a good-looking rack!

 

[Float]

That cinches it for me. It looks great but I don't have the time to mess with something I've purchased that much. More power to you guys though; it's definitely a good-looking rack!

Agreed. Seems the quality control isn't quite there yet. I love the look though. Price is great. But there are already posts about powder coating issues, not having mounting holes drilled on some brackets, missing hardware, and now needing to fab new brackets and grind down part of the rack because it was uneven.

 

[Float]

Has anyone thought about taking this design (or something very similar) and having a fabricator make it locally? Maybe even out of aluminum? Maybe this would be cost prohibitive...

 

[e60ral]

To have someone fabricate 1 would cost not just more, but a whole lot more. If you are talking about having someone fabricate a bunch then yeah your cost will be lower than the retail cost. If they don't have a design patent go for it.

 

[L-Force]

I know others made them work with the mount brackets as is, I just wanted a better solution. I could have made them work and not modified any of it, but I am kind of anal about that stuff, its the helicopter mechanic in me. I do understand some may not have the equipment, skills or time to deal with these small issues, but I am still 100% satisfied for what I ended up with for the cost. The cost savings allowed me to get the SSO front bumper at the same time, which really justifies this decision. Plus I dont think there is a better looking rack on the market right now.

 

[e60ral]

don't forget to safety wire all those bolts and count your tools

 

[L-Force]

Yeah. thank goodness safty wire hasn't made into the auto industry, tool count, they fly off the back pretty quick.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

I know this rack uses the stock roof rack mounting spots which are closer to the rear and middle of the top of the 4runner . What supports the front of the rack so it doesn't touch the roof when loaded with some weight? Just the rigidity of the steel or other brackets? I have looked at pictures, but can't tell!

 

[Vinsil]

I know this rack uses the stock roof rack mounting spots which are closer to the rear and middle of the top of the 4runner . What supports the front of the rack so it doesn't touch the roof when loaded with some weight? Just the rigidity of the steel or other brackets? I have looked at pictures, but can't tell!

Yup. It gets extremely rigid once all the hardware is tightened up.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

Yup. It gets extremely rigid once all the hardware is tightened up.

Awesome thanks man! Love the look of this rack! I am sure you guys will enjoy 'em!

 

[quicksandTRDPRO]

I love the rack. And it can only get better with all the input on what can and needs to be corrected. It does everything I need a rack to do, and is the best looking one I've seen on the market. Can't beat it for the price either, $700 shipped.

 

[Vinsil]

I love the rack. And it can only get better with all the input on what can and needs to be corrected. It does everything I need a rack to do, and is the best looking one I've seen on the market. Can't beat it for the price either, $700 shipped.

Too true. I see this rack becoming more than it is with user input IF the manufacturer is wanting to listen. Either way, I have mine and will modify it as I see fit. This is the great thing about these products, making it your own.

I've had a lot of comments so far on the looks and I love that I can add things to my roof now how I want them!:biggrin2:

 

[LV4RNRTRAIL]

Ecotechne roof rack

Too true. I see this rack becoming more than it is with user input IF the manufacturer is wanting to listen. Either way, I have mine and will modify it as I see fit. This is the great thing about these products, making it your own.

I've had a lot of comments so far on the looks and I love that I can add things to my roof now how I want them!:biggrin2:

Vinsil, quicksandTRDPRO, and others with likely thoughts, you are right. This ECOTECHNE roof rack really shows it's looks and potentials, even up close.

 

[Vinsil]

Awesome close Ups! Thanks for sharing.:banana:

 

[LV4RNRTRAIL]

Also, just to share with you, the way I have this rack set up, I have no wind noise, and no vibration with my Sunroof opened or closed at any mph, and my wife and I can actually have a normal conversation. For this alone it's amazing, Interesting Aero-Dynamic design.