factory vs. thule/yakima (roof rack)

[forwheeler]

Either yakima or thule will mount on top of the factory siderails so that won't work for you. I don't think any of the ski racks will work because they are all taller than 3"

First of all, let me admit that I am not an expert. I am in the process or trying to figure this out. But I thought that you need two main components for a ski/snowboard rack: 1) crossbars (the bars that go across the roof from side to side) and 2) some sort of snowboard carrier or mount that attaches to the crossbars. Is that right?

As for the crossbars, I understand that the Toyota crossbars go into the grooves within the siderails (at least for SR5s), so they won't add any additional height. Is that right? But the problem is that the Toyota bars may not be as strong or reliable as some of the aftermarket options (acording to some reports).

Thule or Yakima make crossbars that attach on top of the siderails, instead of sliding into the groove in the siderail, so they would add height. Right? And the benefit of this system is that you might get a better quality system that can handle more applications (like snowboard rack, bike rack, box carrier thing). Is this all generally correct?

 

[crackiswack]

First of all, let me admit that I am not an expert. I am in the process or trying to figure this out. But I thought that you need two main components for a ski/snowboard rack: 1) crossbars (the bars that go across the roof from side to side) and 2) some sort of snowboard carrier or mount that attaches to the crossbars. Is that right?

As for the crossbars, I understand that the Toyota crossbars go into the grooves within the siderails (at least for SR5s), so they won't add any additional height. Is that right? But the problem is that the Toyota bars may not be as strong or reliable as some of the aftermarket options (acording to some reports).

Thule or Yakima make crossbars that attach on top of the siderails, instead of sliding into the groove in the siderail, so they would add height. Right? And the benefit of this system is that you might get a better quality system that can handle more applications (like snowboard rack, bike rack, box carrier thing). Is this all generally correct?

Yep, but the shortest one is the Yakima fat cat but that is still going to sit 4" above the rack. This won't clear a 6'3" garage. Maybe it would clear but it would be very close.

 

[forwheeler]

Yep, but the shortest one is the Yakima fat cat but that is still going to sit 4" above the rack. This won't clear a 6'3" garage. Maybe it would clear but it would be very close.

Thanks Crack-

Do you know how much of a PIA it is to remove the fat cat bars? If I were to do it every week, would I hate it? I was thinking about putting them on the truck on Fridays, before I hit the slopes for the weekend, and then taking them off on Sunday night, so by Monday morning when I get to my work garage I'm back at 6 feet tall.

 

[crackiswack]

Thanks Crack-

Do you know how much of a PIA it is to remove the fat cat bars? If I were to do it every week, would I hate it? I was thinking about putting them on the truck on Fridays, before I hit the slopes for the weekend, and then taking them off on Sunday night, so by Monday morning when I get to my work garage I'm back at 6 feet tall.

Yakima FatCat 6 Pair Ski Racks 4 Snowboard Carriers 8003088 with Locks and Keys Installation Video - YouTube

 

[mace.]

First of all, let me admit that I am not an expert. I am in the process or trying to figure this out. But I thought that you need two main components for a ski/snowboard rack: 1) crossbars (the bars that go across the roof from side to side) and 2) some sort of snowboard carrier or mount that attaches to the crossbars. Is that right?



As for the crossbars, I understand that the Toyota crossbars go into the grooves within the siderails (at least for SR5s), so they won't add any additional height. Is that right? But the problem is that the Toyota bars may not be as strong or reliable as some of the aftermarket options (acording to some reports).



Thule or Yakima make crossbars that attach on top of the siderails, instead of sliding into the groove in the siderail, so they would add height. Right? And the benefit of this system is that you might get a better quality system that can handle more applications (like snowboard rack, bike rack, box carrier thing). Is this all generally correct?

The Toyota crossbars should be fine for just mounting a ski/snowboard carrier like a fat cat.

 

[Land_Shark]

If you have a wide stance, go Thule or Yakima

I have the factory crossbars, which are fine for skis or snowboards with narrower stances.

I am 6' tall and have a slightly wider stance than most folks - about 22.5 in or so from center to center. I also ride at about 18 degrees in front and about -15 in the rear, so, my bindings are fairly far apart. I went from the Mazda CX-5 to the 4Runner. I can't stand having one of the bindings in front or behind the snowboard carrier rack due to insufficient space between them. We take an 8 hr drive up to VT each year and a few 5hr drives to WV to board - by the time we get to the resort, they are caked in slush and salt. I thought the 4Runner factory bars would be wide enough, but they are about 1.5 in shy for me to fit both bindings between the snowboard racks.

So, measure how wide your stance is first. If you don't care about having a staggered setup on top of the roof, then who cares. The Thule bars will allow for more flexibility though.

 

[mace.]

I have the factory crossbars, which are fine for skis or snowboards with narrower stances.



I am 6' tall and have a slightly wider stance than most folks - about 22.5 in or so from center to center. I also ride at about 18 degrees in front and about -15 in the rear, so, my bindings are fairly far apart. I went from the Mazda CX-5 to the 4Runner. I can't stand having one of the bindings in front or behind the snowboard carrier rack due to insufficient space between them. We take an 8 hr drive up to VT each year and a few 5hr drives to WV to board - by the time we get to the resort, they are caked in slush and salt. I thought the 4Runner factory bars would be wide enough, but they are about 1.5 in shy for me to fit both bindings between the snowboard racks.



So, measure how wide your stance is first. If you don't care about having a staggered setup on top of the roof, then who cares. The Thule bars will allow for more flexibility though.

That's with the bars at their maximum distance apart? With Thule or Yakima bars I don't think you're going to get them that much wider.

 

[crackiswack]

I have the factory crossbars, which are fine for skis or snowboards with narrower stances.

I am 6' tall and have a slightly wider stance than most folks - about 22.5 in or so from center to center. I also ride at about 18 degrees in front and about -15 in the rear, so, my bindings are fairly far apart. I went from the Mazda CX-5 to the 4Runner. I can't stand having one of the bindings in front or behind the snowboard carrier rack due to insufficient space between them. We take an 8 hr drive up to VT each year and a few 5hr drives to WV to board - by the time we get to the resort, they are caked in slush and salt. I thought the 4Runner factory bars would be wide enough, but they are about 1.5 in shy for me to fit both bindings between the snowboard racks.

So, measure how wide your stance is first. If you don't care about having a staggered setup on top of the roof, then who cares. The Thule bars will allow for more flexibility though.

You know the bars are adjustable right? For non TE rack, I just measure the distance between bars as 34." No way your stance is that wide.

 

[desertred]

One other consideration in choosing between the factory and an aftermarket system is how much do you plan to carry on top of the roof. With the factory crossbars, you will be limited to carrying cargo that mounts between the side rails. With aftermarket systems, you usually have the option of mounting longer crossbars that will allow you to mount cargo outside (or partially outside) of the side rails. You cold mount a skybox and ski rack side by side.

 

[cbielat]

Depending on how many people you are bringing with you, I'd just always put smaller section of my back seat down with my snowboard bag on top. I'd drive with three other friends and we all fit fine with all of our gear. With my board bag on top of the single seat that I'd fold down, I'd stack all of our boards in that and then the rest of the gear in the back behind it. Always worked out great. I have factory cross bars and had only used them for my kayak racks.

 

[pmostaghim]

Heres some shots of my powderhound on my trip to UT. It definitely gets the job done.

On my volvo I have the Yakima cross bars and Its great because I can twist the Ski racks back flat so they are parallel with the roof and I dont get as much drag on my gas mileage. Its just nice because I dont have to remove them when they aren't in use.

looks great. do you think you could fit a pair of maxtrax (stacked, obviosuly) on the side of the powderhound?

 

[Toffees]

Would a Yakima installation help to reduce wind noise? Mine came without the factory cross bars and am looking at these or the Yakima bars with clamps, which will obviously sit higher. Any other considerations (other than general strength) to compare between the Yakima install and the factory bars? I don't have any specified use, just want a rack of some sort and am not ready for a full length rack (yet).

 

[JustinCG]

Hey guys, I found a barely used Thule roof basket for 180$. These worth the money? It looks nice and I can't afford a Gobi. Thanks

 

[mcarey86]

If you need a basket, that's a good price.

 

[CF_Machete]

Would a Yakima installation help to reduce wind noise?

The yakima round bars are way noisier than the stock cross bars. I have both the OEM and Yakima rounds.

I pulled the Yakima rounds off my wife's Escape and tried them on my 4Runner with my Skybox 21. The noise decreased, but the bars alone were noisy.

OEMs are very quiet.

 

[JMFP!]

I loved my Thule setup! I have had a box and multiple bikes on the roof. This is my second Thule setup and can't say enough good things.

...insert awful segway...

But I need more room so I am selling my setup if anyone is interested. Going with a full permanent rack. Still can't say enough good things about Thule customer support as well as their products.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...hule-lockable-crossbars-fairing-new-post.html

 

[enolasfinest]

factory crossbars are $149 from the dealer. is this acceptable? or is there somewhere where i can get them much cheaper?



Thanks!

Look on the for sale section of this forum. People are selling crossbars all the time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tisoy281]

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but I'm looking for yakima cross bars for my factory roof rails. Can someone point me in the direction of some decent ones with part numbers and possibly a fairing as well? Thanks

 

[TexasTJ]

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but I'm looking for yakima cross bars for my factory roof rails. Can someone point me in the direction of some decent ones with part numbers and possibly a fairing as well? Thanks

PM sent

 

[mcox522]

Yakima timberline towers with Yakima core bars. I put my roof top tent on them with no issue