I'll be purchasing a full-length, "modular", flat platform rack in the near future so I wanted to compile some thoughts on these rather than muck up product threads and people's build threads.
My typical roof load right now, on the factory rack, is an OzTent RV-5, some accessories for the OzTent, and sometimes a shovel.
My intent for a full-length rack is the OzTent & accessories, a long/flat Pelican box with HiLift and recovery gear, shovel, one jerry can, and Maxtrax. I may add an awning, but there's one on the OzTent so it's low priority.
I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'm probably going to have to drill the roof if I want a usable full-length rack.
This is where my head is at:
Prinsu. I like the integrated fairing and the style. Price is very reasonable. I assume the shipping cost is pretty reasonable too since it ships in pieces. I'd probably have to add more slats if I wanted to walk around on it, but it's certainly usable right away. I don't use my sunroof much, but I like the option of leaving an open spot above it.
Front Runner. Many of the benefits of the Prinsu with a little more classic styling. Has T-track along the sides of the rack, not just on the slats, so there's more mounting options. It sits a bit high, but that's not a deal breaker. Price is definitely reasonable and I'm within driving distance to Apex Overland for pick-up.
K9/Ezi Awn. All of the benefits of the Front Runner, except the slats run front to back. The only downside to that is sunroof access. It can be installed without drilling, but I probably would anyway to secure the tracks down in the front.
Rhino Rack Pioneer. Front-to-back slats similar to the K9 in design but with a rounded/aero shape around the perimeter. Uses tracks to install like the K9, but requires drilling and riveting. I can get a really, really good deal on this setup, but the website list the capacity at 220#. I weigh 220#, so that rules out an RTT with me in it. Maybe that's the capacity for a dynamic load?
I'm ruling out the Ecotechne and Proline because of the weird crossbar designs. I'm also ruling out the flat Baja rack for now due to their QC issues and the fact that I'd have to fab my own mounts for my stuff.
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for your input.
My typical roof load right now, on the factory rack, is an OzTent RV-5, some accessories for the OzTent, and sometimes a shovel.
My intent for a full-length rack is the OzTent & accessories, a long/flat Pelican box with HiLift and recovery gear, shovel, one jerry can, and Maxtrax. I may add an awning, but there's one on the OzTent so it's low priority.
I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'm probably going to have to drill the roof if I want a usable full-length rack.
This is where my head is at:
Prinsu. I like the integrated fairing and the style. Price is very reasonable. I assume the shipping cost is pretty reasonable too since it ships in pieces. I'd probably have to add more slats if I wanted to walk around on it, but it's certainly usable right away. I don't use my sunroof much, but I like the option of leaving an open spot above it.
Front Runner. Many of the benefits of the Prinsu with a little more classic styling. Has T-track along the sides of the rack, not just on the slats, so there's more mounting options. It sits a bit high, but that's not a deal breaker. Price is definitely reasonable and I'm within driving distance to Apex Overland for pick-up.
K9/Ezi Awn. All of the benefits of the Front Runner, except the slats run front to back. The only downside to that is sunroof access. It can be installed without drilling, but I probably would anyway to secure the tracks down in the front.
Rhino Rack Pioneer. Front-to-back slats similar to the K9 in design but with a rounded/aero shape around the perimeter. Uses tracks to install like the K9, but requires drilling and riveting. I can get a really, really good deal on this setup, but the website list the capacity at 220#. I weigh 220#, so that rules out an RTT with me in it. Maybe that's the capacity for a dynamic load?
I'm ruling out the Ecotechne and Proline because of the weird crossbar designs. I'm also ruling out the flat Baja rack for now due to their QC issues and the fact that I'd have to fab my own mounts for my stuff.
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for your input.
shocker!