Front Runner Rack Options

My uses will be for hauling large stuff that won't fit inside the truck and also for standing on with my camera and tripod. Having a mobile elevated position to shoot from will be very useful for me soon.

As for the sunroof, I have one, can't get rid of it, so if moisture issues happen they will happen. But until then I prefer not to block it. I don't always open it, but I always have the cover open to allow light in.

I also live near the beach, so something that won't rust is ideal.

Looks like your on the right track...the FR or K9 both would be a solid platform for those needs
 
Does anyone know if a ladder can go with these racks? Any pics?

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I just installed a Gobi ladder and struts this week. Opens fully, and just touches softly at a single point at full extension. I put a small piece of adhesive felt on both the ladder and rack for now so it isn't metal on metal, and will likely replace it with some 3M clear tape fairly soon.

Looks great IMO, and ties in well with the rack. No pics yet but if no one else posts some I will this weekend.
 
A couple of quick pics, but you get the idea.
 

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We ordered the regular length Front Runner rack tonight from Apex Overland. Best price I found on the FR racks. Stocked!
 
What front runner accessories do you all recommend? I am picking up a prinsu rack and am looking to pick up some of the front runner accessories since most should fit the rack. Thanks for the suggestions!
 
What front runner accessories do you all recommend? I am picking up a prinsu rack and am looking to pick up some of the front runner accessories since most should fit the rack. Thanks for the suggestions!

I went with hi-lift jack mount, shovel mount and axe mount.
 
That is pretty much what I am looking at getting along with the jerry cans/can mount.

Are you happy with the mounts?

For the most part, yes. The only one I'm not totally sold on is the shovel mount. The ratchet straps get inflexible in cold temperatures, and don't ratchet tightly. I added a zip tie until the weather warms up.

Not a deal breaker, but something to be aware of it it gets really cold where you live. Probably only a problem for me for 2-3 months of the year.
 
Hey All,
Just picked up my new 2016 TRD Pro with sunroof and had a question related to the Sat / Nav and XM radio,
When I installed a full length Front Runner rack on my 2012 FJ Cruiser the XM radio reception was hit and miss. At times worked well but signal loss happened frequently.
What are you guys experiencing on the 4 Runner, with the Front Runner rack installed?
I think the FR rack is probably the best roof rack out there, just not sure if I want to deal with intermittent sat radio signal on this truck.

Hope I didn't miss a reply to this query on a previous post.

I think I'm going to like the 4 Runner .

Moe
 
Hey All,
Just picked up my new 2016 TRD Pro with sunroof and had a question related to the Sat / Nav and XM radio,
When I installed a full length Front Runner rack on my 2012 FJ Cruiser the XM radio reception was hit and miss. At times worked well but signal loss happened frequently.
What are you guys experiencing on the 4 Runner, with the Front Runner rack installed?
I think the FR rack is probably the best roof rack out there, just not sure if I want to deal with intermittent sat radio signal on this truck.

Hope I didn't miss a reply to this query on a previous post.

I think I'm going to like the 4 Runner .

Moe

Now that you mention it, I do notice that my XM does seem a little finicky since I put on the FR rack. But not enough to bother me personally.
 
On the FJ that I traded in, The interference was terrible. maybe 1/2 the time service was interrupted. It really depended on what direction I was driving. Seems like driving in a westerly direction was better than others.
The new 4Rnnr has a taller more prominent Shark Fin antenna if you will, I wonder if it clears the rack?
I'm doing as much research as I can as I think the Front Runner rack may possibly be the best rack out there.
Weight, Utility, Functionality,
Another thing I'm really looking into is the way it bolts down in front. I just started to look into all this as I took delivery of the new truck last night.

I have no regrets trading the FJ. YET,,,
 
Hey All,
Just picked up my new 2016 TRD Pro with sunroof and had a question related to the Sat / Nav and XM radio,
When I installed a full length Front Runner rack on my 2012 FJ Cruiser the XM radio reception was hit and miss. At times worked well but signal loss happened frequently.
What are you guys experiencing on the 4 Runner, with the Front Runner rack installed?
I think the FR rack is probably the best roof rack out there, just not sure if I want to deal with intermittent sat radio signal on this truck.

Hope I didn't miss a reply to this query on a previous post.

I think I'm going to like the 4 Runner .

Moe

I was a little concerned before I put my rack on too. Zero problems with reception.
 
Thanks Jakson.
Good to know.
Did you install the rack yourself?
Specifically drilling the front holes on a full length spec rack?
I'm looking around for a clear, detailed set of installation instructions.
I don't know if I missed them on the FR site for model specific installation?

Thanks
 
Hey All,
Just picked up my new 2016 TRD Pro with sunroof and had a question related to the Sat / Nav and XM radio,
When I installed a full length Front Runner rack on my 2012 FJ Cruiser the XM radio reception was hit and miss. At times worked well but signal loss happened frequently.
What are you guys experiencing on the 4 Runner, with the Front Runner rack installed?
I think the FR rack is probably the best roof rack out there, just not sure if I want to deal with intermittent sat radio signal on this truck.

Hope I didn't miss a reply to this query on a previous post.

I think I'm going to like the 4 Runner .

Moe

You have a TRD Pro with a sunroof???
 
The truck was a Trail Premium. the dealer added TRD wheels and 33" Tires, Toytec / Bilstien Suspension, Changed front grill (Blacked out) added black trim piece to rear bumper and re-badged (TRD Pro behind rear door pillars),

Rear Locker / A trac / Terrain Modes /

So technically it's not a Pro I guess.
 
Thanks Jakson.
Good to know.
Did you install the rack yourself?
Specifically drilling the front holes on a full length spec rack?
I'm looking around for a clear, detailed set of installation instructions.
I don't know if I missed them on the FR site for model specific installation?

Thanks

Yes I installed it. Really straight forward and easy. Only needed someone else to lift the tray onto the rails.

There is a pucker moment when the drill bit grabs and pulls through (good drilling practice would have helped but I was pretty excited to get it done.). Your headliner flashes before your eyes if this happens. But really there is a lot of room before you do damage it and mine is so destroyed from a Great Dane that it really wouldn't have mattered.

I think I attached the instructions to this, but if they didn't they are on the Front Runner website.

I will also say I am very happy with the fit and finish and knowing it will not rust here.
 

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Thanks Jakson,

That's what I needed to see.
I really liked the Front Runner on my FJ.

A way to avoid drilling to deep would be to put a stop on the bit,, But yes, that would stink if it went thru the headliner.

Any thoughts on this idea,,
Instead of drilling holes thru the roof, what about some industrial strength double sided tape on the rail? the way I'm seeing it, it's only 22 inches (570mm) from the center attachment point to the front attachment point.
Just a thought i've been kicking around..
 
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I've read some where people don't want to drill and I understand that it is not for everybody. However, it took Frontrunner a long time to commit to the full length rack and that was because they weren't okay with the front feet taped down or with just pressure.

I can't say what it would be like not drilled but it is rock solid bolted down and I trust that they didn't just make up the need. Other racks may not need them, but I would on this.

Plus then you can say that you weren't scared to drill holes in your roof. Major cool points right?? Next stop snorkel.:party:

Any way you choose I think you will be happy with the rack.
 

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