Front Runner racks.

[Semi-Hex]

So, I am trying to get a rack made from Front Runner, a company in South Africa. I might be shipping of my 5th gen. Trail rail set up so they can make the mounting brackets to fit mine (and others) and had a question. I saw them at the Outdoor Expo and was very impressed.

I know that the rails are different for the SR5 and the Limited, but do any of you know if the mounting holes are different?

If you wanted options for a rack what would they be?

If you look on their website, the racks have a interesting bolt system that allows you to bolt almost anything on it.

Feel free to comment.

 

[Intruder]

They're nice enough looking racks but I'm not sure what would justify the extra shipping expense you'd pay from South Africa when you can get similar racks in North America.

 

[Okki]

I'm pretty confident that the factory bolt holes are the same as Gobi and Baja are not calling for different rack orders based on the vehicle model.

I have a set of LE roof rails laying in my garage that I'm not using if they have a need/interest in them.

Okki

 

[Ducmonsta]

Looks very similar to Eezi Awn's line of roof racks (K9, also made in S.Africa). Check out Equipt's build on expo. Maybe look into these guys, as they're in the US.
2013 Toyota 4Runner, Equipt Edition Build - Page 7 - Expedition Portal

 

[Okki]

They're nice enough looking racks but I'm not sure what would justify the extra shipping expense you'd pay from South Africa when you can get similar racks in North America.

Looks like they have an office in Burbank, CA.
Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters About Us

It sounds like their R&D and manufacturing is in South Africa though.

Okki

 

[Desert Fox]

Looks like they have an office in Burbank, CA.
Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters About Us

It sounds like their R&D and manufacturing is in South Africa though.

Okki

There was a guy that posted pictures of his home made roof rack, either on this forum or the FJ forum I honestly dont recall.
Regardless, he made it out of the rails from a bed frame. It looked pretty ghetto.

That is what the Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters roof rack reminded me of.

Just my opinion but I would do without a rack before I would use one of those.

 

[Semi-Hex]

They're nice enough looking racks but I'm not sure what would justify the extra shipping expense you'd pay from South Africa when you can get similar racks in North America.

They are free shipping from Southern California. between $900-$1100 bucks.

I'm pretty confident that the factory bolt holes are the same as Gobi and Baja are not calling for different rack orders based on the vehicle model.

I have a set of LE roof rails laying in my garage that I'm not using if they have a need/interest in them.

Okki

I was just wondering if the bolt holes are the same. I'm leaning towards that they are.

Looks very similar to Eezi Awn's line of roof racks (K9, also made in S.Africa). Check out Equipt's build on expo. Maybe look into these guys, as they're in the US.
2013 Toyota 4Runner, Equipt Edition Build - Page 7 - Expedition Portal

Equipt was the main distributer until they opened their own branch in So Cal. I talked to them at the Expo too.

Looks like they have an office in Burbank, CA.
Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters About Us

It sounds like their R&D and manufacturing is in South Africa though.

Okki

It seems they don't sell 4Runners in South Africa, the the bolt ons would be made here and the FJ rack would, bolt on.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Semi-Hex]

There was a guy that posted pictures of his home made roof rack, either on this forum or the FJ forum I honestly dont recall.
Regardless, he made it out of the rails from a bed frame. It looked pretty ghetto.

That is what the Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters roof rack reminded me of.

Just my opinion but I would do without a rack before I would use one of those.

I guess I don't have good taste. I do like the fact that I can walk on it and throw all of my kit up there.

 

[mjohns2]

My only problem with the Burbank location is that I've called them twice and sent them 3 emails and I received no response.

I then called Baja Racks once, okay twice but the second time was on a holiday, and I got a live person that was able to answer my questions/concerns. When I buy a roof rack I'm going Baja Rack.

 

[Desert Fox]

I guess I don't have good taste. I do like the fact that I can walk on it and throw all of my kit up there.

Hey, if it works for you and you like it, that's great. I did not mean to challenge your taste in stuff.

 

[SigSense]

I do like the fact that I can walk on it and throw all of my kit up there.

You could also use a flat Baja rack and chicken coop flooring like I did. Walk on it, carry your stuff, party on it, then sleep on it...... under the stars.

 

[DEKA3]

You could also use a flat Baja rack and chicken coop flooring like I did. Walk on it, carry your stuff, party on it, then sleep on it...... under the stars.

Sig, tell me about your hitch bumper...

 

[Semi-Hex]

My only problem with the Burbank location is that I've called them twice and sent them 3 emails and I received no response.

I then called Baja Racks once, okay twice but the second time was on a holiday, and I got a live person that was able to answer my questions/concerns. When I buy a roof rack I'm going Baja Rack.

I saw and talked to the gang at Baja racks at the Expo. They did not impress me at all. They may have the best product in the world, but I don't need to buy from a company who sends reps like that out to a major show.

Hey, if it works for you and you like it, that's great. I did not mean to challenge your taste in stuff.

No worries, The look isn't that great, so we agree but the fact that I can do so many things with it, makes it worth it. I use my truck for work as well as for play.

 

[SigSense]

Sig, tell me about your hitch bumper...

Have had it for a few years, actually took it off my Tacoma to install on the T4R. These folks made it: Hitch Liter | Feel Safe?Be Seen?Be In Style!

Have had EVERY vehicle I've owned the last 20 years get hit from behind, so I decided to increase the light output for the ignorant fools who text-while-driving.