Front Runner Racks

M

mcarey86

New member
So I'm pretty sold on picking up a Front Runner rack.

I like the modularity. I like the aluminum. I like the mounting system and various add ons/attachments. That table setup is bad ass!

I don't like that it's not full size, but, at roughly 60% of the cost of a Gobi I think the function really surpasses the form here. Especially when the reality is I likely won't be filling the entire roof(no RTT or anything), and don't want to cover my sunroof (insert is a 150$ option).

That said, I was hoping to find any negatives about going with the Front Runner rack. Any complaints, problems, etc. Or, is there any reason I should strongly reconsider getting the Gobi...

I also considered the Prinsu rack, especially since they are local, but I don't want to drill my roof. And, I really just don't like the way they look.

Also, any preferred buying locations for the Front Runners? Their site has it out of stock, and deals are always welcomed.
 
Register to hide this ad
You can order it full size. Best bet is to call them directly and to speak with someone there.
 
mcarey86 said:
So I'm pretty sold on picking up a Front Runner rack.

I like the modularity. I like the aluminum. I like the mounting system and various add ons/attachments. That table setup is bad ass!

I don't like that it's not full size, but, at roughly 60% of the cost of a Gobi I think the function really surpasses the form here. Especially when the reality is I likely won't be filling the entire roof(no RTT or anything), and don't want to cover my sunroof (insert is a 150$ option).

That said, I was hoping to find any negatives about going with the Front Runner rack. Any complaints, problems, etc. Or, is there any reason I should strongly reconsider getting the Gobi...

I also considered the Prinsu rack, especially since they are local, but I don't want to drill my roof. And, I really just don't like the way they look.

Also, any preferred buying locations for the Front Runners? Their site has it out of stock, and deals are always welcomed.
Click to expand...

As a Front Runner rack owner, it's hard to come up with any negatives. I guess it's a little different looking than other racks. I wouldn't argue with anyone who thinks the Gobi racks are nicer looking.

On the other hand, the Front Runner cost significantly less than a Gobi with no wait time. It won't rust like a Gobi rack, which was one of the biggest deciding factors for me since I live in the Midwest. Being flat, it's well suited for pretty much any load profile - tents, awnings, boxes, bags, rotopax, kayaks, canoes, etc. The Front Runner accessories are reasonably priced and there's a ton of them.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with mine.
 
Loadedpocketz said:
As a Front Runner rack owner, it's hard to come up with any negatives. I guess it's a little different looking than other racks. I wouldn't argue with anyone who thinks the Gobi racks are nicer looking.

On the other hand, the Front Runner cost significantly less than a Gobi with no wait time. It won't rust like a Gobi rack, which was one of the biggest deciding factors for me since I live in the Midwest. Being flat, it's well suited for pretty much any load profile - tents, awnings, boxes, bags, rotopax, kayaks, canoes, etc. The Front Runner accessories are reasonably priced and there's a ton of them.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with mine.
Click to expand...

Do you happen to know if the under-rack table option works on our vehicles?

In my research, I've seen conflicting answers.
 
mace. said:
Yup.
Click to expand...

Yeah. Unfortunately I don't want to drill the roof. While I have every intention of keeping this vehicle for a very long time, I have zero intention of creating a scenario that can't be brought back to 100% stock form.

Maybe it's naive of me, but I am just against truly permanent mods.
 
mcarey86 said:
Do you happen to know if the under-rack table option works on our vehicles?

In my research, I've seen conflicting answers.
Click to expand...

It would have to be mounted from the side because otherwise the antennae would be an issue. You also have to go with the standard height rack. Otherwise, there won't be enough clearance for the table.
 
mcarey86 said:
Yeah. Unfortunately I don't want to drill the roof. While I have every intention of keeping this vehicle for a very long time, I have zero intention of creating a scenario that can't be brought back to 100% stock form.

Maybe it's naive of me, but I am just against truly permanent mods.
Click to expand...

The nice thing about the Slimline II rack is you can always add additional slats later if you decide you want a longer rack.
 
Loadedpocketz said:
It would have to be mounted from the side because otherwise the antennae would be an issue. You also have to go with the standard height rack. Otherwise, there won't be enough clearance for the table.
Click to expand...
That's fine because height isn't an issue. I actually haven't even seen anything about varying heights for these racks.
 
I was in a similar position as you, and I ended up getting the Gobi. Looking back at it now, I couldn't be happier. I had it made to be completely flat and with a sunroof opening, so also got the sunroof insert option. Around town, I don't use the insert. On trips, I use it. So far I haven't *needed* the full length of the rack, but it's allowed me to spread my gear a bit more to get more of a flat/sleek profile. The biggest thing holding me back was price, as it is for many others, but now that the money is gone and I'm left with just the rack, I absolutely love it. It helps that it's a good looking rack too.

But overall, it sounds like the Front Runner rack will suit your needs. No doubt, it would've suited my needs too. In the end, I went with the "want" vs the "need".
 
K9? Full length, no drill, aluminum.... of course there isn't a table that mounds under it but it has my nod for best selection right now. If GOBI cam in aluminum I'd be all over it
 
Simpleman74 said:
K9? Full length, no drill, aluminum.... of course there isn't a table that mounds under it but it has my nod for best selection right now. If GOBI cam in aluminum I'd be all over it
Click to expand...

I did look at the K9. I really wish their slats ran the other way. I don't want to fully cover my sunroof.
 
the k9 and front runner are very similar in how they mount on the full size options. You can mount the front runner using the same technique k9 recommends (or better yet Paul May). I drilled through my roof for a more secure mount but it can be done without drilling. Front runner is a great rack, and that's from someone who had a Gobi before.
 
mcarey86 said:
Do you happen to know if the under-rack table option works on our vehicles?

In my research, I've seen conflicting answers.
Click to expand...

The table works perfectly on the standard rack and extended rack if mounted on the sides. On the full length you would have to position the legs high enough and far enough apart to mount it under neath. I originally looked at installing my table above the rear but the latch mechanism would contact the rear spoiler and the shark fin will keep the table from going in as well. I have had this setup for about two years with zero problems. I would recommend that you take some felt or rubber pads and place them between the legs and the table bottom where they fold up. I did this so I didn't have to hear them rattle going down the trail. Below is a pic of the large table mounted on the rack. Having quick access to a large table comes in super handy when camping.

 
Last edited:
Here are a few more pics of the table mounts.
This is shot from the back so you can see how the storage slides hold the table up. I would mount the slides and fit the the table before the rack goes onto the truck for ease of installation and it allows you to really snug up the table for zero rattles.



Here is a pic from the side the two red circles are where I placed Velcro on the table since it rides against the bolt heads. This keeps the table from rattling and makes for a tight fit. You can also see the locking latch that allows you to put a small lock to keep someone from getting a nice stainless table..



I am sure if you want a K9 rack with a table mounted under it you can get it just call Paul @ Equipt1 and he can make it happen. He had one on his 5th gen it slid out over the back since his runner did not have the shark fin and the rack sits a bit forward so the latch does not contact the rear spoiler. I know he can make it fit on the sides depending on the table size.. I honestly think you cannot go wrong with either of these racks since they are both well made with a ton of options.
 
Last edited:
[MENTION=110414]Taco04[/MENTION] can you measure the what the minimum space that would be needed for this? From lower edge of rack to lowest point on table slide? I want to see if it will fit mine with 40mm mounting feet. Thanks
 
Gabe, I took a look at it this morning and the lowest point of the slide to the roof is at the front of the truck where the roof has the ridges. I used a triangle and wedged it in and marked it and it came out to 5/8" from the bottom of the slide to the top of the roof. At the same point the bottom of the roof rack is approximately 2-3/8" from the ridge as well. This point is 43" from where the hatch meets the roof to the front of the slide. The reason I included this measurement is because the roof looks to have a bit of a curve so these measurements might change some depending on how far forward or back the slides are mounted. Below is a pic from where I measured so you can use it as a reference. Hope this helps


 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 315 (members: 3, guests: 312)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,304
Messages
3,554,041
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top