Full Length Low Profile Racks - recommendations?

[Old Tanker]

With the Sherpas, the mounting bolts only use a couple foot pounds - the spec was in inch pounds (I may have misread it as foot pounds the first time), and all it needed to do was lightly compress the bonded washer, not compressing the rubber block. The first time I installed it I overtightened the bolts, completely squashed the bonded washers, and needed some replacement hardware to re-do things correctly. Too much torque can also damage the nuts captured inside the roof.

 

[USStrongman]

you have a loose bolt or eyebolt if there is vibration noise.

Nothing wrong with your solution to find loose nuts/bolts, but something to consider, metal of all kinds (except titanium and other uber dense alloys) vibrates with different harmonics based on temperature. It is entirely possible that the vibration in any variation can be caused by varying temps and their specific harmonics.

 

[USStrongman]

Any Victory4x4 rack experiences here? This price is pretty attractive. Looks like the Walcott and a few others.

4Runner Roof Rack | 3rd, 4th, & 5th Gen (96+) - Victory 4x4

 

[Eeraera]

I went with the westcott designs roof rack. Fit and finish are excellent and the lead time was only 2 months. Would have been sooner, but my ladder got held up in anodizing. I got the floor panel inserts for added versatility, But I haven't gotten a chance to put them in yet.

[MENTION=654968]HOTBRASS365[/MENTION] considering the same rack, what was your mpg hit, if any?

 

[T4Rrunning]

With the Sherpas, the mounting bolts only use a couple foot pounds - the spec was in inch pounds (I may have misread it as foot pounds the first time), and all it needed to do was lightly compress the bonded washer, not compressing the rubber block. The first time I installed it I overtightened the bolts, completely squashed the bonded washers, and needed some replacement hardware to re-do things correctly. Too much torque can also damage the nuts captured inside the roof.

Hmmm how many foot pounds would you say? And the first time did you use a power tool? I tightened them by hand with a ratchet and turned maybe 2x times after it felt snug.

 

[T4RandTacos]

With the Sherpas, the mounting bolts only use a couple foot pounds - the spec was in inch pounds (I may have misread it as foot pounds the first time), and all it needed to do was lightly compress the bonded washer, not compressing the rubber block. The first time I installed it I overtightened the bolts, completely squashed the bonded washers, and needed some replacement hardware to re-do things correctly. Too much torque can also damage the nuts captured inside the roof.

Awesome, thanks for that! The RCI setup is still a pretty new offering from what I've seen here in the forums, and even their install guide is a new addition to their site. Definitely no recommendations as to specs or tightness - making some adjustments to my bolts now.

 

[Brawwp]

I’m really leaning toward the Sherpa. Does the full front Valence affect how air comes into the sunroof? Curious if it creates a down draft or something into the sunroof compared to without a rack.

 

[Old Tanker]

Hmmm how many foot pounds would you say? And the first time did you use a power tool? I tightened them by hand with a ratchet and turned maybe 2x times after it felt snug.

The email I got from Sherpa said the spec on a Crestone is 22 INCH pounds.

 

[Jeff1]

Looks like Front Runner just came out with a new rack called the "Slimsport". Who's going to get one and give a review?!

 

[HOTBRASS365]

[MENTION=654968]HOTBRASS365[/MENTION] considering the same rack, what was your mpg hit, if any?

I didn't notice any difference in mpg, although it already sucked when I lifted it and went with 295's lol. I think I average 15mpg but I have a heavy foot. Not noticeable wind noise at all with this rack.