Full-Length Roof Rails?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Does anyone know if there are any aftermarket roof rails available for a 5th Gen T4R that are longer than the short stock rails? I'm using the accessory cross bars with the factory rails, and find it really annoying that I can't get a load farther forward on the roof. My wife has a couple of 8-9' surfboards, and when we load them up they sit so far back that we can't open the rear hatch.

The only solution I've found are the full-length basket-type racks (Gobi, etc.) which, while cool, are very expensive and would be kind of silly to use for strapping surfboards to.

 

[mace.]

Unfortunately a full length roof rack is the only way to do it.

 

[kittyhawksurf]

I just experienced this same thing on Sunday. I was passing everything through the back window because I couldn't open the back hatch. I can't believe I didn't notice how far back the racks were. I guess I'm going to have to join of the GOBI heads soon...

 

[oljedi11950]

Doesn't Bajaracks make a shorter version ?

 

[thebwlife]

Not sure but you might be able to add Yakima or Thule risers and crossbars toward the front. You'd have to remove the factory and do 2-3x crossbars. The riders would clamp along the inner door edge. Not listed for them but I bet you could make it work.

Also if you do the round bars get on Amazon and get new end caps and you can cut them down so you don't have any overhang. Good luck!

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produ.../thule-rapid-traverse-foot-pack-480r-_-481651

 

[High_Country]

You could always make your own 'extensions' if you have any access to any fabrication tools or people with those skills.
I made my own roof rack that attaches to the factory rails. Do a search for 'my homemade roof rack' and it should come up - might give you some ideas and its way cheaper than a gobi.
Also check out Rocky Road Outfitters Rack for the 4runner.

 

[jicko]

Does anyone know if there are any aftermarket roof rails available for a 5th Gen T4R that are longer than the short stock rails? I'm using the accessory cross bars with the factory rails, and find it really annoying that I can't get a load farther forward on the roof. My wife has a couple of 8-9' surfboards, and when we load them up they sit so far back that we can't open the rear hatch.

The only solution I've found are the full-length basket-type racks (Gobi, etc.) which, while cool, are very expensive and would be kind of silly to use for strapping surfboards to.

If you mount a Yakima basket and put your LONGBOARDs on top of it, your rear hatch should still be able to open.

 

[dieck]

I have a plan to lay down full length roof rails. More to come as the plan comes together.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

I have a plan to lay down full length roof rails. More to come as the plan comes together.

I'm all ears, lol.

 

[Jetboy]

I'm thinking you could add two short extra tracks up beside the sunroof like these ones. With the appropriate bar and mounting feet it could probably provide what you're looking for. For light loads I think you could probably just glue them down:

 

[dieck]

I plan to order these cut them down to size, drill out the holes for the factory bolt locations and add one or two rivnuts up front if necessary. These have propriatary captive nuts and other tie down equipment and are also compatible with Yakima, Thule, rhino rack crossbars and feet.

Everything is quick release and modular so most of the time will just have the low profile rails on unless I'm using the racks or other accessories. Also any point on the rail can be used to secure a tie down. The rail tie down system is rated to 4000 lbs so the weakness in the system will be the roof.

Ordering stuff today will post pics on my build thread when I do the install.