Gobi Rack - Advantage and disadvantages

[KuhDunkADunk]

I think "Gobi" has a poor business model. After reading all the posts I feel sorry for anyone that has to order and wait, they are nice racks and I would want one my self and I'm sure we would pay $2500 if that was the cost.

Gobi for some reason doesn't recognize, or refuses to improve their model. Their long lead times of delivery is most likely due to limitations on production such as workers, equipment, other things they make etc.., obviously by increasing their production = more revenue! hell they have a patent on the old school nylon flip phone belt case, maybe they are too busy making those :loco: Why not expand, grow the business, pump out thousands of racks per month. Maybe their business model is to limit production and enjoy to watch people suffer and wait while someone forks out $1500 and is charged but no product, no communication, no whats so ever but in the end you'll get a nice little card saying "its your lucky day"

So I agree that looking outside in, Gobi looks either incompetent or just plain ignorant. But a lot of what you said is based on assumptions.

It takes a shit ton of money to increase capacity (and that's assuming the TAM is available). So let's look at the numbers, last year Toyota sold 128K 4Runners (one of the highest annual sales ever). The year before that they sold 111K, and the preceding 9 years, they sold way less than 100K. (just eyeballing it, they avg maybe 60K 4Runners a year). But lets go aggressive, lets say Toyota continues to sell 128K vehicles a year, then we can do some simple math. Now I have NO idea how many racks they sell, but I highly doubt they would attach to 5% of the 128K vehicles sold last year.

But for this friendly discussion, let's assume Gobi attached to 5%, that would mean they sold 6.4K racks. According to their website, they sell Gobi racks (just the racks) for $1600. So again, no idea how much it costs Gobi to build these things, but if you factor in existing capital expenditures, freight (these things are heavy and oversize), as well as cost of labor, lets guess they make 25 points (HIGHLY DOUBT IT)

So basic math (and the most optimistic assumptions yield) $400 profit x 6.4K units = $2.6MM annually.

Now that might sound like a lot, but tooling is expensive (could be in the millions by itself depending on size and scale). You'll probably need extra labor (which means more OPEX), a larger facility (if you could even expand your factory/warehouse), not to mention all of this is under the assumption that Toyota continues to sell over 120K vehicles a year. A vehicle that is 8 years into its current generation AND that Toyota doesn't change anything that would wipe out all the cost associated to expansion. Oh yeah, and that assumes you put every penny of that $2.6MM into expansion...

So is it frustrating that Gobi's lead times are ridiculously long? Absolutely! But in doing the math, I can see why. Also, don't forget, the last 2 years have been abnormally high for 4Runner sales, before that, Toyota was sell like 60K units a year, there isn't even enough there to warranty expansion.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

 

[cutty01]

My man! Thanks. My rack is arriving today so I want to make sure all my ducks are in a row before getting halfway through only to realize I'm missing something.

It's interesting they don't talk about using silicon sealant on anything when it seems most people on the forum use some when installing. But then again, the OEM rails don't use silicon sealant so it's kind of curious.

YW. Good luck with your install. Even though Gobi's customer service is not the greatest, their product is. You will be beaming with joy once it's installed.

PS - RE: Silicon. The rubber strips supposedly keep out water. I did the silicone layers as I thought it wouldn't hurt and it will give me extra peace of mind. The last thing I wanted was water stains on the headliner.

PPS - Don't forget to use anti-seize on all the bolts.

 

[cutty01]

So I agree that looking outside in, Gobi looks either incompetent or just plain ignorant. But a lot of what you said is based on assumptions.

It takes a shit ton of money to increase capacity (and that's assuming the TAM is available). So let's look at the numbers, last year Toyota sold 128K 4Runners (one of the highest annual sales ever). The year before that they sold 111K, and the preceding 9 years, they sold way less than 100K. (just eyeballing it, they avg maybe 60K 4Runners a year). But lets go aggressive, lets say Toyota continues to sell 128K vehicles a year, then we can do some simple math. Now I have NO idea how many racks they sell, but I highly doubt they would attach to 5% of the 128K vehicles sold last year.

But for this friendly discussion, let's assume Gobi attached to 5%, that would mean they sold 6.4K racks. According to their website, they sell Gobi racks (just the racks) for $1600. So again, no idea how much it costs Gobi to build these things, but if you factor in existing capital expenditures, freight (these things are heavy and oversize), as well as cost of labor, lets guess they make 25 points (HIGHLY DOUBT IT)

So basic math (and the most optimistic assumptions yield) $400 profit x 6.4K units = $2.6MM annually.

Now that might sound like a lot, but tooling is expensive (could be in the millions by itself depending on size and scale). You'll probably need extra labor (which means more OPEX), a larger facility (if you could even expand your factory/warehouse), not to mention all of this is under the assumption that Toyota continues to sell over 120K vehicles a year. A vehicle that is 8 years into its current generation AND that Toyota doesn't change anything that would wipe out all the cost associated to expansion. Oh yeah, and that assumes you put every penny of that $2.6MM into expansion...

So is it frustrating that Gobi's lead times are ridiculously long? Absolutely! But in doing the math, I can see why. Also, don't forget, the last 2 years have been abnormally high for 4Runner sales, before that, Toyota was sell like 60K units a year, there isn't even enough there to warranty expansion.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

Interesting analysis. One thing to consider is that Gobi makes racks for many other vehicle models and manufacturers, not just Toyotas and not just 4Runners.

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

Interesting analysis. One thing to consider is that Gobi makes racks for many other vehicle models and manufacturers, not just Toyotas and not just 4Runners.

Yup, which requires different tooling requirements. Even further to complicate the logistics. Hence why even in a perfect world, with all those assumptions, its still understandable why Gobi would be hesitant to expand their production line. However, I still think there are simple things they can employ to improve the customer experience. E.g. regular updates on the order. A customer who receives a weekly email with their queue number is less likely to get aggrivated than one that doesn't hear back in 15 weeks.

 

[Tusken]

So I agree that looking outside in, Gobi looks either incompetent or just plain ignorant. But a lot of what you said is based on assumptions.

It takes a shit ton of money to increase capacity (and that's assuming the TAM is available). So let's look at the numbers, last year Toyota sold 128K 4Runners (one of the highest annual sales ever). The year before that they sold 111K, and the preceding 9 years, they sold way less than 100K. (just eyeballing it, they avg maybe 60K 4Runners a year). But lets go aggressive, lets say Toyota continues to sell 128K vehicles a year, then we can do some simple math. Now I have NO idea how many racks they sell, but I highly doubt they would attach to 5% of the 128K vehicles sold last year.

But for this friendly discussion, let's assume Gobi attached to 5%, that would mean they sold 6.4K racks. According to their website, they sell Gobi racks (just the racks) for $1600. So again, no idea how much it costs Gobi to build these things, but if you factor in existing capital expenditures, freight (these things are heavy and oversize), as well as cost of labor, lets guess they make 25 points (HIGHLY DOUBT IT)

So basic math (and the most optimistic assumptions yield) $400 profit x 6.4K units = $2.6MM annually.

Now that might sound like a lot, but tooling is expensive (could be in the millions by itself depending on size and scale). You'll probably need extra labor (which means more OPEX), a larger facility (if you could even expand your factory/warehouse), not to mention all of this is under the assumption that Toyota continues to sell over 120K vehicles a year. A vehicle that is 8 years into its current generation AND that Toyota doesn't change anything that would wipe out all the cost associated to expansion. Oh yeah, and that assumes you put every penny of that $2.6MM into expansion...

So is it frustrating that Gobi's lead times are ridiculously long? Absolutely! But in doing the math, I can see why. Also, don't forget, the last 2 years have been abnormally high for 4Runner sales, before that, Toyota was sell like 60K units a year, there isn't even enough there to warranty expansion.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

This data is great and it is understandable that this is a small business, but Gobi lacks in legitimate customer service. We all can agree to wait for a very well built product, however, attempting to make contact with this company is almost impossible. I waited 4 months before asking for a simple update and that took me almost a month to receive. So towards the 5.5 month mark and after numerous correspondence through email and phone calls I finally received my product. Again, Gobi builds amazing products, however, trying to get a simple update to plan my life around was ridiculous. You cannot have a great product with horrible customer service or your company's credibility is shot IMO.

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

This data is great and it is understandable that this is a small business, but Gobi lacks in legitimate customer service. We all can agree to wait for a very well built product, however, attempting to make contact with this company is almost impossible. I waited 4 months before asking for a simple update and that took me almost a month to receive. So towards the 5.5 month mark and after numerous correspondence through email and phone calls I finally received my product. Again, Gobi builds amazing products, however, trying to get a simple update to plan my life around was ridiculous. You cannot have a great product with horrible customer service or your company's credibility is shot IMO.

Well, this was all made up data. I have no idea if any of it is accurate. Just pulled it out of air to address the question of why doesn't Gobi expand their operations to make more revenue.

For all I know, Gobi could be laughing to the bank. But I agree with you 100% with regards to customer service. I followed up with a post afterwards saying that a weekly check-in for orders would go a long way. But I also suspect that there are a lot of customers ordering Gobi products demanding to know where their orders are. They make racks for Fords, Hummers, Jeeps, 4Runners, etc... It's like a catch 22. Answer every single customer email and phone call or dedicate resources to get these things out the door?

 

[mtnbiker49]

Silicone in the bolt holes and around the rim before putting in the bolts. Of the 30 some roof rack bolts on my xterra, I never had any leakage issues over a four year span. I honestly wouldn’t even use anti-seize with the silicone coating the threads.

And the big disadvantage on the gobi is the weight. Ridiculously heavy for what it gets used for by 95% of people. And that I will never again buy a roof rack with mesh, as the powdercoat will eventually start cracking and chipping off just from the heat and cold changes.

 

[B Muss]

Does weight affect handling

Does the weight of the Gobi affect on or Offroad handling or performance? I have gen 5 with 3” toytech with standard springs all the way around.

 

[Grape Ape]

Does the weight of the Gobi affect on or Offroad handling or performance? I have gen 5 with 3” toytech with standard springs all the way around.

No, I had on for years. The only disadvantage now is that you look like every other mall crawler 4R on the road these days. I used to like that people would come up and ask me about it and what it was. Now you have Prius owners who park netx to you and get out and say "nice Gobi, been thinking about getting one for my ride"

 

[Lambk2]

Delivery Confirmation

It’s been a long 13 weeks, but I just got email confirmation my Gobie Stealth rack is on its way!! I’m looking at a 40 inch curved LED bar, however have found some 42 inch bars that peak my interest. Anyone know if I can get a 42 inch Heiss Curved LED bar on this bad Larry?

 

[Lambk2]

So, I got the email that my rack will not ship till after January. I told them I really need it before Christmas due to me being out of the country. Within a few days they responded and said they’d talk to production and see if they can assist. Within 24hrs I got an email saying it’s bejng shipped. I agree, long lead times suck, however I knew that going into this investment. I do however appreciate them accommodating me and helping get this rack out to me within the initial timeframe in which I agreed to and not missing out on getting it put on before I left.

 

[cutty01]

Heh, 13 weeks is much better than the 21 weeks I waited a year ago. Looks like they've catching up on orders.

 

[dade73]

I love mine. I will update after this midatlantic winter is over ...

Specs: Stealth
42" light bar
full mesh (no sunroof)
2 removable cross bars
ladder
gas struts

Setup: I have installed main front light bar, and 2 rear led pod/bars.
I am able to fit my recover boards (xbull/boar offroad) side to side.

Pros: Bungee cord down almost anything to it. 3/4" make your own mounts with pipe hangers.
Adjustable cross bars, almost make a pocket grid for containers and anything else you may need
Portable jungle gym for kids
Mobile raised photography platform. (sunrise pic was taken from roof rack to get over the left/right turn lane at the end of the street so you don't drive off into the bay)
Desn't get as hot as you think blackened steel would get.

Cons: I was not able to run the wiring for my lights through the rack. Reason was, about 1/2 thought due to welding it hangs up. I was able to run all the wires under the rack and against the rail so its safely tucked away from me and branches.
It is steel and has a little bit of weight to it. I wish it was aluminum (weight reduction, less oxidation issues, anodize it).
Slight loss in MPGs. ( I know most of my MPG loss came from a total weight of: bumper, winch, lights, roof rack)
Initial poor customer service. Did improve greatly when mine went into production. I was part of the trail duty incident so mine was delayed greatly due to that.

 

[Speedsurfer]

I just installed my Gobi Stealth No Rise. Overall it looks and feels great. I believe the brackets are not designed that well. The OEM roof rail brackets are covered by a plastic housing so there is really no way for water to get in. The "sandwich" brackets for the Gobi leave a gap inside that water can get through. You will need to silicone around the screw tubes but there is still a pocket inside there where water will sit around the area of the white spacers. I just put silicone everywhere.

 

[bigair96]

I just installed my Gobi Stealth No Rise. Overall it looks and feels great. I believe the brackets are not designed that well. The OEM roof rail brackets are covered by a plastic housing so there is really no way for water to get in. The "sandwich" brackets for the Gobi leave a gap inside that water can get through. You will need to silicone around the screw tubes but there is still a pocket inside there where water will sit around the area of the white spacers. I just put silicone everywhere.

Yeah seems like most of these racks the more silicone the better.

The question is.....how long did it take to get yours?

 

[Speedsurfer]

Yeah seems like most of these racks the more silicone the better.

The question is.....how long did it take to get yours?

Order placed Aug 13, 2018, credit card charged Jan 24, 2019, Rack delivered Feb 1, 2019. So 5 1/2 months. Longer than expected but a very nice rack and well built. I didn't want to drill the front otherwise I would have went with Frontrunner. Initial impressions: Really sold and sturdy. I can feel the road handling is different and top heavy a little but not much wind noise. I like the removable cross bars. I upgraded the struts prior to putting the rack on with these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPPYGQ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TexasTJ]

Wait time was quoted 8-10 weeks, up to 12. I was charged upon ordering (by choice) and it arrived 21 weeks later. It is a solid rack, but the powder coating is very thin. If I were to get another rack I'd still consider Gobi, understanding the wait time, but order it bare and have it coated locally.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[zardoz]

Gobi Stealth ladder and Shrockworks swing-out rear bumper

Hello. Does anyone know if you can combine the two on a 3rd gen? Will the ladder interfere with the bumper? I asked SW but they weren't 100% sure. Thanks.

 

[Mmarte]

I love it.

Great inspiration!!!
Well said. I love my runner too!!!!

Easy to install, looks fantastic, its strong as hell and I trust it more than any other roof rack I've owned.

No other rack I've seen has an install that makes me think it will look good in 10 years, and the Gobi will. At the very least it wont damage my roof during that time.

I climb on it, I sit on it, I strap anything I need to carry to it. My roof top tent will soon have a home on it. Some of the best times I've had with it are just climbing on top to eat lunch feeling like I've got a better view than anyone else, even in the most mundane spots.

Also, an opinion from experience. Car modification is all money down the drain to anyone but yourself. You'll never justify it in a true financial sense because it's a luxury. Cars themselves are luxuries, and even more-so when you are talking about a 5th gen t4r.

Do what you want, what you think looks good, and what makes you look back at your truck everyday before you head in the house and smile.

 

[rob_dixon]

Disadvantages:
Cost
MPG hit
Wind noise
Much harder to wash and wax roof
If not installed carefully can increase chance of water leak
They rust eventually, sometimes from the inside out.
Wait times have sometimes gone as long as 6 months, while promising less
Increased height for garages
You will spend even more money on things to bolt onto and carry in it
Your wife will think it's weird that people compliment your rack...

11 pages, but I agree with above this is really the main points in terms of disadvantages.
- I dropped 1.5 -2 MPG.
- Wind noise is about 2 dB higher (as measured before and after by an Android app - not exact science). People say this doesn't bother them but it certainly bothers me and I made extra effort to install the faring perfect.
- VERY hard to wash and wax. In fact, its a huge effort. My method is to use a long handle quickie mop to apply and "try" to buff the extra wax off. You never really get it all, but the important thing is to do it now and then to protect the paint.

For example, I parked under a tree while camping which rained sap/bug juice all over my truck and roof. Its apparently bad to leave that on for too long, so I went through major effort to try and remove it all. It was a combo effort of sap remover then wash and wax that took over an hour.

I would add car washes are loathe to let you in as they fear it may damage their equipment. ELSE they charge you more.

I like the rack, and I bought mine because i got a group buy price with zero wait (lucky). But if i were to do it again I would strongly consider the Prinsu.