Hoping to get a solid single-source thread on roof rack accessories, best ideas, best practices, etc. I searched a bit but no luck so here we are. Doesn’t have to be GOBI specific though I’m sure mounting hardware won’t be universal.
Sure lights, but which ones and why? Wiring tips?
Shovel / hi-lift mounts? Of course, but for less than the classic $175?
Best full-coverage awnings for a full rack?
Ladder mounts - flag carriers? Radio antennas?
I know there are a lot of folks who - through trial and error - have some solid wisdom to share.
Wisdom? Buy a front runner. Haha!
ok, but seriously - the Gobi looks cool and is TOP quality welds, but in actual practice is a PITA to mount stuff too. IMO, as I do own one. Fitting your hand underneath the mesh is very hard to mount things and you need to be very patient with a socket wrench (and a towel to protect your paint while you squeeze under it). In comparison, the frontrunner mounting is so easy (after trying it) if i were to do it again I would invest there. 100%! The mounting system they have is so easy its like cheating and instantly adjustable.
Anywho, this is about the Gobi:
To mount to the mesh, buy a lot of 1-1.5 inch washers. ;-) I have two rotopax mounted using their lockable mounts of course and a lot of washers (8 in total - 1 for each screw) to mount them to the mesh.
For my frontrunner wolfpacks, I use their "Stratchets", which are AWESOME and totally replaced my unwieldy standard cargo straps and bought the frontrunner eyeloops. You dont need the frontrunner eyeloops but for $12 bucks it was an easy order.
I mounted the eyeloop tiedowns using a 1.5 inch (#M8 hole size) to mount them securely to the Gobi:
Links:
Stratchits - by Front Runner
I used the black version of these so they blend in when i am not packin' on top:
Stainless Steel Tie Down Rings - by Front Runner
I do not mount things to the side tube of the Gobi because i think it is trendy and dumb. What is the point of having a roof rack if you have maxtraxx and shovels and crap mounted to the SIDE of it. (Although I can buy the excuse of quick access for the shovel). Still, it just seems silly to me.
For the shovel, I see many using Quickfists. Easy peasy but you still have to mount the darn things.
Speaking of shovels, if you have the money and want cool points, Agency 6 make a great one WITH a mount that will clamp to your Gobi. They are super cool guys, so call them to check the tube diameter. You might need to get some inner rubber rings as the Gobi is 1" and this mount is bigger (call them to confirm).
A6™ Shovel / Mount Combo - Red
Again, that is for pure cool point, because the price on that ($190) is um...to be desired for something that digs a hole and you can get a great one for $20. (I went with a Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick).
Amazon.com : Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow - Guaranteed for Life! : Sports & Outdoors
Finally, just another point on the usability for the folks who are trying to make the decision, as I literally was dealing with this issue today - as I just bought a new thing to mount, and now must adjust the rotopax mounts on one side. With the gobi, this will be a 15-20 minute coordinated process. For the frontrunner it is seconds.
ray:
