Is it beneficial to purchase extra cross bars

[ugaking]

for the stock roof rack for a 2011 4Runner?

 

[scanny]

Depends on what you're going to carry. For a canoe I'd say yes - it's beneficial : )

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I mean... maybe one extra? I really couldn't see much use beyond 3, maybe 4 (though I feel that's excessive), you're more limited by the rated weight for the rack more than the cross bars. The cross bars are really only there to give you something to mount to laterally, I guess having one more might be nice, but again the 4Runner roof racks aren't exactly super long.

 

[FlyNavy]

for the stock roof rack for a 2011 4Runner?

What are you carrying, how often, how valuable? I upgraded to yakima crossbars immediately because I frequently carry paddle boards, surfboards and other high dollar times that would make me sad if I saw them in my rear view mirror. I kept the stock cross-bars and placed them in between my yakimas to prevents items from contacting the roof when loading and unloading.

They do add a bit of wind noise, but they are solid and haven't failed me yet.

A custom roof rack (baja, drabbits, etc.) is another great alternative.

 

[<<<<]

Yea. That roof rack is useless without cross bars. Get and install them. GL

 

[Jetboy]

If you want to carry something heavy right in the lateral center of the rack, maybe. Otherwise no. The closer to the rails that your load is, the less deflection you'll experience. Most rack accessories like baskets or boxes will span enough that it will distribute the load near enough to rails that any failure due to metal fatigue will be in the rails, not the cross bars. Or the roof. Either way - the stock rack isn't very strong. More cross bars won't help. Keep the weight down or spend your $ on a trailer.

 

[ugaking]

Thank you all for the info. Great advice.

:thumb: