Is there any function to a roof rack without cross bars?

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codyHTX said:
they want your $$$!
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They already got enough of it with the purchase of the truck, but if they wanted more, they should have made those deluxe Limited seats an option for the Trail models. I'd have paid extra for that. But cross bars and step rails? Sheesh.
 
I agree that the roof rails cost a good bit extra, for what they are.
But I guess it comes down to the fact that more people do not use them or have any need for them, so it is just another expense that is not necessary to place on everyone.
 
I ended up buying my crossbars off eBay for 105 bucks and free shipping, now looking at different racks snowboard,kayak,bike,surf,etc. it adds up quick!
 
Roof rack choices

I agree, it's not very useful for an SUV not to include those cross rails. It's hard to use the roof without them. But it can be done. On a recent camping trip I tied two boxes on top using just the longitudinal side rails. It wasn't easy and the lid to one box kept trying to come off in the wind. It would have been easier with the cross rails.

But I plan to replace the rails with a Baja rack so I didn't want to spend another $185 for something I was going to take off the truck.

With my old Jeep I had the cross rails and regularly tied stuff on top: a canoe, lumber, camp boxes, the list goes on. For the heavy stuff I laid two 2x4 boards flat over the long side rails. The cross bars are not that great for carrying loads. But I always felt a different rack system would work better.

I'm still trying to decide between the Utility Rack or the Standard Rack from Baja or the long flat rack by Drabbits. The Gobi Stealth would be good if the front bar is level with the rest of the rack. I still need to carry lumber for home projects and the occasional canoe so the rack needs to have the same height all around.
 
The only use I have for the stock roof rack with out cross rails is when I wash or wax the 4runner. It makes it easy to wash or wax the roof by standing on the running board and grabbing the roof rail to pull be up to the roof. The only other use I have for them is that when I am using my magnetic mount cb antenna I tie wrap the cb antenna cable to the roof rack to keep the cable from damaging the paint.
 
Is this a trick question? The function is to hold the cross bars if one choose to install them. ;)
Plus they work like sliders if you flip your 4R and you don't have the auto leveling option.
 
I think with the number of baskets and/or racks that can be added, the longitudinal roof rails provides a mounting point.

I personally haven't put on any aftermarket racks on my 2015 or my 2004 4Runner before that.

Both 4Runners came with the cross-rails already padding the price of the vehicle. I have used them quite a number of times but mostly to strap ladders or long pieces of wood that I didn't want to have inside the vehicle.

It did twist my shorts a bit that Toyota charges extra for the cross rails but in hindsight it's what works for me as I don't plan on getting anything larger up on the roof anyway.

Also, at $110 - $185 they are still less expensive than the Gobi, Thule and all those others out there.

my $.02
 
That's horrible, I had no idea they didnt include the crossbars, I know on my FJC, on my GX, and the earlier 4runners they did
 
Well, i had this idea for a road trip ill be taking next month.

I was going to take some rachet-type tie-downs and create temporary cross-rails with them. place my bags in between them. then take other tie downs and place them on top of the actual bags.

the thought being the 'crossrails' will keep things from sliding, and the over-the-top tie downs will hold things in place as well.


i am open for someone to tell me im an idiot...:peep:
 
They did everyone a favor. Most stock crossbars are crap anyway. Buy the Thule or Yakima load bars. I prefer the Thule since they're square. Both are beefy steel and will hold a gorilla.
 
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whiteblazer01 said:
Seems kinda silly for Toyota to not include cross bars. Almost makes the rails to be more of an aesthetic add-on. Am I wrong?
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It's not a "roof rack". They're luggage rails. Different animal entirely.

mnofpeace said:
Well, i had this idea for a road trip ill be taking next month.

I was going to take some rachet-type tie-downs and create temporary cross-rails with them. place my bags in between them. then take other tie downs and place them on top of the actual bags.

the thought being the 'crossrails' will keep things from sliding, and the over-the-top tie downs will hold things in place as well.


i am open for someone to tell me im an idiot...:peep:
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You're not an idiot, but you won't need the ratchet strap "cross rails". Put your bags between the luggage rails and use the ratchet straps to snug them down tight, they won't go anywhere.
 
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Anyone figure out a tiedown loop to attach to the side rails without the cross bars? I basically need the ability to tie a Christmas tree up there once a year and it would be nice if there was a loop to tie to. I expect I could use a ratchet strap but a tiedown would be nice.
 
speas said:
I basically need the ability to tie a Christmas tree up there once a year and it would be nice if there was a loop to tie to.
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Is your last name Griswald buy any chance?

Seriously though... maybe you could use a large "zip-tie" to make the loop then cut it off after you're done.
 
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