LFD Cross Bars / Roof Box Combo Suggestions

[User_Name]

Hi Guys

Heading on a 2000 mile road trip in December with my 2017 4runner SR5 4X4 and need some extra space on top to store stuff. If it matters, I do not have a sunroof.

I really like the LFD Cross Bars, but I dont see many people running them with a roof box. It seems most people are running Yakima or Thule cross bars with the roof boxes. I would prefer to find a combo that will work with the LFD cross bars so I can expand later on

So anyway, does anyone have any experience running LFD crossbars on the stock rails and a roof box? If so what is your set up? I'm looking to get as big as a roofbox as possible.

Thanks!

 

[gdvan01]

[MENTION=444815]LFD_Off_Road[/MENTION]

 

[LFD_Off_Road]

we have not personally used our crossbars with clamshell style boxes. however we have had a number of people give us feedback that both brands (yakima,thule) roof boxes do mount onto our crossbars. we use a roam adventure box or pelican cases bolted to our roof racks. hope this helps.

 

[Anand]

If you aren't dead set on the clam style hard boxes, there are a number of soft sided waterproof "bags" that work as well.

In fact I just ordered a duo of bags to hold our tent (Gazelle T4) as well as misc. other stuff (bedding, clothes, misc other stuff bouncing around the interior on trips) that will be strapped down to my LFD rack... I should say that an ARB awning stays bolted up daily and for trips my recovery boards and hi-lift go up there too. That is, until an LFD rear bumper ends up on my truck...

What I've learned from nearly a year of camping/road/off-road trips is that there really isn't anything you can't securely carry on the LFD rack

 

[Minneyota]

Force XT L

I run the Thule Motion XT L on the LFD crossbars and it works great. In fact, the reason I even have the LFD crossbars is because I bought the Thule box and the OEM crossbars didn't provide enough height and when loaded down, the front of the box would flex and bang into the 4Runner roof. The LFD bars give enough height that I don't have to worry about the box coming in contact with the roof anymore. Plus, that box looks good on a 4Runner.

 

[Florunner78]

I run the Thule Force XT L on the LFD crossbars and it works great. In fact, the reason I even have the LFD crossbars is because I bought the Thule box and the OEM crossbars didn't provide enough height and when loaded down, the front of the box would flex and bang into the 4Runner roof. The LFD bars give enough height that I don't have to worry about the box coming in contact with the roof anymore. Plus, that box looks good on a 4Runner.

I run the same setup and it works great.

 

[Minneyota]

I run the same setup and it works great.

I just had to update my post...my Thule is the Motion XT L and not the Force. Similar box. Yep, it sure works great for my needs.

 

[Florunner78]

I just had to update my post...my Thule is the Motion XT L and not the Force. Similar box. Yep, it sure works great for my needs.

I made the same mistake - I have the Motion XT L also. Either way, it works great with the LFD bars and there's no worry of the crossbars flexing like the stock crossbars.

 

[jhguth]

If you aren't dead set on the clam style hard boxes, there are a number of soft sided waterproof "bags" that work as well.

In fact I just ordered a duo of bags to hold our tent (Gazelle T4) as well as misc. other stuff (bedding, clothes, misc other stuff bouncing around the interior on trips) that will be strapped down to my LFD rack... I should say that an ARB awning stays bolted up daily and for trips my recovery boards and hi-lift go up there too. That is, until an LFD rear bumper ends up on my truck...

What I've learned from nearly a year of camping/road/off-road trips is that there really isn't anything you can't securely carry on the LFD rack

what bags do you use?

 

[esigler]

I've got the LFD bars with an older Yakama rocket box. Works great except the rear hatch hits the box when the hatch is opened. Only need to be able to slide the box forward an inch or two more, but I'm at the box and bar limits.

Not sure if newer boxes will adjust the clamps further back to give more clearance. Love the LFD bars though.

 

[Anand]

what bags do you use?

Rola 59102 cargo bag to use across the back of the rack and an ANGU Sports 200cm ski bag for the tent... Won't get to try out either one for a few weeks at least though

 

[2barevo]

No problems using LFD bars with Yakima skybox.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[Florunner78]

Quick word of caution on those roof bags - I had one that I used for a while because I didn't want to drop the money on a quality cargo box.

I'm not sure what the weather is like where you're from or where you plan on going, but the straps on my bag didn't last very long and broke the last time I tried to tighten them. I'm thinking it was a combination of the rain/humidity and sun down here in FL caused them to rot/become brittle. Could also have been the materials used by the manufacturer (don't recall what brand it was and it's long gone).

Just something to keep in mind since that's not a concern with a cargo box and the clamps used to mount it to the crossbars.

 

[zcruiser]

What I've learned from nearly a year of camping/road/off-road trips is that there really isn't anything you can't securely carry on the LFD rack

Pretty much this. They are stout and have plenty of holes along the top surface to be able to attach/configure any roof-top device you can think of.

 

[alcomedic]

LFD bars and Yakima skybox. Love how low the box fits with the bars. A few big road trips in and love this setup

 

[User_Name]

Really Appreciate the help guys

Has anyone used the Thule Motion XT XL? I see a few people posted they used the Motion XT L.

I want the LFD crossbars, and other folks have used the Thule Aero Blades with the XT XL. I'm just hoping someone has used the LFD crossbars (with the factory side rails) and a Thule Motion XT XL, I'd like to know if the rear door will open without interference.


Thanks

 

[Sundy]

Really Appreciate the help guys

Has anyone used the Thule Motion XT XL? I see a few people posted they used the Motion XT L.

I want the LFD crossbars, and other folks have used the Thule Aero Blades with the XT XL. I'm just hoping someone has used the LFD crossbars (with the factory side rails) and a Thule Motion XT XL, I'd like to know if the rear door will open without interference.


Thanks

Have you found out any updates on this?

I'm in the same boat - I ski a lot and rock 188s (looking at some 193 black crows :dancin so a Motion XT L isn't quite long enough. I've got a Thule 2100 Atlantis, but that thing is too big (about the size of the Motion XXL) and I can't open the hatch on factory cross bars - which was making me look into the LFD's.

 

[brian0128]

I run the Thule Motion XT L on the LFD crossbars and it works great. In fact, the reason I even have the LFD crossbars is because I bought the Thule box and the OEM crossbars didn't provide enough height and when loaded down, the front of the box would flex and bang into the 4Runner roof. The LFD bars give enough height that I don't have to worry about the box coming in contact with the roof anymore. Plus, that box looks good on a 4Runner.

Is any special hardware needed to mount the Motion XTL?

 

[SHagood]

I currently have a set of ActionTrax, an awning, my hi-lift, and a WaterPort mounted up there. The WaterPort doesn't stay up there, just the mounting plate. I hate a hardshell waterproof camera case mounted up there with a tow strap and ratchet straps, but took it down to mount the WaterPort. Mounting a rifle case up there for recovery storage seems to be a common theme.

 

[unsub1]

No issues with mine over the last year and a half.