LFD roof rack-steel or aluminum?

[Catskill4RNR]

Thinking of getting a 7/8 or full length LFD roof rack. What are most of you buying, steel or aluminum? Why?

 

[llDemonll]

most are made of aluminum

the side rails on the SSo/Prinsu/Victory might be steel but all the crossbars are aluminum

front running is all aluming with steel side bars as well

aluminum is a better material because it won't rust if the coating is nicked off. and considerably lighter

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Dont forget to check in with the lfd thread! I went stainless steel as aluminum can hum when theres no load (according to lfd)

 

[SHagood]

Thinking of getting a 7/8 or full length LFD roof rack. What are most of you buying, steel or aluminum? Why?

I have 4 LFD cross-members and they're sweet!! Mounted a 9ft awning, recovery boards, hi-lift, and my storage bin up there. No rattle, no noise. They're great stuff.

 

[mteolus]

With a fairing no hum, but I have just the cross bars. I doubt aluminum side rails would make any difference though. I would have probably gotten steel if I had an RTT but I don't. Aluminum cross rails = 2.0 lbs, steel = 4.7 lbs.

 

[jafrush]

Steel is stiffer, so if you're planning anything on the heavier side, we recommend steel just because it doesn't deflect. Both can carry the same weight though, just usually want to make sure it is more spread out across multiple crossbars with the aluminum.

The aluminum come with 1/4" aluminum side rails, and the aluminum crossbars, but do include two stainless steel crossbars. Steel is .185" side rails.

The aluminum weighs about 30 pounds less, not entirely significant in the overall scheme of the vehicle. ~50 pounds vs ~80 pounds.

Shouldn't notice any noise difference between the two when talking about complete racks.

We do have steels in stock right now, but aluminums are out about three weeks.

What other questions do you have?

 

[gdvan01]

Thinking of getting a 7/8 or full length LFD roof rack. What are most of you buying, steel or aluminum? Why?

The LFD Off Road Thread

 

[jhguth]

I have a full aluminum rack and no hum, i installed the stainless steel crossbars in the front per their recommendation which i think was to eliminate any vibrations in the front bars