Little help between Front Runner or Rhino Rack
- Thread starter JKRunner
- Start date
Fairing
Mine is a 3/4 so not as easy to see. I have no wind noise but I am guessing it’s because it’s not all the way forward like a 7/8. There is some adjustability for noise reduction if needed.
Mine is a 3/4 so not as easy to see. I have no wind noise but I am guessing it’s because it’s not all the way forward like a 7/8. There is some adjustability for noise reduction if needed.
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DesertCanyons
New member
Baja Racks roof rack
I really like my Baja Racks Flat Utility Rack with cross bars (not the mesh). It sits very low without a cage or a front bar sticking up. If I'd bought a taller basket rack it would not have fit in my garage once I installed the lift. Because it's flat with no cage or front bar it's very easy to load on a canoe, lumber and other long gear.
You still have to tie things down, like you would with any rack and it's easy with the cross bars.
I had Baja Racks custom make my rack to eliminate the rear cut-out loop for the shark fin antenna and it fit very close without touching. It's easier to load lumber that way. I often have house projects on this old house that require bringing lumber home. I once had 7 sheets of 1/2" plywood on top (~280#). I added some 1/4" neoprene rubber shims at the 6 mounting points to protect the roof and add more area around the OEM plastic roof strip to the front bearing points. I found the 1/4" neoprene sheets on Amazon. I also used it for lining my wheel wells to close the gap between the body pinch welds and the frame.
The ladder is by Baja Racks too.
Baja Racks is just south of you in San Diego near the Mexico border. It would be easy for you to pick it up and save on shipping. It's completely bolt on at the OEM mounting points so there's no drilling of the roof.
I really like my Baja Racks Flat Utility Rack with cross bars (not the mesh). It sits very low without a cage or a front bar sticking up. If I'd bought a taller basket rack it would not have fit in my garage once I installed the lift. Because it's flat with no cage or front bar it's very easy to load on a canoe, lumber and other long gear.
You still have to tie things down, like you would with any rack and it's easy with the cross bars.
I had Baja Racks custom make my rack to eliminate the rear cut-out loop for the shark fin antenna and it fit very close without touching. It's easier to load lumber that way. I often have house projects on this old house that require bringing lumber home. I once had 7 sheets of 1/2" plywood on top (~280#). I added some 1/4" neoprene rubber shims at the 6 mounting points to protect the roof and add more area around the OEM plastic roof strip to the front bearing points. I found the 1/4" neoprene sheets on Amazon. I also used it for lining my wheel wells to close the gap between the body pinch welds and the frame.
The ladder is by Baja Racks too.
Baja Racks is just south of you in San Diego near the Mexico border. It would be easy for you to pick it up and save on shipping. It's completely bolt on at the OEM mounting points so there's no drilling of the roof.
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ok, I have the WIND FAIRING FOR SLIMLINE II RACK / 1165MM/1255MM(W) - BY FRONT RUNNER Product Code RRAC143
I though about getting the bigger one, the 1345-1425mm, but there are only 2 inches on either side, about 100mm total, and the fairing would cover the outside rails and stick out.
I have more wind noise at times but my mpg has risen 2-4 mpg. I have a trip tomorrow and I'll get a better idea how different the mpg's are now.
Also, don't mind the corrosion, the first picture, on the footrail...it's being taken care of by FrontRunner.
I though about getting the bigger one, the 1345-1425mm, but there are only 2 inches on either side, about 100mm total, and the fairing would cover the outside rails and stick out.
I have more wind noise at times but my mpg has risen 2-4 mpg. I have a trip tomorrow and I'll get a better idea how different the mpg's are now.
Also, don't mind the corrosion, the first picture, on the footrail...it's being taken care of by FrontRunner.
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have you tried walking on this? curious to see how it fairs as the mesh helps distribute the weight
JKRunner
New member
[MENTION=168976]Doc.SS[/MENTION] thanks for the pictures as they really help and i will be purchasing this fairing as well. I really liked that you stated that your MPG has gone up due to the fairing.
Have a safe trip!
Have a safe trip!
ok, I have the WIND FAIRING FOR SLIMLINE II RACK / 1165MM/1255MM(W) - BY FRONT RUNNER Product Code RRAC143
I though about getting the bigger one, the 1345-1425mm, but there are only 2 inches on either side, about 100mm total, and the fairing would cover the outside rails and stick out.
I have more wind noise at times but my mpg has risen 2-4 mpg. I have a trip tomorrow and I'll get a better idea how different the mpg's are now.
Also, don't mind the corrosion, the first picture, on the footrail...it's being taken care of by FrontRunner.
Didn’t go in the trip so I couldn’t get any trip data. I have noticed that I get around 18.5 mpg currently, 3 tanks. Without the fairing I averaged 16.9 mpg. It may be that I haven’t been using the skinny pedal as much or as aggressively.
I’m having a lift installed Monday, and my numbers will definitely change. As much as I like to save money, I didn’t buy the T4R for the fuel economy.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’m having a lift installed Monday, and my numbers will definitely change. As much as I like to save money, I didn’t buy the T4R for the fuel economy.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
DarthYota
Member
I was in the same boat. Spent about 4 months reading everything I could about the frontrunner, rhino, and some other options.
My biggest concerns were wind noise, sunroof access, as low pro as possible, and comfortable for the kids to sit on.
I'm surprised to see so many people on here saying they have no wind noise with the FR. I read so many reviews that complained about the excessive wind noise of the FR with some people even going so far as to get rid of it for that reason. While I didnt test this in a lab physics seems to be at play here. 1) the rhino rack has a curved leading edge as opposed to square block. 2) Slats run in line with the vehicle as opposed to running perpendicular to the vehicle (FR), chopping through wind instead of going with it.
I ended up purchasing the RR 76x49 with backbone and just got it installed last weekend. Road noise is there but minimal. I think most of what i hear is from the side mount ski rack.
Best I could tell nothing else matched the load bearing capacity of the RR with backbone. 220lbs driving, 700lbs static. Thats what I would want if im putting a RTT up there. Which I personally wont be. But my big ass can get up there with the kid and a couple of lawn chairs, cooler etc and not sweat it.
RR seems to have good accessory support and I've purchased a few including the side mount maxxtraxx holder, a 2 ski/4 fishing rod holder (mounted on the side to the maxxtraxx holder), and an eye bolt kit.
Also, the gentleman that talked about the mounting bolts interfering with the channels for mounting accessories is completely inaccurate, at least when using the backbone system. There are 5 crossbars that bolt to the bottom of the platform and run from side to side. 3 of these bars are used to attach the platform to the backbone system via a "t bolt" that turns and locks into the channel of those bars. The channels for mounting accesories are completely separate and are on the aluminum planks that run the length of the car. There is absolutely no interaction between the two.
RR was slightly less $.
I think the backbones look better than the FR option.
I put the FR to the back of the list fairly quickly due to wind noise concerns. I either missed it because of that, or they werent out at the time, but I didnt see the feet option (just noticed them while looking for load bearing which btw is 660lbs static with their feet). If I had, I may have said damn the wind noise and gone that option since their 3/4 option doesnt cover the sunroof at all. With RR the shortest you can go with the backbones is the 76 which covers half to 3/4 of the sunroof
Either way, I'm sure you will be happy, you're driving a 4runner
My biggest concerns were wind noise, sunroof access, as low pro as possible, and comfortable for the kids to sit on.
I'm surprised to see so many people on here saying they have no wind noise with the FR. I read so many reviews that complained about the excessive wind noise of the FR with some people even going so far as to get rid of it for that reason. While I didnt test this in a lab physics seems to be at play here. 1) the rhino rack has a curved leading edge as opposed to square block. 2) Slats run in line with the vehicle as opposed to running perpendicular to the vehicle (FR), chopping through wind instead of going with it.
I ended up purchasing the RR 76x49 with backbone and just got it installed last weekend. Road noise is there but minimal. I think most of what i hear is from the side mount ski rack.
Best I could tell nothing else matched the load bearing capacity of the RR with backbone. 220lbs driving, 700lbs static. Thats what I would want if im putting a RTT up there. Which I personally wont be. But my big ass can get up there with the kid and a couple of lawn chairs, cooler etc and not sweat it.
RR seems to have good accessory support and I've purchased a few including the side mount maxxtraxx holder, a 2 ski/4 fishing rod holder (mounted on the side to the maxxtraxx holder), and an eye bolt kit.
Also, the gentleman that talked about the mounting bolts interfering with the channels for mounting accessories is completely inaccurate, at least when using the backbone system. There are 5 crossbars that bolt to the bottom of the platform and run from side to side. 3 of these bars are used to attach the platform to the backbone system via a "t bolt" that turns and locks into the channel of those bars. The channels for mounting accesories are completely separate and are on the aluminum planks that run the length of the car. There is absolutely no interaction between the two.
RR was slightly less $.
I think the backbones look better than the FR option.
I put the FR to the back of the list fairly quickly due to wind noise concerns. I either missed it because of that, or they werent out at the time, but I didnt see the feet option (just noticed them while looking for load bearing which btw is 660lbs static with their feet). If I had, I may have said damn the wind noise and gone that option since their 3/4 option doesnt cover the sunroof at all. With RR the shortest you can go with the backbones is the 76 which covers half to 3/4 of the sunroof
Either way, I'm sure you will be happy, you're driving a 4runner
I didn't know this existed. I had thought about making my own, but i'm too lazy. Looks like i'll be ordering one of these soon!
mudmancrash
New member
I was in the same boat. Spent about 4 months reading everything I could about the frontrunner, rhino, and some other options.
My biggest concerns were wind noise, sunroof access, as low pro as possible, and comfortable for the kids to sit on.
I'm surprised to see so many people on here saying they have no wind noise with the FR. I read so many reviews that complained about the excessive wind noise of the FR with some people even going so far as to get rid of it for that reason. While I didnt test this in a lab physics seems to be at play here. 1) the rhino rack has a curved leading edge as opposed to square block. 2) Slats run in line with the vehicle as opposed to running perpendicular to the vehicle (FR), chopping through wind instead of going with it.
-----snip-----
Either way, I'm sure you will be happy, you're driving a 4runner
Happy indeed. Either way, RR or FR, you're getting a good product.
I am one of those people who has no complaint of FR wind noise. I sometimes notice it, but only mildly. I do hear the wind at certain angles at high-speed or when the wind is very gusty, in particular on the full-length rack (I have both sizes, one for each of my 4Runners). But then I hear the wind against the glass and from the windows, too. No complaints - it's not excessive nor is it distracting - in those situations it just reminds me to be careful. I did have more noise without the fairings.
I drilled the roof on the full-length. If you do, measure 2 or 3 times, use the rack to double-check, and get the right fastening nut tool. Very happy. Extremely solid and sturdy.
JKRunner
New member
[MENTION=156168]mudmancrash[/MENTION], just wanted to get your opinion on what length (Full vs 3/4) Front Runner rack you like best? Also I noticed your photo in your signature and was wonder if you happen to have a bigger sized image as I would like to see what the Full vs. 3/4 Length looks like in a side by side comparison.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
mudmancrash
New member
Sorry about the delay! I like the full length better. Way more room and flexibility. Also should mention that it holds my aluminum awning better. Will post pics shortly.
mudmancrash
New member
JKRunner
New member
Flip Flopping
Need a little help with measurements...
Could anyone who owns these 2-racks let me know what the difference in height is between the Front Runner vs the Rhino Rack? If you were to measure from the top of the roof to the top of the rack what are the measurements?
Thanks in advance.
Need a little help with measurements...
Could anyone who owns these 2-racks let me know what the difference in height is between the Front Runner vs the Rhino Rack? If you were to measure from the top of the roof to the top of the rack what are the measurements?
Thanks in advance.
front runner impressions
I'm a new member so I can't start a new thread, but I recently installed a frontrunner slimline 3/4 and wanted to provide my thoughts.
I am using the rack with several Plano 1919 containers, lashing each down with rollercam straps. I use frontrunner stainless steel tie down rings, bought some hardware to make more, and use the rollercam straps with the "loop" ends.
I have found this system to be very stable on a couple of 1+ hour long trips. Before I got the rollercam straps I was using paracord and found that one tie down ring was loose at the end of a trip. It was a a non-issue as I had the rings close to the box so the ring could not walk away, but it is good practice to keep the rings close to whatever you tie down. Since using straps instead of paracord no rings have become loose after a trip.
Note that I thought that the Plano 1919s came with an o-ring, but they did not. I plan to install some weatherstripping in the channel of the lids at some point.
I have attached a picture with one box installed so you can see the size. As you can see, I also have a cargo tray installed on a front hitch. I only use the rear hitch when I don't have my dog with me.
I'm very happy with the set up. Particularly how easy it is to lash things down with the rings and rollercam straps.
Regards,
Chris
I'm a new member so I can't start a new thread, but I recently installed a frontrunner slimline 3/4 and wanted to provide my thoughts.
I am using the rack with several Plano 1919 containers, lashing each down with rollercam straps. I use frontrunner stainless steel tie down rings, bought some hardware to make more, and use the rollercam straps with the "loop" ends.
I have found this system to be very stable on a couple of 1+ hour long trips. Before I got the rollercam straps I was using paracord and found that one tie down ring was loose at the end of a trip. It was a a non-issue as I had the rings close to the box so the ring could not walk away, but it is good practice to keep the rings close to whatever you tie down. Since using straps instead of paracord no rings have become loose after a trip.
Note that I thought that the Plano 1919s came with an o-ring, but they did not. I plan to install some weatherstripping in the channel of the lids at some point.
I have attached a picture with one box installed so you can see the size. As you can see, I also have a cargo tray installed on a front hitch. I only use the rear hitch when I don't have my dog with me.
I'm very happy with the set up. Particularly how easy it is to lash things down with the rings and rollercam straps.
Regards,
Chris
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SageRunner
New member
Front Runner Rack - Ladder suggestions?
Hey guys, new the forum and doing some looking around on the Front Runner Slimline II and came across this thread. I'm about to commit to purchasing the Slimline II for my 2019 TRD Pro, but am wondering about what ladder to go with it. If anyone has recommendations or thoughts from either a fit/compatibility perspective or simply aesthetic one, I'd be grateful to hear about it. Cheers!
Hey guys, new the forum and doing some looking around on the Front Runner Slimline II and came across this thread. I'm about to commit to purchasing the Slimline II for my 2019 TRD Pro, but am wondering about what ladder to go with it. If anyone has recommendations or thoughts from either a fit/compatibility perspective or simply aesthetic one, I'd be grateful to hear about it. Cheers!
