Nut & bolt rather than rivnut install on full length Front Runner Rack?

[jayhat]

Yep, drilled and installed the rivnuts...pretty easy.

I don't mind drilling...I've drilled this 4runner many times, and other vehicles before it. I trust myself...use a lot of silicone in and around the drilled holes. No leaks!
If you don't want to drill, then don't. I know people with the full length frontrunner and the full length prinsu that chose not to for whatever reason. I personally like the added connection point up front. My Frontrunner rack is larger than the regular 5th gen version they sell to accommodate a wider hardshell RTT.

I don't know much about the FR racks, I have a Gobi. Why do they require drilling up front? My Gobi is mounted in the rear two locations and has feet that set in the gutter channels up front. It's super solid.

 

[MtnMan219]

I don't know much about the FR racks, I have a Gobi. Why do they require drilling up front? My Gobi is mounted in the rear two locations and has feet that set in the gutter channels up front. It's super solid.

I'm not certain why they require the front to be mounted. It could be due to the aluminum construction instead of steel. Aluminum does not do well with stress and will fatigue over time even when the flexing is unnoticeable so I like the idea of it not being able to flex much. Maybe its for that reason. Maybe it allows them to increase the static load to a better advertise-able weight? Overall i'm not certain, but a flat rack is what im in the market for and the FR is very modular and they have a great reputation.

FR will also help build custom installs some of which are similar to the eezi-awn K9 rack that mounts a track using the 4 factory spots and then 5 feet per side to hold the rack. The eezi-awn k9 rack is awesome, but it costs more.

 

[MyanRagahis]

So who has the full length rack and hasn't drilled yet? Is it holding up well if you havent? I have one coming in tomorrow and plan on throwing a roofnest falcon up there for a Colorado trip in August. Just seeing what the consensus is.