Other roof rack options?

Guitarplaya39

Guitarplaya39

New member
So I really want a roof rack... At least something more functional than the factory bars. Ive seen the big 3 (ARB, Gobi, Baja), but I would like to not spend a fortune. Ive been eyeing the WMW rack, as it is the style I like, but not horribly expensive like the Gobi.
Before I commit to a $700+ investment, are there any other decent options out there? Im still learning of all the small fab shops around the internet, and searching kind of has me running in circles. I want to replace the factory setup completely. Not too crazy about clamping it to the factory rack.
One more question... Its hard to tell from the pics online, but are the WMW and Gobi racks slightly curved around the roof?
Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
WMW, Perkins, Gobi...I think those are your best bets for a full replacement over factory. I'm eyeing a WMW rack myself. I had the Yakima Megawarrior and it was a good rack, it just didn't "blend" in with the truck like the rest do. And typically the full replacements are made just for our trucks so yes, they follow the curvature of the roof
 
Cool thanks for the quick reply. This is the first Ive heard of Perkins. Still looks like WMW would be little on the less expensive side from what Ive seen...
 
Guitarplaya39 said:
So I really want a roof rack... At least something more functional than the factory bars. Ive seen the big 3 (ARB, Gobi, Baja), but I would like to not spend a fortune.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

There are a lot of really nice racks for the 4Runner. One I found that meets my functional and aesthetic needs and will only cost around $370 is the Rola with the extension AND...most importantly....the "Armor Tech Offroad" mount kit. This one lowers the the basket to just sit above the roof line to give it the stealthy look.

I have Plastidipped my silver factory roof rails. After I order the basket, I may order the "Urban Runner" roof rails (like in the link).

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/157185-experience-rola-roof-basket.html#post1561731
 
Last edited:
One good thing about the low profile racks and especially the low profile half racks is that they don't take a hit on your mileage. I bought a BajaRack half rack and it made /zero/ difference in mileage. (Well < 0.1 mpg at least, immeasurable by the console or by calculation at the pump)

So getting something as low profile as possible can save you a lot of money down the road. Robbing 1 or even a half MPG can add up over the years. Might be worth paying a little extra now (if necessary) to get one that hugs the roof line better.
 
The price on that curt rack is tempting just to get and fiddle with. Im just learning to weld so maybe I could fab up some simple mounts to get rid of the factory rack.
And I didn't realize they had such an impact on MPGs. After trading in my little 4cyl car for this 4R, Ive been driving like a senior citizen (minus the left turn signal). I suppose once you load the rack up with gear, profile doesnt really matter anyway. I do really like the low profile look anyway. It I dont get it, it will always be in the back of my mind.
The real question is how to get away with it while keeping the woman happy. She about shit a brick when she found out how much my Spidertrax were haha.
 
Cost no option? WMW. Wow, what a great rack!

I have the Rola though....Siliconed everything on it because its a cheap POS but I love it.

$150 vs. $700. Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I don't use my roof rack often and it's more looks than anything so I didn't feel I needed to spend that much on it.

My .02
 
texas4rnr said:
Cost no option? WMW. Wow, what a great rack!

I have the Rola though....Siliconed everything on it because its a cheap POS but I love it.

$150 vs. $700. Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I don't use my roof rack often and it's more looks than anything so I didn't feel I needed to spend that much on it.

My .02
Click to expand...

I do enjoy a good lookin rack ;) Do you have the lowering kit? I dont think it looks bad, Im just worried about load capacity as well as sq footage.
 
Rola with the lowering kit is the cheapest.

I have a BajaRack now, but if I was to do it again I would get the Whitson rack. It's lower profile than my Baja & just as useful plus it's cheaper.
 
My OEM rack measured 6'4" with an attachment i needed to hold poles.

My WMW with my new pole attachment, 8" pvc water main made to hole 8 seven foot long 1 5/8" fence poles.


I at overall 6'3" tall now with my WMW rack. I had a yakima load warrior with extension on another vehicle. I didnt like it compared to my WMW.

I can tell you this, josh [MENTION=77764]Whitson Metalworks[/MENTION] can make you what ever you want. I dont think you can say that with Gobi. Shipping is fast,

My rack came the way i wanted it. with the options i wanted. quality was what i expected it to be. AWESOME. When you order yours. you will see that josh takes the time to weld each and every part that touches another piece of metal.

it was not $700 but it was not $1500 like the gobi. Mine came in @ almost $950 to the door with my options.
 
Guitarplaya39 said:
I do enjoy a good lookin rack ;) Do you have the lowering kit? I dont think it looks bad, Im just worried about load capacity as well as sq footage.
Click to expand...

I don't have the lowering kit at this time. I would recommend it though for looks and everything else that goes along with it. A noticeable sound difference with it on, and obviously lowered my mpg. The weight capacity is not much... like 130#?? Very low.

Basically, as with everything....

You get what you pay for!!!!

If you are going to utilize your roof rack often, go with WMW. It's a lot of money for a roof rack, but you're investing in a lifelong rack with outstanding results.

If you're going for anything else but, then go with a cheap rack. The Rola simply meets my desires/needs for now.
 

Attachments

  • 20140228_124348.jpg
    20140228_124348.jpg
    136.3 KB · Views: 11,261
Last edited:
texas4rnr said:
$150 vs. $700. Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I don't use my roof rack often and it's more looks than anything so I didn't feel I needed to spend that much on it.

My .02
Click to expand...

I have a system set up in garage with four D-rings hanging by tubular nylon (1/2 flat rope essentially) from the roof. When not using the roof rack I undo the rack and hang if from the D-rings. Takes all of about 5 minutes. I like the look of it with and without so not having it on is no big deal.
 
I absolutely love my WMW rack, amazing quality and craftsmanship from josh! Super cool dude to work with and do business with. Guy is a welding wizard Fosho!!! If you're already leaning towards a WMW rack, take your time and spend the money on one when you can. They are well worth it.
 
are there any roof racks that are more of a platform and low profile?
i am looking for options to set my camera tripod on, and to be able to stand on. i wont ever load anything up there, so it doesnt need to have any railing or anything.
 
Pretty sure Ive changed my mind at least 300 times tonight :noidea:
But thanks for all the input! I do like quality (hence getting a 4R), but I like my money too :nerd:
I shall make up my mind soon and hopefully have some time to start my build thread.
And [MENTION=7241]texas4rnr[/MENTION], on a slightly off-topic note, thanks for the pic. Ive been debating on dipping my wheels and mirrors, but wasnt sure how it would look on shadow mica. Ill be doing that to my rig soon too :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 1,173 (members: 4, guests: 1,169)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,085
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top