This is more of a forum thread for everyone to use, there are going to be people interested in getting a rack like me and having a poll thread with constructive ideas might help forum users to find what they are looking for, instead of bouncing around on 1-2 year old threads with dead ends or no replies. I haven't put much thought into what i think is best because i need to see all available first before making a comparison.
I apologize for misreading your poll about what people think is the "best" roof rack. I did not know you were searching for all available roof racks for the 5th gen 4Runner. I will do my best to recall all of the manufactures that make a roof rack that can be attached directly to or adapted to the factory Toyota 4Runner roof rack with cross rails.
In no particular order,
These companies require the removal of the factory rail system entirely. They are also designed to handle a much heavier load than "bolt on" cargo carriers. This particular design can handle loads for a RTT (Roof Top Tent).
1. Gobi
2. Baja Racks
3. FrontRunner
4. Camelback Metal Gear (Drabbits)
5. ARB (will require a fit kit specifically designed for the 5th Gen)
These companies will require the use of aftermarket and/or factory cross bars. These basket style cargo carriers are universal and will fit many different applications. This will require the end user to determine what size best fits their needs.
6. Yakima (including all assorted basket styles and sizes i.e. Loadwarrior, MegaWarrior, etc)
7. Thule (including all assorted basket styles and sizes i.e. M.O.A.B.)
8. Surco
9. Rola
10. Warrior Products
11. Curt Mfg
12. Sport Rack
13. Rocky Mounts
14. Kuat
15-? There are plenty of other basket style carriers to search on Amazon and other sites. But they all are very similar and hopefully I've narrowed down the most popular/common.
Accessories for each of the above will vary greatly. Some companies will have specific accessories designed for their respective rack. For example, Yakima has it's own proprietary line for accessories. In general, they will not fit other systems unless modified to do so. Gobi's ladder is another example. It will definitely fit with their rack and may or may not fit with others. There are companies that make brackets to fit almost any type of rack.
Axia Alloys is a manufacture of roll cage accessories and mounts. You can pick almost any rack manufacture that uses "tubes" for the rack system. And with Axia, you'll find the right mount for that particular accessory.
Let's add in some customization. To the best of my knowledge, Baja, Gobi, and Camelback are the only manufactures that will gladly customize your rack for you. Whether it be for light mounts, flooring, tube heights, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Now we have to consider if you'll be using your rack for kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards, bikes, and/or cargo boxes. You'll need to determine if the rack you will choose has the capability to have another set of "cross bars". Then, you'll be able to attach those accessories to your rack. Thule and Yakima will be the most popular choices. Thule uses a square tube design and Yakima uses a round. But a majority of their accessories are interchangeable.
I hope I've answered most of your questions in your search for the "best" roof rack.
This is more of a forum thread post for people interested in getting a roof rack and have no idea what they're going to use it for.
