Questions Re: Roof rack and tire mounting

[Deaccon]

Recently I ended up running over something sharp and popped a tire - unfortunate, but its life. The issue is that while my spare tire winch worked perfectly and the spare itself is fine, the mechanism actually holding it up was so rusted I had to cut the steel cable to get it out ('02 4runner).

I know the part isn't that expensive, but I got to thinking... I really like the look of roof racks, and having the spare under the truck is just a pain in general anyways. So, I'd like to go ahead and get a roof rack that I can mount the spare on.

Anyone have any particular suggestions as far as roof racks that are made to hold the spare tire as well? I like the look of the WMW rack a few people have posted, but that thing is $$$. Less expensive options would definitely be preferable - a buddy of mine with a 4th gen T4R just bought this: Amazon.com: Curt 18115 Roof Mounted Cargo Rack: Automotive

I like the look of that as well, but its reaaally cheap and I worry about the quality.

The only other consideration for me is that while I really like the look of the full length racks, I have a sunroof that I really don't want to cover up if possible. I know the WMW rack has an open space for it, which is awesome, but I'm not sure of any less expensive racks that have the same feature. Thanks in advance for any advice!

edit: Also, after reading some other threads I see that some have recommended this Surco rack: http://www.amazon.com/Surco-S4560-45-Safari-Rack/dp/B00029KBGW

Amazon, however, says that it is incompatible with a 2002 4runner SR5.. wat? I see it mounted on a 2001.. I thought all 3rd gens were the same?

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

All 3rd gens are the same, roof-wise, they probably just threw together some fitment info. I know it sounds odd but I don't want to steer you one way or the other but try to check out any surco or curt or any amazon type racks in person. I've seen some where I could move one corner independently of the rest of the rack. Anything that bolts together will be subject to that kind of stuff eventually. Aside from that, the roof is about the worst place to carry a spare if MPG is important to you. I carried one up there on a trip and lost 1-1.5 mpg, the return trip it was back inside and MPG was right back to normal. I like my racks low and most others sit up pretty high so the effect could be worse.

 

[Deaccon]

Thanks for the response! Love your racks, just having a hard time wanting to spend that much... but it is so tempting haha.

Side question that you're probably the best person to answer - in the first picture on your 3rd gen pics, what headlight mod is that? It looks great! Picture in question:

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Haha, that's [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] 's ride! Only one of the sweetest build threads on this site, shame on you for not recognizing! Only kidding, he does HIGH quality projector retrofits and those are his LS-460, I believe, projectors crammed in there. Pull up his build thread and retrofit thread for lots of good info.

 

[Deaccon]

will do, thanks again!

 

[nicolasballia]

I have a rola roof rack with an extension and I hold my tire up there, plenty of extra space. My spare is a 33 so it's hard to put there lol think about that, I dread the day I actually get a flat. But hey, sure looks cool haha

 

[Deaccon]

I have a rola roof rack with an extension and I hold my tire up there, plenty of extra space. My spare is a 33 so it's hard to put there lol think about that, I dread the day I actually get a flat. But hey, sure looks cool haha

nice! got a pic?

 

[nicolasballia]

There lol

 

[Jaketino]

I ran my spare on my rola rack for a single day, well part of the day, and could already tell I was getting worse gas milage. I did the ISR mod earlier this week and have been keeping a close eye on it to see how much it has changed. It's gone up! The cable for my tire underneath is rusty as well so I'll find a way to either mount the tire inside or leave it off and hope I'm within range of the house...

 

[CShaver1025]

I have a rola roof rack with an extension and I hold my tire up there, plenty of extra space. My spare is a 33 so it's hard to put there lol think about that, I dread the day I actually get a flat. But hey, sure looks cool haha

Does your rack affect your sun roof any?

 

[Brique]

I'm surprised i haven't seen anyone mention rear carriers. That's an option too.

 

[nicolasballia]

Yeah it goes past it at about 1/4 of the way, not a real problem to me though..

 

[nicolasballia]

When I get a rear bumper I'll get a tire carrier

 

[infamousRNR]

sss grill

Thanks for the response! Love your racks, just having a hard time wanting to spend that much... but it is so tempting haha.

hey dude where did you get that mesh for your grill?
it seems like it's the same as a sport hood scoop mesh would be. i like it

 

[IBallEngineer]

Slightly off topic, since the question was WHICH roof rack, not IF. But here goes my take. YES,no, YES!

I've had a spare tire on the roof of my FJ62 for about 10 yrs. I've also had a spare on a swing out carrier off and on for over 15 yrs.

Speaking from experience, they are both a pain in the rear. The swing out is a pain all day long on the trail. The roof mounted spare takes up a lot of room, can be noisy, and is a mother to get down. Because I have a fold down rear gate on the 62 I can put the tire up by myself, not sure how that would work on the 3rd gen. On the swing out, it's a two man job. No way I can get a 35" tire up there on my own.

I carry two spares because I once had two flats on the same day, hasn't happened since. In fact I haven't had a flat at all since then. I am seriously considering using just a roof mounted spare when I build my 3rd gen. Then again, that fold down table on the CBI would be soooooo nice.

PS, save your money, don't buy that cheap stuff. Support Whitson or anyone else who builds quality here in 'Merika.

:couch2:

 

[white_n_slow]

IMO, spare under the truck in the stock location (assuming you're running a tire size that fits down there) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> dog poop>>> spare on the roof.

I would repair the winch and keep the tire underneath. Having been upside down in a 4x4, anything that puts an extra 100lbs in the highest possible location is a no-go for me. Not to mention, how are you going to change the tire without hurting yourself or enlisting a buddy (or worse, a stranger) to get dirty with you schlepping the tire down from there.

I know it's not what you asked

 

[IBallEngineer]

IMO, spare under the truck in the stock location (assuming you're running a tire size that fits down there) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> dog poop>>> spare on the roof.

I would repair the winch and keep the tire underneath. Having been upside down in a 4x4, anything that puts an extra 100lbs in the highest possible location is a no-go for me. Not to mention, how are you going to change the tire without hurting yourself or enlisting a buddy (or worse, a stranger) to get dirty with you schlepping the tire down from there.

I know it's not what you asked

Down is easy!

I don't know how big of a tire you can keep in the stock location, but I think not very big. And of course there is always the possibility the underneath won't be accessible on a hard trail. Unless you are already upside down!

There are some real detriments to having the tire up there, but there are detriments to many of the things we do to our rigs.

Of the 3 options, roof, tire carrier, and underneath. The last on I would choose is underneath. Of course with a big tire the choice isn't there.

I'm voting for spare tire helicopter service!

:couch2:

 

[legokcen]

I've got a rack just like that on mine. I'd like to do the same thing.

 

[Atrox Caeda]

I run a Yakima Megawarrior and I've been pretty impressed with how well it does for the kind that comes in 2 pieces. I've been running a spare up there since I got tires that wont fit underneath. Yakima makes the parts to have a spare mount as well as hilift and shovel, also light brackets... so if you want versatility and quality I don't think you can go wrong with Yakima, but I know there are others out there that are better still.

Also I would like to add, you could run both maybe and be ready for Dakar.

 

[DPR64]

Thanks for the response! Love your racks, just having a hard time wanting to spend that much... but it is so tempting haha.

Side question that you're probably the best person to answer - in the first picture on your 3rd gen pics, what headlight mod is that? It looks great! Picture in question:

What brand roof rack is that? I like the length and the lower profile....