Rocky road outfitters roof rack

[arvmark]

Checking out the roof rack system for 5th's from Rocky Road Outfitters, they claim with their rack the weak point is now the roof, which to me implies a 300 lb limit, even though their rack bolts directly to the factory rails. I thought the factory rails had the same 130 lb limit as the factory cross bars. Anyone owning one of these care to clear up my confusion?

Thanks.

 

[ChaseMark]

I remember reading somewhere that in the 5th Gens, since the rack is not fixed onto the cross bars and is fixed onto the frame instead; the capacity is more. In which case it should have a 300 lbs limit...not too sure about it though...

 

[arvmark]

I have an email out to them, we'll see what they say.

 

[arvmark]

here is the email, and the response I received:

I have a question about your roof rack for the 5th gen 4Runner. On the page you say it can hold much more weight than the factory setup, and that the capacity is now limited by the roof instead of the factory rack. I believe the load limit for the roof as given by Toyota is 300 lbs. At least that is the limit being given by Gobi, Bajarack, etc. I am wondering if it is safe to carry 300 lbs on your rack, which is bolted to the factory rails, instead of bolting to the roof. I have an SR5 btw.

Thanks,
Mark

You would be safe with 300lbs. We had a couple big guys stand on the rack and bounce it. No problems. But you do have to respect the limitations of the factory mounts. Our rack takes a few thousands lbs to bend. But of course the Toyota roof wouldn't be rated for that load level.

Toyota rack, tire carrier, snowplow, lights, and more




Glenn Wakefield
Offroad products for the serious offroad enthusiast!
Voted by Four Wheeler magazine readers.... Top Ten All Star Manufacturers

Sounds good. But looking at it now, I realize he didn't say the rack was ON a 4Runner when guys were jumping on it...guess I should follow up.

 

[SeattleMike]

here is the email, and the response I received:





Sounds good. But looking at it now, I realize he didn't say the rack was ON a 4Runner when guys were jumping on it...guess I should follow up.

The rack mounts into the factory rails. While the rails are stout, they aren't as strong as the steel used in other after market racks that mount into the factory rail mounts.

And let's also get the numbers straight: the OEM crossbars are rated at 130 pounds dynamic weight. I don't know where you got the 300 pound number from but I haven't seen it in any literature produced by Toyota for the 5th gens. If you are planning on carrying more than 130 pounds on your roof, you need to replace the rails, not just the crossbars.

 

[arvmark]

I guess I got the 300 lbs from gobi racks, not Toyota. Gobi says the capacity is 300 lbs, that must be the capacity of the factory roof rack mounting points, since their rack could handle way more than that.

Basically, I was looking at the RR rack as a replacement for the factory cross bars. Something that could handle a decent amount of weight, but still be unbolted if necessary.

I sent a follow up email to RR to see if they had guys dancing on the roof rack while is was mounted on a 4Runner's roof rails, or just propped up on some cinder blocks or something.

Maybe I should just look at getting some tubular steel rails fabbed up.

BTW Mike, have you had a chance to compare the factory TE rails to SR5 / Limited rails. The TE rails appear sturdier to me, although I have not had a chance to inspect them.

 

[arvmark]

Just in case someone checks on this thread later, here is the follow up email I sent and the response:

Sorry, just to clarify, you had the rack mounted on a 4Runner and guys were jumping on it? If so, it sounds like the setup can handle basic camping gear, water jugs, etc. no problem...

Thanks,
Mark

Well, we didn't go all kangaroo on it, but we put a couple guys up there and bounced up and down.


Glenn Wakefield
Offroad products for the serious offroad enthusiast!
Voted by Four Wheeler magazine readers.... Top Ten All Star Manufacturers

Sounds awesome for a $250 rack that bolts to the factory rails. Their email responses were courteous and prompt, but I have yet to purchase anything from them, so I have no experience there.

 

[scanny]

Looks like a nice rack, I like the fact it can be easily removed when not needed. I wish I could pick it at a retail store, sort of hesitant pay $103 for shipping to Canada.

 

[Narkhelek]

Anyone end up purchasing this from Rocky Road that can give us a quick review? I'm thinking this may be a good option for me since I just need a secure way to transport some fuel and water while I'm out wheeling. Thanks!

 

[Airwolf]

pawzitiv has them.

You can see his album here:
Toyota 4Runner Forum - pawzitiv's Album: pawzitiv's 2010 T4R

They look super solid.

 

[harper7]

Anyone end up purchasing this from Rocky Road that can give us a quick review? I'm thinking this may be a good option for me since I just need a secure way to transport some fuel and water while I'm out wheeling. Thanks!

Egstyle has I believe the first one RR made and is in Utah so maybe you could see it in person. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/67367-rocky-road-supersliders.html#post573226

 

[pawzitiv]

I'm more than happy with my RRO Adventure roof rack. I did choke a bit on the shipping cost to Canada but that would be no different had I ordered a roof rack from Gobi or Baja.

The RRO rack has good welds and the powdercoating is decent. It's extremely sturdy .. I've stood on it and I typically load it with two 4 gallon Rotopax fuel cells (about 90lbs when full) and 100 lbs of camping gear (all weather protected in a roof top cargo bag that is strapped to both the roof rack and the roof rails). No thrumming or vibration at highway speeds and the full roof rack load presents a fairly low wind drag profile.

Installation however, is not the cakewalk some would think .. the 4Runners roof rails are not parallel and you need to slide the rack mounting hardware into the roof rails from front to back. This is virtually impossible to do single-handed unless you can suspend the rack over the vehicle. You also need to either remove the front end caps from the roof rails or find some way to hold the small thread plates inside the roof rail channels to get the mounting bolts started. It's also wise to lay a thick blanket on the roof sheet metal beforehand. Single-handed, it took me the better part of 2 hours to install; with 2 people and 2 step ladders the installation would be easier and quicker.

Because the 4Runner roof rails come closer together the further back you go, the RRO rack is a pretty tight fit in the roof rails once it sits where it's supposed to be. Anyone hoping that this rack can be mounted/removed in a matter of a few minutes should look for a different rack.

All in all, I think the RRO at $250 offers great value but it's definitely a permanent rack.

 

[Airwolf]

Thanks for chiming in pawzitiv.

I am pretty sure this is the way I am going.

 

[pawzitiv]

Thanks for chiming in pawzitiv.

I am pretty sure this is the way I am going.

My pleasure. The RRO rack is a good way to go to secure some heavy items on the roof unless you plan on installing a roof top tent. I don't think the RRO rack is long enough for a RTT; it's barely 40" long. For getting fuel/water, shovel/axe, hi-lift jack and camping gear up on the roof it's perfect (and affordable). The rack does have a big nut welded into the center tube to take a pre-runner style spare tire mount but I just can't see anyone manhandling a 85-100lb wheel and tire up onto the roof rack on a regular basis.

 

[fngfish]

my RRO rack is ordered. I will still be able to park in my garage. when I go camping or on long trips I'll put my extended yakima load warrior on top. On day trips i can put whatever I need without the yakima. perfect for my needs and I'll keep a little gas milage by using the yakima only when I need to and not pushing the extra air all the time.

 

[guffeyp]

They look so much better than OEM. I just wish the shipping price wasn't so high. Are these worth twice as much as the OEM cross bars?

 

[fngfish]

They look so much better than OEM. I just wish the shipping price wasn't so high. Are these worth twice as much as the OEM cross bars?

depends what amount of weight you need to be able to put on top securely

 

[guffeyp]

I don't really know how much would go up there. I guess better safe than sorry. OEM cross bars just look so cheap.

 

[fngfish]

The oem crossbars are good for 130lbs only

 

[Narkhelek]

I've stood on it and I typically load it with two 4 gallon Rotopax fuel cells (about 90lbs when full) and 100 lbs of camping gear (all weather protected in a roof top cargo bag that is strapped to both the roof rack and the roof rails). No thrumming or vibration at highway speeds and the full roof rack load presents a fairly low wind drag profile.

Pawzitiv, what type of roof cargo bag are you using? I've been looking at the Thule Cargo Bags. Wanted to see if you had a recommendation. Thanks!