Roof curve and short factory rack

[dogtail]

I'm thinking of ideas to lengthen the factory roof rack but it looks like the roof has so much curve I couldn't use cross bars in the middle for flat stuff just rails in either end unless I padded both ends. I run real heavy wind catcher weight all the time, amazingly enough I've only bent/cracked 2 rails. Running 4 cross bars helps but a longer rack would be nice to eliminate the bounce flex.

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[2old2soon]

I had roughly the same concerns when I was trying to figure out how to haul a kayak on my old Camry, without the wind grabbing it and pulling it off the top of the car. I've attached a photo which illustrates the solution I came up with.

On the 4Runner, in front, there are both hooks and metal pieces with a hole next to the skid plate. With your ladders, you could use the same idea to tie them down. The rope would absorb the wind pressure and keep the ladders from lifting up and bending your roof rack. The rope would do all the work.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Honestly if you’re hauling a load like that regularly you should be scheming to diy on your own full length platform rack. They’re meant to be more or lesss flat for the length of the entire roof and spread out the load. Understandably, they’re not the most economical rack from a pocket book standpoint. I want to go with a 3/4 platform style rack made out of Duragrate type material because of cost and no real fabrication needed. No drilling into the roof or anything, you’d just need to set up the front of it with the pressure tensioned style feet that you see on the front of some custom full length racks.

 

[phattyduck]

A more traditional Yakima or Thule load bar over the front door might also be a possibility. I'm not sure on the height of those and if it would be in line with the two rear factory crossbars though.

-Charlie

 

[Vansnxtweek]

I'll leave this here:

https://www.rockymtnracks.com/shop/3rd-gen-4runner-roof-rack

 

[Wedgy]

Someone just posted a mod they did by welding another factory rack onto their existing one and extending it up to the sunroof. I looked thru the "what did you do today" thread but couldn't find it. Not sure if it was a build thread.

 

[dogtail]

Someone just posted a mod they did by welding another factory rack onto their existing one and extending it up to the sunroof. I looked but thru the "what did you do today" thread couldn't find it. Not sure if it was a build thread.

Yeah I saw that also and also cant find it, and thats what got me thinking that way also. But I also recall they did a minimal strength screw mount if my memory is correct. I need a backing plate like the factory for full strength cause run some major weight. I'm thinking I can manage the curve. I have a parts rig I can pull the headliner out and maybe scalp the backing rails and just extend the whole thing with full strength. It may be a bit of tack welding and wreck my roof paint but no matter for me as I'm painting it regardless. I do like the factory rack and the ability to add and move rails, its just not long enough for me.

 

[dogtail]

A more traditional Yakima or Thule load bar over the front door might also be a possibility. I'm not sure on the height of those and if it would be in line with the two rear factory crossbars though.

-Charlie

Yeah that quick mount would save me a lot of work. I know of a rack specialty shop not far from me, maybe I'll just pay them a visit and see what they have in their bag of tricks.