Roof rack advice?

[bigguy02]

We don't have them on the website, we're not really pushing individual aluminum Crossbars in order to keep the stock up for the complete roof racks.



We also don't think there's a big enough difference when using them on the factory rails to justify the extra cost. We've even debated discontinuing the aluminum on the complete racks too, we're just not sure there's an advantage there.

I can understand that. I went with them because weight adds up. It’s my mentality in just about all things. Like when I buying hiking gear, I’m not an ultralight guy, but I try to buy the lightest gear I can because in the end it adds up in the end.


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[arehman11]

Here are the pics as promised. Install is stupid easy.

After seeing this, I think this is the perfect option for me. I’ll pretty much carry a hi lift or cargo box or bike rack at most, this should handle all of that.

 

[jafrush]

I can understand that. I went with them because weight adds up. It’s my mentality in just about all things. Like when I buying hiking gear, I’m not an ultralight guy, but I try to buy the lightest gear I can because in the end it adds up in the end.


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That was our thought initially also. On a 7/8 rack its a difference of about 24 pounds for steel versus aluminum crossbars. We've found that really makes about zero practical difference in reality, and not sure if it justifies the additional cost. For now, we're still going to offer the 3/4 and 7/8 racks with the aluminum, but we are discussing it.

The aluminum is also weaker than steel, not enough to really matter on the standard crossbars, but enough that we're not going to offer our full racks with aluminum crossbars. The extra width of the full racks was enough to significantly compromise the strength of the aluminum crossbars.

 

[007Tacoma]

We don't have them on the website, we're not really pushing individual aluminum Crossbars in order to keep the stock up for the complete roof racks.

We also don't think there's a big enough difference when using them on the factory rails to justify the extra cost. We've even debated discontinuing the aluminum on the complete racks too, we're just not sure there's an advantage there.

I dunno... when I got my aluminum crossbars my wife, myself, and my friend helping with the install were seriously impressed with the aluminum ones. They are so light and easy to handle! I am actually tempted to replace my steel ones with aluminum just so I can beat the paint to hell and back and not worry about it...

 

[007Tacoma]

That was our thought initially also. On a 7/8 rack its a difference of about 24 pounds for steel versus aluminum crossbars. We've found that really makes about zero practical difference in reality, and not sure if it justifies the additional cost. For now, we're still going to offer the 3/4 and 7/8 racks with the aluminum, but we are discussing it.

The aluminum is also weaker than steel, not enough to really matter on the standard crossbars, but enough that we're not going to offer our full racks with aluminum crossbars. The extra width of the full racks was enough to significantly compromise the strength of the aluminum crossbars.

...and to be honest, I am using the aluminum crossbars for the accessories, and the steel crossbars I am using for the RTT because I'm a big boi. LOL

 

[sbryan]

That was our thought initially also. On a 7/8 rack its a difference of about 24 pounds for steel versus aluminum crossbars. We've found that really makes about zero practical difference in reality, and not sure if it justifies the additional cost. For now, we're still going to offer the 3/4 and 7/8 racks with the aluminum, but we are discussing it.

The aluminum is also weaker than steel, not enough to really matter on the standard crossbars, but enough that we're not going to offer our full racks with aluminum crossbars. The extra width of the full racks was enough to significantly compromise the strength of the aluminum crossbars.

Unless you are using stainless steel the salt and brine they use up here in the snow belt will eat through the best powder coat after you get the first scratch in it. Once the rust sets in things start to look pretty ugly. The aluminum appeals to me for that reason alone.

 

[jafrush]

I dunno... when I got my aluminum crossbars my wife, myself, and my friend helping with the install were seriously impressed with the aluminum ones. They are so light and easy to handle! I am actually tempted to replace my steel ones with aluminum just so I can beat the paint to hell and back and not worry about it...

Yeah, I hear that. That's why we're debating it.

Most likely, we'll still stay with offering them on the 3/4 and 7/8.

 

[jafrush]

Unless you are using stainless steel the salt and brine they use up here in the snow belt will eat through the best powder coat after you get the first scratch in it. Once the rust sets in things start to look pretty ugly. The aluminum appeals to me for that reason alone.

That is some good feedback. I'm not opposed to doing stainless options too, about 50% of the stuff that runs through our plant is stainless.

 

[sbryan]

That is some good feedback. I'm not opposed to doing stainless options too, about 50% of the stuff that runs through our plant is stainless.

Good to know. I put Westin stainless steps on my F350 because the Ford chrome coated steps rust out after the first scratch in the chrome, then they look really ugly. The Westins have been on for 5 years and still look new.

 

[jhr1986]

I didn’t want to start a new thread so I’ll just add on to this one:

I’ve been considering a roof rack (Gobi), but that really would be overkill for me. I want to be able to haul (not at the same time) a pair of kayaks to the lake, ski gear up to the mountain, camping gear or telescope stuff, pelican cases etc.

Are the LFD cross bars or Rago Rails what I’m looking for? Any reason to go with a full roof rack given the above requirements. Any other products to consider?

 

["krax"]

Yakima, Rhino Rack, and Thule offer a whole lot of great options for kayaks and skis and offer aerodynamic bars that you can attach to your factory rails.

You don't need a different roof rack unless what you're carrying won't fit into or onto the more sports-oriented racks. Yakima doesn't really offer much for tents, fuel cans, Maxtrax, etc.

 

[jafrush]

I didn’t want to start a new thread so I’ll just add on to this one:

I’ve been considering a roof rack (Gobi), but that really would be overkill for me. I want to be able to haul (not at the same time) a pair of kayaks to the lake, ski gear up to the mountain, camping gear or telescope stuff, pelican cases etc.

Are the LFD cross bars or Rago Rails what I’m looking for? Any reason to go with a full roof rack given the above requirements. Any other products to consider?

That's how our crossbars started, I needed to haul some stuff but didn't think I needed a full rack...

Once you start using the roof, you may find that you do need more space, which is where our side rail upgrade helps out.

 

[baldrik78]

Other than Gobi anyone have good experiences with a no drill full length rack? Just hate to bite the bullet on 12-16 week fab time it hurts

I have been extremely pleased with my SSO rack.

 

[utctscanr75]

...These are probably stronger than the actual roof!..

...they should stand up to any option ya wanna put up on top of your roof!

How'd you get the rails black? Powdercoat, Paint, etc.?

 

[redneckcrawler]

That's how our crossbars started, I needed to haul some stuff but didn't think I needed a full rack...

Once you start using the roof, you may find that you do need more space, which is where our side rail upgrade helps out.

Do y'all have any plans to make a propane bottle holder?

 

[jafrush]

Do y'all have any plans to make a propane bottle holder?

I've been asked about it before. No reason we can't, just need to fit it in the idea queue!

 

[redneckcrawler]

I've been asked about it before. No reason we can't, just need to fit it in the idea queue!

Well get to fittin. I'm in need of one, say before the end of oct?

 

[jafrush]

Well get to fittin. I'm in need of one, say before the end of oct?

fullsize tank? Whatcha bolting it to?

 

[redneckcrawler]

fullsize tank? Whatcha bolting it to?

20lb like for a grill. It will be bolted to y'alls cross bars. Right now it stock side rails but will be upgrading to the 7/8ths side rails sometime next spring.

 

[jafrush]

20lb like for a grill. It will be bolted to y'alls cross bars. Right now it stock side rails but will be upgrading to the 7/8ths side rails sometime next spring.

I'll see what we can do