Roof Rack/Basket - best bang for buck

[Btm02144]

OK, so I am in the market for a roof top cargo solution, and have been reading through the tons of posts on here about the best products out there. Would love a Baja or Gobi – love the low profile look , but think for my needs they’re probably a little bit of overkill (meaning over my budget). I need something to haul camping gear on weekend car camping trips – nothing too heavy, and I don’t like the look of those cargo boxes. So looking to get the most bang for my buck looks like these 3 would work, and am wondering if anyone has used more than one to compare what they liked/didn’t like? Oh yea – the lower profile the better.

Yakima Load Warrior
ROLA Vortex
Thule MOAB

 

[Titanpat57]

I really like the Rola...good bargain.

I'm currently working on a Rola with 2 extensions...but even the single basket is pretty nice.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/113566-custom-rola-roof-rack.html

 

[4ShoreRunner]

Your needs seem pretty similar to mine - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/112281-rotopax-roof-2.html#post1051044

I'm doing the "Fat Dave" basket mod this weekend!

 

[Btm02144]

Funny I just checked out his post and might try the same thing. Let me know how it goes because I am what my wife calls "mechanically challenged".

 

[4ShoreRunner]

Funny I just checked out his post and might try the same thing. Let me know how it goes because I am what my wife calls "mechanically challenged".

I did it with help from Joneseyyy in literally about 5 minutes this weekend. It turned out well - I wouldn't trust putting anything seriously heavy up there but it will serve its purpose for light needs / rotopax.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

FatDave Basket!

I'll probably end up changing out the carriage bolts I got, they are a little long.

 

[limamike]

FatDave Basket!

I'll probably end up changing out the carriage bolts I got, they are a little long.

Just cut them with a Dremel. Looks good!

 

[Btm02144]

That looks great - and how much space is there between the bottom of the basket and the roof? Not putting anything heavy up top for me either, just cooler, tent, etc for car camping, so this should work. Thanks.

 

[gamerc]

How much flex is in that basket in the configuration above? I'm looking for a temporary solution for vacation this summer, and that would be an ideal place for some luggage while the wife, kid, dog, and wagon ride inside. However, I'd like to see if that is going to ride against the roof and cause some rubbing.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

How much flex is in that basket in the configuration above? I'm looking for a temporary solution for vacation this summer, and that would be an ideal place for some luggage while the wife, kid, dog, and wagon ride inside. However, I'd like to see if that is going to ride against the roof and cause some rubbing.

I'm going camping this weekend so I'll be able to tell you how it holds up / flex / and how much space is between the basket and the roof.

I will say that there is a lot of room for adjustment as far as how high you want the basket to sit, I have it somewhat flush with the roof rails but you can have it sit above the roof rails if needed.

 

[Brookey_813]

Just cut them with a Dremel. Looks good!

What is that basket you are using called? It looks familiar but I can't figure out where I've seen those

 

[Elite130]

I use the Yakima LoadWarrior with extension. I love it! I used it last summer and went on a dozen camping trips. Had it loaded down every time. Price is great and it does the job excellent!