Roof rack covers

T

tnine

New member
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 2014 4runner, and I'm adding some larger tires and lift. To save a few dollars, I've purchased a secondhand Yakima megawarrior with an extension off of craigslist. I have a couple of questions.

When using the 4runner crossbars, I'm limited to 120 lbs. The Yakima bars and mounts I already own are rated up to 300 lbs. What's the maximum roof weight I can have with the 4runner SR5 side rails if I use my own crossbars and remove the factory ones? I can't seem to find that anywhere in their specs.

Living in Colorado, it rains daily during the spring/summer. What are you guys using to keep your gear up top dry? I was thinking of simply getting a waterproof tarp and wrapping my gear in it with some paracord to cinch it down. Does anyone have a product or system they prefer? I'll want protection for both the top and the bottom, so that I deflect water from underneath as well.

Thanks guys,
Todd
 
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tnine said:
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 2014 4runner, and ... I have a couple of questions.
...
Living in Colorado, it rains daily during the spring/summer. What are you guys using to keep your gear up top dry? I was thinking of simply getting a waterproof tarp and wrapping my gear in it with some paracord to cinch it down. Does anyone have a product or system they prefer? ...

Thanks guys,
Todd
Click to expand...

Have you considered a Thule or Yakima roof top box? They're aerodynamic and close fully. The only downside I see is having to store the box when you don't want it on top of the car.

I've used tarps before and you have to tie them 9 ways from Sunday to keep them from flapping around in the wind. The wind will tear them up over time and it makes a lot of noise. But they are inexpensive - a tarp and some rope.
 
My plan is to use dry bags for anything that goes up top and needs to stay dry/clean. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Check with any camping/rafting/kayaking store. Since weight is not really an issue, go for the heavy/expedition style bags, not the ultra light ones.
 
tnine said:
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 2014 4runner, and I'm adding some larger tires and lift. To save a few dollars, I've purchased a secondhand Yakima megawarrior with an extension off of craigslist. I have a couple of questions.

When using the 4runner crossbars, I'm limited to 120 lbs. The Yakima bars and mounts I already own are rated up to 300 lbs. What's the maximum roof weight I can have with the 4runner SR5 side rails if I use my own crossbars and remove the factory ones? I can't seem to find that anywhere in their specs.

Living in Colorado, it rains daily during the spring/summer. What are you guys using to keep your gear up top dry? I was thinking of simply getting a waterproof tarp and wrapping my gear in it with some paracord to cinch it down. Does anyone have a product or system they prefer? I'll want protection for both the top and the bottom, so that I deflect water from underneath as well.

Thanks guys,
Todd
Click to expand...

On the load limit, I'm curious about exactly the same thing. I replaced my Toyota cross bars with Thule Aeroblade Edge bars, and have a Thule Canyon rack mounted to them -- so a very similar set up to yours. This combo definitely feels like it could withstand more weight, but it would nice to know what the side rails can really handle.

To keep stuff dry, I've used a Sherpak Go (made by Seattle Sports) for years. Tough, waterproof, easy to tie down, and easy to store. Works with or without a basket. Worked great on my FJ Cruiser and I expect it do the same on the 4Runner.

http://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Go-15...e=UTF8&qid=1432842187&sr=8-1&keywords=sherpak
 
Thanks for the input guys. I actually already have the Yakima skybox pro 18. It's just not great when I have a spare tire and jerry cans up top. However, the nice thing is I can simply mount it over the top of my Yakima Megawarrior on the side. That way I can have my tire and jerry cans (water fuel etc) on one side, and the skybox on the other.

I'll be completely honest, it just doesn't look as cool as a roof rack once you put it on the 4runner :)


I have loads of heavy duty dry bags, but wasn't sure if there was a better option. Thanks for the heads up on the Sherpak, I'll check that out.
 
Sherpak

andrewcoffin said:
...

To keep stuff dry, I've used a Sherpak Go (made by Seattle Sports) for years. Tough, waterproof, easy to tie down, and easy to store. Works with or without a basket. Worked great on my FJ Cruiser and I expect it do the same on the 4Runner.

http://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Go-15...e=UTF8&qid=1432842187&sr=8-1&keywords=sherpak
Click to expand...

I completely forgot. I have one of these Sherpa packs. It works great and ties down easy. Sometimes I tie ropes over it to take up slack if it's not full or to make it more secure. I put the light weight gear on top and it stays dry in this pack. :boink:
 
One more follow up question. I intend to mount my high lift to the rack, as well as mount a toolbox/container for my straps, cables, and pulleys. I would also like to put my external jump power up there as well. I don't want to put too much weight up there because I don't want to make it top heavy. Do you guys have any toolboxes that you've been able to secure to a rack that don't weight too much and can be locked?

Thanks,
Todd
 
top heavy gear

tnine said:
One more follow up question. I intend to mount my high lift to the rack, as well as mount a toolbox/container for my straps, cables, and pulleys. I would also like to put my external jump power up there as well. I don't want to put too much weight up there because I don't want to make it top heavy. Do you guys have any toolboxes that you've been able to secure to a rack that don't weight too much and can be locked?

Thanks,
Todd
Click to expand...

Yea, I agree about being too top heavy. I like to put the heavy stuff down low inside the cargo area. Here in So Cal stuff like that would get stolen. I also use a cable lock inside the car so I can lock tool boxes to any available anchor to slow down would-be thieves and not reward a thief. It makes sense to put bulky items like jacks and shovels on top. People don't often steal shovels and high lift jacks are specialized and the average idiot thief doesn't know what it is. I also put my 1/2 size propane tank on top on camping trips. I don't want that thing rolling around inside in case of an accident. I tie it loosely or with one small line so it can fall off if the car rolls. Not a pretty thought, I know, but it's safer that way. :rolleyes:
 
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