Roof rack crossbars:factory vs aftermarket

[gadgetguy1288]

I'm looking to trade in my Tundra and go back to 4Runner(had a 12 SR5 before the Tundra).

I have a Kayak and do a lot of Kayak Fishing, and was wondering if anyone knows the weight limit of the factory crossbars vs aftermarket(Yakima, Thule, Etc.) Would love to get a full roof rack for better weight capacity, but that definitely isn't in the budget. Just wondering if I could save the money I would spend on the factory crossbars if the aftermarket would be better weight capacity. I checked with Yakima and Thule but neither of their sites give an accurate weight limit)


Thanks guys!

 

[jdoc7]

Straight from Toyota.com website:

"Provides additional secure tie-down points for various roof rack accessories

Easy to adjust by sliding along the side rails, and lock in place with thumb screws

Can support a maximum of 132 lb. when weight is evenly distributed"

 

[mbumpus11]

I'm looking to trade in my Tundra and go back to 4Runner(had a 12 SR5 before the Tundra).

I have a Kayak and do a lot of Kayak Fishing, and was wondering if anyone knows the weight limit of the factory crossbars vs aftermarket(Yakima, Thule, Etc.) Would love to get a full roof rack for better weight capacity, but that definitely isn't in the budget. Just wondering if I could save the money I would spend on the factory crossbars if the aftermarket would be better weight capacity. I checked with Yakima and Thule but neither of their sites give an accurate weight limit)


Thanks guys!

I have Thule crossbars instead of the factory bars. I needed additional height on mine for a kayak and that was the trick I needed. Plus, I have seen people push down (yes, very hard) on the OEM bars and there was a little give with them. My Thule bars don't give at all when pressed, and I'm pretty sure I could stand on them without issue.

I vote aftermarket bars.

 

[TejasRunner]

I'm looking to trade in my Tundra and go back to 4Runner(had a 12 SR5 before the Tundra).

I have a Kayak and do a lot of Kayak Fishing, and was wondering if anyone knows the weight limit of the factory crossbars vs aftermarket(Yakima, Thule, Etc.) Would love to get a full roof rack for better weight capacity, but that definitely isn't in the budget. Just wondering if I could save the money I would spend on the factory crossbars if the aftermarket would be better weight capacity. I checked with Yakima and Thule but neither of their sites give an accurate weight limit)


Thanks guys!

Size and weight of your kayak?

 

[salong53]

I carry two 9.5' kayaks on cheap eBay J-racks mounted to the OEM cross bars. I cut the bolts about a quarter inch shorter to prevent them from contacting the roof. They have no problem supporting the weight. I'd see if you can find a set here for cheap.

 

[gadgetguy1288]

Size and weight of your kayak?

It's a Native Slayer Propel 13. 13' and weighs about 90lbs

 

[TejasRunner]

It's a Native Slayer Propel 13. 13' and weighs about 90lbs

I am using the Whispbar crossbars on mine. They clamp nicely to the factory rails. I am not anticipating any issues with two 40 pound 9.5 foot sit on top kayaks.

I would prefer the factory rails were longer and more centered instead of being far to the rear.

I had my crossbars on my Tacoma before so using them again was a no brainer.

 

[TejasRunner]

I am using the Whispbar crossbars on mine. They clamp nicely to the factory rails. I am not anticipating any issues with two 40 pound 9.5 foot sit on top kayaks.

I would prefer the factory rails were longer and more centered instead of being far to the rear.

I had my crossbars on my Tacoma before so using them again was a no brainer.

Here's another view.

 

[Hltoppr]

I tried using the factory bars, and found that the curve and location being so close to the roof made them almost unusable. Too difficult to secure items to the rack.

I put on a Yakima rack system using Timberline mounts and Core bars (60"). Nice and flat; good load capacity and easy to lash anything from kayaks to a 4'x8' sheet of plywood on.

-H-

 

[eljames]

I would suggest aftermarket crossbars. 2 reasons for this:
- Weight capacity. I had the oem crossbars. They say that they are rated for a certain weight, but because of their "bow" design, the bars flex significantly once they are holding some weight.
- Close proximity to the roof. The oem crossbars look best because they are unobtrusive... but this can lead to issues with mounted items touching the roof of the truck. My Thule roof box mounts touched the roof of the 4runner as soon as I put any weight in the box (golf clubs).

I now run Thule 450 cross bars. They support weight with no flex, leave clearance from the roof of the 4runner, and due to their "flat" mounting surface, I think they'd make hauling a kayak or canoe a breeze.

Here's a vacation pic of my set-up:

 

[TrailCO]

Anyone out there had luck with a custom rack (Gobi for example) with cross bars? Pics? I do a bunch of WW kayaking and don't want to loose the ability to stack multiple boats on top, but would love to have the versatility of the larger rack system.

BTW: I have the Thule 60 inch bars on my 4runner and can stack 6 WW boats on it without a problem.

Thanks!

 

[MTUFL]

I tried using the factory bars, and found that the curve and location being so close to the roof made them almost unusable. Too difficult to secure items to the rack.

I put on a Yakima rack system using Timberline mounts and Core bars (60"). Nice and flat; good load capacity and easy to lash anything from kayaks to a 4'x8' sheet of plywood on.

-H-

Hello! Can't tell from your photo but the Timberline/core bar system does sit up higher than the sat antenna? Also, 60" bars hang over how much past the vehicle?
Thanks!

 

[Tisoy281]

Hello! Can't tell from your photo but the Timberline/core bar system does sit up higher than the sat antenna? Also, 60" bars hang over how much past the vehicle?
Thanks!

I have the same setup with 58 inch round bars. I believe they overhang 4 inches on each side. Also, they do sit higher than the antenna, but don't interfere with it.

 

[slippers]

Thanks, guys, info I was looking for.

Much appreciated.

 

[MTUFL]

I have the same setup with 58 inch round bars. I believe they overhang 4 inches on each side. Also, they do sit higher than the antenna, but don't interfere with it.

Thanks for the info! Do you leave them on year round? I want something I don't have to take off/on, but holds up to the weather.

 

[Tisoy281]

Thanks for the info! Do you leave them on year round? I want something I don't have to take off/on, but holds up to the weather.

I actually just put them on about a month ago. Not planning on taking them off at all. We'll see how they hold up to Texas heat.

 

[Tisoy281]

Here's my setup.

 

[aabottom]

Yep, I'm looking at racks too. I'll likely go Yakima to match my old Yakima gear.

 

[MTUFL]

Here's my setup.

Nice setup and 4Runner! I'll have to decide if I want round bars 58" or the 50" core bars. Thanks for the info. Once I get them I will post a photo.

 

[Robberbaron]

I have had this rack system on 4 different 4Runners over the years, just changing necessary parts to adapt to the racks. Very stable.