Roof Rack mounting options

[Hapkijo]

I am planning a roof rack build. One of the first questions I have is how it will be mounted to the 4runner. My current runner has two strips across the roof that is held in place with about 5 screws each. I'm not sure if these screw locations will hold a rack and a couple of hundred pounds. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? or any other options I could use?

 

[NBBAZ]

It sounds like your t4r doesn't have the factory roof rack, so what you have is the strips and bolts that cover up the mounting location, if I'm not mistaken. I believe you could mount it to those factory spots, but you may want to reinforce the roof if you don't use factory rails as the base. The factory rails help distribution of weight.

 

[Hapkijo]

Yeah that is what I have, the strips that cover the bolts. Is that any different from the 4runners with the rails? Do they have additional reinforcement? I don't want to do any drilling or really cut into the roof, and need to be sure that if i put a full size roof rack on that they won't go flying off.

 

[JDWeldz]

Yeah that is what I have, the strips that cover the bolts. Is that any different from the 4runners with the rails? Do they have additional reinforcement? I don't want to do any drilling or really cut into the roof, and need to be sure that if i put a full size roof rack on that they won't go flying off.

I believe Bandit Runner's roof rack utilized the factory roof rack bolt holes without using the factory roof rack rails.

Build thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/125705-bandit-runners-roof-rack-build.html

 

[Bandit Runner]

Yup. Sure did.

 

[Hapkijo]

That look sweet, I'm hoping to make something of Aluminum or steel that I can stand or put a tent on or even hold a person or two. So I figure it's gonna weight a lot more.

 

[mark21742]

I went 50" x 99" on mine so i can haul full sheets of plywood or drywall and camp on the roof if we want.

 

[JGros]

The oversized rack looks sweet. Would you be willing to share where you got it? I'm looking for one of similar size for my 2001. -Jesse

 

[JGros]

Where did you get your oversized rack Mark?

Who makes it? It looks sweet.

-Jesse