Roof Rack mounting

[purevenom1]

Making a custom roof rack for my 2nd gen and was wondering how some of the others are mounted up when changing from factory rack to custom. I thought about using the factory side rails and clips to mount it but not sure how secure it would be. Any thougths would be appreciated.

 

[purevenom1]

Here is a sketch of it.

 

[Nodd]

I like your custom cage design. Looks mean. I have something similar bolted to my stock roof rack using U-bolts. Its functional & strongish but not very pretty.

I was thinking, for a slicker look I might lose the two main stock rack cross members & bolt the rack to the stock bows instead. For your application that'd look something like this...

My 4Runner has four of those bows. I figure if you bolt it up to at least three it'd be fairly secure. All four & you should be solid.

 

[purevenom1]

I was thinking on using the side rails mounting points where the cross bars attach already. I had to shorten it down some due to wieght. Should have got 1/16 thick tubing instead of 1/8. That is why I used to 2 pieces at the bottom to secure it to the factory side rails/

 

[purevenom1]

What does yours wiegh in at. Did you run yours through the rear brake light cover on top/

 

[Nodd]

What does yours wiegh in at.

I'm not sure what my rack weighs but its made of aluminum so I'd guess no more than 20lbs. The stock roof rack has a sticker that reads "MAX LOAD 100 LBS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED". With my spare tire, offroad lights & cage she's probably pretty close to 100lbs. I figure the rack is capable of safely carrying twice that though. But if you're worried about liability, say in an accident, it'd be wise to stay close to the recommended limit if using the stock rails.

Did you run yours through the rear brake light cover on top.

I'm embarrassed to say I've not actually gotten around to hooking up my lights. When I do, I agree the third break light cover looks like the obvious spot to run the wires into the vehicle.

 

[Nodd]

You might want to check out this thread... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/58344-show-us-your-rack.html

 

[purevenom1]

Is yours made by a company or yourself?

 

[Nodd]

Is yours made by a company or yourself?

A company.

I brought it used on ebay for around $100. Its a SportRack by Thule Racks.