Roof Rack Questions

[masphx]

Hi,

I have a 1998 4x4 4runner White. Truck has factory rack.

I have been looking to get a aftermarket roof rack. The Yakima loadwarrior interests me. I have heard this is a good rack to get for our 4runners. Is this true? There is a Mega loadwarrior, is this one too big for the 4runner? Will the extender work in either one of these racks?

I believe the rack can attach to the stock rack. Do I need to purchase locks to secure the rack? How much should these costs. I also believe that I can purchase Yakima ski holders to the rack if I decide to get into some colder weather.

I have found some F/S on craiglist. Are used ones ok to buy? REI also carries them for retail cost but trying to do it cheaper.

Any pictures of your roof rack or links to good deals would be helpful

Mason

 

[WrexHAmm]

See my responses in red.

Hi,

I have a 1998 4x4 4runner White. Truck has factory rack.

I have been looking to get a aftermarket roof rack. The Yakima loadwarrior interests me. I have heard this is a good rack to get for our 4runners. Is this true? There is a Mega loadwarrior, is this one too big for the 4runner? Will the extender work in either one of these racks?
I am guessing when you mean aftermarket roof rack you are referring to roof basket or cargo basket. Everybody will have different opinions on roof baskets. Some will say don't both bother with a basket, others will swear by Rola, Coleman, Baja etc but it is all a matter of personal preference. I personally like the Yakima Loadwarrior because I use existing Yakima products and they have held up great. They are also compatible with my ski and bike racks. Only thing I do not like it how high it sits. The extension will fit in either basket. Of course when adding an extension that covers the sunroof there will probably be interference.

I believe the rack can attach to the stock rack. Do I need to purchase locks to secure the rack? How much should these costs. I also believe that I can purchase Yakima ski holders to the rack if I decide to get into some colder weather.
You don't "need" to purchase locks but I sure as hell would. I've had friends get ski racks, bike racks etc stolen so I don't take any chances. I have Yakima crossbars with locks, bike racks with locks and ski racks with locks. If you can take it off easily its a good bet somebody will try. Check your local craigslist or ebay for used locks or check out the Yakima site for prices.

I have found some F/S on craiglist. Are used ones ok to buy? REI also carries them for retail cost but trying to do it cheaper.
Used are fine to buy. The condition of the basket with determine if it is worth it. If it is a rusted POS with broken bars then I would pass. But if it has just sat atop a car and is a little sun faded then go for it. I personally don't but from REI, way overpriced.

Any pictures of your roof rack or links to good deals would be helpful
I don't own a roof basket because I like parking in my garage. Use the search function for roof baskets, this topic has been covered tons of times!
Mason

 

[Pikeman]

Here is a link to one of the Roof rack threads. It started in the 3rd Gen section and then got moved to the General discussion section. Like Wrex said a lot to do with personal opinion but there are some better quality ones. The yakima Load warrior and Mega Warrior seem to be a favorite though.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/58344-show-us-your-rack.html

 

[masphx]

Thanks for the detailed response to my questions.

I found a Yakima Loadwarrior w/ extension for $160 on craiglist. I guess that is a decent deal? It does not come with mounts but I think if I got it from retail it would be the same case.

Mason

 

[liv2bike]

Thanks for the detailed response to my questions.

I found a Yakima Loadwarrior w/ extension for $160 on craiglist. I guess that is a decent deal? It does not come with mounts but I think if I got it from retail it would be the same case.

Mason

By mounts, do you mean the foot packs? If you have the OEM rails that run parallel to your roof, you will need 4 Yakima landing pads in which the Yakima foot packs will bolt into. You will then need 48" load bars or wider depending on what you want to carry (ie basket, ski mounts, bike trays). I would not recommend using OEM crossbars as they tend to be weaker from the research I did. Go to the Yakima website and build a rack for your runner and it will give you all the part numbers. Then scour ebay and CL for the parts. Thule also makes the components, I just like Yakima better.