Roof Rack Recommendations!

[justanothereric]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking into finally getting a rack. Suspension, wheels, under body armor, exterior stuff are all done and the rack is next.

I don't want a basket style like Gobi so it leaves a few that I'm considering. It has to be a low profile design.

Southern Style Off-Road
Prinsu
Victory 4x4
Sherpa
UpTOP Overland
Front Runner

Anyone with real life experiences that could provide some input and a recommendation? If it's a rack not on that list please recommend one! Thank you!!

 

[Jono.ful]

Camelback metal gear/drabbits :hiding:

 

[uh0h50]

If I wasn't building my own, I'd go with a Sherpa.

 

[Mudhorn]

How do you envision using the rack? This will help narrow down your search.

 

[justanothereric]

How do you envision using the rack? This will help narrow down your search.

Carrying heavy camping materials, recovery gear and random equipment. No RTT; just an awning.

 

[NotaTRD]

Add Sherpa to your list for comparison.

 

[91foxbody]

Add Sherpa to your list for comparison.

I think Sherpa is the only company I'd consider going with if I was looking for a full rack.

 

[justanothereric]

Weird, I thought I had added Sherpa in there but it is now. Thank you!

 

[PhillySilver]

No real world experience yet but I am in the waiting phase for a Sherpa. I went through a decent amount of research before pulling the trigger and the Sherpa came out on top for me. Main reasons:

- No Drill
- Seem to have a good system for sealing which does involve silicone or other goop on the feet
- Customer service seems outstanding. I had one question post order and they responded right away
- Level quality for materials and workmanship seems very high based on experience others have shared
- The are active here
- Adjustability of cross bars
- Some decent accessories

Price was a little towards the high side but I am a cry once kinda guy and don't mind the spend for something I think will last.

Again, no real world experience yet.

 

[rageandlove]

Sherpa are outstanding.

See here.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3611506-post27.html

 

[michalik.piotr6837]

Front runner. End of story. Look at the number of attachments and accessories. Also the build quality and materials are outstanding.

 

[Laeufer]

If you get aftermarket racks like the Sherpa (or others), do they use the OEM cross bars?

I'm wondering if I should get the Toyota cross bars with my new build.

 

[sn_85]

If you get aftermarket racks like the Sherpa (or others), do they use the OEM cross bars?

I'm wondering if I should get the Toyota cross bars with my new build.

No, they use aluminum extrusion crossbars.

 

[pableaux]

Carrying heavy camping materials, recovery gear and random equipment. No RTT; just an awning.

+1 for Front Runner.

 

[justanothereric]

Anyone else have any inputs? I'm leaning towards Sherpa..but would like more experiences. Either way, the rack cannot require drilling or silicone/butyl.

 

[Cymon]

Anyone else have any inputs? I'm leaning towards Sherpa..but would like more experiences. Either way, the rack cannot require drilling or silicone/butyl.

What are you planning on using it for? If for a RTT that won't be permanently mounted to your vehicle I highly recommend Frontrunner with their quick release mounts (it is the only way I would own a RTT is with the quick release mounts since ours was always coming on and off). I have had my Frontrunner for over 5 years. The original silicone we used to seal started to weather and leak last year so I ordered new mounting hardware from Frontrunner (just to have clean stuff and do it right), took it off, cleaned it and remounted with new silicone. I am willing to do this once every 5 years for $45. I have the 3/4 as there was no full length option when I purchased, but I likely wouldn't want to drill into my roof anyway. I now am fully invested in the Frontrunner universe as they have a mount and attachment for everything, but I couldn't be happier with the rack and how it has stood up. We have had everything you could imagine on that rack in every type of condition, on and off-road for the past 5 years, including multiple cross-country trips (check my thread in the signature). I would go Frontrunner again in a heartbeat.

Saying that...Sherpa would be my second option...maybe my first if I didn't have every Frontrunner attachment under the sun...including the bottle opener..lol.

 

[NotaTRD]

Very happy with Sherpa. Looks good, fits my needs and no worries about water intrusion.

 

[arehman11]

I like my prinsu, looks good, easy to put together and install and seems solid.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Carrying heavy camping materials, recovery gear and random equipment. No RTT; just an awning.

Did you ever consider LFD crossbars? You can use your stock rails and probably have enough room for Maxtraxs, RotoPax, Hi Lift, and a double rifle case that you could put snatch straps, tools, and other recovery gear in. You could mount a RTT if you decided to and or a roof top cargo carrier. No leak issues with the stock rails. I went with the wide bars, which the RotoPax mounts fit without an additional plate. Also, you don't have to remove your rails or end caps to install them.

 

[Blue109]

I just ordered an Alpha Foxtrot rack. Somewhat new. Extruded aluminum. Some decent accessories and seem to be adding more regularly. Cheaper than most and free shipping. Bunch of locals run them and like them.

https://thealphafoxtrot.com/products/5th-gen-4runner-roof-rack