Roof Rack System

[rufflz]

Hey team,

Miraculously landed a Can-back top for my 1st gen 4runner and now looking to integrate some type of roof rack system.

I placed an order for these cross bars (on back-order) through Bryon at Truck-Candy, but they're just a bit steep at $220/piece.

Does anyone familiar w/ Can-back know if I could use some Thule Cross Bars instead?

Thanks in advance!

- Ami

 

[rbx]

I don't have any experience with the crossbars you are asking about, but I use a safari rack basket (aluminum) on my Can-Back using some stainless U-bolts to secure it to the Can-Back bars. I'm going to make a bigger rack at some point and probably just use U-bolts again because they are simple and effective.

Why are you in need of cross-bars for a basket when your top already has two bars that can support 350lbs?

 

[RAD4Runner]

A problem well-stated is a problem almost solved.

Exactly where do you want to install your cross-bars?
On the metal cabin roof? ABOVE your soft-top?
A clear picture paints a thousand words.

If above your soft-top, are you willing to put holes on your soft-top?
If not, you would have to find a rack that mounts ON THE BODY over the soft-top.
A clear picture paints a thousand words.

$220 for cross bars? Checked Craig's list for used, high-quality Thule?

 

[rufflz]

I don't have any experience with the crossbars you are asking about, but I use a safari rack basket (aluminum) on my Can-Back using some stainless U-bolts to secure it to the Can-Back bars. I'm going to make a bigger rack at some point and probably just use U-bolts again because they are simple and effective.

Why are you in need of cross-bars for a basket when your top already has two bars that can support 350lbs?

pm'd

A problem well-stated is a problem almost solved.

Exactly where do you want to install your cross-bars?
On the metal cabin roof? ABOVE your soft-top?
A clear picture paints a thousand words.

If above your soft-top, are you willing to put holes on your soft-top?
If not, you would have to find a rack that mounts ON THE BODY over the soft-top.
A clear picture paints a thousand words.

$220 for cross bars? Checked Craig's list for used, high-quality Thule?

Apologies for the confusing OP/question.

The cross bars would be installed above the soft top. My question was whether I'd be limited to just can-back cross bars or if I could go w/ another brand like Thule instead since I didn't know if the Can-Back would support any other type of bars. Only reason why I'm asking is because $220 per cross-bar from can-back seems a bit spendy.

 

[RAD4Runner]

The cross bars would be installed above the soft top....

I see. Not knowing/seeing your Can-back setup (a clear picture paints a thousand words), and knowing that most soft-top fabrics go OVER the frame , I would assume the mounting for feet of the crossbar would have to penetrate fabric of your soft-top. Most likely, other brand may not have the special setup for that so Can-back's own product would be your best bet.

 

[rbx]

Finally got around to snapping a pic of the croassbar.
You can see it is a two piece mount. THe bottom could be made out of a piece of angle steel, and the top is clearly proprietary, but I bet you could use any generic roof bar system that attaches to a drip rail.

 

[Dropzone]

have you canceled your cross bar order?
i made this for about $200, probably a bit less
4runner rack by ocdropzone, on Flickr
4runner rack side by ocdropzone, on Flickr

rail adapters like this could easily be made like the examples your have been shown
https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack/accessories/thule-artificial-raingutters-_-1036

 

[SomeDay]

You have to penetrate the fabric. The mounting plate from inside:
https://imgur.com/a/8FhUvac