Roof Rack vs. Cargo Box

[Matt's4Runner]

Scenario:

We're a family of five. I need to find extra room for gear when we take the 4Runner on camping trips,etc. I've been eyeing the Gobi rack, but am having a hard time justifying the purchase. Am I mistaken in believing that installing something like a Gobi, Baja, M.O.A.B., Load Warrior, etc., does not increase the allowable weight up top? Would I not be better off just getting a cargo box (Thule, Yakima, whatever) instead? Also, if I were to get an upgraded roof rack, would I not need to get some sort of a cargo box anyway?

I see plenty of posts here with cool roof rack pics but they're almost always empty save for a shovel and/or high-lift, a couple of fuel cans, and lights. Does anyone have a pic of a Gobi or something like it actually loaded for a trip?

Please talk me into/out of spending this money.

 

[DannyLlama]

Someone said something to me once (@Keemonrunnin) a member on here.
He said that he was always worried when he had an after market rack, and would always be paranoid that someone might steal something from the rack since it's mostly roped in.

He suggest to go with a "cargo box" like Thule, this way you can lock it and don't have to worry about it. If you guys pull over to eat or what not.

Just sharing what I heard something to think about

 

[toyslug]

MATT: What about getting a hitch basket instead? A lot cheaper than a good A/M roof rack;A decent one only goes for $100-200; removable for use only when needed; don't have to worry about being top-heavy, higher center of gravity leading to increased risk of rollover nor decreased mileage due to aerodynamics; easier to handle gear vs. climbing on tires to reach above roof.

 

[Bay33saw]

How about these two???

 

[DannyLlama]

How about these two???

I have been thinking about getting that thing (don't know what it's called) in the second picture. Mind sharing the information?

 

[Bill Z]

The roof load carring capicity is determined by the roof supports, not the rack, so no matter which you choose, you're still limited to 300#.

The volume of gear I can stack on the Gobi is much greater than you'd be able to get in a roof box. Plus, for camping and diving weekenders, I haul tents and gear that wouldn't fit inside a box.

I use these to throw loose gear into:

Sherpak Go!15 - Car Top Storage, Racks + Access - Seattle Sports Company

 

[Matt's4Runner]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Danny: I like the security of the lockable box as well.

Toyslug: I've thought about the hitch box too, but think we'll be using the hitch for the bike carrier.

Bay33saw: Thanks for the pics. That first one is making me think you could fit two side-by-side, as long as there's only light stuff up there. We don't have a big dog so we can put coolers in the back.

 

[Matt's4Runner]

Oh, and Bill: Got any pics of the gear up top?

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

The roof load carring capicity is determined by the roof supports, not the rack, so no matter which you choose, you're still limited to 300#.

The volume of gear I can stack on the Gobi is much greater than you'd be able to get in a roof box. Plus, for camping and diving weekenders, I haul tents and gear that wouldn't fit inside a box.

I use these to throw loose gear into:

Sherpak Go!15 - Car Top Storage, Racks + Access - Seattle Sports Company

Gotta take it one further here, since I upgraded my crossbars after researching some of this. Stock cross bars can only take 132lbs max (including whatever rack/box you put up there). I went the relatively expensive route with Yakima Whispbars but I wanted extra capacity, versatility with attachments, and no noise, which this accomplished. They have a maximum weight of 165lbs.

I went with a basket because I want to be able to put things on top of it (i.e. SUP or surfboards, kayaks, etc.) and I don't need a box regularly. I have dry bags that I put my gear in when I throw it up there so I don't worry about (I do live in WA after all). Plus if I go offroad and decide to throw the spare or something else dirty I don't care. As far as security goes with the basket, they do make lockable cargo nets if you're truly concerned but the basket with my crossbars is 6'8" so it's up there. Think about what you plan on putting up there and how you want to use it and that will significantly narrow the decision. Also, consider the amount of weight of both the box/basket (some are upwards of 62lbs, so with stock bars you're already down to a mere 70lbs of gear) and the gear you put in it to determine if you need to upgrade the crossbars to aftermarket, most aftermarket ones are rated to 165lbs, just double check with the manufacturer.

I also have a hitch basket, but I use it mainly for holding a cooler when we go to the lake or the beach so the food and drinks are easy access but if it leaks it's outside the vehicle. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Bill Z]

Oh, and Bill: Got any pics of the gear up top?

I checked and don't have any picts of my rig loaded, but here's a link to RiDE's truck stacked like a circus caravan:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1158630-post416.html

 

[BigredTEX]

A question for those of you who use a cargo box. Have you ever had a problem with the box blocking your Sat radio reception? I have an opportunity to pick up a lightly used Yakima box, but I'm concerned about blocking the antenna. On an extended trip last summer I used a soft sided bag and opened the roof rack cross bars all the way forward and backward to make room. During the trip I had terrible satellite radio reception. Turns out the rear cross bar was covering the antenna.

 

[Pupil]

Subscribed. I would like to know more opinions or recommendations.

 

[thebwlife]

I'm doing a rocketbox 11 and a small roof top ski carrier for when we go to the mountains.

 

[jrhaze]

A question for those of you who use a cargo box. Have you ever had a problem with the box blocking your Sat radio reception? I have an opportunity to pick up a lightly used Yakima box, but I'm concerned about blocking the antenna. On an extended trip last summer I used a soft sided bag and opened the roof rack cross bars all the way forward and backward to make room. During the trip I had terrible satellite radio reception. Turns out the rear cross bar was covering the antenna.

I have excellent sat radio reception - rarely a drop of signal. I haven't been on a lengthy road trip with this setup yet though so I'm not sure if it would have more of an impact in the mountains or otherwise "sheltered" areas...

This is the best picture I have from the back - you can see the box pretty much covers the antenna...no problems for me.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Do both!




Then when the cargo box isn't on, you can have capcity for this...


And then sleep in style


In all seriousness, the cargo box will be the most versatile. You can just throw things in it without the worry of tie downs, cargo flying off, security, etc. But, as another member stated, you'll be limited to the weight limits of the factory cross bars.

Realistically, a Gobi only increases load capacity and vanity! And by load capacity, I'm talking static weight (600lbs) and load (300lbs). It will allow you to carry larger, awkward shape items that will not fit inside your cabin.

It also increases the capacity to hold enough lights to blind anyone within a 2 mile radius (@adio3x [MENTION=78705]jangoforhire[/MENTION]).

 

[bernardmwrangle]

The roof load carring capicity is determined by the roof supports, not the rack, so no matter which you choose, you're still limited to 300#.

The volume of gear I can stack on the Gobi is much greater than you'd be able to get in a roof box. Plus, for camping and diving weekenders, I haul tents and gear that wouldn't fit inside a box.

I use these to throw loose gear into:

Sherpak Go!15 - Car Top Storage, Racks + Access - Seattle Sports Company

Are you sure about the 300 lb. weight limitation with the factory side rails? I went with the Rocky Road outfitters Adventure Rack. Their blurb says that the roof itself is the only limiting factor for weight? Regardless I considered this rack a good compromise between a Baja or Gobi rack (too big for me) and factory (not strong enough). I have not put mine on yet (finishing the dual battery install first) but check pawzitiv's album for pics of the RRO fully loaded. http://www.rocky-road.com/5thgen4runnerrack.html

 

[Ducmonsta]

Are you sure about the 300 lb. weight limitation with the factory side rails? I went with the Rocky Road outfitters Adventure Rack. Their blurb says that the roof itself is the only limiting factor for weight? Regardless I considered this rack a good compromise between a Baja or Gobi rack (too big for me) and factory (not strong enough). I have not put mine on yet (finishing the dual battery install first) but check pawzitiv's album for pics of the RRO fully loaded. http://www.rocky-road.com/5thgen4runnerrack.html

The factory rails that run left to right have a 150# capacity. I didn't see what the factory rails (front to back) capacity is. The roof load is limited to 300#. The factory roof static (not moving) is 600#.

 

[veloindy]

I have the Sportrack cargo box, like Bay33saw. It works great, made by Thule. My only complaint is the installation isn't as easy as my previous Yakima. But it 2/3 the cost, so I deal with it. No problem at all with Sat reception.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

We use a Rola Swingaway cargo box that mounts into our hitch receiver. It's great because:

1) it's lockable (locks the cargo box to the tray, and the cargo box locks)
2) it's water tight (so rain/snow won't sneak in)
3) it swings out of the way so you can lift your tailgate
4) it taps into your vehicle wiring for blinkers/brakes
5) it's NOT on top of your vehicle, so MPG isn't heavily reduced!!
6) it leaves room on the top of the 4R for bikes and a kayak

When we bought it, it was around $500. Their prices have gone up ($700ish), but it looks like its still the same product.

Here are a few pictures from their website:

with cargo box on...

with cargo box removed...

with tray/box swung out of the way for the tailgate...

We use it for camping or traveling to visit family, and we pack that thing FULL!

-Joel

 

[Bill Z]

Are you sure about the 300 lb. weight limitation with the factory side rails? I went with the Rocky Road outfitters Adventure Rack. Their blurb says that the roof itself is the only limiting factor for weight? Regardless I considered this rack a good compromise between a Baja or Gobi rack (too big for me) and factory (not strong enough). I have not put mine on yet (finishing the dual battery install first) but check pawzitiv's album for pics of the RRO fully loaded. 5th Gen Toyota 4runner Roof rack / Safari rack

I could be wrong. but from what I understand If you mount your cargo carrier to the side rails or the roof rack mounting points you're limit is 300# - or the limit of the rack itself. The limit of the stock crossbars is 150#.