Roof Racks in Phoenix, AZ - Can you help?

[GG Beast]

Hi All - I'm thinking about trying to get in on the Gobi Rack group buy before it ends, however we have a very long ground tent that we plan to store up on the rack while we're travelling. The problem is that the tent is very long when it's collapsed (http://www.outdoorsandbeyond.com.au/photos/RV-3.jpg). We're trying to find a rack that replaces the existing oem rack that will fit our description. Baja Racks are too short and they are unable to alter their design to build an extended custom rack on the 4th gens, and I'm not quite aware of any other racks that replace the existing rack for a 4th Gen.

I'm not set on Gobi, but would like to find out if it's an option or not before the group buy ends.

Anyone in or near Phoenix, AZ that I could meet up with ASAP that either has a 4th Gen Gobi or another rack that fits the description above that would let me test the fit of my tent on your rack? Preferrably a rack without the tire on it as we're thinking the tent will need to be stored at an angle. Thanks in advance!

 

[reklov]

By the specs on GobiRacks.com it says that the rack is 2.13m long which fits the length of that.

 

[GG Beast]

Yeah, I looked at the specs but my concern is that the demensions listed are total length not usable length. It would be a very expensive mistake to make if it ended up not fitting. That front is angled slightly and the steel bars are what... maybe an inch thick? Plus with the tent being fairly wide as well, I'd want to know if it is actually going fit and how much of an angle it would be at to fit. We do have other things we'll want up there so before I jump in and order, I'd like to know that it will definitely work.

 

[darkie3495]

Have you taken a look at the African Outback racks? they are completely flat and extend the entire length of the roof. They used to sell them through Slee Offroad but i can't find them on their site anymore

Here are a few photos courtesy of Bulldog from Toyota120.com

 

[GG Beast]

Interesting concept but where would the axe/shovel, hi-lift, maxtrax and awning go? :biggrin2: We were planning on using the sides for some of those items. And how do you secure stuff down without it flying off the front or back?

 

[darkie3495]

Well you didn't mention all that so in photo 3 and 4 you can see the removable top rails. Otherwise you can just use ratchet straps to secure anything to the floor. not sure if they have accessory mounts.

Just FYI, if you call gobi they can extend the floor to stretch the entire length of the rack and not install the cross bars if needed. I had specific requirements when I was looking for a roof rack and they were willing to accommodate.

In the end, I just had a custom one made to my specs by a local fabricator (Perkins performance).