Roof Rail Track in Gutters

[Brage]

I did a little searching for this and didn’t see much on it. My apologies if I overlook anything.

Has anyone installed a roof rack/rail track in the gutters? It seems like this would give a ton of flexibility. I would drill two new holes near the front, likely at the frontrunner rack distance from front for two reasons... I believe frontrunner has done some research around strength points in the roof structure and if I use the same spacing between the holes as the rear points, I could use the same ‘filler’ plate bracket for a roof rack delete if I ever wanted to remove it.

So, anyone have a track that they could recommend? Any issues with the roof curvature? Remove or keep the rubber gutter trim? Any general thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pDubs]

The OEM roof rack is a rail that's in the gutters that has a track built into the side?

 

[Brage]

The OEM roof rack is a rail that's in the gutters that has a track built into the side?

No, I’m referring to something more along the lines of this: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2303168-post66.html

He took off the factory rails and added a track in the gutter. Why don’t more people do this?

 

[Dillusion]

Not sure if you can just get the rails separately.

and what would you use for cross bars?

 

[Brage]

Not sure if you can just get the rails separately.

and what would you use for cross bars?

There are literally hundreds of options. Here is an example: Universal Load Bar System — Sherpa Equipment Company

 

[Brage]

Maybe it isn’t clear.. when I say track, I mean something like this. Universal Track Non Drilled / 1800mm(L) - by Front Runner

 

[deadbeat son]

Rhino Rack makes tracks that specifically fit the 4Runner. I have been meaning to research to see if I can trim the length to reflect that of the factory rack thereby avoiding drilling the necessary mounting points for the front of the tracks.

 

[Dillusion]

Guess if you needed the adjustability would work nicely.

But sticks out like a sore thumb to me and I don't need to adjust mine. Only thing that goes on my roof is my fishing poles.

 

[Brage]

Guess if you needed the adjustability would work nicely.

But sticks out like a sore thumb to me and I don't need to adjust mine. Only thing that goes on my roof is my fishing poles.

I guess my intent would be that it wouldn’t look much different than the black rubber trim when nothing is mounted to it. Maybe stick up .5-1 inch.

 

[Dillusion]

Sorry I was more referring to the cross bars. I like how the factory ones hide behind the rails.

I'm guessing most adjust their load to the rails rather than adjust the rails to their load.

Or buy a complete roof rack.

 

[Brage]

Rhino Rack makes tracks that specifically fit the 4Runner. I have been meaning to research to see if I can trim the length to reflect that of the factory rack thereby avoiding drilling the necessary mounting points for the front of the tracks.

The rhino rack version looks fantastic. Looks like it sits flush in the channel. It could allow for a much lower installation of a rhino rack or frontrunner than the vehicle specific side rails. Thanks!

 

[Reinout]

[MENTION=446618]Brage[/MENTION] I used to work for a rack/hitch installer and we had done some "track fill" style installs by Rhino Rack. This removes the stuff in the "gutter" and puts in a track that sits relatively flush with the roof-line so when/if you take the towers off you don't see tehm.

I can't find the custom tracks on their website unfortunately.

http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/roof/roof-racks

They have a number listed so call them: 877 744 6622

 

[Brage]

[MENTION=446618]Brage[/MENTION] I used to work for a rack/hitch installer and we had done some "track fill" style installs by Rhino Rack. This removes the stuff in the "gutter" and puts in a track that sits relatively flush with the roof-line so when/if you take the towers off you don't see tehm.

I can't find the custom tracks on their website unfortunately.

Roof Racks | Rhino-Rack

They have a number listed so call them: 877 744 6622

Thanks.. do you know if these are ‘universal’? In other words, could I use a rhino track and frontrunner towers?

 

[pDubs]

YouTube

 

[Reinout]

Thanks.. do you know if these are ‘universal’? In other words, could I use a rhino track and frontrunner towers?

Looking at the install for Frontrunner website I can honestly not tell.

I DO know that the RhinoRack tracks will work with Inno, Thule and Yakima however.

 

[pDubs]

No, I’m referring to something more along the lines of this: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2303168-post66.html

He took off the factory rails and added a track in the gutter. Why don’t more people do this?

What is your goal with this? It would seem just building a DIY out of t-slotted aluminum would the the easier route, with mounts on the factory spots (with spacer) and either drill and mount new mounts towards the front, or run a rubber bumper. Like the YouTube I posted above in different post.

Another DIY roof rack
80/20 Roof Rack

Or just run t slotted aluminum on the factory slots.
DIY: Ultra Low Profile Custom Rack / Crossbars for OEM TE Roof Rails

EX-1020-BLACK – 1″ x 2″ Smooth T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion – Black Anodize – NEW | TNUTZ

 

[Grape Ape]

I have the Rhino System on mine and it's awesome, just have to get past the thought that you will be putting rivets into your roof and you'll be fine. Fits perfect.

 

[Brage]

What is your goal with this? It would seem just building a DIY out of t-slotted aluminum would the the easier route, with mounts on the factory spots (with spacer) and either drill and mount new mounts towards the front, or run a rubber bumper. Like the YouTube I posted above in different post.

Another DIY roof rack
80/20 Roof Rack

Or just run t slotted aluminum on the factory slots.
DIY: Ultra Low Profile Custom Rack / Crossbars for OEM TE Roof Rails

EX-1020-BLACK – 1″ x 2″ Smooth T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion – Black Anodize – NEW | TNUTZ

My goal is to have the flexibility to run crossbars for my SUP one day, platform for camping the next and remove it completely when I’m traveling 700 miles the day after that. A track system enables both flexibility and a stable platform.

These are more popular on Tacomas. Ditch mounted tracks on double cabs. | Tacoma World
My hope is that there are a few folks who could give impressions specific to 4runners now that someone pointed out that what I was looking for existed.

There is a fairly large commercial market for this solution. Not sure I need to build my own.

 

[Brage]

I have the Rhino System on mine and it's awesome, just have to get past the thought that you will be putting rivets into your roof and you'll be fine. Fits perfect.

Any pics?