Roof tray or basket?

[hiluxsurf1]

I’m looking to build a roof rack for my 4runner, I’ve got the general idea for what I’m wanting,
Something that I can carry a few 2x4s or sheets of ply, but also be usable for other things, camping gear, jerry can etc.
Just wondering what the pros and cons are for either style.
I plan on making if full length not just the half distance of the factory mounts so either way size isn’t a problem.
If any of you have a set up like this suggestions would be appreciated

 

[jross20]

Hey buddy, so assuming that you don't want like a full legit roof rack, I think that you could basically use a simplified version of something I designed a few months ago.

I think it's Baja, or some other current roof rack vendor who also sells these universal brackets for 3rd gens. Basically you can get some of these brackets, then you can build yourself a frame out of 80/20 aluminum. I'll have to see if I can find the pictures, but you could just take the design I had and just simplify it.

Mine was more of a basket, but it sounds like you just need a platform. So depending on how strong you want it to be... You could do like four or five or six cross bars, do either four or six Mount brackets, and then just have some simple side rails. I would do the 1x2 bars for the crossbars. Then a 1x1 for the side rails or the "smooth end cap rails" for the side rails.

So say you do five crossbars and four mounts, your second and fourth crossbar would be mounted to the brackets. The rest of the crossbars would be supported by the side rails. Then, you can get accessories like rubber stripping that you could put down and fit into the top gap on the crossbars. That way when you put wood or something up there it's sitting on rubber which will give it a little bit of grip and also save the aluminum from getting scratched too much. I would just buy extra of this rubber stripping so as it wears out over time you can simply replace it.

I'll post a picture of my design if I can find it later.

 

[jross20]

Sorry for the delay. So it's Sherpa equipment who sells the brackets you'll need.

Guide to Sherpa's Adjustable Track Mounts
– Sherpa Equipment Company

But I can't remember if you need contoured brackets or flat brackets. You'd have to reach out to sherpa to confirm.

 

[Bad Luck]

I’m looking to build a roof rack for my 4runner, I’ve got the general idea for what I’m wanting,
Something that I can carry a few 2x4s or sheets of ply, but also be usable for other things, camping gear, jerry can etc.
Just wondering what the pros and cons are for either style.
I plan on making if full length not just the half distance of the factory mounts so either way size isn’t a problem.
If any of you have a set up like this suggestions would be appreciated

I've considered making my own. If I somehow ever have time to do that I (hopefully) will. There's a couple youtube videos I have saved for reference that might be helpful for you.
Build Your Own Damn Roof Rack - How I Built a $1000 Roof Rack for $300 in half a day. - YouTube
Build Your Own (Better) Roof Rack - Improvements On The $300 DIY Roof Rack - YouTube