Short Roof Rack to use as platform to stand on?

[Aspen]

2010 4Runner Limited with factory racks and crossbars. I'm looking for a shorter version of the Gobi Stealth roof rack that will attach direct to the roof like the Gobi instead of to the roof rails like most other baskets do. I don't need or want a long rack that goes over the sunroof like the Gobi, nor do I need to attach any lights. And I need something low profile - I won't be hauling anything up there, mostly just using it for a platform to stand on to take pictures. I will need to attach Yakima towers though from time to time to haul several kayaks and/or a canoe (these attach to crossbars). It would be great if I could find something that I could just install and not have to remove to haul the kayaks, but would also give me the support I need to stand up there.

No telling when/if Gobi will make something for the 2010, and so far they have not returned my e-mails asking about this. I've not see confirmation if the 4th gen. Gobi racks would fit since the attachment points are different. I was thinking about getting the Rola basket and adding a couple of extra cross bars under it first, then putting plywood in the bottom of the basket to stand on - but this rig is kind of tall and I would probably have to remove it in order to attach the Yakima towers to the crossbars underneath.

I could also just bolt some plywood to the crossbars - the cheap and ugly solution - then make some cutouts on the wood so that I could still attach the Yakima towers. This would be OK if I could find an alternate material that was as strong as plywood but could stand up to the weather.

Any ideas for a rack/basket that replaces the OEM rack, or something else? I really just need something to stand on.

Thanks!

Tim Ernst in Arkansas

 

[MikesToy]

I was thinking about getting the Rola basket and adding a couple of extra cross bars under it first, then putting plywood in the bottom of the basket to stand on - but this rig is kind of tall and I would probably have to remove it in order to attach the Yakima towers to the crossbars underneath.

I could also just bolt some plywood to the crossbars - the cheap and ugly solution - then make some cutouts on the wood so that I could still attach the Yakima towers. This would be OK if I could find an alternate material that was as strong as plywood but could stand up to the weather.

Any ideas for a rack/basket that replaces the OEM rack, or something else? I really just need something to stand on.

Thanks!

Tim Ernst in Arkansas

I say "No" to plywood.

 

[Aspen]

Yup, I agree about the plywood - heavy and ugly. But if I can't find anything else, plywood may have to do. It was good enough for Ansel Adams though, so it certainly would work for me, but just as a last resort...

 

[MikesToy]

Find a scrap metal welding shop and see if they can customize you one.

 

[Aspen]

It's a four-hour trip for me to drive anywhere for something like that and I would not know where to start. Perhaps as a last resort I might look at that, although I would go for plywood first if it comes down to it. I'm hoping to find something else...

 

[shawn719]

2010 4Runner Limited with factory racks and crossbars. I'm looking for a shorter version of the Gobi Stealth roof rack that will attach direct to the roof like the Gobi instead of to the roof rails like most other baskets do. I don't need or want a long rack that goes over the sunroof like the Gobi, nor do I need to attach any lights. And I need something low profile -

Sorry I do not have a suggestion, however, thanks for drawing me to the Gobi rack. Man, that thing is cool lookin' and functional. I'll be looking for the 2010 version and ladder. I am using the a Yakima Load Warrior now but the Gobi is much better.

 

[MikesToy]

It's a four-hour trip for me to drive anywhere for something like that and I would not know where to start. Perhaps as a last resort I might look at that, although I would go for plywood first if it comes down to it. I'm hoping to find something else...

WTF? You live in the boonies? Where do you buy milk? j/k
Midas can weld anything.

 

[7TCatVert]

You might try to use something like loading ramps might be able to lay them across and bolt on and bolt off when done easy to store and light wieght.

something like this...

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

get a 4 and lay and tie next to each other....

 

[Kraeken]

Resurrecting an old thread, we were talking about this a little bit today. I would love a way to stand on the roof to take pics as well. The only thing is Ansel Adams also had a system to lock out his suspension to make his car a completely rigid platform. I think he braced his fenders or something, though it doesn't look like it in that picture. I read it somewhere a while ago but can't remember how he did it.

Any luck on the platform?

 

[SeattleMike]

Perkins Performance made mine, they do custom work and the quality is impeccable. Just be prepared for the cost that goes along with custom work.