Show us your rack!

[mikeromeo1968]

You calling my wife and I fat?? J/K

If you're referring to the factory roof rack load capacity, keep in mind that first off that figure takes in to account the vehicle moving, so 300 lbs atop a moving vehicle is exerting much more than 300 lbs of force as the vehicle sways and rocks. Stationary it can support much more as a static load. The other part is that an aftermarket roof rack will do a much better job of distributing the weight than the factory cross rails. I don't have very much science to back it up, but there are probably at least 100 people on T4R with a RTT on their 3rd gen and their roof hasn't caved in yet. Much less the hundreds more in other generations which probably have similar listed load capacities. I just know it's worked for countless others and you can't beat the comfort of that mattress.

hey man you are spot on wiht the physics part. the only thing i would add to the your post for anyone trying to understand shear forces in static or dynamic motion is to make sure bolts or metal selected are rated for extreme forces.

 

[Signal]

So I take it that some roof racks will slide into the stock rails? I have a 19 trd OF and on my Xterra I had a drop in so this is all new to have to find a roof rack.

 

[iamatt]

We just built ours from aluminum tubing

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Drugolf]

Love a good rack.

So what is the consensus on the best way to secure a rack to the roof? Using the factory slot somehow, or another way? In my case I have a Limited 2000 3rd gen. Have had a set of Thule crossbars and feet on it for some time but would like a decent 3/4 length (from the moon roof back) rack or basket. Occasional stuff up there and maybe a side awning at some point.

The

 

[NoTreadLeft]

Home built roof rack only one in the world

Looking sharp here

 

[terelaad]

i prefer the real safari racks like a surco style one (real safari racks have high sides to load more stuff and keep gas canisters from tipping out)