Surco Safari Rack Photos

[2000runr]

Last night I installed the Surco 4560 Safari Rack. It does not hang over the sunroof, does not cause any wind noise when at highway speed, was a little tough to get adjusted just right but if you have a few simple wrenches you can do it. The first test will be this weekend when it is fully loaded.

 

[JLRSR5]

:bigok: Looks good.

 

[Rock Slide]

Surco racks have always mounted too tall IMO. However, if you want to get that sucker to sit closer to your roof, here's a good write up on doing just that: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/surco-rack-low-profile-mount-write-up-180677/

 

[2000runr]

Actually, I prefer it sitting higher up due to the depth of the cargo I carry, luggage and coolers and such. With the crossbars still on the roof for added protection, I can set some of the cargo in between the Surco floor slats allowing that extra depth to be taken advantage of. But for those who aren't hauling much, a smaller rack that sits a little closer to the roof may very well be a great option.

 

[az4runner02]

Surco racks have always mounted too tall IMO. However, if you want to get that sucker to sit closer to your roof, here's a good write up on doing just that:

I have to agree with you on this one, something about these racks mounted on top of the original hardware just doesn't look right. I like how the Baja rack mounts to the truck, and all the hardware is included. It gives it a much more finished look, rather then that bolt on in 2 minutes look.

 

[piperoo]

Looks great! I just put my Yakima safari basket on last night...it is the MegaWarrior I think, with the extender...takes up my entire roof. I will put some pics up this week or weekend!

 

[2000runr]

if it only was a 2 minute bolt on job...

 

[Pikeman]

Have to agree with the Baja Rack... Love it and the bottom is tight enough you dont have to worry about things falling through

 

[2000runr]

baja rack is a terrific look, however i needed more space than the Mule could give me. Megamule a bit too big. surco was just right.

 

[Pikeman]

The 3rd gen specific Baja Rack is between the Mule and Mega Mule and is the kind that has nut plates that slide into factory rails and sits really close and tight to the roof of the truck.

But I do want to say it is each persons preference for their truck and think that if it gets the job done and you are happy then go with it.

 

[2000runr]

Pikeman where did you buy yours, what was price, and what are the measurements? my concern is that we travel with a large dog grate which collapses, and the 3rd gen size according to the website was not big enough to accomodate it. The surco too has the nutplates which slide into the factory roof rails which is a great feature of both racks. The price is also considerably less I think. But again, like you say it is about the look and function and you have to pay to get what you want.

 

[Pikeman]

This is from my thread I made when I first got my Baja Rack.
Okay already got a couple questions about size. 42Wx 60Lx6H and it doesnt look like the manufacturer ever updated their website to show the 3rd gen specific rack. I think TRDparts4u has them but couldnt find it just now when I did the search but I believe they go for around $425.

 

[Rock Slide]

Personally, I prefer the fit and form of the Baja rack over that of the Surco. Granted, I'm sure you could purchase 2 Surcos for the same price as 1 Baja rack, but IMO, the baja rack is worth the extra money.

I'm only saying this because at one time or another, I've owned a Conferr Rack (no longer avail) a Surco Rack and a Garvin Wilderness Rack (similar to a Defender Rack). The Conferr rack mounted close to the roof, but it was noisy and not long enough for my needs. It was the perfect width though (did not hange over the sides of the vehicle). The Surco rack was too flimsy for my taste and it mounted way too high. I'll admit, it was the lightest of all the racks I've owned, but on the trail, it kept getting hung up on trees and the like. It was a bit noisy unloaded on the hwy too. The Wilderness rack has a great low profile mounting system and is very well made, but again, it was too wide (hung over the sides of the vehicle) and I kept getting it hung up on heavily wooded trails too.

While I currently have no use for a basket atop my 4Runner, just from the photos I've seen of the baja rack installed, if I ever need another basket, I would not hesitate one bit to purchase a baja rack. Granted my opinions of the baja rack are based soley on photos I've seen of it (not first hand experience), but from what I've seen, it has a very aerodynamic shape to it and appears to be very well made (Plus it does not appear to hang over the sides of the vehicle, which is a personal requirement of mine). Add to the fact that has a low profile mounting system too and it's a win-win.

2000runr, if the surco rack meets your needs, then that's all that matters. We all have different tastes. Just wanted to expression my own opinions of it.