Surf Racks

[Bill Easton]

Does anyone have any good rack ideas for carrying longboards or windsurfers on a 2002 4-runner. I have looked at the Yakima and Thule racks that fit in the factory rack mounts, but, because the rack mounts on the 2002 4-runners end at the rear doors, there doesn't seem to be enough potential distance between the rack bars to safely hold a longboard on. In fact Thule says that they wont certify their racks for the carrying of surfboards on the 2002 4-Runner.

The only solution that I can think of is to mount 1 gutterless rack above the front doors of the 4-runner and one to the rear parts of the factory rack mount to give me enough distance between the bars.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[choreboy]

uuuhhhh. why dont you just put surf board pads on the stock racks. thats what I, and everyone else out there does. I can carry 3 boards on each side of the truck (6 boards total).

 

[Bill Easton]

Choreboy,

I have no problem carrying shortboards on the factory racks. But I have a 10'6" and an 11' longboard (amongst others) that would stick way out in front of the rack (right where the wind off of the wind shield would catch it and try to lift the board up) or way behind the truck, and dont trust the factory racks to hold my boards and/or not screw them up on long distance highway speed driving trips.

Please do let me know if I'm being paranoid and you use the factory rack in these types of circumstances.

Thanks.

 

[choreboy]

I have a 10'3 that I carry on there regularly at freeway speeds+. Not ever a problem, or different than if you mount some Thule/ Yakima racks ontop of the factory racks, then strap your board on them. The boards dont vibrate or move around. We often stack boards too, and have never had a problem.

I dont think the factory racks will never come off your truck unless theres something very wrong with them.

On the 4runner, the long boards stick out a little over the windshield and back of the truck, so I cant open the rear gate. You wouldnt be able to open the gate with Thul racks either. The board hanging over the windshield doesnt make the board pull up very much or flex. It all works pretty good though. Think back to the 60's when they would tie the boards to the roof of the VWbug with roap and head down the rutted dirt road to their favorite break.

My pads have tiedownstraps on them, like in this picture: http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-556.html
(though its hard to see the tiedown strap in the picture)
The pad has velcro and rope that you strap around the rack to keep the pad from ever coming off, and tie downs that strap the board to the pad. Most every surfshop carries these pads. You probably already have them.

I have seen boards come off peoples cars twice now, and its pretty heart breaking. So whatever you do, makesure theyre on there good and solid. Always double check your fasteners.

BTW, I see alot of people driving around with the fins positioned at the back of the rack, allowing the nose to bow downward a bit and catch more air. I suggest pitting the flatter part of the board (the tail end) at the front of the car. Seems to be a bit more aerodynamic that way. And the fin would keep the board from sliding past the pad if you ever didnt tighten the board down very good.

good luck with whatever you decide on.

 

[Bill Easton]

OK so I am paranoid.

Thanks for the Info Choreboy.

-Bill