FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Roof rack suggestion

Hi, I finally decided to get a roof rack. The usage would likely be to carry stuff like a second spare, firewood, pull pal and other expedition stuff. I would not mind having the possibility to use it with a roof top tent, but I do not think I want to buy one now.

I'd prefer a lightweight (aluminum?) one...

Suggestions?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Back in Black (FJ4 Tahoe) on January 27, 2011 at 10:44am

I have the stock rack with a WAAG insert...I like it and it allows for ski racks.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on January 27, 2011 at 12:06pm

So - Baja or ARB, where would you buy it?

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Permalink Reply by Sean Slavin on January 27, 2011 at 12:12pm

I live just down the road from BajaRack so I just went direct to them. They had everything in the warehouse and one of the owners actually helped me get it on the roof.

You can direct to them, www.bajarack.com, and I believe TRDParts4U also sells them. Not sure what the price difference would be, if any.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on January 27, 2011 at 1:44pm

Oh good. I think I like the Baja Rack quite a bit. My question at this point is, why would somebody spend more than double the price for the ARB one? What it offers more?

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on January 27, 2011 at 4:21pm

It could be that they (ARB) were one of the first ones out with an aftermarket (well them and Gobi) Rack.

I Believe that both (ARB and Gobi) have more of a snug fit to the roof line. I remember people saying it was hard to get the bolts in due to the lack of space between the rooh and the rack.

I think pit also said they they are made out of Aluminum, where I believe the BAJA is Steel.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on January 27, 2011 at 5:05pm

I know that the ARB comes in both Steel and Alloy. The steel one is said to be very heavy. I will do some more research, but what I like about the Baja is that it comes with several accessories like spare tire holder, can holder, etc...

Now, mesh or bars? Or the hybrid one?

http://www.trdparts4u.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-8700

http://www.trdparts4u.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-8701

Isn't the mesh better?

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Permalink Reply by Sean Slavin on January 27, 2011 at 5:28pm

I've got the one with the bars. I also have their hi-lift mounts, shovel/axe mounts and jerry can holder. Everything's top notch. When needed, I can get the rack on and off the truck on my own. It's a bit awkward but you can make it work. As for strength, I've stood up there with a full pack of camera gear and it doesn't flex.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on January 27, 2011 at 5:43pm

Thanks! Would you explain why you liked the bar one better? Maybe it's stronger?

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Permalink Reply by MoHillFJ on January 27, 2011 at 2:04pm

My cruiser has the toyota stock roof rack and I like it~although it may not be ideal for your needs. I've also seen, on other cruisers, a rack that's more a box and have thought how that style seems superior, as far as carrying a lot of stuff is concerned.

I don't know the market though, so am sure others will give more complete input/suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on January 27, 2011 at 3:10pm

Well I do not have the stock roof rack, so I'd like to get a "full size" one

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Permalink Reply by Lance on January 27, 2011 at 6:34pm

I like this baja http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/bajarack-adventure-equipment/...

I am getting a custom version of this which is 4 inches wider. Others do not like that it has no sides but i like the lighter weight and the flexibility to create my own platform for a 2 person tent (cheap RTT)