FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Roof Rack suggestions

Good day everyone! My awesome wife gave me the go ahead to replace the roof rack at the end of the year. We've done a lot of camping this year and if used my factory rack a lot but need the full length of the FJ. Convincing her to bring less stuff did not go over so well. With 2 kids and passion for the great outdoors we need a better rack.

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Permalink Reply by crawlinrollins on August 19, 2013 at 5:44pm

look at a factory rack insert first cost less then a buying another rack

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Permalink Reply by RJAMSOIL on August 20, 2013 at 1:58pm

there are some good ones out there just depends on the look you like.

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Permalink Reply by John H on August 20, 2013 at 2:22pm

I'm very happy with my Baja Rack. I went for the lower profile one. Haven't used it to carry huge amounts of stuff but it works well.

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Permalink Reply by Chance Hokanson(Califabrication) on August 20, 2013 at 4:32pm

Hey check mine out it's completely custom with a lockable high jack/ax/shovel mount. Here's the build thread of it http://norcalfjs.com/forum/topics/custom-made-roof-rack?id=2131553%...
I've personally laid up there with another person and went star gazing from the roof, it's awesome and very heavy duty!!! And is set up for a light bar in the front. There is finished pictures at the end of the build thread.

Attachments:

image.jpg, 2.3 MB

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Permalink Reply by Overlander36 on August 20, 2013 at 9:38pm

I'm on my second Baja Rack. The first one fell apart due to bad welds. I had a canoe and two 20 ltr full fuel cans on it during off road use. I felt it should have held up to that type of use - That's what I bought it for. Sergio at Baja Rack said the welds were defective. They replaced the rack and had it installed at their cost to their credit. So far its doing OK. I think if I had it to do over I would get the ARB - heavy duty and over built like all their stuff is.

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Permalink Reply by Yose FJ (David) on August 20, 2013 at 10:15pm

I've been happy with my drop-in Baja basket. Nestah helped install it along with some other goodies in June. I've thrown a few things up there since. Seems to handle things well.

On the other hand, if I was going to use the rack a lot, I would have considered a full rack replacement, I just don't need it that often tho.

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Permalink Reply by opg4759 on August 20, 2013 at 10:43pm

I've been really happy with my ARB rack. I really like the fact it has the mesh base so it make strapping down gear a snap.

The only bad thing is I have the steel version and it is heavy and the profile took my milage down a bit. But hell I didn't buy the FJ for the impressive mpg in the first place. The gobi stealth rack is also a great rack but $$$

When it comes down to it figure out what you really plan to carry on your roof and buy accordingly. I got the full rack since I tend to carry long items like a easy-up and other bulky items that are safe to carry on a rack. I'm not a big fan of water or gas on the roof rack and 45 and 30 pounds not counting the containers.

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on August 21, 2013 at 7:48am

I got the gobi stealth. I'm very happy with it!

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on September 8, 2013 at 9:17pm

I just got the factory rack (gotta start somewhere right?) but I think the drop in basket is best to start. Anyone have a link where's the best place to buy one?

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Permalink Reply by NestahEdition on September 9, 2013 at 12:14pm

This is a good drop-in basket too!

http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog-new/catalog/07-13-toyota-fj-...

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Permalink Reply by Marine Green on September 9, 2013 at 5:49am

Gobi Stealth is nice. I've had a *ton* (actually 300 lbs) of stuff in there including Tepui Gran Sabana RTT and 4 jerry cans. I've had Thule boxes, backpacks, you name it.

.. but only get a low profile rack if you are trying to park inside. If that's not an option, or if for some reason you have high clearance garage doors, I'd go Gobi Ranger or ARB.