Quite a while has passed since Toyota launched its 4Runner. Since 1984, the Japanese automaker has been manufacturing body-on-frame SUVs. The pickup was modified to add a row of seats and to have a removable fiberglass top. Its looks, toughness, and adventure-seeking capabilities help make it a great roof rack for the 4Runner.
The majority of people, however, spend most of their time driving their 4Runners and other SUVs down the freeway, through the tunnels, and over the bridges, the only adventures they know of in them. If time permits, please make a brief stop at the McDonald’s drive-thru (if you have the time), and then proceed to an expanse of painted asphalt that sits at the foothills of a majestic place called “Work.”
It is not mandatory to put work aside when using the 4Runner roof rack, so it can display its rugged, off-road appeal when it is not being used to carry heavy goods.
If you have a 4Runner roof rack on your car, you can get out of town and escape civilization for a little while. If you have the whole family in the back of your SUV, you will quickly find that the space is very limited. If you need space to bring along the equipment and other items that you would like to take along with you during your valuable break from work, then you need a roof rack.
It is impossible to imagine how many roof racks, boxes, carriers and other accessories there are for the 4Runner. There are many products out there, but we feel the following are particularly useful, beautifully crafted, and economical.
In order to start this discussion, let us take a look at some of the different types of roof racks available.
A roof rack provides you with countless possibilities to better outfit your ultimate adventure vehicle. Whether it’s a roof rack for cargo, a rooftop tent, auxiliary lighting, or just for aesthetic purposes, a roof rack has so many things to offer.
When you decide on a roof rack, there is still a big decision to be made in regards to which one you should get.
Nowadays, there is an incredible range of styles and manufacturers available out there for you to pick from. There is, therefore, a certain difficulty in distinguishing the differences between them. A rack cannot be properly assessed without seeing it firsthand, so it’s hard to know if it’s worth more than a grand. I’m glad that you’ve got us because we are a bunch of former roof rack users with extensive first-hand experience.
During this week’s rig and setup roundup, we’re happy to bring you an assortment of great setups and rigs from all over the world so you can make your own decision.
Yakima Load Warrior
There are a lot of things you can haul, like bikes, skis, and boats, in the Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket. If you want to make sure that you can haul just about anything, check out this product.
The tube-steel construction of this hard-working hauler offers a weather-resistance that you can rely on, and it is engineered to connect to a variety of crossbar types, including round, square, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars. With the included installation clamps, fasteners, and instructions, it should take you roughly one hour to have your LoadWarrior installed and ready to go.
In this basket, there is a considerable amount of surface area. The outer dimensions of the basket are 40 inches. The dimensions of this frame are 39 x 41 inches. There are 25 lbs. in weight, and the box measures 6.5 in. by 1.5 in. An optional extension is available that will provide you with an 18 in. increase in carrying capacity if you need more than that. Adding the new basket will add an additional 40 percent storage space (40 percent more).
N-FAB 4Runner Roof Rack
The N-FAB roof rack from N-FAB might suit your needs even better than crossbars, because it offers even more utility than crossbars do. The rack is advertised as fitting all models of four door 4Runners from model years 2010 to 2018.
The aluminum roof rack for your 4Runner is easy to install and can be done in several minutes. It is not necessary to drill any holes. On the N-FAB rack, you will find that it bolts onto the factory roof rails. If you don’t mind a bit of lifting, you can do it yourself if you don’t mind a little assistance. You might need help getting the rack on to your roof.
There is a slim box in which the N-FAB rack is contained, but it comes in pieces, so you have to put it together yourself. The N-FAB is an easy-to-follow kit with easy-to-follow instructions. If you can put together an Ikea table or chair, you will have no problem assembling it. When the rack has been assembled, the majority of people load it over the sides of their vehicles. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to put some type of protection over the rails and roof to prevent damage from occurring. You can use bubble wrap or even a towel. In order to bolt the bracket onto the rack you must be able to climb up and over it using your ladder.
Rightline Gear Car Top Carrier
Rightline Gear 100S10 Sport 1 Car Top Carrier can be used for rooftop storage of almost any vehicle. There are multiple ways of securing this cargo bag to your vehicle, and it conveniently folds up when it is not in use, so you can store it when not in use.
There is a lot of stuff in this bag. There are 38 inches on it. Approximately 34 in. long. The dimensions are 14-19 inches wide. It is 12 cubic feet tall and offers 12 cubic feet of storage. And yet, it only weighs about 7 pounds. Aerodynamic design is described as being the hallmark of the Rightline bag. Perhaps it is – it is wide rather than tall. It’s still a soft, big rectangle that hangs off your car. I guess it probably does not catch as much wind as a topsail …
There are many reports from users of this bag that it is 100 percent waterproof. Users who have traveled with this bag report similar experiences. Water can not leak through the seams of the bag since it is constructed from UV-protected PVC semi coated mesh XT and Hydrotuff. Additionally, the bag is sewn together and then welded shut to prevent leaks. There is a zipper coated with urethane hidden in the front flap of the bag, not on the bag’s seam.
Thule Force Cargo Box
Last but not least, we have saved the best for last. A good choice for a cargo box is the Thule Force. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Stylish, functional, durable, easy to use, and affordable.
First of all, Force cargo boxes are produced by Thule. Currently, there are five models to choose from: Alpine, M, L, XL, and XXL. These boxes primarily differ in their sizes as you can probably tell from their names. In terms of volume, the boxes range from 9 cubic feet for the Alpine (36 lbs.) up- to 21 cubic feet for the XXL (56 lbs.). (The Alpine is approximately 10 inches narrower than the other boxes since it is designed for snow sports equipment. There are 110 pounds of load capacity for each of these boxes.
Comparing the different sizes of Thule boxes is easy with this chart (PDF download).
It’s a tough box. The Force’s diamond-textured AeroSkin shell is made from five layers of ABS plastic that are highly resistant to weather elements such as rain, snow, and ice. This box almost looks like an airplane wing – it has an aerodynamic shape.
Rhino Rack 2500 Series
This Rhino Rack 2500 Series roof rack allows you to carry items up to 165 pounds, which makes it one of the most reliable roof racks in the world. This cargo carrier is ideal for securing heavy outdoor equipment like kayaks, it has the advantage of fitting on vehicles that do not have roof rails already installed, which is one of its main advantages. Rhino Rack 2500 Series mounts right above both the front and rear doors of the vehicle in such situations.