We’ve Tested Everything: Full-Length & 3/4 Racks
After years of running different setups on my 4Runner, I wanted to put together an overview of some of the top (most common) roof racks that every 5th Gen 4Runner owner should consider.
I’ve personally run many types of racks. Some of those include KC M-Racks, Yakima Baskets, the Rhino Pioneer, Prinsu, ARB Base Rack, many types of crossbar systems, and most recently the Backwoods Adventure Mods DRIFTR.
Whether you’re an avid offroader who is looking for extra space, an occasional thrill-seeker, or a weekend warrior, below is a good resource to help you consider the platform that is right for your needs. From the affordable baskets like the Yakima to the more expensive options like Gobi, Prinsu, Front Runner, and many of the top CNC roof racks on the market, we’ve tested most of the most popular options on the market.
Do you need a Roof Rack?
DRIFTR Rack from Backwoods Adventure Mods
General Gear: There are hundreds of general items you can throw on a rack. We have seen several 4Runners with storage boxes, gun cases, recovery gear, bikes, kayaks, snowboards, skis, recovery boards, camping gear, travel gear, overland gear, fuel storage, water storage, off-road jacks, shovels, and of course the Rooftop Tent.
Lighting: Most rack companies accommodate pod-style light bars, slim light bars, chase lights, scene lights, and so much more.
Extra Tire: If your 4Runner has a larger tire that can no longer fit in the spare location you can place a spare tire on your rack.
Dirty Gear: With dirty gear, it’s nice to have the option to throw stuff on top of your 4Runner instead of the rear cargo area. If you need to transport firewood, racks are fully capable of holding large amounts of this and other items that may get your cargo area dirty.
Family Needs: We have used our current system for things like our Christmas Tree, daughter’s tree-house, bikes, sleds, kayaks, camping gear, and numerous Home Depot trips. You name it. You would really be surprised at how much you will use a rack after you have one installed.
Rugs, Lumber, and oversized Items: Have you ever seen an SUV with 16 pieces of lumber sticking out the back window? Yeah, don’t be that person. This is also incredibly sketchy and can damage your interior pretty quickly. Do yourself a favor and get some type of rack or crossbar system if you plan on carrying around oversized items.
Table Of Contents
This is not a list from best to worst. Nor is this a list of the “best” options out there. This is a general list of common racks. Most of the full-length and 3/4-length options are at the top. All of the small basket styles are at the bottom.
1. Cali Raised LED: Full-Length
Cali Raised gives us two similar options; Premium and Economy. The main difference between the premium and economy is the adjustable fairing. The Premium features a unique adjustable wind fairing for the 40″+ LED bar, and the 360-degree scene lighting cutouts. The Economy does not feature the adjustable fairing – it’s just a simple rack with or without a lightbar cutout. As for weight ratings, most racks are designed for around 500 lbs, while Cali Raised racks are over-engineered to handle over 1,000 lbs!
Cali Raised sells complete in-house lighting packages for both the Premium and Economy. From the lights to the harnesses and OEM-style switches, these guys have you covered, and it’s all guaranteed to fit right the first time. No piecing together multiple brands.
Shipping and lead time is also a huge benefit here as they often have everything in stock and it ships the next day. Cali Raised offers fast shipping and killer customer service. Their products have a high level of QC, and their prices are very competitive compared to other similar options.
The downside to their racks is a lack of secondary accessory options as they only offer one in-house, the RTT mount. Another potential downside is the look. It’s a very basic-looking rack. If you’re looking for more of a custom “boutique” looking rack, you might consider Backwoods Adventure Mods, Sherpa, or UpTop Overland.
Find it online:
- Premium & Economy: Check Prices
Pros
- Premium + Economy options
- 360-degree lighting package
- Adjustable wind fairing
- No drilling
- Made in the USA/ 2-year warranty
- Affordable
- Great customer service
Cons
- Minimal accessory add-ons
- Simple looking rack
2. Backwoods Adventure Mods: Full-Length
The DRIFTR is modular, low-profile, durable, and customizable. With a quick installation, affordable shipping, and unique lighting options not found on many other racks, this one might be for you.
DRIFTR was designed with the end user in mind. Unlike many other racks with 1X2 crossbars, you get 1X3 crossbars (7 total) in addition to the front fairing and rear fairing (technically 9) pulling it all together. The 1X3 crossbars make this rack extremely stout and also offer more configurable mounting solutions as you have more t-nut slots to choose from. You can really fine-tune your accessory placement with this rack.
Along the side rails, you will find 6 total handle cutouts for Agency6 grab handles or light cutouts (whichever you prefer) for ultimate side profile customization. On the rear fairing, you have two optional cutouts for Baja S2s or KC Cyclones (which I opted for). The front fairing is adjustable at multiple heights and can be configured to position multiple height light bars.
Backwoods offers great customer service and has been in the outdoor parts manufacturing business for decades. This is an industry-trusted, very reputable brand you can lean on for product support and knowledge.
Find it online:
- DRIFTR: Check Price
Pros
- USA made
- No drilling
- 1/4″ thick aluminum
- Optional chase light cutouts
- Side rail handle cutouts
- 1×3 triple-slotted crossbars
- Adjustable front fairing
- Universal light mounting
- Includes T-nuts for accessory mounting
- Pre-drilled holes for extrusion bars
Cons
- Minimal accessory add-ons
3. All-Pro Off-Road: Full-Length
A well-established company, All-Pro has been building parts for the Toyota aftermarket scene for almost 3 decades. Made in America, with a solid reputation and a unique approach and design, this roof rack is worth checking out.
While many racks in the aluminum, low-profile category use a standard-sized 1X2 extrusion bar, All-Pro stands out with a custom-formed 5052 aluminum crossbar. This is not your average 1×2 aluminum extrusion. What’s most impressive here is that you get 9 crossbars in addition to the fairing. That’s an insane amount of strength which reinforces the siderails and leads to virtually no rattling. The crossbar MOLLE design gives you many opportunities to mount accessories and eliminates areas where debris can build up on traditional aluminum extrusions. Your options for mounting gear on the top of the bars or to the sides of the rails are virtually endless, however, one of the downsides to All Pro is that they don’t offer many in-house accessory add-ons.
Furthermore, you can opt for a standard fairing or a light bar cutout.
All-Pro typically has low to no lead times for many of their products and offers a solid 1-year warranty.
Find It Online
- All-Pro Overland Rack: Check Price
Pros
- USA Made
- No drilling
- 13 mounting holes on side rails
- Adjustable crossbars
- Strong crossbar design X 9
- MOLLE style crossbar
- Low lead times
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Minimal accessory add-ons
- Higher price than other similar options
4. Prinsu: Full-Length & 3/4
The Prinsu (now owned by CBI Off-Road) rack is a low-profile, aggressive-looking platform that was the first CNC rack introduced to the market.
Prinsu comes in two options; a 3/4 length version and the standard full-length version – neither option requires drilling. The design is made up of 2 1/4″ 5052 aluminum laser-cut side rails with default 1X2 crossbars and multiple top/bottom-facing channels with one powder coating option. The kit comes with all of the mounting hardware and options to upgrade crossbars. For the fairing, you can choose between black, bare, grey, or white and then choose between a 30″ and 40″ light bar cut out. They also now offer fairing decal kits which can help you stand out from the sea of basic overland rigs. For additional add-ons, Prinsu has an extensive lineup of accessories – the largest in the industry when it comes to aftermarket accessory add-ons.
The only downside here is the 1X2 extrusions. They’ve been known to be weaker than other options and can cause your rack to rattle depending on the weight you carry.
Find It Online:
- Prinsu: Check Price
- Prinsu Pro: Check Price
Pros
- The first company to make a CNC rack
- Affordable
- No drilling
- Low profile design
- Lots of accessory options
Cons
- Not as strong as other racks
5. upTOP Overland: Full-Length
The upTOP Overland Bravo and Alpha are both popular options.
The Bravo is the more affordable option. It has a unique wind deflector unlike any of the other options. The wind deflector is not as “low profile,” as the others, but it looks very unique when compared to the competition. The wind deflector has multiple light bar cutout options, varying from 10-inch bars to 40-inch bars. The rack measures 50″ wide and 96″ long. That’s larger than almost any other option on the market.
The Alpha is another low-profile option however it offers a massive footprint at 50″ wide and 98.5″ long. Unlike Bravo, it features internal rails for that you can have color-matched to your 4Runner. The Alpha comes with the same scene pod knockouts as the Bravo, but it goes above and beyond adding 6 grab handles (included). Essentially, it’s a larger rack with more design features and comes with handles.
The KILO: They recently launched the KILO. It’s cheaper than the Alpha. The main difference here is the crossbars. Instead of the 1X2 aluminum extrusions you find on their other racks, they feature carbon steel mounting feet + all-new carbon steel crossbars with a MOLLE pattern (similar to All-Pro Off-Road).
Find it online:
- upTOP Overland Options: Check Prices
Pros
- USA Made
- No drilling
- Unique design style
- Various light bar cutouts
- Scene pod knockouts
- Moonroof compatible
- Large floor footprint
- Built-in Handles
Cons
- Not as low-profile as some other racks
6. Sherpa: Full-Length & 3/4
Sherpa is another high-end CNC-style option on the market with somewhat of a cult following. They originally started with 3rd Gen 4Runner and quickly grew into the 5th Gen market due to their quality and attention to detail. Sherpa was likely the first brand to introduce 1/4″ aluminum into their design. Now others, such as Backwoods Adventure Mods, are adopting that same level of build quality.
The load capacity is 300 lbs dynamic and 700 lbs static. They provide 9 extrusion crossbars and the installation does not require drilling. You can order your wind fairing in a half-height (for single row light bar) or full height (no light bar) and then customize your finish in a black textured powder coat or bare processed aluminum.
For accessories, they offer just about every option your average overlander or off-roader would need; universal adapt mounting plate, HD awning mount, antenna mount, QuickFist mount brackets, window MOLLE panel, waterport mount, ROTOPAX mounting kit, and more. The best part about their accessories, compared to Front Runner, for example, is that they’re actually reasonably priced.
Find it online:
- Sherpa Crestone (Full-Length): Check Price
Pros
- Industry-leading ¼” thick aircraft-grade aluminum
- Side cutouts for mounting gear or handles
- Side cutouts for scene lights/brackets
- 9 Extrusion crossbars
- No drilling required
- Adjustable Leveling Mounts
- Fairing with Edge Trim
- Tons of accessory mounting options
Cons
- More expensive than other racks
7. Front Runner: Full-Length & 3/4
Front Runner is a T6 aluminum rack that has a strong design and is powder coated in satin black. They offer both full-length and 3/4 rack versions and both are compatible with their large line of in-house aftermarket mods, and accessories. For weight ratings, the dynamic and static load is around 660 lbs for both the full-length and the 3/4 system. There are too many options to list (60+ accessories to give you an idea). With Front Runner, just know that if you want to mount something, they offer a solution for it.
The downside to Front Runner is the price, overall. Not only is the rack itself expensive, but the accessories are as well. If you buy a Front Runner system, expect to pay more money for their hardware mounts and accessory options down the road, or just get creative.
Find it online:
- Front Runner Racks: Check Price
Pros
- No drilling on 3/4
- Low profile flat design
- Durable
- Powder-coated
- Versatile overland/ expedition-style
- Plenty of accessories and add-ons
Cons
- Expensive
- Accessories are expensive
- Drilling Required on Full-Length
- Decreases Fuel Economy
- Increases Wind Noise
8. Eezi-Awn K9: Full-Length
Very similar to a Front Runner in terms of design, the Eezi-Awn K9 is an aluminum system with slotted groves that are made to fit their own line of accessories and mounts. While this rack can still be outfitted with many other aftermarket accessories, the design allows for their accessory mounts to work much easier. Eezi-Awn K9 has an adjustable height feature that allows you to adjust the brackets up and down. Many other systems do not offer a feature like this. If adjustability is important to you, then consider the K9. Although this system has an adjustable height, it still sits higher than most – even on its “lowest” setting.
The K9 features fully-welded joints (not bolts) and is made from extruded aluminum which is incredibly light and comes with a flat black powder coating. The K9 is a universal expedition-style system that offers plenty of room for mounting accessories.
The design is aerodynamic, lightweight, and highly durable. The sizes range from 1.4m x 1250mm to 2.2m x 1250mm. As an overland-style system, the Eezi-Awn K9 is fully capable of storing anything you throw at it. Whether you are looking to mount a rooftop tent or store camping gear, this rack is more than prepared to handle what you throw at it.
When it comes to accessories, they offer a solution for pretty much every overland gear essential. Like the Front Runner, their mounting options and accessories are pretty pricey.
Find it online:
- Eezi-Awn K9: Check Price
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Low profile, flat design
- No drilling required
- Powder-coated in satin black
- Versatile overland/ expedition-style
- Light-weight
- Plenty of accessories and add-ons
Cons
- Expensive
- Steel Design = Heavy
- Increases Wind Noise
9. Gobi Rack: Full-Length
One of the oldest, most well-established roof rack companies in the off-road industry is Gobi. While it comes in at a heavy price point, it’s also among the highest quality. They offer two unique looks which are both quite stunning. The rack itself can handle a safe driving load capacity of 300lbs. In addition, the static load capacity easily holds up to 600lbs.
The first is the Stealth which is built to be low profile while providing maximum functionality. Then there is the Ranger which is built to be fairly low-profile but more for function, The Ranger outer bars are taller than the Stealth.
- The Gobi Stealth: The Gobi Stealth is a super low profile, aggressive, fully capable, overland-style platform. With the stealth, you have options for LED bars or pod lights.
- The Gobi Ranger: The Ranger has a basket that sits a bit higher than the Stealth. Grab the Ranger if you plan on mounting gear and hardware at high heights.
Gobi also comes with two sunroof options; with a sunroof cutout or without. Also for lighting, you have your choice of multiple light mounts or a single mount for a single light bar. Along with the roof rack, you receive the Gobi ladder, wind deflector, and two cross bars. There is also a tire mount which is great for anyone who has larger than stock tires.
Gobi racks are black powder coated with an anti-rust undercoat which provides years of on/off-road utility. While the Gobi rack is pricey, it is worth every penny due to it being incredibly clean, functional, and strong.
Find it online:
- Gobi Racks: Check Price
Pros
- Factory mounts (no drilling required)
- Low profile option & basket style option
- Powder-coated
- Versatile overland/expedition-style build
- Multiple mounting options & brackets
- Tons of documentation online for mods & accessories
Cons
- Long lead times
- Steel Design = Heavy
10. BajaRack: Full-Length & 3/4
Most of their options are full-length basket-style racks, however, BajaRack also offers a completely flat (UTility – shown above) option as well. If garage height is a problem, this would be your best option. The BajaRack like the famous Gobi Rack comes in multiple sunroof options; with and without the sunroof cutout. If your 4Runner has a moonroof, it is nice to know that Baja offers an option to accommodate your needs. All of the BajaRacks come with an epoxy primer (rust inhibitor) with a black powder coating.
BajaRacks are made to withstand all seasons and take the abuse of on and off gear. They are made of 1″, 3/4″, and 1/2″ steel tubing. They also have an optional mesh bottom which adds strength. The load capacity is dynamic (while driving) 300 lbs and static 600 lbs.
If you are looking for a fully functional overland style rack that’s a low profile with a clean design, BajaRacks might be for you.
For Accessories, they have you covered. Baja has awning mounts, axe/ shovel mounts, fuel can holders, Hi-Lift jack mounts, plenty of LED light mounts, and much more.
While they start out pricier than some other racks, BajaRacks are a great choice if you want a dependable rack with plenty of options.
Find it online:
- BajaRack Official: Check Price
Pros
- Factory mounts (no drilling required)
- Low profile and basket style
- Quality fabrication
- Powder-coated
- Versatile overland/ expedition-style
- Hidden SPY light LED bar feature
Cons
- Expensive
- Steel Design = Heavy
- Decreases Fuel Economy
11. Martin Off-Road Full-Length
The Martin Offroad Roof Rack is a durable, lightweight, and affordable option made from 1/4″ 5052 CNC-cut aluminum. Priced at only $975, it offers similar quality to higher-priced options, making it an excellent choice for owners seeking both style and traditional flat rack utility. The rack comes with 9 crossbars and the rear crossbar attaches vertically, not horizontally to support the tail-end of the side rails. This is a very cool design that adds additional strength and rigidity.
It features a low-profile, no-drill design with a textured satin black powder coat, providing a sleek and rugged look. The rack is easy to install, highly functional, and customizable with various mounts for tents, awnings, and recovery boards. Our staff said the powder coating remained intact after extensive use, showing no signs of chipping or fading.
The curved front wind fairing reduces wind noise, and the rack’s design follows the 4Runner’s body lines closely.
Find It Online:
- Martin Offroad Full-Length: Check Price
Pros
- CNC cut 1/4″ 5052 aluminum
- Powder coated in satin black
- No drilling required
Cons
- Fewer accessory options than other brands
12. AL Off-Road Full-Length
If you’re looking for one of the strongest roof racks on the market, the AL Offroad Onyx Roof Rack stands out as a top contender. Engineered with oversized 3” T-Slot aluminum crossbars, this rack is built for extreme strength. With a 400 lb dynamic and 800 lb static load rating, it’s perfect for heavy gear. The no-drill installation and aerodynamic design make it an ideal choice for both function and style, while rustproof aluminum ensures longevity. This roof rack is crafted for those who demand extreme weight on top of their roof.
Find It Online
- AL Offroad Roof Rack: Check Price
Pros
- Larger 3” “Wumbo” T-Slot aluminum bars (1.5” x 3” x 50”)
- Made in the U.S.A. (Greenville, TX)
- Rustproof (aluminum components with stainless steel hardware)
- Noise-proof aerodynamic design
- No drilling required
Cons
- Huge wind fairing might steer people away
- Longer Lead Times
13. Westcott Designs Full-Length
Westcott Designs, based in Phoenix, Arizona, brings innovative solutions to the offroading community with its modular rack. This rack is unique in its ability to convert from a standard platform to a basket-style rack, offering versatility that stands out from competitors. Made from high-quality materials with a focus on low wind noise and durability, it integrates practical features like a built-in bottle opener and a wildly different MOLLE-style roof platform. Westcott Designs delivers both quality and convenience at an industry-wide level. There arent too many complaints about Jeff and his products or services anywhere in this industry. Founder Jeff Westcott provides highly responsive and personalized customer support, making sure all questions are answered thoroughly, even on weekends, which is huge in this industry.
Westcott Designs boasts extremely fast production and shipping times, often much quicker than competitors. Our staff said that their rack was ordered, shipped, and delivered within a week.
If you like the look of this rack, you’re in good hands with Westcott.
Find it online:
- Westcott Roof Rack: Check Price
Pros
- Industry-leading universal plate system
- Lightweight
- Solid Industry Reputation
- Low Profile
- 9 crossbars
Cons
- More Expensive
14. Victory 4×4 Full-Length & 3/4
If you’re looking for an affordable roof rack, Victory 4×4 stands out as a top option – but there are some items to consider.
Known for its transition from Jeep to Toyota accessories, Victory 4×4 has developed a reputation for mass-produced overland gear. This is not a boutique shop making the highest-end of products on the market. Victory 4×4 has been known to struggle with product quality and customer service over the years. Recently they have gotten a lot of pushback on Instagram and throughout forums for not refunding customers or simply not responding to customers.
The benefit to Victory 4×4 is they are cheap. They have always been the cheapest full-length rack on the market, however that comes with a price. If you’re looking to build your rig as cheaply as possible and willing to take the risk with Victory, to each their own. Just do your research in Forums, Reddit and browse through comments on their Instagram page, that is if they haven’t been deleted already.
At the end of the day, Victory still makes a decent product and many guys have been happy with their stuff here on the site. But, over the years we’re starting to hear more and more complaints. It’s not getting better for them, but worse.
Find It Online:
- Full Length: Check Price
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Potential quality issues
- Customer service issues
15. Rhino-Rack: Full-Length & 3/4
The Rhino-Rack Pioneer SX Platform is another low-profile option that is highly durable and can be mounted in a wide variety of ways depending on your setup. The platform’s build quality is similar to an Eezi-Awn K9 and the Front Runner, but a little less expensive.
The 3/4 platform can be mounted on your factory roof rails while the full option (backbone system) is an overland-style rack.
The Pioneer SX Platform is made from aluminum and comes powder-coated black. The measurements of this unit for the Backbone (full rack) system are Length 76″ x Width 49″x Height 1.5″. The measurements for the 3/4 platform are Length 60″ x Width 48″x Height 1.5″. You can mount the 60″ platform to the factory roof rails or you can purchase the stronger Backbone system for the larger 76″ platform.
The backbone system can support a roof-top tent (without the basket) like many of the full-length options above as well as many other common accessories.
The Rhino-Rack has endless options for mounting but you will pay for their accessories. To give you an idea, the tie-down eye nuts are $50 for 4. The gear is outrageously expensive.
Find it online:
- Rhino Pioneer Backbone Mount: Check Price
- Rhino Pioneer Backbone Platform (76″ x 48″): Check Price
Pros
- Factory mounts (no drilling required)
- Factory Rails (3/4)
- Factory Mounts (Backbone)
- Very low profile design
- Aluminum/ light-weight
- Powder-coated black satin
Cons
- Expensive Aftermarket Accessory Brackets
16. ARB Base Rack: 3/4 Rack
The ARB 3/4 Base Rack is a robust and versatile roof rack designed specifically for the 5th Gen 4Runner. Ideal for owners who adventure often and need additional storage capacity and functionality. Made from high-strength corrosion-resistant steel, the Base Rack is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy loads. The rack features a sleek, low-profile design that minimizes wind resistance and noise while maintaining a rugged appearance. One thing to note about wind noise is that if you do not have the fairing, this rack is very loud on the freeway at speeds above 60mph. Add another $100+ for that fairing.
From the additional fairing and a wide range of compatible accessories, it can be customized to suit various needs. The rack ships bare but the good thing is that ARB makes quite literally every accessory you would ever need. The downside here is that ARB accessories are expensive. Very expensive.
Installation is easy. The rack is designed for straightforward installation, with a bolt-on fit that integrates seamlessly with the 4Runner’s existing mounting points.
We tested the ARB Base Rack over 6 months and it performs well in off-road conditions, offering stability, reliability, and absolutely ZERO RATTLING. Its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind drag, contributing to better fuel efficiency compared to bulkier alternatives. This is where the Base Rack outshines some other CNC-style options. The large flat platform + side rails do not rattle at all. With some of the other CNC cut options listed here, you will find that over time, the aluminum sidebars can sway from side to side, causing an annoying rattle. This really depends on load weight distribution and crossbar count. The more crossbars you have, the less likely a rack is to rattle.
With the Base Rack, you will get a rattle-free rack with a ton of accessory options. Just keep in mind, that this is not a rack designed for RTTs.
Find It Online:
- ARB Base Rack (66″ x 56″ x 3″): Check Price
- Mounting Kit (5th Gen 4Runner): Check Price
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction for rugged use
- Low profile for reduced wind noise and drag
- Versatile mounting options for accessories
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Not a full-length rack
- Not designed for a rooftop tent
17. ARB Flat Alloy Mesh Rack: 3/4 Rack
There are a lot of off-road companies on the market, but few have a name as well-known as ARB. Although ARB has made roof racks for many years, their flat alloy rack has been introduced to the market and might just be the rack you are looking for.
There are a few things that set the ARB roof rack apart from other brands. The first is that the ARB flat mesh rack is made of alloy, making it extremely strong but also lightweight…significantly lighter than other racks on the market (under 50 pounds). The rack is also very low profile, providing a sleek and refined look for your 5th Gen 4Runner. The flat design helps out with the slim profile but also allows a user ample options for storing equipment on the rack.
If you don’t want to drill into your roof for an aftermarket platform, this is a great option as the ARB rack utilizes the factory roof rack mounting locations. This does mean you won’t have a full-length rack and more so a ¾ or 7/8 length rack, so depending on your needs this may be a positive or a negative aspect.
Lastly, this rack is very strong. With a dynamic load rating of 300 pounds and a static load rating of 600 pounds, the ARB Flat Alloy Roof Rack is capable of holding gear such as kayaks or paddleboards, but also a rooftop tent that can hold two people on board. This alloy rack comes with mesh on top to help you configure your gear and give you more options for transporting equipment and gear.
Options
The Flat Alloy Roof Rack comes in a 70” x 44” platform, but steel options are available in other sizes. It is important to mention that only the alloy rack comes with a mesh floor, as the flat steel options only come with crossbars.
Find it online:
- ARB Mesh Flat Alloy Rack: Check Price
Pros
- Alloy/ lightweight
- Low profile
- No drilling required
- Strong
- Excellent quality
- Flat design
- Powder-coated
- Lots of mounting options
- Very versatile
Cons
- Steel Design = Heavy
- Decreases Fuel Economy
- Increases Wind Noise
18. Nfab: 3/4 Basket
While being one of the cheapest complete racks on the list that does not mean it is poor quality. The N-Fab rack is actually one of the most cost-effective options on the list. It has a full aluminum design so it is lightweight but still strong. While you may not want to set up a tent on this rack it is capable of holding plenty of gear, or even a spare oversized tire.
The Nfab rack comes with a textured black powder coating that has a 5-year warranty. N-Fab itself has a lifetime warranty which makes this rack rank above most in a sense. Featuring a low profile design while still showing elements of a basket, this is an option to consider is budget is limited or you are looking for something small and compact. This option will hold gear securely with side straps as well.
This option is the perfect choice for anyone who hits trails, needs a platform for weekend trips or for general use but does not want a rooftop tent. Compared to other $1000 options, this choice covers many areas of importance and needs.
Find it online:
- Amazon: Check Price
- RealTruck: Check Price
Pros
- Factory mounts (no drilling required)
- Affordable
- Strong design
- Mild basket design
- Powder-coated
Cons
- Not a full rack
- Decreases Fuel Economy
- Increases Wind Noise
19. Yakima: 3/4 Basket
The Yakima MegaWarrior and LoadWarrior cargo baskets are dependable options for those who want to have additional storage space. It may not look as low profile as some of the other full-length options but the price is great and the install is very easy.
The Yakima MegaWarrior Cargo Basket (the larger version) is a durable all-steel basket with a black finish. Its dimensions are length 52″ x width 48″ x Height 6.5″ with an optional Length of 22″ extension. There are no included accessories that come with the Yakima. But, the basket comes with a built-in wind deflector which is needed due to it sitting so high.
Find It Online:
- Yakima LoadWarrior: Check Price
- Dimensions: 40″ x 39″ x 6.5″
- Weight: 25.00 pounds
- Yakima MegaWarrior Basket
- Dimensions: 52″ x 48″ x 6.5″
- Weight 43.8 pounds
- Yakima MegaWarrior Extension
- Adds 22″ (40%)
Pros
- Uses factory roof rails (no drilling required)
- Cheap
- Durable and functional
- Steel Design
Cons
- Painted not Powdercoated
- Taller than most racks
- Decreases Fuel Economy
- Increases Wind Noise
Which Rack is for You?
Overall, every one of these roof racks has great benefits. While some may look good they may not be built for function though. Whatever option you choose for your 4Runner is based on what you are looking for and your adventure plans.
You may want a low-profile design that’s super clean, versus a large rack but has more function. There are many factors when choosing the style, functionality, color options, storage, and most importantly mounting options. We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect roof rack for your next adventure.
which rooftop rack works best for a ROAM awning?
Bought the ARB flat alloy rack (70×44) for my 2018 SR5. What are my best mounting options?
I want to be able to carry some camping gear and two kayaks. Is it better to go with a flat rack? The basket style rack would be overall better suited to my needs, but I’m unsure about strapping the kayaks to a basket.
Did you ever end up picking out a rack? You want to do exactly what I wanted.
Any thoughts on the Yakima Off Grid or LockNLoad Platform? I’m a long-time Yakima enthusiast and considering an Off Grid or LNL and would love to hear anyone’s thoughts who’s willing to share!
The upTOP Alpha looks impressive. I noticed increased wind noise was not listed under the Cons items. I understand any roof rack will create some wind noise, however does the Alpha produce minimal noise compared to most full racks?
I have no experience with them on the 4runner but can tell you on my Tacoma before I traded it in for the 4R, there was zero wind noise from their rack. That higher split faring is engineered right!
Are there any racks where I person could stand or walk on, without adding additional hardware to the rack?
There are actually quite a few roof racks that you can stand on that don’t need additional hardware. Front Runner makes a pretty stout rack, K9, and many others have been known to be pretty strong.
Update on Prinsu Rack (Full). They now have a full non drilled version.
Can you please update this with all of the new players? (upTop Overland, Victory, SSO, etc)
I just bought a 2020 TRD PRO 4Runner and am wondering if the roof rack bolt pattern is the same for all 5th Gen 4Runners? I’d like to change out the old FJ style rack with a full length rack to support a roof top tent and tarp system. Thanks!
Check out the Victory full rack
What’s the name of the sliders that are seen in the Gobi Rack photo on this page?
They are factory side steps
me -no-think-so….;)
Ive been reading about a roof rack company out of Colorado called Sherpa Equipment Company. I have a 2020 4R and have been looking at Front Runner racks which I believe are made in South America. Made in the USA is very appealing to me. Has anyone else heard of or used this company?
Gregg, yeah you can see a post one of our writers put together on them here: https://trail4runner.com/2019/11/24/sherpa-crestone-roof-rack-install-review/
I know I’m kind of late to this thread, but just got a 2019 trd off-road. I’m trying to get a rack where I can put different things on (cargo box, bike carrier, ski rack, kayak/canoe rack, etc) but one where I don’t have to drill or add existing holes. Thanks for the help
I was hoping to get some guidance/perspectives regarding a roof rack. I’m buying an off road premium w/ a sunroof. Was thinking a 3/4 roof rack would be the way to go but was wondering how it affects the mounting of a roof top tent or any sort of canopy. Thanks
3/4 roof rack is going to be your best bet for utilizing your moonroof. They also still offer the opportunity to run an RTT and awning. The front runner is a really good 3/4 option rack out there.
I have a 2019 TRD Pro and recently discovered Leonard Fabrication & Design. Their headquarters are in Denver, NC (Just outside Charlotte) and everything is made in the USA. Quality made products for 4Runners and other vehicles. Check them out; http://www.lfdoffroad.com/
I have a 2019 TRD Offroad Premium. Will the TRD Pro roof rack fit? Local dealer told me it’s only for the pro but he also didn’t sound very motivated to figure it out for me.
Toyota Roof Rack Trd Pro Part Number: 4R PT278-89190
Daniel,
If it fits yours, I’ll gladly sell you the factory rack off of my 19 Pro. It’s never had anything put on it, essentially mint condition. Save you some money off a new one depending on where you are located.
Brian, same with me. What will you replace it with?
I have a 2019 trd Off road premium. Will the trd pro roof rack fit?
Roof Rack Trd Pro 4R – Toyota (PT278-89190)
Anyone recognize the side steps in the pic with the Gobi rack?
They look kinda wide…..maybe too wide to be sliders?
Side steps…. not the ladder. Any idea who makes them?
No I don’t, I put FAB nerf bars on mine…..may switch up to sliders if the “going gets any tougher.”
Great post. For the Rola V-tex picture above, it looks like it’s mounted on the standard vertical bars and not cross bars…is there a separate bracket this can be done with? I don’t have cross bars and want to go with a low profile look but instructions say it must be mounted on crossbars. Any insight is appreciated!
Hi Andrew,
I have the Rola V-TEX on 2018 and you need the crossbar to be able to have this rack up there.
The rack itself gets clap onto the crossbar.
Hey- Have you looked at the Rago Fabrication Modular Factory rail system? Connects right into the factory rails, totally flush, tons of modular applications for recovery gear, gas/water cans, tools, etc.. Also has add-on for Yakima round bars so you can still use a cargo box, kayak holders, etc.
Looks like a great rack alternative.
Hi Brenan. The Gobi breakdown doesn’t mention wind noise as a Con. I would assume all roof racks will create noise to some levels. Is there any information you can point me to that has more details?
Put a Gobi Stealth on my 18 TRD Off Road. Took almost 4 months to arrive, but from the instant it showed up, it was worth the wait. Shoot, even the packing was impressive… Any idea what mounting hardware was used for the MaxTraxs on the gray rig in the article? I like the setup. Thanks
Hi Lee – I tried to take a closeup screen shot and enlarge in PS….from what I can make out, it looks very similar to the “bolt and wing nut” setup a lot of Yakima and Thule bike racks employ. Just a guess.
Trying to find a full length roof rack for my 3rd gen that I can mount my rooftop tent on
Which racks work best with a light bar? Obviously, I would have to go with a full, not a 3/4. Thanks for the info!
Brenan,
First, thanks for all the time and effort you put in to the website. It has proven to be a game changer for a first-time 4Runner owner like myself.
With that being said, I just wanted to pass some information to you and possibly to some of your other readers. If you are law enforcement, military, or a firefighter, check out http://www.expertvoice.com and sign up for their insane savings. I got the Rhino-rack 76″x49″ Pioneer and the Backbone system for a total of $763…that’s over a $400+ savings.
The website also has TONS of other vendors that one can use also. I’ve said TONS of cash through them!
Thanks again for the hard work and information you provide! I’m taking lots of notes and they are working out great!
Do you write all of your blogs urself or do you
have a team? Contractors? Do you have guest writers?
Do you have any information on the stock bolt spacing on the 4runner? I.e. If I’m trying to make my own roof rack, before I rip my existing rails off I’d like to have a good design and know the stock spacing one the OEM rails are taken off.
Just now …thanks for the reply! That writeup may have sealed the deal for me as it’s one of the options I was down to! Thanks for the link share!
Okay …I need low profile rack and while there are no immediate plans for a RTT, I would like to get a rack that would hold one should I need it.
So low profile
Weight rated for RTT
I hate my factory rails so I don’t want to use those
Any recommendations that may be updates since this post originally?
I was leaning Rhino Pioneer, but saw in another post you don’t recommend it if RTT a consideration.
Any thoughts that you’d update if buying now based on yours and others feedback?
Have you looked at the new ARB Flat Rack that Clint just wrote a post on?
Great thanks …I’m leaning Rhino Rack with the upgraded support braces (backbone).
Why would the ARB FLAT ALLOY ROOF RACK decrease fuel efficiency and the others wouldn’t?
I’m looking for a flat design and one that would be sturdy enough for a RTT if I decided to get one. Do I need 300lb weight limit?
Just updated the article. Technically every roof rack will decrease fuel economy and increase wind noise on some level.
Hey Brenan, first and foremost – thank you for that you do for our community. I’m a huge fan of you and Snail Trail. You guys are my “go-to’s.” I’m looking into reacks and I’m curious as to why you said this in your post, with regards to the ARB racks.
“If you want to mount an RTT (rooftop tent), you need the 70” X 49” touring rack (part #3813200).” Is there a specific reason (#3813010) couldn’t handle a RTT? It looks like the same rack to me but with the front bars added. I’m not understanding why that would be needed for a RTT?
Great article, thanks very much. Proud owner of a 2019 Limited. Total stock right now, need to start with a new rack so this is very helpful. Vehicle has factory rails and crosssbars. We’re a family of four who spends a ton of time camping and skiing, in the mountains almost every weekend but outside of that I also use the vehicle for office-related work stuff. The current setup doesn’t fit with my existing long yakima box (need it further forward and I’m maxed out on settings). I’d like a cargo rack where I can integrate the longer box but then easily remove it when it comes to play real estate guy for work (cargo basket can certainly stay on forever, just need to be able to get into parking garages). Thoughts? Thanks very much in advance!
Has a question on the ROLA V-TEX ROOFTOP CARGO BASKET. In the picture in the article it looks like the rack is directly clamped to the side rails and potentially no crossbars are needed. Everything I’m reading on Amazon is saying that crossbars ARE needed. Can anyone confirm if the Rola would fit on a 2016 4Runner XP with standard roof rails?
You can actually buy an aftermarket mount kit to mount the Rola without crossbars, it makes it much sleeker. https://www.4xinnovations.com/03-20-4Runner-Rola-Rack-Mount-Kit_p_43.html
Hi Darren,
I have the Rola V-TEX on 2018 and you need the crossbar to be able to have this rack up there.
The rack itself gets clap onto the crossbar.
You can update the Prinsu specs to include that they have a no-drill full size option.
I’m looking at the Front runner roof rack. Lots of options for add ons.
I have a 2018 TRD Off Road Premium with the sunroof. Looking around, and doing research, I have only run across the Gobi and the BajaRack with sunroof cut out option on full length racks. Has anyone run into another option? I am not super keen on the long wait times for either of them. Additionally, my favorite reseller can’t get decent margins so I am looking for another option, but feel like I need to have that sunroof option since that was a requirement for me when I bought my 4Runner.
I have a 2019 Pro with Rack. I would prefer a full sized rack, but with a cutout for the sunroof. Is the Gobi or BajaRack set up for a sunroof? Thanks
You can adjust the rails on the Prinsu to avoid your sunroof. Thats my plan 🙂
Two of the photo’s show gas /water can’s mounted to the ladder. Living in FL it would be nice to have for Hurricane season. Where can I find that kit?
Thanks
Having some difficulty trying to decide among the various rack options described in this article. I primarily want a rack so I can get up high for certain photo situations, which means I need a ladder and a rack sturdy enough to stand on (I weigh 175lb). I don’t think I need a full size rack for that; I’m guessing the 3/4 will be sufficient. Another priority will be minimum wind resistance and noise on the highway. The Gobi Stealth seems like a good option, but the BajaRack mesh option seems like it might be helpful if standing on the rack. Thoughts or suggestions? What am I missing?
So can you hit the pros/cons of the alloy vs steel options for the racks that offer both? Obvious would be weight, but can you talk to whether there is enough strength loss in the alloy options to pay for the extra weight of steel? Anything else between those two?
Hey Brenan! This article was very helpful in narrowing my rack search. Thanks for that!
I’m currently torn between the full length options by Front Runner, Prinsu, and a third brand not in this article…
Could I get your thoughts on the Southern Style Offroad roof rack?
https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/5th-gen-4runner-roof-rack/
Do you see a huge benefit of the front supports being drilled vs the rubber supports SSO offers?
Thanks in advance!
I think drilling into your roof is fine as long as you are committed to that rack for the life of your truck. SSO makes nice products but I don’t have experience with them. I know a few guys that have their bumpers installed. They make quality stuff for sure. The 4 factory bolts on your roof are enough to hold down the weight of a rack. End of day, drilling would be stronger and more secure being you have 6 bolts instead of 4, but drilling might overkill as well. I have a custom built rack and we have a similar style front support like SSO, it works great. No need for drilling.
Was thinking of getting rhino rack 70 inch for my 2014 4Runner would it cause issues if i were to get the 54” wide instead of 49”?
Would it fit? Sure but it might hang over the side of the 4Runner about 2-3″ on both sides. The 54″ would be too wide for 5th Gen roof in my opinion but it depends on what look you are going for. You can see the Rhino Rack 49″ here. I thought that was perfect. 54″ might be pushing it.
We have a 2017 4Runner that we wish to carry two Hobie Pro Angler fishing kayaks on. They are 12′ and 14′, weigh a total of 250 lbs, and combined are about 75″ wide.
What would you recommend? (Is it even practical?)
Thanks! Mac and Belinda
Hey Brenan, I was wondering if you had any updates to this list that you would recommend or want to call out since it was originally posted? I am trying to decide on a rack that allows me full usage of my moonroof, that would also be in the 600 lbs load range.
Good question for Clint over at this article here.
Have you seen the LFD Off Road cross bars and racks? They look pretty promising and are inexpensive. Haven’t seen them in person yet.
http://lfdoffroad.com/
I took a tour of the plant just this past Friday afternoon. I really believe their front and rear bumpers could be utilized on an Abrams tank.
Yeah, Clark installed those. You can see them on this page.
Are there any issues with rust on these roof racks? I live at the beach and was wondering which would be best for avoiding rust – or if there are things that could be done to mitigate it. Thanks very much – love this site!
Do you know which rack will work with strapping down kayaks with my current adapters for the crossbars?
Also, does the GOBI ladder work with all different rack systems or just the GOBI?
I would like to put it with the Nfab Aluminium Rack.
Corby,
For factory crossbars and a kyack system, I found the yakima Hully Rollers. There are plenty of other systems out there though. You should reach out to Clint at http://www.texaskayakfisher.com/. He would have all the answers for you.
I would think the Gobi ladder will work with the Nfab rack. The Nfab rack sits pretty far in on the factory roof rails. I don’t see the ladder interfering with the set-up.
Can you recommend a rack that has good Kayak adapters?
When I upgraded to Gen5 4-Runner our Yakima Kayak racks didn’t fit the crossbars on the new truck.
I’m looking to add a basket type rack but need to be able to carry 2 kayaks on it.
The Yakima option would give you a basket and cross bars that would also enable you to add a kayak rack. Being that the roof is so high, I would also look into the Thule Canyon XT basket with extension, and cross bars. I believe the basket has an option to add locks to lock basket to cross bar, and you could add the Thule Hullavator, which is a lift system that would enable you to load and unload your kayak with ease, and both basket and kayak lift system could be keyed the same to have matching locks/keys, easier than fiddling with multiple keys! The Thule basket has a ~150lb load capacity. Would be a good way to add kayaks, paddles, and other gear to the roof. The hullavator is not cheap, but I used to sell them and work with them daily for customers, and can tell you honestly, they rock, and have a lifetime warranty. Thule is great, and anytime customers in the past had issues with racks/parts breaking, and lets say a kayak hit the freeway and was damaged (happened), Thule covered it. All instances vary. Overloading rack…exceeding recommended speed (like most customers do), but great customer service. and a solid brand. Only annoyance is the wind fairing. Yakimas is more solid, where as the thule one has been known to flex at high speeds and push wind down, but not always. Just fyi. Good luck.
Did you look at the mega warrior basket with the extension?
Brenan,
Do you know anyone who has bought the EchoTechne roof rack? I love the way it looks but I’ve seen on one of the 4runner forums that people had issues with the bolts rusting and bad wind noise. I realize any roof rack will have some noise associated with it but it seems a rack like the Frontrunner’s would be worse because it has no angles to it. I feel like I’ve been waffling between every single rack now for months… I like Prinsu’s but don’t really want to drill.
They have a Full Rack now w no drilling, just adhesive feet
JC,
Good question. Yeah, I have seen a few of the Ecotechne roof racks out there on the forum but I don’t have any personal experience with them. They do have a Prinsu like, design as well. The Ecotechne roof rack looks like a very streamlined roof rack with plenty of mounting points. What concerns me about the company is they are not based in the US, or somewhere that speaks English. I could be wrong here but go check out their website. It’s all Spanish, and pretty difficult to navigate. But. their products look pretty mean.
There shouldn’t be too much of a problem with the Front Runner Roof Rack wind noise. That is a seriously high-quality rack with many guys out there that can vouch. Front Runner sells an additional wind deflector for the rack, but is not needed. That rack sits so high above the roof, that most of the wind will have downforce and travel through the rack.
Yeah, Prinsu is a great rack also. The Prinsu Roof Rack comes in a 7/8 length model, full length, and 3/4 length. The 7/8 length roof rack has a very similar look to a full Prinsu Roof Rack but is 12″ shorter (I think). This rack does not require drilling. This is a great option if you do not want to drill but love the look of the Prinsu Roof Rack.
Thank you Brenan. I love your website by the way. Convinced me to pull the trigger on a TRD CAI and a Borla despite all the negative chatter on the 4Runner forum. And the Venezuela thing is what originally gave me pause on the Ecotechne. Going to go a different route. I feel like the Frontrunner may be the one because of it’s versatility.
Thanks to this crazy informative write up im able to make my decision on what system to go with thank you!
ProTRD,
Yeah, we wrote quite a bit on options. The crazy part is that we are missing quite a few. Maybe we will do a follow-up post. Also, we just spoke with a solid company who is making a new rack for the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra. It should be out soon. We will keep the site posted.
Great now I have some decisions to make! Thank you for having such a complete list and great information! @illest.illusion
Joshua,
Yeah, there are plenty of roof rack options to choose from for the 5th Gen. Let us know when you decide on a rack!
Just letting people know that Gobi is made in the USA, Colorado I believe. To me that is a big deal since I do tend to prefer parts that are made in the States. Although the rack is ubiquitous on 4runners everywhere, I believe there is a reason for that. I just ordered mine yesterday, the wait is 3-4 months. I figure the wait is worth the price and quality.
William,
Thanks man. Yeah, the Gobi Rack is an amazing product. Let us know when you have everything installed. Would love to see the step by step install on that rack! Keep us in the loop.
How about comparing to factory racks? I have a 2012 TE 4Runner, where the roof rack is different from the other versions, and later (after 2013) TE.
Looks nice, can mount a Megawarrior basket, but not a great fit. This earlier TE rack is taller than the other factory racks, and is black, so it looks better, I think.
Hi – this was a great article. I have a question on which of these rack mount directly on roof of the vehicle (not the existing factory Toyota roof rack). My 2018 Off Road came with chome colored factory racks and I’m thinking of taking the factory racks off entirely and replacing them with one of the black racks in your article. It’s hard to tell from some of the pictures which racks mount on the existing factory rack versus directly on the roof of the 4runner. Thank you!
David,
Good call, that would be a great idea. That factory rack that was on the earlier 5th Gens was clean. Super rugged and just fit the 4Runner perfect. Yeah, an overview on the cross bars, mount bars and earlier versions of the 4Runner rack would be a good idea. We can get into detail on what aftermarket racks and basket racks would fit with each application. Thanks for the tip. If you want to write that article, we would totally hook you up for it. : )
Cheers David!