Full Length Roof Racks for 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner – 7 Unique Setups That Maximize Storage Capacity & Functional Space
This Week’s Topic: Roof Rack Setups
Welcome back to another Feature Friday! If you missed last week’s FF, we showcased some awesome Roof Top Tents that you should definitely check out!
This week we are piggybacking off of last week’s FF in the form of roof racks. If you found interest in last week’s RTT article and are now in the market for one, you’ll likely need a roof rack – if you don’t have one already.
We compiled a list of 7 full-length roof racks to consider when making your decision on what rack to buy. We have some repeats, but each user expressed their personal likings on their rack to help give you a better understanding of the product. If you need some more research about roof racks then check out our huge library of roof rack articles. Just type roof rack into the search bar and have at it!
Top Brands Featured
- Prinsu 4Runner Roof Racks: Check Price
- Prinsu Ridgeline Handles: Check Price
- Prinsu Summit Handles: Check Price
- RCI Off-Road Rack: Check Price
- Sherpa Roof Racks: Check Price
4Runner Full-Length Roof Racks
The Benefits Of Having A Roof Rack
The 4Runner has a decent amount of space in the cargo area, but it can fill up fast. Having a roof rack can give you added storage space, especially if you run a full-length one. You’d be surprised by all the items you can securely place on your roof rack.
The biggest reason I got a roof rack on my 4Runner was for Home Depot runs. At the time, I did not have a truck and we are always doing house renovations or flipping properties. I tried to put a piece of plywood on the stock roof rails and immediately realized how unsafe and impractical the OEM rails are for the 4Runner. Having a proper roof rack now, I am able to easily secure items up top by either bolting them to the roof rails or with tie-down straps. I also have little worry about cargo flying off while traveling at highway speeds.
The added functionality that you get with a roof rack is game-changing. It is one of the first mods I recommend if you are really using your 4Runner as an all-around camping or DIY home renovation vehicle.
Now, let’s check out these 7 4Runner full-length roof racks!
1. Alex Bruce (@alexbbruce) – Sherpa
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Crestone
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: ~50lbs
- Price: ~$1,200
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
To my knowledge, Sherpa makes the best roof rack in the business. It’s quiet, looks great, has plenty of cool options for additions, and is really sturdy. Currently, I only store Maxtrax, an ARB Touring awning, and sometimes Rotopax on it. Albeit, I do change things out depending on what I’m doing. It’s really nice to know that I have a product from a local (to me) company and that I can put anything from a Christmas tree or lumber to a RTT on it with no issues.
2. Dale Bacuno (@mr_84runner) – Alpha Foxtrot Designs
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Full Length
- Material: Aluminum
- Price: ~$895
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
The rack is a very low-profile design and the aluminum construction makes it super lightweight. No drilling is required to mount this rack and installation was very easy. This roof rack comes with a cut-out in the front wind fairing to fit up to a 45″ light bar. It also works with most brackets for mounting accessories.
3. Michael Reardon (@mreardon_) – RA Motorsports
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Element Modular
- Material: Aluminum
- Price: ~$900
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I like that it’s a Canadian product and very well made. It’s very comparable to a Prinsu, but without the wait time. Rigid makes specific pods that flush mount right onto the rack. The rack comes with tie-down points and accommodates a rooftop tent very easily. This rack also directs bolts up a Rago rear window molle panel.
4. Irene Bayaca (@winter_trd) – Prinsu
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Non-Drill w/ Cut-Out
- Material: Aluminum
- Price: ~$980
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
The reason I chose the Prinsu Rack is that it’s lightweight, super low profile, and modular. I also have no wind noise with the front wind deflector; bonus! Installation was completely no-drill and super easy. I like that you can configure the crossbars to meet your needs regarding mounting gear.
The ability to use the T-slots is very convenient to add tie-down options and/or mounting additional lights compared to other brands where you have to remove the crossbars in order to utilize them. The only complaint I have is the hardware that secures the crossbars. I had one occasion after a really bumpy trail that I lost a couple of bolts that held my Weekender Waterport Mount. After that, I always make sure the bolts are snug before and after a trail. I haven’t had an issue since.
5. Eric Jackson (@gen5t4r_eric) – Baja Rack
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Utility Flat w/ No Sun Roof Cut Out
- Material: Steel Tubing
- Weight: 77lbs
- Price: ~$1,300
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
One thing I like about my rack is the ease of installation. All you have to do is remove the stock rack, install the mounting legs on the roof, put the rack on, tighten everything down, and it’s time for a cold one. I could probably do this install in 30 minutes with a second set of hands.
In addition, I like how I can get creative with mounting stuff on it (before I threw on the RTT). I’ve mounted items from a Plano box to side-facing camp lights. I can mount them exactly how I want without needing to account for the T-slot spacing that CNC modular racks face. The Baja Rack UT Flat Rack is simple, and it just works.
6. Ashley Matthews (@Nantahala4Runner) – Sherpa
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Crestone
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: ~50lbs
- Price: ~$1,200
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
Previously, I ran LFD crossbars on my stock rails, but I quickly ran out of the room after mounting a Pelican Vault rifle case, awning, and traction boards. I chose Sherpa primarily because of the build quality and the unique rubber seals used to attach the rack to the roof. I love the options available with a rack that runs the full length of the 4Runner, and multiple options for mounting equipment on the sides.
For accessories, I mounted my Roam awning with Sherpa’s brackets and mounted my Vault box with 1/4 inch carriage bolts, which slid right into the crossbar tracks. I’ve noticed very little difference in the noise level with the full rack, and I was so impressed with the build quality and ease of installation. This rack is solid, and it may be the best decision I’ve made yet for my build.
7. Luis (@riqrunner) – Alpha Foxtrot Design
Roof Rack Details
- Model: Full Length
- Material: Aluminum
- Price: ~$895
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I like the overall aesthetic and details on the side profile of the rack. I also like how low it is to the roof compared to other brands that I’ve seen. The ease of crossbar adjustability and the front light bar cutout give this rack an added bonus in my opinion. Most importantly, I’ve never had issues with noise from the roof rack while driving. I’ve mounted many heavy items on it without issue, the quality of this rack speaks for itself.
Final Thoughts
What a great group of rigs and their full-length roof racks. I personally have a 7/8 rack on my 4R by LFD Off-Road, but if I want to upgrade to a full length in the future, then I have a better idea what to go with based on this article. I hope you gained some knowledge as I did.
If you would like to be considered for next week’s Feature Friday, we will be showcasing Black Wheels.
We want readers to get inspired by a variety of rigs/products. Submit your build for Feature Friday here to get featured. If you would like to submit your build for next week, include your setup details and an awesome photo that shows it off.
Have a great weekend everyone!
GOBI Racks?
Gobi racks are cool looking and to each their own when choosing mods but fewer and fewer guys are running Gobi simply because of weight. The Gobi rack without the moonroof cutout is around 80lbs. With the moonroof cutout you’re at 70lbs. Compare that to your run of the mill CNC cut rack at 40-50lbs. Weight is a serious concern and for most of these builds stacking mods on their roof, they’re trying to keep the weight down at all costs. Every pound adds up and, on the roof, you feel it even more compared to other center of gravity mods. This is the reason why Prinsu and other CNC rack companies started popping up everywhere. It’s easy to make, they’re light weight and they’re highly customizable. Gobi racks used to be the pinnacle of roof racks circa 2014. However, when Prinsu first launched, long before CBI bought them, the interwebs and manufactures everywhere started second guessing what we all thought was the best roof rack option on the market. Mad props to Gobi for their design, but innovation and herds of manufactures with competitive pricing make them a small player in today’s market.
Damn, that was a really good response.