Roof storage

Wanting to know what people perfer that doesn't cost $1600.

I was thinking about a bolt on cage but don't know where to get cross bars for the current stock set up.

Looking at ARB, Gobi, and Southern Style Offroad, but Not sure about the quality.

Also. I live in Washington state with the rain a majority of the year, so I am unsure of the leak factor in the future.

Anyway, Please point me in a good direction.

 

I have a bag i just strap on top of our Highlander. Lay it on roof. Strap to side rails.
Think it was under $50 online.
Came with a patch kit but so far hasn't leaked.
Sometimes makes annoying wind noise on hwy.
Easily removed and folds up small when not needed.

 

Maybe Thule crossbars of your local CL? A lot of people are ditching there rooftop racks. Thule has a online fit guide.

 

http://lfdoffroad.com/catalog/ruggedized-crossbar-5th-gen

 

We have N-FAB on ours works for us. Probably the least expensive one out there, no cross bars needed.

 

Those LFD crossbars are sweet! Keep the stock side rails, cheap and low profile!

 

They're really solid. I have two, and I keep maxtrax and a weatherproof rifle case full of tools up there.

 

Any noticeable wind noise from the LFD crossbars?

Did you get the steel or aluminum?

 

Do you have the steel or aluminum?

 

Sorry, just saw this. I have two steel crossbars. There is maybe the slightest bit of extra wind noise when unloaded.

 

But bro that's not even overland-rated

I need to make sure people notice my $300 Pelican cases and never-used maxtraxs

 

If you don't mind scuffs and gouges, get the Pelicans from mil surplus dealers. I got a pair of big Pelican trunks for $100 total last summer.

$300 is just silly.

 

Thanks for the tip on LFD crossbars. I've been mulling over a set of 2 for a while.

I really only carry a RockyMounts basket up there with OEM crossbars on trips, and sometimes use the OEM crossbars for lumber or whatever. The curvature of them is a little aggravating so the flat LFD crossbars will work out better for everything I use a roof rack for. No need for Pelicans or Maxtrax, or the ever present hi-lift. Maybe a shovel. Dunno.

Note that the "new" style of both steel and aluminum bars have slots and not pre-drilled holes for accessories.

I went with aluminum for rust resistance. Not cheap, $248 shipped for two and two Carolina 4R decals but should be a better setup. I'll recoup $70 by selling my OEM crossbars.

 

^

Well, wind noise at 65+ with the LFD is goddamn unbearable. I removed them immediately. Good idea, but not worth listening to what sounds like an airplane above my head to have flatter bars.

 

Shoot. They're such a great solution if not for the noise. Did you try to attach something like an O-ring/washer/bolt like LFD recommends? I think they also now have a wind faring specially made for the crossbar.

How would you describe the noise? Whistle? Hum? Buzz?

 

No, I didn't have anything attached or installed. I mounted them, adjusted them to fit the Yak rack I was planning on using with them, and then took the Yak rack off. Then the first time I drove after that, there was a rumble not unlike a car next to me driving over rumble strips. It actually took me a bit to figure out what was going on and to recall that I'd changed out the crossbars. It's a liveable noise - like you can talk over it or use your phone with no real issues - but it's quite obvious. To be fair calling them unbearable or referencing an airplane was exaggeration.

I'm selling them, $180 shipped. Save $40.

 

I'm disappointed. That was my plan to go with those crossbars. I heard that LFD said the noise can be eliminated sometimes by inserting something, anything, into one of the holes on the crossbar. Even a small nut/bolt. Just anything that would change the resonance frequency. Might be worth a shot?

Did you try changing their position an inch or two?

 

Nope. I wanted them to be in the set position so I could just throw the basket up there as needed and have 0 adjustments. Having to move them around would defeat the purpose of having them in the first place, plus it would be more inconvenient to move them since they require a tool and the factory ones are just a thumb bolt.

I didn't think of inserting stuff in the slots either. I already pulled them off and actually a guy just paid me for them on t4r.org so I won't be testing that theory.

 

Word.