Roof Rack

JGS · 06-29-2009, 02:47 PM

Bought my FJ without a roof rack and I kinda like the looks of the Gobi.

I will need to carry kayaks, however, and wondered about the curving lines of this rack as it follows the roof contour. Tying down the boats could be a problem?

Anyone had experience with this?
Would appreciate the benifit of others experiences.

Thanks.

FJNewb · 06-29-2009, 03:30 PM

I have a Gobi Stealth. Haven't tried putting a kayak up there, but I don't see any major issues with it as long as you tie down with some straps.

The likes of ARB or bajarack would probably be easier to mount a kayak to since they are both flat, but imo don't look as good.

I'm sure someone will post up pics of each with Kayaks or tents on top

VT_RainMan · 06-29-2009, 04:13 PM

Do a search for Gobi Kayak.. you'll find some info. The hardest part with any rack is getting the kayaks up on the rack... it's a long ways up.

You will need 2 crossbars to properly secure any kayak.... soooo, the contour doesn't matter. It's a straight line between 2 distances. Crossbars will be your next challenge.

fj 43 · 06-29-2009, 04:31 PM

I would think you would have to buy some type of saddle or support for it. I have the thule kayak racks that look like a "J" up on the rack. They work great and will mount to any bars going from left to right. the clamps are pretty wide for factory racks. BTW, thules customer service is top notch if anything ever goes wrong.

***Fjamming*** · 06-29-2009, 04:39 PM

You could email bigdouggiedoug and see if he has any pictures. I've seen him carry them before.

**volhoo** · 06-29-2009, 04:42 PM

Here is a shot of my friends 20 foot canoe on my ARB roof rack.

One advantage of the flat style of the ARB is exactly this kind of functionality (JMO).

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JGS · 06-30-2009, 09:16 AM

Hot rig Valhoo;

Thanks!
and thanks to everyone else that responded.

VT_RainMan · 06-30-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

volhoo previously said:

Here is a shot of my friends 20 foot canoe on my ARB roof rack.

One advantage of the flat style of the ARB is exactly this kind of functionality (JMO).

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It is better to carry kayaks with saddles, jbars, or stacking bars. You never carry a kayak like a cannoe. It will crush the hull. So, you will still need yakima/thule crossbars and one of the options to secure the kayak to it. That's why I like my OEM rack and wont change it... for carrying kayaks, it is easier to setup then the aftermarket racks.

JGS · 06-30-2009, 02:29 PM

You guys are right; It is a long way up there to hoist a boat to tie it down.
I have told my family that we will use our other smaller vehicle locally for the yaks and mount to the FJ only for longer trips.

I am glad to have this feedback. Since I am not planning any real expeditions, an OEM roof rack may serve my needs. Did I understand that Thule or Yakima accessories will fit the large diameter bars on the Toyota rack?

VT_RainMan · 06-30-2009, 02:57 PM

These work from Yakima... not sure about Thule.
Yakima Products - LowRider Or there is a LowRider Max w/Claw 2. You can also go to the website and use "fit my car". Once you know what you need... shop around. Because I found these way cheaper on Amazon.com and some other accessories locally. These also work on Jeeps, Rav4's, and just about any other roof racks. So, they are pretty versatile.

I have the LowRiders, 48" bars (smallest that will fit), and the HullRaisers (they come with great straps). You'll also need a stepping stool or milk crate.