What are my options for extra storage space (roof rack) for my 89 4runner? Thanks.

vmax84

 

The 87 I just bought had a Yakima roof rack attached above the window gutters. I didn't get the rack as he put it on something else, but I'd imagine that is the easiest way w/o having to drill any holes in the top.

I would think you might find some 411 on this if you searched for roof racks.

 

I think you have to be a little more specific to get some better help here. Do you want the rack on the cab portion, top portion, either? for top mounted racks, NWOR makes by far the best. I've hauled my QuadSport up there on several trips from Texas to Pismo. That's about the most weight I've tried, but many many trips full of luggage, Christmas gifts, bikes, etc.

 

I would have to "see it" in order to know if that is what I would like. I'll search for some pics. Thanks.

vmax84

 

there is a small pic of what it looks like on my web page - it is on the black 4runner before I rebuilt/repainted it. send me an email (toy4x4runner@aol.com), and I can send you a bigger pic

 

Yeah, if ya' don't mind, send me a pic at vmaxrules540@yahoo.com

Thanks.

vmax84

 

here's a thread with pics of mine

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=yakima

 

something simple like this?

 

Thanks for the link!! That's exactly what I'm looking for.........but I don't know if I can drill thru my cap!!

vmax84

But I do really like the basket........exactly what I want.

 

Is there any reason why you can't just use the gutter mounts like on the metal on the fiberglass gutters instead of drilling?

 

the fiberglass gutters aren't structural. you might be able to get away with only a bike up there, but if you put any significant weight, you'll just rip the gutter off. i don't have a pic of the result, but it happened to a friend of mine. he just had two bikes on the rack and while going around a turn, there was enough force to break the gutter off.

 

I broke mine with two kayaks on it. I had to drive like 1 hr and a half with one on top and a kayak sticking basically where my shifter is. Really sucked and the kayak stuck like 6 feet out the back too.

I believed they are not structually sound but also I tightened the foot too much and that was what broke it also. I am planing on making a new drill on foot that will do the same, if anyone can help me make that it would be sick.

Thanks,
Alex

 

I had the same gutter disaster on my '86. I even have pics of the damage, and the solution. I got this idea from an older model volvo station wagon one day at work. I was originally using a gutter mount Thule system when I was hauling waaaayyyy much more lumber than I should have. It was free and I got carried away. Anyhow, the gutters ripped underload and was pondering solutions to remount the racks. A friend suggest bolting on aluminum stock much shaped like this: I_I It is used to make window pane frames I believe. 1/4 in. wide space. Anyway, got it at Lowe's along with some flat aluminum stock for backing plates. I was going to go with this plan until I saw the Volvo. The person used Yakima racks,the style that sit on the rooftop and hook under the door jam and clamp tight. Only he had gutters and just clamped under them. Well, since I had a set of Thule racks that mount in the same fashion and the feet are steel and not plastic, I thought "Ah! A perfect solution!" So, with the pieces of fiberglass gutter that are left I hooked under them, as well as the metal gutters over the doors, and viola! it works. Now all the weight sits on the rooftop and not the gutters. I have already hauled a couple of heavy loads of 3/4 in. plywood. So, I know it works. Not to mention, this style of top mount rack is removeable and does not flex and bow under load like the gutter mounts. I have pics store in my email, but have no idea how to post them. So, if you would like to see what I did I can email them. The files are not terribly large. Or if someone could instruct me as to how to post them....

 

akennedy89@yahoo.com

Send em

 

Deed is done! Let me know what you think. Cheers!

 

OOPS! Bounced back. I'll try again.
File bigger than I thought. Thought I had reduced it enough. Sorry. Just give it less than a minute to load.

 

I am attempting to post pics. Bare with me. First time!
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

 

Okay, sorry so big! I am very new to posting pics but will figure it out.
Anyway, I thought this was a clever solution to my dilemma. I credit the mystery volvo person, but as my best bud says,"Adapt and overcome!". Or something like that.
As you can see in the second picture, the gutter ripped right off. Look familiar anyone? However, the passenger side not pictured has far worse damage. There is only five or six inches of gutter left. Well, I still plan to use the aluminum stock to replace the fiberglass gutters all together, but will stick with these racks as opposed to gutter mounts to keep weight on the rooftop and not the gutters. And as you can see, no holes were drilled just to mount a rack without stressing gutters.

 

i like mike_d's setup, but i think baskets look tight

 

I hade the same basket as Mike. Its the Loadwarrior from Yakima.
I had it sitting on a Thule cross bars.
I was real happy with my set up. I even sat up on my basket loading equipment and it held me several times. I was real careful though

Here is the Loadwarrior on my old '88.