I'd like to buy an mount a thule basket on my roof but I don't have roof rack rails on my truck. Are the rail needed or can I just bolt the basket directly to the roof, using gaskets and sealer of course for the bolts that will run through the roof.



Derek

 

So, you want to mount a basket sans a rack with load bars?

Which basket do you have in mind.......the MOAB?

 

I hadn't seen the site in a while, so I just checked to see if they'd updated their products. But, just as I remember, they don't offer a way to attach a basket unless you have load bars or tracks.

Personally, I'd get a load bar/tower system that way you don't have to do any drilling. In which case, I'd find a used rack on ebay. I've gotten two Thule racks off of there at great deals and in great shape. Saved a lot of money.

But, if you don't want a load bar system, then you'll need to get some Thule towers/feet and rails and drill. Might try with DeathCougar here on YT (he works at Nix99 used Toyota parts in Wash.) and see if they have a factory rack. Or, check the classifieds on YT and see if someone has one for sale. Might even post a want ad. Or, check ebay for some rails of another manufacturer to fit your 4rnr. Won't be Toyota, but you just need rails and Thule will fit to any.

 

If you don't have factory rails-just go to a local wrecker and grab some. My truck didn't have factory rails and thats what I did. I used threadserts - a threaded insert that installs like a rivet- and mounted to my roof. Theoretically you could mount rails off of another vehicle. Cheap!

 

Yeah it's the MOAB basket that I'm considering. I'll have to check a few wreckers around here for a stock rack/rails. Toyotas are a rare find in the yards in these parts, the ones that didn't rust away to nothing are still being driven. The parts guys actually laugh a little when you ask about 4Runner stuff, the trucks get raped as soon as they enter the yard.

 

Yotas are just too irresistable.

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Even the rails off my wife's Buick stationwagon would work on her '92 4rnr......though, it has the factory rails/rack.

I've got a threadsert kit. Handy dandy.....

 

Even in Onterrible hopefully the roofs haven't rusted off!