Hi, I have access to a welder and a good teacher, and am thinking about building my own roof rack. I recently had a near disaster with a fully loaded rocket box on the rain-gutter mounted Yakima rack, and I'd like something much stronger.

My 4Runner has rock sliders, and a Marlin Crawler rear bumper, and I'd like to build a cage that mounts to them and goes up and over the top. There would be two (minimum) crossbars that the rocket box (or anything else) can mount to.

I could weld some upright tubing (or square stock) mounts to the sliders and bumper, and the cage could be removable by fitting into the mounts and securing with pins.

Seems to me this would be stronger (if I used strong enough materials) than drilling into the fiberglass top, as many have done. There would be also options for future modifications, such as a ladder for easy roof access, swing-out jerry can mount, hi-lift mount, roof-top tent, etc.

Please let me know what you think of this idea. If it's a go, I'll start a thread on my experience.

Thanks!

 

I think that is a great idea. I have seen a mod like that on here before I think. I have been running into some issues as well with a top load. I will be watching to see what you come up with.