would like to know if anyone has attempted a rack build like this or if anyone has seen one similar. would like attempt one in the future if there are no serious objections to it. thanks guys

 

btw it would be going on my 1986 4runner. i like the idea that it does not have to be screwed into the top or into the body. this is a rough sketch. the only problem i think i would have is making sure the top is completely sealed all around since the bracket that would mount the top would go between the body and the top itself.

 

anyone want to take a stab at this??? anyone at all????

 

I don't see an issue other than the seal between cab and top will off at the roof level. What I mean is that when you raise the top....the top will then be off from the roofline and none of the bolt hole wont line up but you can always make the holes in top a lil larger. And then again there's probably enough seal there not to worry about it.

 

I like that idea, especially the bike mount. What are you using to draw that with and where did you get the 4runner drawing

 

I've seen similar racks on trucks with toppers, but not a 4runner. If you can keep everything lined up or fabbed to fit I would love to see it done.

 

You Sir have solved my problem of hauling my canoe with a camper top on my truck kudos to you.

 

nailtit69: i found the drawing on another site but no one commented on it to fill me in on any problems with it.

lilgription & Konah: thanks for the advice

creedua: i figured this design would eliminate alot of the load problems on the fiberglass top and the whole body bolting that has to be done to attach it to the body. looking forward to building it when i learn to weld which i hope to start working on soon. but as for now it is my project in waiting. let me know if you get to any time soon. i love to see it in action and the specs. ill do the same if i get to it.

 

I-like-it-a-lot! I went a different route and mounted rails to my top, but I really like the side step and side mount bike features!

I think I saw something like that somewhere on expedition portal. I did a quick search but couldn't find it. I have also been thinking about doing something similar with my roof rack now that I picked up a softopper. I think lilgription has nailed it though, the trick part will be to maintain a good seal at the cab. I would think that 1/4" thick plate would do the trick.

I immediately think steel when fabbing, cause I cant TIG but it would be nice if you could use aluminum where you can. I can see just the sandwich plates being 60 pounds or so if made out of 1/4" steel. Aluminum weighs 1/3 of steel and no rust!

PLEASE DO THIS! sub'd.

 

The seal at the cab is a press fit. Adding the channels under the sides of the top won't affect the top seal unless you get too thick. I'd say no more than 1/4" but your issue is going to be structural integrity of the rack with realistically nothing to brace it upon with this design.

:wabbit2:

 

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/hauler-...er-racks.html#

 

Hey Wabbit, you thinking this design needs a brace to stop a loaded rack from shifting forward while slamming on the brakes? (or gunning it from a stop if he has a stock 22r with 200k like me ) Yeah, I can see that.

You can x-brace, but thats meh. What about adding a small plate brace down from the cross-overs, one on each side to the top of the cab where the factory bolt locations are?

 

Seems like you could run a horizontal bar from front to back and or add some diagonal braces.