Roof rack basket

[4x4mike]

The family is getting bigger and we're starting to get out more and I'm feeling the need to stack crap on the roof of the 4runner. We already have Yakima racks on both cars so I'm thinking about building off of that platform. Yakima makes several products that will hold cargo but I don't think they fit my needs. I like the basket case because it is low profile but it's a little small. The load warriors and the like (even ones from Thule and other guys) are far to large and high profile. As much as I don't want to stack stuff on my roof I still want to get good gas milage.

Anyone have any ideas or have you made one? I think I remember one on here but didn't find it searching. Ciy5 (sp?) has a nice one in his garage profile. The price seems good but I was wanting to make something as I think I have enough material already. I'm not looking to hold a bunch of weight or anything too big. More like a folded stroller, pack-n-play or some firewood.

[paddlenbike]

I have always wanted a yakima spacecase. Even in the absence of wet weather, anything riding on the roof gets covered in bug guts. I think they would be your best bet for fuel economy and security too. Check craigslist for deals. If you're set on making something, just ignore my post. :)

[Good Times]

Mike,

One of the best purchases I've ever made was the ginormous Yakima Spacebox. I was really hesitant on doing this but after seeing Bob pimp one for Death Valley I was instantly sold. They might look big and ugly but I tell ya it's worth every penny you spend on it. I would say hunt for a good used unit from CL. I found my box on CL for $200!

Here's what mine looks like. It's big and takes up 60-70% of the roof (so it's pretty wide) but perfect for the 4th gen. They have smaller ones so hunt for the right one.
http://www.ultimateyota.com/images/stories/biopics/lance_truck.jpg

Perks:
Lockable
Waterproof
Dustproof! So far that is :)

I've thrown all of my camping gear on top and haven't had any issues. :)

[4x4mike]

I kind of forgot about those. Probably because I dealt with them so much when I worked at REI. I know I could get one for a song but I've never liked them. In the nine years I worked with them I saw many (I mean many) come back broken. They just don't seem to last that long. We had thought about one when we got our Subaru but not since. One issue with them would be storing it as they are big and wouldn't be used a ton.

I throw it into the pot and think about it.

[DHC6twinotter]

We used to have one of those car-top carriers several years ago. The top blew off on a two lane highway in Texas. Laundry and everything else spilled out on to the road, bushes, and trees. If you Texas folks ever see some underware hanging in the trees or parts to a Super Nintendo along the road, that was probably from us. :hillbill:

That being said though, those roof top carriers are really nice to have....just make sure it is secured good so the passing semis don't blow it appart.

[4x4mike]

I ended up getting the basket that CYi5 has. It's pretty big but for the price and size it's a good deal. It is lightweight but I don't plan on maxing it out. My plan was to make some mounting feet so I could mount it low and nestled inbetween the Yakima rack. I didn't have much luck and had to use the factory bars just like CYi5.

I did cut the rack a bit because I want the rack to fit well on both our cars and still be able to use the Yakima racks. After cutting I bombed the thing with Rustoleum Hammer black and it turned out really well. These pictures are pre cutting and painting. Here in a few weeks this thing should get a work out.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07272.jpg

For size reference
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07277.jpg

This is the way it's supposed to be put together.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07275.jpg

This is the way I did it. The end is what I cut off, so it's go 90 degree sides.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07279.jpg

[4x4mike]

Mounted. You can't really see the factory crossbars but I'd like to not use them as I have the Yakima.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07280.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07282.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07283.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07287.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07288.jpg

[DHC6twinotter]

Nice rack! It looks like it sits lower than alot of other racks I've seen. :thumbup:

[corax]

I ended up getting the basket that CYi5 has.

Pretty cool, I like the low profile. Where'd you get it from? Who makes it?

[4x4mike]

Nice rack! It looks like it sits lower than alot of other racks I've seen. :thumbup:


This was the whole idea. Most are too tall for my liking. This one is only 14 pounds and will hold what I need it to. I haven't nopticed any more noise than just having the Yakima rack up there. I haven't loaded it down yet though.





I ended up getting the basket that CYi5 has.

Pretty cool, I like the low profile. Where'd you get it from? Who makes it?


I think the website was discountramps.com. It's a different site than is shown here but I bet the sites are linked. I got in on a free shipping deal.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Roof%20Rack/DSC07271.jpg

It's a bit expensive for what it is but it is what I wanted. I was goingto make something but it would have taken me a while and still looked ghetto fabed. Not to mention it would have weighed 30 pounds.