utility rack style for overlanding?

[just eric]

Was wondering what you guys thing of a utility style rack for overlanding and general offroad travel with gear (nato cans + lightweight misc stuff) on the roof. I was planning on upgrading to a RTT that will be riding up top as well. Just not sure about the lack of side rails for strapping things down. Below is a link to the rack I am considering. Thanks for your input.

http://www.bajarack.com/fj-ut-rack

 

[proper4wd]

If you need side rails then your stuff probably isnt strapped down right in the first place. Utility is the way to go... more usable, and better fuel economy. I guess it doesnt "look" as cool though.

 

[bat]

Side rails have there place and if it something you will not be needing then go for it. I like side rails for my racks but I also build my own to my personal stuff.

 

[scrubber3]

You can stack with side rails. If a strap does fail to hold then you have the side rail to hold it in place. Not to mention the stability a side rail offers to kept something from loosening up in the first place especially if you are off road. If you do a lot of bumpy trails, it'd be a mistake to not have em.

 

[SWITAWI]

I have enjoyed my daily driver FJ Cruiser w/o any roof rack, but I am considering either the BajaRack Utility Rack or the FrontRunner WindCheetah due to their flat profiles. I think a flat rack is definitely the way to go if you're needing all-purpose utility. I have to say though, there's no denying the benefit of side rails in continuous off-camber situations.

BajaRack FJ Utility Rack

FrontRunner WindCheetah FJ Roof Rack

 

[overlander]

All the S. African racks (Hannibal, Front Runner) have removable sides and the cross bars are flat and have captured nut channels along their length for eyebolts to attach cargo and straps to.