Configuring a Gobi for RTT + More

[CrazyMike]

The wife has tasked me with outfitting our yet-to-be-delivered 5th Gen 4Runner with a Roof Top Tent. The rack that I'm most interested in is a Gobi Stealth but I'm struggling with determining the best configuration that will allow maximum function both with AND without the RTT mounted (the RTT will only be a part-time resident).

Vehicle facts:
2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro (no sunroof)

Rack uses:

• RTT (Heavily leaning toward CVT Mt Shasta series)
• Touring kayak(s) maybe a canoe
• Camping boxes
• General transport use (infrequently carrying plywood, drywall, lumber, etc.)

Gobi Stealth Custom Options:

• Sunroof panel (Removable, deleted, welded in panel)
• Cross bars (welded, deleted, removable)
• Perimeter frame (Rise in front, flat with no rise)
• Front rail (40" light bar setup, standard four light option)

I'm looking for opinions/ideas that other Gobi owners have with these types of uses and how you configured your rack.

Also, if anyone has ideas for easier removal of a RTT I'd love to hear them. Here's an idea that I'm really interested in.

 

[chmura]

The best configuration will be not to get a Gobi basket style rack and to get a flat expedition style rack like Eezi-Awn 2.2m long rack or Front Runners rack.

http://www.equipt1.com/i/roof-racks/toyota-5th-gen-4runner

http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/

I made the mistake purchasing the Gobi and after 2 years owning it I noticed a basket style rack is not so useful on an expedition camping rig. I sold the Gobi 6 months ago and quickly bought the 2.2m K9 rack for my 4runner. If you will use the rack for a roof top tent than I highly recommend a flat style rack vs the basket style.

I wanted to purchase a hard shell roof top tent and the raised portion up front that the Gobi has would not work with the hard shell RTT. Sure I could of made 3/4" spacers that sit ontop of the cross rails so the tent clears it but that would lift up the tent and increase my center of gravity which I did not want to do.

Also with the traditional soft shell RTT that you want to purchase there is room up there for two fairly large storage boxes with a flat style rack but going with the Gobi I doubt there will be any room left for anything else because the basket style really reduces the real estate up there.

I also did not like Gobi's Axe and Shovel mounts. They are integrated together and you have to fidget with either the shovel or axe just to remove one item you need. It became an issue if I wanted to use the shovel really quick because it took too long to remove it. If you are not careful you will end up banging your vehicle with the axe or shovel. Luckily for me there was no damage.

In the end I sold the Gobi and never looked back. If I had to do it all over again I would of gotten a flat rack from the beginning.

For installing the roof top tent I really like a product from INCRA. I can tie down the Autohome tent in less than 10 minutes using these.



Also here is the picture of the Autohome on my rig. A flat rack is really versatile.

 

[CrazyMike]

The best configuration will be not to get a Gobi basket style rack...

Thanks, I do appreciate your input.

For installing the roof top tent I really like a product from INCRA. I can tie down the Autohome tent in less than 10 minutes using these.

I like this method a lot. And you've never noticed any issues with the hand nuts backing off?

 

[SFL_driver]

I second the Eezi-Awn K-9 rack. I've been debating the same thing as you for a while now.
Reasons:
1. Aluminum won't rust and leave orange rush drip marks on your rig.
2. The flat surface is much more versatile.
3. The slots allow for even more versatility to attach anchor points or connections using standard bolts from any hardware store.
4. Weight. I believe the K-9 rack is something like 55lb-60lb or around that (depending on 2m or 2.2m). This is a serious factor since this is at the top of your vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chmura]

Thanks, I do appreciate your input.



I like this method a lot. And you've never noticed any issues with the hand nuts backing off?

After I hand tighten them. I get channel lock pliers and crank them down some more.

I do keep an eye on them and check them every so often if they backed off since I was little nervous using them at first.

 

[Ammo]

another Gobi owner with a RTT that wouldn't go that route again. Flat would be my choice.

I've also got mine on a TRDPro - again, if I could back up I would choose differently and go with the trail w/KDSS. I've gotten used to the extra weight now but it was very noticeable in the beginning. I gotta believe the KDSS would be a nice addition to have when adding the weight up high

here's a pic of mine to show how the tent sits on top the basket. The RTT is the CVT Rainier and it fills the rack

 

[CrazyMike]

Thanks!

I think it looks pretty good. And I understand about the extra weight. I expect that ours will only be up there for camping adventures. It definitely won't be up there full time because it won't fit in the garage.

 

[Yarjammer]

A word of caution on the Gobi (I've had one on a H3 and on my current JKU). The height of the crossbars on the Stealth variety are too low to mount a RTT with the expectation of R&R'ing with any frequency unless you have really long infant-sized arms and hands. The Ranger height sides are much better if you intend on mounting a RTT and you can still have use of the tray below for low profile items like a camp table, folding chairs, etc... With regards to your other options, I would go with the welded in sunroof panel since you lack a sunroof anyways. Keep the light bar area open to allow for the option of a light bar. Go for the removable crossbars if you a stuck with the Stealth height so that you can permanently install the tent to the bars and easily lift the RTT off with them (no more baby arms issues). One option that you didn't list is color, a little known option. All of their racks are made to order so you do have some leeway in the finish color. They have a decent range of shades and colors to pick from, many of them a no cost option.

I prefer the basket over the flat racks for two reasons.
1) Aesthetics - I think the flat ones look strange and incomplete. Good looks mean nothing on the trail unless you're a serial Instagramer, but I do enjoy smiling when I see my vehicle and not silently critiquing my weird rack decision.
2) Function - Unless you are hauling lumber on the roof, I prefer the added "safety" of the basket in the event a strap working itself loose or having my load slide off while loosening the straps while loading/unloading on a grade. My driveway is oddly graded and I have been very grateful for the basket edges more than a few times.

 

[Yarjammer]

I'm really digging those clamps, Chmura. I may have to give those a shot.

I found them available on Amazon fairly cheap:
http://www.amazon.com/INCRA-Build-It-Hold-Down-Clamp/dp/B000W07PEM

 

[chmura]

I'm really digging those clamps, Chmura. I may have to give those a shot.

I found them available on Amazon fairly cheap:
http://www.amazon.com/INCRA-Build-It-Hold-Down-Clamp/dp/B000W07PEM

In the Amazon listing tightening knob is plastic. I would not use a plastic one for this application since it will crack when tightening with channel lock pliers.

 

[CrazyMike]

Thanks Yarjammer,

I agree with you on the aesthetic value of a basket style rack over a flat rack. (I promise everyone that I've obsessively looked at everything on the interwebs before making a decision to go with the Gobi.)

I've heard that about the low height clearance on the Stealths and the need for long baby arms so I'm ordering one with the removable crossbars. I've not decided yet if I'm going to order additional crossbars... As of yet, I'm not certain how I'd use a 2nd set, especially since they don't bridge the height difference from front rail to back rail.

The Ranger doesn't appeal to me and it's added functional space doesn't seem that useful to me based on how I intend on using the rack. Since our main method of 'adventuring' is via motorcycles (and that won't cease anytime soon, the 4Runner will just add a different travel option) our adventure kit will continue to be centered around applicability for both modes of transportation.

Welded in sunroof is a given, I just threw that option out there just in case someone came up with something interesting and because it's an option.

I'm probably going with the standard lightbar setup:
1) to add structural support for the center of the front bar for load carrying items that will sit on top of the front & back rail (touring kayak, canoe, lumber, etc.)
2) No plans to install a 40" light bar. My thoughts are 2 outside lights for one purpose (floods?) and 2 inside lights for another purpose (spots?) with the ability to control each set independently. I'd be interested in hearing any opinions on this setup.

That's interesting to learn about color but I'm happy with the standard black to contrast our white 4Runner.

 

[CrazyMike]

Check out this method of mounting a RTT to a round bar.


I contacted CVT and the vendor for the clamps; CVT sees no issue but they do recommend using 6000 or 7000 series aluminum. The clamp vendor recommended using a minimum of 8 (no idea how that would work).

 

[NatersXJ6]

So, my Gobi is on a JKU, and the look is a little more utilitarian than some of your rigs, but I would imagine the tube sizes are the same. My tubes, with the powder coat, measured out just under 1 1/16". I found that the U-bolt from a mid 1970's driveshaft u-joint fits them perfectly. the bolts are flattened and perfect for not crushing the tube. I spanned the rack with unitstrut, bolted the tent to it, and bolted the strut to the rack with those u-bolts. They are 5/16 bolts, plenty strong for a tent, especially considering that 4 u-bolts and 8 nuts hold them on.

I wouldn't use anything that takes hand tightening. My sunroof insert has those clamps and I really don't like them.

The extra few minutes to add or remove the tent are worth it.