Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

Looking at getting roof racks for the Prado.
Was just wondering about the pro's & cons of having triple racks fitted as I see on some vehicles, or just fitting the roof rails and then putting cross bars on when I actually need to carry things on top?
Just had a look on fleabay and as always the roof rails are there for sale but no listings for the triple racks.
Anyone know a place they may sell these and the approximate price?

Thanks
Matt

Matt,
We faced a similar decision and considered the options. In the end we opted for a set of rails and cross bars. Our decision was helped by sapradogxl (Dave) who sold us his rails for a very reasonable price and then kindly went to quite a bit of trouble to freight them to us. The rails fitted straight onto our 05 gxl and gave it a nice facelift - (all we need now is a new compliance plate and it could be an 07 model 8) ). We then bought cross bars from Supercheap that fit neatly between the rails. These cross bars are quite inconspicuous, do not add additional height and without appreciable wind noise we simply leave them on. Mind you, I don't carry heavy weights up top, mainly extension ladders and the like. I'd think, if you can source some at the right price - Go the rails!
Cheers
Bear

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

you will be suprised what ya can get on the roof of a prado, i have the 3 h/d toyota crossbars and a rhinorack tray fitted, and went to the nursury the other day and ended up leaving with 3 1/2 wine barrels on the rack, didnt do much for fuel economy and dont ask me the weight but trust me it was more than 100kg. cheers samo

[Fredster Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Fredster]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

Matt,

I run Rola Heavy Duty 3 bars (see attachment), and a Rola Extra Large basket when r'qd.
At $462 (RRP on Rola site today) for the bars, it is a little more, but you would be blown away by what I can get up there, and it looks the goods.
Have moved queen size beds, large wardrobes, no problem, and 5.1 metre lengths of decking (run a support up off the bull bar).
With a Rhino bag in the basket, I've covered plenty of miles between Sydney an Darwin and never had a problem. A hell of a lot more bullet proof than the rails which I see as flimsy throw away items. As someone has already pointed out, it all depends on what you want to carry though. One things for sure, I would rather have a robust system up front, that way I have a choice. Cheers, Mike

[MattPrado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close MattPrado]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

Hi everyone,

Thanks heaps for all the replies and info, I'm thinking now about getting the 3 bar HD set up.

I won't need to use them all the time, are the easy enough to get on and off? Or is it a bit of a hassle?
Also is it cheaper to get the Rhino bars straight from Toyota? Sounds strange knowing dealers, but I'll be heading for the best deal!!

Can anyone recommend a dealer on the Gold Coast?

Thanks,
Matt.

[Fredster Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Fredster]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

G'day Matt,
Pretty easy to remove/install, one plastic clip on cover and two 10mm screws in each fitting to remove what's there now, the same number of screws in each rack to install (although usually security screws, not 10mm). Just make sure you put the rubber washers back under each rack or you'll have water entering your interior, the hole goes straight through. Shop around on price, I've got Rola Commercials and they were cheaper direct from Rola, but it changes by the day at times, so what was relevant when I bought mine won't be now. Cheers, Mike

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Roof rails / triple racks....opinions?

Can anyone recommend a dealer on the Gold Coast?

Pricing should be the same at all Toyota dealers. If they don't have it, they will get it in from Melbourne.