The 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate off-road beast for adventure-seeking road trippers. The mid-size SUV stands out for its rugged body-on-frame design, five-speed automatic transmission, and an elevated suspension system…all of which are critical for any off-roader.
It also has a generous trunk and cabin space, which varies slightly by model. With all the rear seats folded down, the two-row and three-row 5th Gen 4Runner models have nearly 90 cubic feet of space. That’s sufficient to transport plenty of road trip essentials.
Yet, besides these remarkable off-road capabilities, it’s exciting to know that you can optimize your 5th Gen 4Runner’s carrying capacity by installing it with a roof rack. You must research widely and find a rack that suits your vehicle’s model.
Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you and put together the six tips while shopping for a 5th-generation Toyota 4Runner roof rack.
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Prioritize Vehicle Compatibility
Before hitting the nearest roof rack dealership, it’s important to understand your vehicle’s make and model.
In the case of the Fifth Generation Toyota 4Runner, you’ll first need to determine whether yours is a two-row or three-row model. The idea is to establish how much cabin space you can utilize before loading extra travel gear on the roof rack.
Next, consider your vehicle’s trim level. Trim levels refer to distinct configurations or versions of the same model.
The 5th Gen 4Runner comes in seven different trim levels, namely;
- SR5
- SR5 Premium
- TRD Off-Road
- TRD Off-Road Premium
- TRD Sport
- TRD Pro
- Limited
While you can find a decent prefabricated roof rack, it’s best to pick a 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack customized for your vehicle’s model and trim level.
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Define Your Transportation Needs
The 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner’s versatility makes it suitable for regular road trippers, off-grid campers, and even tradies.
However, understand the gear that you’ll mostly be transporting in the vehicle before getting a roof rack.
If your itinerary includes activities like biking and snowboarding, you’ll need a roof rack designed specifically for such items.
Some racks come equipped with baskets for transporting smaller gear, while others have dedicated stands to tie down special items like bicycles, snowboards, and fishing rods.
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Choose a Strong and Robust Rack
Roof racks come with a significant price tag. As such, you deserve a platform engineered for maximum strength and durability.
Most contemporary roof racks are constructed from aluminum or steel. Some are also made from a composite of both materials.
Steel roof racks provide exceptional strength. However, due to their bulkiness, these platforms can significantly reduce your 4Runner’s payload capacity.
Aluminum roof racks are preferable as they strike the perfect balance between lightweight and durability.
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Seek Out Lower-Profile Roof Racks
Since the idea of a roof rack is to maximize your 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner’s carrying capacity, it may be intuitive to go for a taller rack. However, higher-profile roof racks can prove inconvenient when driving through low-hanging bridges, tunnels, and other roadway obstacles.
It’s also worth noting that the 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner is considerably tall. Therefore, a lower-profile rack would suit it better.
With a smaller roof rack, you can cruise around without fearing exceeding the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s height limits.
Another major concern with high-profile roof racks is increased center of gravity (CoG). A higher CoG can reduce your 4Runner’s stability and maneuverability, especially while off-roading.
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Research the Different Roof Rack Mounting Options
Roof racks come in several mounting options.
Since the racks aren’t meant to be permanently installed, it’s prudent to pick a system you can mount and dismount with remarkable ease.
Most off-roaders today come with integrated roof rails complete with mounting points. This lets you quickly balance the platform on your 4Runner’s roof for quick installation.
The ease of removal would depend primarily on the mounting attachments. The fewer the accessories, the easier it is to dismount the framework.
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Don’t Forget Your Vehicle’s Payload Capacity
The 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner has a payload capacity ranging from 1500 pounds to 2035 pounds. Check your specific model and trim level for the actual payload, and keep that limit in mind while shopping for a roof rack.
While the heaviest roof rack is unlikely to reduce your 5th Gen 4Runner’s payload directly, you’ll certainly feel the impact after loading the platform.
Assume that your 4Runner model has a payload of 1500 pounds, and you opt for a roof rack measuring a whopping 300 pounds. In that case, you’ve already diminished the vehicle’s payload capacity by 300, which is significant if you’re planning to transport reasonably bulky items.
Also, as a precautionary measure, never pack your roof rack to full capacity. Leave at least a 50-pound wiggle room. This minimizes damage to the roof and enhances the vehicle’s stability.
Wrap Up
After finding an excellent roof rack for your 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner, you should proceed cautiously while installing it.
Mount the rack gently from a stable and level workspace, taking great caution to avoid damage to your vehicle. Ensure the platform is balanced on your 4Runner’s roof and tie it down using the provided securing mechanisms.
Finally, check for stability by shaking the roof rack.
As a bonus point, remember to practice safe loading tips while using your 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner. These include placing heavier gear on the bottom, distributing the load evenly, and tying the items to minimize erratic shifts.
