Best roof rails and roof rack?

[ryanjl]

Interesting! I wonder what prompted the new design, as the old one was so popular?

All I know is that the supply of the older one seems to have dried up a long time ago. My guess is production issues.

The new one looks like it can be made at a machine shop, then shipped to distributors several on a pallet. The old one required a welder on a jig, and shipping was probably a pain.

I'm also guessing the new ones use pieces that are also used in the roof racks for other vehicles. In fact, I'm curious if there are any pieces that are totally unique to the LR4/LR3.

 

[ftillier]

I'm curious to see what the "Aero Front" ends up looking like, though it won't be compatible with long rails (which I have). Is it hard to swap from long to short?

 

[Kristina]

I'm curious to see what the "Aero Front" ends up looking like, though it won't be compatible with long rails (which I have). Is it hard to swap from long to short?

Not hard, but their photos do show it on long rails.

 

[ftillier]

The rack will be compatible with both short and long, but their site states that the aero front will only work with short rails.

 

[skiwpk]

When I bought my 2011 LR4 it had no side rails. My rack goal was low profile, ability to hold considerable weight, including a rooftop tent occasionally, and a reasonable cost.

My answer was a combo of Rhino side rails and FrontRunner flat crossbars. Works great, reasonable cost (about $750 new) and easy to put gear on and off. Noise is an issue but I have a 1/2” piece of dense rifle case foam sandwiched between the front moonroof and mesh windscreen that helps a lot.

Vehicle is quite tall (7’-10”) but fits in my garage with 3/8” to spare!

 

[drivrswntd]

If anyone is interested we are going to be parting ways with our 13 LR4 and I have the original Prospeed rack on it. Located in Rhode Island. Rack is in good shape. $1200 picked up. Cannot ship due to size.

 

[jerrygmyers]

I went with the Rhino Rack backbone system as well. To keep the low profile I moved the rack back a few inches to clear the shark fin antenna without the need for spacers.

 

[avslash]

I went with cheapo (I assume chinesium) rails when I mounted my prospeed and they have held up just fine through lots of wheeling while carrying a good load that included a spare tire/wheel at one point.

No regrets.

 

[modesto_man]

I got the original prospeed rack in 2021, after waiting 6 months plus. Love it. Less wind noise and better gas mileage than the others. I have the aluminum floor panels and they've been great. Not sure about the redesigned version.

 

[ftillier]

I love the look of the prospeed rack, if I could find one locally I would jump on it, even though I'd have to sort out how to switch from long to short roof rails.