FrontRunner SlimSPORT Roof Rack *Install/Review on the 5Th Gen 4Runner*

We install the FrontRunner Slimsport rack on the 5th Gen 4Runner and it was not without its share of issues…
FrontRunner Slimsport Roof Rack: bit.ly/3tOzwcl
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[@Ramiel77]

So I bought this rack my self back in January 2022. Went all the way to their store here in SoCal to pick it up, and I was told I was probably the second guy to even get it in the US. Had the same reaction to how much hardware there was, and how difficult it was to push the self tapping bolts in to the slots. But, once put together it was solid. I never had any noise issues, or leak issues (and I've driven it in so many storms) but I did pour a ton of silicone in the mounts. I did. also had some rust issues from scratches I've never saw, until I discovered a bunch of rust leak everywhere. The biggest issue i've ran in to, 9 months later, was the front adhesive came off while on a super long road trip to Canada. I wasn't even carrying that much, it was only about 100 lbs total, which according to FR it is well within its limits. I had chosen to not drill it because I was afraid of making more holes on the roof. But after the adhesive coming off, I decided to contact them and ask for a drill kit. Which they sent me, but only for one side?! I've had to ask for the second set, and I've yet to hear back. Their costumer service has been very spotty with me lately. As far as the rack goes, I took it off for now, and put a Sherpa 3/4 rack on to test it for now. While I decide weather or not I'll keep the Slimsport, and if I will drill it or not. I really want to like this rack, but its weight capacity to how heavy it is, it's disappointing. And I don't know if drilling on to the roof will be worth it

[@BaptismOverland]

Same issues. I was able to finally fix the leaks with a TON of RTV like you. I'm glad they reached out to a lot of commenters and to me as well to resolve it. I hope they resolve yours. Not many people have this rack yet for sure.

[@aphamnet]

Thanks for giving us the third KZbin review for this new product. I bought the same rack for my 2021 4Runner. I had one defective aluminum slat that took almost 4 weeks to get replaced. Then I discovered 2 of the slats would not slide a bolt into the track on one end, flipping the slat over had the same defect. I also snapped one of the M6 bolts for the front feet by hand tightening, bolt seemed really weak to break so easily. Hoping that bolt was defective and the rest aren’t that flimsy. I got the no light bar wind fairing. Initially had it up to the highest point which made loud noises and bad vibration on the highway, adjusted down to press against the roof remedied this. Two spacers for the rear mounting points isn’t sufficient, I torqued down to 22 ft pounds and noticed on one side the bracket compressed against my roof. I also had leaking using just silicone. I removed the rack, used butyl tape, applied plumbers tape around bottom half of all bolts and silicone on the top half threading to remedy. Having said all this, I do love the looks of this roof rack and it feels solid on top of the roof. Car washes leaves water in the slats track system which annoys, guess you could use a blower before hand drying.

[@BaptismOverland]

Yeah looks like we have the same outlook on it. Looks good...love the price...but it's not without its issues

[@americanmade422]

Yeah I used plumber tape on the threads and then rtv Silicone around the edges of the bolt holes.

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi Anh, we’d like to apologize for the experience you’ve had with our hardware. Your valuable feedback was shared with our global Engineering team to identify improvements and enhancements for future production. While we’ve noted that our team shipped out replacement hardware at the time when you reached out to us, please let us know if we can be of any further assistance and we gladly will have our team reach out to you again.

[@MukCodes]

1 year later... I had the exact same issue... absolute rubbish product. Would not recommend them to anyone.

[@CraigG21]

No FrontRunner - got it, thanks!

[@BaptismOverland]

I wouldn't say that. They've contacted me to make things right along with other customers. They have really good customer service and I think this was just one big fluke

[@alfonsoavarez7074]

Prinsu for me. I watched a review and install for a prinsu full rack. There was a guy commenting on his choice of the front runner rack. Glad I checked out your video. Sorry to hear of your misfortune with that company. Good luck on getting your issues resolved. I will never drill holes on my trucks roof.

[@mzinns]

Asia, although your reviews and product installs are very relevant to me as a JK owner, I just find myself excited to see you have a new vid……you could talk about best turn signal fluid and I would still be happy!

[@BaptismOverland]

😂😂😂😂

[@BaptismOverland]

That'll be my next video!!

[@mzinns]

If I have not said this before: you have saved me thousands of dollars by testing gear before I waste money on it. Thanks!

[@OutoftheOfficeAdventures]

Love the Frontrunner Slimline on my 4Runner. Bigger and sticks up a bit but has been rock solid for 2 years. Maybe the build quality on the Slimsport isn't as good.

[@afaqgul2165]

Wow!!! I almost bought one!! Thanks for saving me…..

[@BaptismOverland]

Well to be fair this was a new product when I came out. Not sure if they've made improvements since.

[@offbeatentrails]

..cool acting skills bro it’s actually getting better and better..😉☺️

[@BaptismOverland]

😂😂😂

[@offbeatentrails]

@@BaptismOverland ., Ehy bro on the side note and to let you know I enjoy watching you performing “spoken words” on button poetry…man didn’t realize your that deep.

[@johnmcdonald5242]

Currently dealing with all of these exact issues. Huge bummer. Bolts everywhere in the package, some scattered around my driveway because the packaging was so loose. The hardware bag was completely ripped apart. It didn't come with a wind fairing. Overall, I am thinking about sending this thing back before I even begin the install process. They also told me to start putting it together and let them know what I needed to finish. When I called they said they'd send me a full hardware kit. Anton is the one that said to go ahead and put together and let them know what i need. Andrew, who answered the phone, corrected him and said they'd send a new kit. Overall, the company seems all over the place and obviously haven't learned or changed anything through their customer feedback. Really sucks.

[@BaptismOverland]

Dude that sucks! Either something is happening at the warehouse or during shipping idk. In retrospect I shoulda sent it back cuz I had to deal with paint chipping off

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi John, We’ve gone back to review your customer service history on file and acknowledge the issues you raised with us. Firstly, we apologize for the unsatisfactory experience and have used it since as a learning experience for our customer service team. We’ve also used your feedback to improve the quality of the packaging, especially for the hardware kit. While we’ve noted that our team sent out replacement hardware and a fairing to replace the missing one that seemed to have fallen off your box in transit the first time around, please let us know if we can be of any further assistance and we gladly will have our team reach out to you again.

[@blessedohanaoverland]

I have the FR slim line. I understand what they were doing with the sport rack, to compete with Prinsu and such, but it just doesn’t do it for me lol I know you wanted some product symmetry but if you wanted the thinner profile I would have just gone Prinsu. Proven product. And that delivery is sus. Hope you got it figured out!

[@BaptismOverland]

Couldn't agree more. Things like this are always in hindsight. Bought it BECAUSE it competes with prinsu and I know of Front Runner quality. Didn't expect it to be delivered as such

[@americanmade422]

Same thing opened a box to bolts and washers everywhere. They should have wrapped the bag of bolts in bubble wrap and tape. I got the ladder with the rack as well and it's already rusting after 1 month. Hopefully the rest holds up.

[@BaptismOverland]

Yeah it makes no sense. Specially when they charge a premium you would think they would just send the whole kit and be done. I'm def not trying to get free hardware...I wouldn't even know what to do with that extra surplus.

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi There. Apologies for your unsatisfactory experience with your shipment. We’ve raised your feedback with our customer service team and they would love to assist you further on this. As we do not have your contact info on file for them to reach out to you, please can we ask you to email our team at [e-mail] with your contact details and pics of the rust on your ladder? Also, let us know if you still require any assistance with your rack.We look forward to hearing back from you.

[@warningpunk89]

Great video! oNe of the first reviewing this rack. For roof top tent, would you recommend Prinsu over this SlimSport? Do you know the capacity for the slimSport? Wanting a lower profile for my 4runner than the Slimline but loving the functionality/accessories available by Frontrunner.

[@BaptismOverland]

The Slimsport isn't built to hold an RTT. Doesn't have the same weight cap. If I'm not mistaken the weight cap is like 300 static so even if an RTT isn't that heavy, it becomes heavy when you're in it lol

[@finger8588]

Might be a weird question, have you ever consider to install a light bar on your platform? I have a similar platform(rhinorack pioneer) and debating if i should be installing one, coz not sure how the look would be, any pros or cons you could think of? TIA

[@BaptismOverland]

On my Jeep I actually did and the roof rack on my Jeep is more like the Rhino Rack platform. Here's the video for that. Although I should let you know I've since mounted it differently using Front Runner's front roof rack mounts kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqe1dnSXpL2CmtUsi=OFRfDS5jY8nyMdSj

[@newlifeoverland226]

We had the same rack on the black 4R and it broke while out in Wyoming. The aluminum cross bar completely snapped luckily it was only holding a fire pit. If our rtt had been on it would have been catastrophic

[@BaptismOverland]

Omg. I wouldn't have put an RTT on this one though. The weight capacity isn't there for it

[@BaptismOverland]

But also now you got me worried about the slimline rack on my Jeep (which is supposed to have the higher weight cap)

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi There. We're happy to assist and find out more about your experience. Please drop us an email at [e-mail] with your details and our team will reach back out immediately.

[@mandbhomestead]

Thanks for the review. Sorry to hear about the problems. Hope all works out. Did you look at Victory 4x4 roof products? They make some nice stuff. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ken

[@BaptismOverland]

I didn't but you're the 2nd person to tell me about it after this was already purchased. Kinda sucks lol

[@mandbhomestead]

Maybe for future products.

[@americanmade422]

How much silicone did you put around the spacers?? I put some around the holes put the spacers down then put a ton on the bolts when tightening them down. I hope it dosent leak

[@BaptismOverland]

I put a LOT. I finally figured out why it leaked. The jacknut wasn't as tight as I thought it was so every time the rack vibrated the jacknut would let water in despite how much silicone there was

[@markkissinger721]

What cargo bungie net is that on the ceiling of your vehicle as you are leaving Home Depot?

[@BaptismOverland]

That's my friends runner. I think he just got one on amazon and then rigged it somehow inside

[@1919Frosty]

Hi, i have a question, i bought it for my camper tent, can i put my camper on the rack?

[@BaptismOverland]

I would ask FR directly as that would depend on a lot of factors such as how heavy your tent is and the load your roof can take

[@gclanning]

I have the same rack. I had the exact same experience. Box was damaged during shipping, hardware was scattered everywhere, many hardware pieces were missing and many pieces were scratched. Very very frustrating. I guess you get what you pay for.

[@BaptismOverland]

But that's the thing. When it comes to front runner it's supposed to be good. You aren't supposed to say "you get what you pay for" because they're a top tier co. That's why it sucks.

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi Greg, together with our team we’ve reviewed your experience with your order and apologize for the condition in which your order was delivered to you. Using your feedback, we’ve implemented new measures internally to improve the quality of our packaging to avoid future damage & loss in transit. While we’ve noted that our team sent out a replacement package to you when you first reached out, please let us know if we can be of any further assistance and we gladly will have our team reach out to you again.

[@Reindeer_Games]

The IKEA of racks..

[@BaptismOverland]

👀

[@av8orguy]

What is the weight cap? I can't find that data anywhere?

[@BaptismOverland]

Are you the one who hit me up on IG? Just wanna make sure I addressed this already

[@av8orguy]

@@BaptismOverland Nope. Just ran across this video yesterday.

[@johneroyale]

hey cousin 🤙

[@torontoraptors2107]

4:50 pinoy flag. pinoy proud yes sir!!

[@BaptismOverland]

Lol I figured someone would spot that at some point lol

[@torontoraptors2107]

Red, blue and white with yellows. I knew it. Anyways.. les go 6k subds brother!!! We can do it!! More good lucks to you and your fam!!

[@operator1018]

Your box was not dropped. I’ve ordered front runner product in the past. And every single time, I’ve had hardware missing. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I’ll NEVER order from them again. Check out Victory 4X4.

[@BaptismOverland]

Victory has some really nice stuff. I'm familiar with them.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Based on this review and the common issues mentioned in the thread, I am a hard pass on this one. That is too much money for all of those troubles.

[@BaptismOverland]

Understood. Although I personally think it was a fluke at least for me. Everything else I've ordered from them has been top notch. Not to mention this rack is fairly new to their lineup. I haven't had any issues with the slim line on the Jeep

[@conecrazy]

I thought the drilling was optional?

[@BaptismOverland]

Not for this.

[@conecrazy]

@@BaptismOverland that might explain why the faring had a gap in the R4T video

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

For the 4Runner Slimpsort installation, the middle and rear mounting feet utilize the factory fixing points. The front mounting feet do not require drilling as the kit comes with a No Drill Kit, but hardware is included for those who prefer the drill & bolt option, which is recommended for a more secure fitment.

[@godlike0630]

Sso roofrack anyday over this.

[@BaptismOverland]

Idk man I've actually loved the rack since. Lots of accessories. Easy to mount stuff. Clean and slim

[@josephhale2827]

The 3M is there so you don’t have to drill

[@BaptismOverland]

You still have to drill. That's why it comes with the jack nuts. Otherwise that's not gonna hold very well. You would trust the front end of a roof rack to just be held down with 3M tape?! The tape is for added security and also acts as a gasket

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

@@BaptismOverland The 3M Tape is part of our No Drill Kit for those who choose not to drill into their roof, but hardware is included for those who prefer the drill & bolt option, which is recommended for a more secure fitment.

[@Overlanderoos]

Front runner is usually a solid company, hopefully this was a fluke and your wife digs the rack in the end!

[@johnmcdonald5242]

Not a fluke. Mine came the exact same way last week.

[@BaptismOverland]

You alrdy know the story! Lol

[@motor1001]

Nice edit, I’d never buy from them. They should have done better.

[@BaptismOverland]

This was really the only time I had issues. And they've made up for it 10 fold. Not saying it to be bias. I mean they literally reached out to me to fix it. Most companies don't even care.

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

We are very sorry to see the inconvenience you had with this installation and we will do all we can to not allow this to happen again. Front Runner strives for great customer service and great quality gear. This video has been shared with our team to make them aware of these issues to get them fixed right away. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

[@BaptismOverland]

Yes gear quality is great. I have two racks from you all and a bunch of products I've installed (the Jeep tailgate table is one of my favorites) but I WILL say the issue is with customer service (I've reached out 2 times with two diff products) and in both instances just did as minimal as possible to resolve a situation. The part that got to me most was "we will send you the hardware minus what you've already bought". Most other companies have just sent an entire hardware kit to make up for it. On another note though, this rack is leaking again but now on both sides where it was drilled into factory holes AND on top of that my Slimline rack on the Jeep started leaking also at the areas where it's bolted onto the vehicle. I'm hoping I can get these resolved. Just frustrating right now having issues with both racks.

[@thanavin]

@@BaptismOverland Interesting! I have this rack in cart and about to place order, but now I’m having a second thoughts 🤔.

[@BaptismOverland]

@@thanavin I know.....I didn't expect that to happen

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

@@BaptismOverland Apologies for our customer service not being up to par. This will be brought up with the team. I will say since the Slimsport is a new rack and they come fully packaged from South Africa, we do not yet have full hardware kits for them to send out separately at this time. For our Slimline II we do. As for the leaks, after watching your install video I highly recommend that you fill the drilled holes with silicone as well as the top outer surface. Filling the hole will create more of a seal inside and around the threads.

[@BaptismOverland]

Yeah I've done that. It's been fixed with RTV and flex seal tape. I would like to chat with you directly if possible. Can I reach out via Instagram or email?

[@Vtrjfrost]

after that service I wouldn't buy a front runner product ever again.

[@BaptismOverland]

Just really weird to me that they would just send hardware I'm missing instead of a full kit and then they sent the wrong ones on top of that.

[@johnmcdonald5242]

@@BaptismOverland They tried to do this to me too. I called them and explained how idiotic that was and they are sending a full hardware kit

[@insom4539]

Front runner quality is disappointing, go rhino rack

[@BaptismOverland]

I've personally never had issues with their quality. Honestly this was the only time I've ever had issues w/ FR.

[@XiaoPP1]

Rack could be better designed. Sloppy company and CS.

[@Frontrunneroutfitters]

Hi There. We take note of your valuable feedback on our rack design and your customer experience. Our team is on standby to reach out and assist in any capacity that we can. We value feedback from our customers on product design and use all customer service experiences as a learning tool for our team to grow from. As we do not have your contact info on file for our team to reach out to you, we invite you to email our team at [e-mail] and share your detailed feedback with us.

[@BaptismOverland]

Def not a sloppy company. Everything I've gotten from them has been highly organized and I've always gotten my CS issues resolved.

[@wanmanki9311]

LOL 😂, just a simple rack need so many people??? Seriously

[@BaptismOverland]

No def not. We just like to hang out on weekends and work on rigs. Do you not have friends that will do that with you? You can come hang with us!