LFD Off-Road Crossbars vs Factory Crossbars with Yakima Skybox 16 Roof Rack - 2021 5th Gen 4Runner

It's been a while since we've posted any 5th Gen 4Runner content. I struggled with mounting a Yakima Skybox 16 to the factory Crossbars from Toyota. The bars were too low and the Skybox brackets vibrated against the top of the roof. I found these LFD OffRoad Crossbars and they work Great. I added the Wind Fairing to reduce wind noise when the Skybox is not mounted on the car.
At the time I tried to order the bars from: lfdoffroad.com/
They were on backorder so I ordered them from: www.apexoverland.com/
The edge molding I used for the front edge / lip of the wind Fairing is here: amzn.to/3TYR7pn
Music used under license from Soundstripe.com

[@PB4KC]

This oddly specific video is exactly what I was looking for

[@PictureTime]

Thanks for watching! I couldn’t find it either and that’s why we made it! :-). Happy travels!

[@menemismix]

I second this! I was hoping there is a fix to mount the fairing with the box on top

[@ashresearcher]

Same

[@KenRupin]

Wow...I am specifically looking for ways to mount my skybox...THANK YOU! This was perfect!

[@surf2trails]

Very helpful as I shop for an overland solution but hard time rationalizing the $1000+ for a full rack. I have a Thule box so seeing the mount was helpful and the wind tests were great. Thanks for taking the time to post this content for us.

[@PivotBanq]

Thanks for the insight. Was super helpful to know about having to take off the wind farring to fit the skybox.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Leaning towards these. Seems like a great solution. Most racks that I've been eyeing seem to have rust issues over time. Most baskets also seem to have issues with rust. The stainless version of these seems like a no brainer.

[@goldeneyejunior7425]

Thank you so much

[@brianmartin1139]

I wish I had found this earlier, I ended up getting Yakima bars for almost $700, this would have been a better solution, but I needed it fast for a trip to move my daughter.

[@gerardom.2999]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the great video, thinking about getting the skybox 16 myself and I have the same roof rack, I contacted LFD yesterday and they actually said that pretty soon they are going to come out with an adapter for these types of Roof Boxes, the adapter will bolt on top of the rack and you'll be able to use both the Skybox and the wind fairing!

[@PictureTime]

So cool. Post a link if you find the adapter!

[@bwandysloth1929]

did the adapter come out?

[@IcyReaper]

Good vid, I'm looking at these for my 4Runner. You are correct when you say no other vids on this type use. So your new 4runner didn't have factory cross bars on it when you started this project? Because I thought you had to take off the end caps on 1 end to get the factory crossbars off? Also, the version of the LFD you got didn't have the new front cross bar with fairing already integrated to it? My thought is the new integrated rail will just have to be removed when I put my Thule on top then reinstalled when done. My thule has the old style u-clamps. I was thinking about changing that to new style but now after seeing your video it may work better than the new style clamps you have on yours.

[@ashresearcher]

Is the aluminum version worthwhile or not strong enough? Can you put a roof top tent on aluminum cross bars in the future?

[@PictureTime]

I presume the aluminum one is fine but I have the steel one and I’m not sure. Check the limits of your factory rails. That’s probably your max with either the aluminum or steel.

[@thekimfam49]

If you were to slide the Skybox more to the rear, would it hit the shark fin antenna? I have a Thule cargo box, and when I have it on my OEM cross bars, the box sits on the antenna. I'm interested in the LFD bars, but I'm curious as to how much higher they sit compared to the OEM bars. Other 3rd party cross bars (ie Thule, Yakima) seem to sit a little higher than the LFD, but they're very expensive. I'm just hoping the LFD is high enough to clear the shark fin, but I can't really tell from photos.

[@PictureTime]

It won’t hit the antenna with the LFD bars but if you slide it back further, the tailgate spoiler hits it when you open the tailgate.

[@thekimfam49]

@@PictureTime Good to know. Thanks!

[@IcyReaper]

Have you thought about ways to carry extra gas if needed? I have rotopax for my OHV's but we go into the San Rafeal Swell a lot with 4R and at times some extra gas may comfort wife. So trying to think about how to carry them on roof or get some Armadillo bags they would fix in my thule vs something outside for rotopax...

[@davidvautour1285]

Rotopax will attach to the LFD roof rack. Just get the connectors too and you are all set

[@IcyReaper]

I agree with @michaeleugene, the prices of the overland style roof racks are ridiculous. Since I'm not a lottery winner, I have to find what will work for me.

[@Richardgreenmusic.]

Would you recommend the LFD for a Yakama Megacargo basket for the 4runner? I currently do not have cross bars so I'm on the fence on either buying OEM Crossbars or go with the LFD. For the Basket I might only need 2 rails. Thoughts?

[@PictureTime]

It’s up to you but I think the factory bars are too low and flex too much. I don’t know how the Megacargo box mounts but I’d probably go with 2 LFD bars.

[@jamnoopers]

The skybox clamps still look a little close to the roof. Any issues with rubbing on the roof after you load up the skybox with gear or on rough terrain? I have the same box and same truck and looking for a solution, thanks for the video and glad you’re alright from the accident.

[@PictureTime]

So far I have no rubbing with the new LFD crossbars. They are higher and more rigid than the factory bars. It’s been a good solution for me.

[@davidvautour1285]

Jeff, glad you are ok after the crash! Thanks for the vid and other content - I enjoy watching the mods you do. I have a 22 4Runner Off Road Premium and the Yakima Skybox . Quick question, when you raise the tailgate, does the spoiler hit the Yakima Skybox? I have the Skybox 18 and now have a nice scratch on spoiler as it hits the end of the Skybox. Do you have this issue? What size is your Skybox? You were right though, OEM crossbars were too low so I got the LFD rack and really like it. Thanks and keep up the interesting content!

[@PictureTime]

My skybox is the 16 and the tailgate doesn’t hit. You may want to fabricate a clamp the bolts on to your LFD crossbars and shifts the mounting point on your skybox forward. Thanks for watching!

[@TriciaBecker-dd5yd]

Hi! did you try it out with the Skybox 18? I have an 18 and am curious if the LFD rack raises it high enough to miss the antenna fin? THanks!

[@bfg_mtb]

It looks like there's enough space between the front cross bar and the wind fairing to slide your Skybox clamps in? Or is there really not enough space? I'd hate to keep taking the fairing off and putting it on every time I need to use my cargo box.

[@PictureTime]

There’s not enough space. However I’ve thought about building a bracket that mounts to the front rail and extends forward so the front clamp of the skybox can be mounted in front of the wind fairing.

[@bfg_mtb]

@Picture Time Please make a video if you do that!

[@matthewflorez6512]

Any notice of MPG loss after installing the crossbars?

[@PictureTime]

Not at all. Or not noticeable. But I keep the wind fairing in place and I imagine that helps.

[@Allyoucaneatmeat]

How are the bars holding up? Has the black paint rusted or faded?

[@PictureTime]

Holding up great. No, or very minimal rust appearing. I keep them pretty clean. Can always sand them and spray with satin black paint if needed.