Cargo Rack Installation
It took me some time to find the right rack for our FJ Cruiser. I wanted to replace the factory rack as soon a possible due to its lack of performance. I finally selected the Africa Outback rack for following reasons;
- It is made from Aluminum
- It has no side rails. I have never liked rails on my racks because all items should be strapped down and the rail only gets in the way.
- It is flat. A number of aftermarket FJ Cruiser racks are contoured to the roof line of the FJ. While this looks cool it is not nearly as functional as a good flat rack.
- I needed a rack that would be a good base for antennas.
The rack was installed by Slee Off-road where it was purchased. (The blue FJ on there site is mine) This was the first rack installed on an FJ so they were please to have mine to use for the test fit. The installation went well and the finished rack looks clean on the FJ. I have added accessory mounts and antennas for a clean finished product.
The rack mounts to the 6 factory mount points with custom designed feet.
There are accessory attachments for the HiLIft, Axe and Shovel.
The rack has channels in it that accommodate the accessory mounts as well as the metric Eye bolts that can be purchased from Slee.
I had an old military gear box that I mounted to the rear of the rack to hold all my recover gear.
On the front of the rack I mounted antennas for HAM radio and Cell phone.
I have now been using this rack for about a year and I have been very pleased with its performance.
This rack is no longer available from Slee.
This is exactly the rack i’ve been looking for. What do they mean on the slee site by full top rail and half top rail??
The rack comes with no cargo rail. If you are going to use the rack with a roof top tent they sell a rail that will only wrap around half the rack. The tent would then bolt direct to the rack platform. If you are not going to run a roof top tent and want a rail you can get the full rail that goes all the way around the rack.
2 more stupid questions:
1. How high does this rack sit off of the roof? Looks like another 2-3 inches?
2. Obviously this bolts into the pre-existing rack holes. Have you had any issues with water seeping into the cabin? Anything to do to combat this?
I’m heavily leaning towards this rack instead of the arb.
The rack sits about 2″-3″ off the roof at the lowest point. I have never had a problem with water leaks. The key is to seal the bolts very well when they are installed.
Cool rack!
Questions, though:
1. How much lower/higher would you say the platform of thi rack is compared to the factory roof rack?
2. Is it strong enough for a single full-grown man (200 lbs) to stand/lay on?
3. If one were to get a rooftop tent and put it on the full rail rack, would this cause a problem?
4. Is the half-rail on the back or front half of the rack?
Looks great!
Thanks!
1 – I think the platform is lower than the factory rack.
2 – Yes.. It is designed to accept roof top tents.
3 – See previous
4 – I think the half rail can be put on the front or back.
I have been trying to find a cell phone antenna for my FJ. Where did you get yours and who makes it. Thanks for your help.
If you do a search for Cell Phone amps and Antennas you will find lots of people that sell them. I can’t remember where I purchased mine. All I know is it was off the Internet.
That’s a very nice rack, the idea of having a flat rack with no side rails as an option is a good one. I’ve got a Baja rack, and while it’s very solid, the side rails perform no function other than making it more difficult to access anything on the roof.
I would like to offer one comment about putting your recovery equipment in what looks like a steel box on the roof. My recovery equipment weighs a total of about 100 pounds, counting a steel chain and some miscellaneous bits that I don’t mount on the FJ when I’m off road. My concern is putting that much weight that high on the vehicle. I think it would take a few degrees out of your stability, as it would affect rollover. Is that a concern for you?
Chris