Bars vs platforms?

[Blackeagle]

I've got a new Ranger that I'm fitting out and I'm trying to decide whether to do bars or platforms for my roof rack setup.

I like to get something for both the top of the cab and the Leer cap I've got coming. I do whitewater rafting so I'd like to be able to toss an inflated raft up there. This means cab and cap racks at roughly the same height (rafts being inflated and bouncy they don't have to be exactly the same, though).

Other uses may include:
- Kayaks
- Bikes
- Other random outdoor gear

Right now, I'm leaning toward a platform on top of the cap. However, I'm going back and forth on what I'd like on top of the cab: another platform or a set of bars.

Looking for any advice or insights, especially from anyone who has run a setup like this.

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[DukeCanBuildit]

Hey Chris - with a platform and all it’s t-slots, you get unlimited mounting points, you can put a spare tire up there easily, you can throw duffle bags or soft cargo bags on the platform and don’t have to worry about them drooping down onto the roof. You can anlso easily mount items “sideways” that you might normally mount lengthwise to the truck. Either two platforms (cab & cap) or a cargo basket on the cab and platform on the cap will be incredibly versatile.

This thread shows how you can achieve a low profile platform setup without putting a platform on top of bars that are on top of legs…

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/racks-on-truck-caps.7570/post-191282

Good luck deciding - pics when you’re done.

 

[Frenchy]

I'm with the idea of an actual platform type rack over the cross bars. For me it's a personal preference. That said I wouldn't exactly throw a spare tire up there if you could avoid. I would just be silly especially since you already have it under the vehicle. As for the rafts and whatnot that you're throwing up top a platform would probably be best especially if you're going to have that on the topper.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Platforms are dumb.

 

[Frenchy]

Platforms are dumb.

If I didn't know better I would think you were about to have a runway show up there

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I'm with the idea of an actual platform type rack over the cross bars. For me it's a personal preference. That said I wouldn't exactly throw a spare tire up there if you could avoid. I would just be silly especially since you already have it under the vehicle. As for the rafts and whatnot that you're throwing up top a platform would probably be best especially if you're going to have that on the topper.

A spare up top is hardly silly at all. Why you ask? It’s easier to get to when you’ve flatted in a nasty place off-road and you‘re unable to lower the regular spare.

Besides, I mention the spare to highlight how good platforms are because it would be challenging to mount a wheel and tire to crossbars but super easy to mount on a platform. It’s more of a statement about the platform’s functionality than it is about the location of the spare.

 

[OFC Ranger]

If I didn't know better I would think you were about to have a runway show up there

I cannot confirm nor deny that it has seen use as a drone landing zone...

It is best to not ask further questions regarding such topics.

 

[lukdeg]

I cannot confirm nor deny that it has seen use as a drone landing zone...

It is best to not ask further questions regarding such topics.

Now I need to land my mini se on the roof instead of the bed cover ?

 

[Jhbryaniv]

I've got a new Ranger that I'm fitting out and I'm trying to decide whether to do bars or platforms for my roof rack setup.

I like to get something for both the top of the cab and the Leer cap I've got coming. I do whitewater rafting so I'd like to be able to toss an inflated raft up there. This means cab and cap racks at roughly the same height (rafts being inflated and bouncy they don't have to be exactly the same, though).

Other uses may include:
- Kayaks
- Bikes
- Other random outdoor gear

Right now, I'm leaning toward a platform on top of the cap. However, I'm going back and forth on what I'd like on top of the cab: another platform or a set of bars.

Looking for any advice or insights, especially from anyone who has run a setup like this.

I just recently went from bike racks on top of my cross bars, to a hitch mounted rack... It was a pain 8n the rear to get the bikes up there. Even with a short step ladder...

I load the kayaks on the bars (in your case topper and roof rack) just fine. Depending on the size of said raft, you may or may not even need a can rack... I put my 12ft kayak on the bed rack and it hangs over the cab, but doesn't contact... The raft being flexible may though, now that I type my thoughts out... ?

A few pictures of the hitch rack and bed rack... I don't have any pictures of the boats up there...

 

[Blackeagle]

Thanks for all the great advice. I've decided to go with platforms on both the cab and the capper.

Good luck deciding - pics when you’re done.

Definitely!

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Thanks for all the great advice. I've decided to go with platforms on both the cab and the capper.
Definitely!

It’s gonna look great!

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