The FJ Cruiser roof is one of the more practical platforms for a rack — the vehicle is tall enough to load gear without a ladder and the roof area is relatively flat and wide compared to most SUVs in its class. That said, adding a rack does come with real tradeoffs that are worth understanding before buying.
Why FJ Cruiser owners add a roof rack
The most common reason is overlanding and camping trips where interior space fills up fast. A roof rack lets you move bulkier items like a rooftop tent, recovery boards, extra fuel cans or a spare tire up top and keep the interior clear for passengers and gear you need to access quickly.
On fjcruiserforums roof rack threads, the other common reason is mounting auxiliary lights. A rack gives you a solid platform for light bars or individual lights positioned higher than a bumper mount.
What to think about before buying
Weight capacity matters more than most people realize. The FJ Cruiser has a factory dynamic roof load rating of 165 lbs. Most quality aftermarket racks are rated well above that, but the limiting factor is the vehicle roof itself. Running heavy loads at highway speeds or on rough trails puts real stress on the mounting points.
Fuel economy takes a hit with any rack installed. An empty rack adds wind resistance and weight. A loaded rack makes this worse. Most owners report a noticeable drop in mpg on highway driving with a rack installed, even empty.
Height clearance is another practical consideration. The FJ Cruiser already sits taller than most vehicles. Adding a rack pushes you over the 6 foot mark that many parking garages use as a cutoff.
Mounting points should align with factory locations on the FJ roof. A properly mounted rack uses the factory rails or rain gutters rather than relying on adhesive or improvised mounting.
#1. IKON Motorsports – Toyota FJ Cruiser Roof Rack
IKON Motorsports is a top-rated manufacturer of roof racks for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Their roof rack system is designed to utilize the factory roof rack mounting points, making it easy to install while providing maximum security and a strong, durable base rack system. The hardware is completely concealed, and you can choose from either polished silver or all-black finishes. The custom anti-sway side plates add extra stability, while the durable and stylish fabric rain covers can be purchased separately. The clean finished cuts around design features give the rack a sleek, finished look.
The IKON Motorsports roof rack is designed for long-term use and provides a great combination of easy installation, lightweight, and strength. Made from 1″ tubular steel, black powder-coated with all hardware included, this roof rack is the perfect answer to launching any adventure from your vehicle; whether on an overland tour or just heading out for the weekend.
The IKON FJ roof rack offers two great styles, with new spring-loaded Edge feet that reduce the noise you make on your way down the road. IKON roof rack constructed of heavy-duty materials to ensure a long life.
This IKON rack includes (2) 90″ x 48″ long base rails with left and right top feet, (1) 84″ x 32.5″ CrossFit Bar for secure mounting of accessories on top of the rail, locks set for security, coating to prevent rusting, brackets to mount lights on the bar.
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black/Polished silver
- Maximum load-carrying capacity: 150lbs
- Style: Toyota OEM
- All-titanium system bolts
- Roof racks fit well on the Toyota Fj Cruiser model from 2007 to 2014
- Keep things secure in your vehicle
- The rack is designed to be easy to use
- Won’t rust, corrode, or come apart
- Low profile
- The mounts are lightweight
- You have to buy nuts and bolts because they only contain tap screws
#2. ECOTRIC – Aluminum Toyota Fj Cruiser Roof Rack
ECOTRIC is a roof rack system that is custom-made to fit the Toyota FJ Cruiser and its factory roof rack rails. This aluminum roof rack system comes with T-Track mounting brackets, allowing for easy attachment of accessories such as bike kits, ski carriers, cargo boxes, and kayak carriers. The mounting system is designed to be simple to install and remove with just bolts. ECOTRIC prides itself on providing a high-quality product that can securely carry your gear for many years to come.
Maximum load up to 600 lbs. This roof rack system consists of 4 crossbars, steel mounting clamps, and all required mounting hardware – everything you need to carry extra luggage on your Toyota Fj Cruiser. The roof rail clamp kit is sold separately.
The perfect fit for Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007-2014. It is a TRD styled roof rack that will enhance the appearance of your vehicle. You can easily mount this rack on your car without damaging your paint or making any drill hole on the roof. It is best to buy an aluminum roof rack for your Toyota FJ Cruiser. Do not settle for cheaply made racks that do not fit your vehicle.
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Maximum load-carrying capacity: 150lbs
- Style: Toyota OEM
- It’s an all-steel slider
- Direct Bolt-On Installation
- No drilling is required
- Easily load your gear without damaging your vehicle
- It is a complete universal design
- Easy to install and remove
- Difficult to understand the instructions for installation
- It is a little expensive
#3. Rhino-Rack – Mounting System for Toyota Fj Cruiser
Rhino-Rack offers a roof rack system that is custom designed and rigorously tested to meet safety standards for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The system includes all the hardware needed for a secure installation, with a steel-reinforced mounting system that provides strength and support without compromising the vehicle’s appearance. Its streamlined design minimizes wind resistance and seamlessly integrates with the FJ Cruiser’s aesthetic.
The factory crossbars on the Toyota FJ Cruiser made it nearly impossible to carry anything outside of a roof bag. The low roofline and factory rack system has many downfalls that were frustrating for off-roaders and people wanting to travel light. A large over-the-top rack was too big and too heavy for the vehicle. A roof cargo basket did not provide enough space for gear when going off-road or out for a day trip. The Rhino-Rack Overlanded Series fills all these voids and more while keeping true to the styling and comfort of the travel vehicle.
The Rhino-Rack Toyota FJ Cruiser roof rack is designed to fit your car without any modifications. Installation is quick and easy.
Rhino-Rack is one of the best mounting systems for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It has a different look as compared to other mounting systems. The rack has clamps and a rubber padding device that assists in protecting the car from scratches and other possible damage resulting from improper loading. Rubber pats are also useful in keeping the items highly secured to the rack.
The device can be used for any vehicle which has the same type of roof design as that of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The systems are well-made, but some FJ drivers have reported a few issues with installation. If you want a complete metal roof rack system, this is one of the best choices for your car.
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Maximum load-carrying capacity: 220lbs
- Style: Off-Road/Low profile
- Rhino-Rack FJ Cruiser bars are constructed of 2″ steel tubing
- Aerodynamic design
- Quality all-weather coatings
- It comes with an extra rail kit
- Easy to install and require no drilling
- A secure, safe, and durable roof rack
- Versatile and low profile
- Installing may be difficult
- This rack is a bit expensive
#4. BajaRack – Flat Roof Rack for Toyota FJ Cruiser
Are you looking for a Toyota FJ Cruiser roof rack to carry all your stuff? BajaRack is the best because it is made of aluminum steel and powder coated. For the good Toyota FJ Cruiser roof rack, look no further than BajaRack. Made to fit Toyota FJ Cruiser models from 2006 to the present. It gives you incredible strength and durability not found in other racks of its kind. Plus, it is lightweight and stylish so your Toyota FJ Cruiser will look great with it.
The BajaRack rooftop cargo basket is loaded with all the features that you would expect from a full-sized cargo carrier. It comes equipped with tie-down straps to keep it securely in place, full-length side racks that not only keep your cargo from falling off the sides but also hold gear off the roof of your FJ Cruiser. This rooftop cargo basket has been tested and proven on thousands of FJ Cruisers, ensuring its reliability and durability.
The BajaRack is the ultimate roof rack for your Toyota FJ Cruiser. A classic nut and bolt assembly attach the rack to your roof for quick and secure installation. With its low-profile design, it mounts discreetly on your roof for a clean and stylish look. You’ll be able to add more space to your Toyota FJ Cruiser with this BajaRack flat roof rack. Whether you’re on a road trip across the country or just go fishing, this roof rack basket is specifically designed to make your experience better.
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Maximum load-carrying capacity: 300lbs
- Style: Off-Road Type/Basket
- UV tested and is rustproof
- Has multiple compartments of all shapes and sizes
- Includes a wind deflector
- Has a stylish and ergonomic design
- Easy to install on the roof of your FJ Cruiser
- Price
Bottom Line
A roof rack is one of the more transformative upgrades you can make to an FJ Cruiser build. It opens up storage options that change how you can use the truck on longer trips and overlanding runs. The main brands worth considering for the FJ Cruiser are BajaRack, Rhino-Rack, ARB, Thule and Yakima. Each has a different focus in terms of weight, load capacity and mounting style, which is why the right choice depends on what you actually plan to carry.
If you run a rooftop tent, you need a rack rated for that load and with a solid mounting system. If you just need extra storage for recovery gear and camping equipment, a lighter platform rack does the job without adding unnecessary weight. Pick based on what you are actually going to put up there, not just looks.
Video: How to Install a BajaRack Roof Rack
FAQs
Do roof racks affect fuel economy?
Roof racks can potentially affect a car’s fuel economy. Roof racks can create drag and reduce the car’s aerodynamics, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. If the roof rack is overloaded, it can add extra weight to the car, which can also lead to increased fuel consumption. If you are concerned about the impact of a roof rack on fuel economy, you may want to consider using a streamlined, low-profile roof rack that is designed to minimize drag.
Can I leave a roof rack on all the time?
It is safe to leave a roof rack on your car all the time as long as the rack is properly secured. The decision to leave a roof rack on your car all the time will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you use the roof rack frequently and need to have it available at all times, it may be convenient to leave it on the car. However, if you only use the roof rack occasionally, you may want to remove it when it is not in use to minimize the impact on fuel efficiency.
What is the weight limit for a roof rack on the FJ Cruiser?
The factory dynamic roof load rating on the FJ Cruiser is 165 lbs. This is the limit Toyota specifies for moving loads. Most aftermarket racks are rated higher but the vehicle roof itself is the limiting factor. Stay within the factory rating when driving off-road or at highway speeds.
Does a roof rack fit inside parking garages?
The stock FJ Cruiser is around 72 inches tall. Adding a rack pushes you to 78-80 inches or more depending on the rack height. Many parking garages have a 6 foot clearance limit, so this is a real practical concern for daily drivers.
Can I mount a rooftop tent on an FJ Cruiser roof rack?
Yes, but you need a rack specifically rated for the combined weight of the tent and occupants. Most rooftop tents weigh 100-150 lbs empty. Always check the rack’s static load rating, not just the dynamic rating.
Do roof racks use factory mounting points on the FJ Cruiser?
Quality racks designed specifically for the FJ Cruiser mount to the factory rain gutters or roof rails. Always confirm the rack uses factory mounting locations rather than adhesive or improvised solutions.
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About the Author
Anton has owned a Toyota FJ Cruiser since 2015 and created FJCruiserHub in 2020 to help fellow owners find the right gear without the guesswork. Every review on this site is based on hands-on research and real-world experience with the FJ Cruiser. Learn more