Review: Sherpa Equipment Company Crestone Full Length Aluminum Roof Rack [2010-2022 Toyota 4Runner]
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- čas přidán 29. 10. 2021
- This is just a quick review on the full length aluminum roof rack that utilizes extruded aluminum cross bars that Sherpa Equipment Company makes (called the Crestone for 5th generation 4Runners).
There were a few reasons I chose to go with this over others or DIY, and maybe this will help you with a decision you're making, or if you were just curious why I went with it now you know.
sherpaequipmentco.com/product...
Price paid (May 2021): $929
Ship time: 6 weeks
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My vehicle:
2020 Toyota 4Runner - Off Road Premium
Wheels: stock rims
Tires: 285/70r17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs
Suspension: 3.5" Ironman4x4 Foam Cell Pro front/rear
Rack: Sherpa Crestone
My camera gear:
DJI Osmo amzn.to/3ldbM9U
iPhone 11 Pro Max
GoPro Hero 3 Silver
Viofo A119V3 dashcam
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#toyota #toyota4runner #sherpa #sherpaequipco #sherpaeqipmentco #sherpaequipmentcompany #sherpacrestone #crestone #roofrack #aluminumroofrack #extrudedaluminum #boughtnotbuilt
Great video Walkthrough! I’m considering this rack now for my ‘22 TRD Sport 4R. We have a RTT to mount on it. The extra rack space will be perfect for storage cases! Thanks!
Fantastic review! In depth and great explanations. Thanks for sharing. I was ready to pull the trigger on a Prinsu, but completely changed my mind and ordered the Sherpa after this review. Thanks much!
Thanks! Just wanted to provide some of my thought process behind my choice, glad I was able to provide some insight you found valuable!
Glad I found this video! I’m very excited to get my new 4Runner. So while I’m waiting Ive been window shopping roof racks and other mods lol. Thanks for showing the mounting feet. I’ve been looking for racks that don’t have any mounting feet like the prinsu. So I’m likely to get this one.
Glad I was able to give you a little info and provide some inspiration!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on our product! We love the mini traction boards you have mounted up!
Thanks for creating a great product! I was very happy with the entire process and final product. Happy to provide feedback for the community.
We love you sherpsec
Excellent review. I have a GX460 but all the points you made comparing the other modular racks made me believe the Sherpa was by far the best option for the GX. Happy trails brother!
Hey thanks man, glad I was able to give you a bit of detail!
Thanks for sharing! Not many reviews on this product online. I’m a visual guy so seeing this and how it looks is my kinda jam! I dig the plastidipped stock wheels btw! I’d love a video on the iron man 4x4 foam cell pros and your thoughts on it after using it. That’s the setup I’m looking to try also! Thanks again!
Awesome thanks for the feedback!
I to run the Sherpa Crestone on my '20 4R. Easy install and solid as a rock. Zero wind noise. Zero shift. Solid, solid product.
I get a significant whistling noise beginning at 60 mph and gets even louder above 60. I installed the wind fairing flush with the side rails as recommended.
I love your 4Runner! I have a 2003 limited with a Sherpa rack but will hopefully be getting a 2022 soon! Just wanted to check out your video on the rack! Thanks for the nice video!
That’s awesome, I love the 4th gens also! Thanks for checking out the channel.
Yeah I do, same username hit me up!
Nice! Now I know which rack to get. I've been looking a lot and finally, with your help, have found something that really makes sense.
Hopefully, they'll give you an affiliate link to help support the great work that you're doing.
Thanks!
Glad I was able to give you some insight into a decision. Would have been cool if I had some other racks on hand to do a direct comparison, but hey workin with what I’ve got.
Great informative video, I have the Crestone on order for my '19 pro. I got sick of the poor functionality and crazy height of the stock rack.
Great video bro! Made me go with Sherpa after much contemplation
Lots of great options out there so I’m glad I was able to provide you some insight to help you make a decision. I’m not sponsored! Just helping the community. :)
Looks beautiful! I'm thinking of getting the same for my 4 the gen 4R
Nice Review. Love the visual representation. I think I'm convinced. Out of curiosity have you or anyone else with a 4-Runner experienced snow blinding while driving their 4-runners through snow? Have you changed lights? What has worked for you?
Glad I could help give you some insight! I’ve experienced the same level of snow brightness where the headlights illuminate snow as any other car I’ve owned personally. Yellow light will cut through snow/dust a bit better though so maybe you could upgrade your fog lights?
Great review! I ended up buying this rack after all the positive reviews. What size/thread eye bolts are you using?
They’re stainless steel, 1/4-20 thread, 1/4” long lifting eye bolts! Going into 10 series 1/4-20 roll nuts!
Great video. 👍🏼
Would love a review video on the Ironman 4x4 lift you're running. I'm thinking of grabbing the Foam Cell Pro Stage 3 Complete 3inch kit
I’m at almost a year with it so a review would be a good idea! Stay tuned.
I’ve been looking into DIY solutions for aluminum modular racks like this. Like you said - especially with material cost right now - it’s probably worth buying off the shelf. Wish there was an off the shelf solution for the Pathfinder..
I’d maybe look into cross compatibility! For example the 3rd gen 4R has a similar roof rack rail to the 96-04 Pathfinder and it could potentially be compatible!
Thanks for doing such an in-depth review. The aluminum rack looks great with your Ice Cap 4runner.
QQ: I know you do a ton of DIY and seem to work with plywood / lumber a lot. Have you ever tried tying a 4'x8' sheet of plywood to the Sherpa Crestone? Do you think it's doable?
I'm looking at buying this rack - would be cool to be able to throw plywood up there and haul it from the lumber store.
Yes! I’ve put plywood on there a lot. The rack is about 47” wide and not perfectly flat. The rails stick up about 1/16” on the sides. So if you buy nice plywood I would sandwich it in like OSB or something to protect it. But you definitely can. I’ve also transported 2x4 and 2x6 up to 12’. Just be mindful of the weight.
@@GrizzlyPath Thanks so much for the reply and all the great info. Definitely buying this rack and if Sherpa is watching, it was because of your great review! Thanks again
Thanks for the review! I decided to get the bare alum based on your review. Where did you purchase the eye bolts from?
Eye bolts are 1/4-20 stainless ones on Amazon, just make sure you pick up some 1/4-20 “drop in” T-nuts. Or not drop in if you don’t mind leaving them stuck in your crossbars. If you like the Al, I recommend spraying it down with some clear coat before installing! It doesn’t corrode like rust, but it does corrode a bit and tarnish. I need to scrub it down and spray it.
@@GrizzlyPath Thanks again for info and advice!! Haven't installed yet so perfect timing to spray clear coat! Keep the videos coming. Really enjoy your content. Cheers from North Idaho!
Great review! Question: Was there a noticeable change in MPG's, assuming the rack only with nothing else on it? Thanks again.
I track all my fuel economy and I would say the impact to mpg based on my driving habits was negligible. 0.5-1mpg maybe. Biggest effect has been suspension and different tires.
Good choice on the bare aluminum finish, the silver flows well with the white.
Where did you get the baby trac boards lol
Haha thanks! I drew them in Solidworks and 3D printed them lol. But if you know someone with a 3D printer you could probably find a file on Thingyverse or something!
Like the video! I would like to know how the Ironman lift does for you once installed.
I actually already have it installed and have had it installed for…. Almost a year I think! It’s been great as far as I can tell, I’m very happy with it.
Awesome video. Thoughts on bud quality and design between this one and the southern style version?
I haven’t had the chance to see an SSO rack in person, but I’d think they’d be about the same. The concept is pretty straight forward so differences will come in their feet design and hardware supplier choice, but I’d think they’d be about the same.
Awesome roof rack! I was wondering what brand it was. Question: where did you get the mini-traction boards that are zip tied to the side of the rack?
Haha I actually drew them up in Solidworks and then 3D printed them!
@@GrizzlyPath I’d definitely pay for one!
Awesome review!
Can you measure your garage door height? That would confirm what height the 4Runner+roof rack will fit under. Thanks!
Sorry for the delay, I just measured it: 81.5” (6’ 9.5”).
I am sold!
Getting one as soon as there is an offer
Cool! It’d be cool if I could do a side by side comparison with other brands, but I just hope it provides some of my reasoning and insight into the Sherpa rack.
@@GrizzlyPath did my research, this one looks more modular and flexible to adjust than others. I need to get this to India by the way.
Hopefully you can get your hands on one! Do you have 4Runners in India? Or is this for a different vehicle? Just curious.
@@GrizzlyPath different vehicle. Not a 4x4 but more like a highway cruiser - for a Toyota Innova Crysta
Very cool, I looked it up! Reminds me of our Toyota Highlander or maybe a Honda Passport.
Thumbs up, great video! How is the wind noise? Could you attach a Thule box to the rails? 🙏
I’ve had a few racks and baskets and wind noise seems about the same or less that what you’d expect. Definitely is noticeable above 70mph, but below it’s unnoticeable to me. You could definitely attach a Thule box to it, but you might have to DIY some brackets I don’t know. Definitely possible though I’ve seen it!
I get a significant whistling noise beginning at 60 mph and gets even louder above 60. I installed the wind fairing flush with the side rails as recommended.
Excellent review. I also have a very low garage opening since it was built a long time ago. Is there anyway for you to put down your exact height of your garage door? I believe mine is 75" tall. I really want to order this but don't want to get it installed and find out I can't get the 4Runner in the garage.
I just measured: my garage door is 81.5”, I tried my best to measure the height of my vehicle and got 77”. Note that this is with a lift and bigger tires. I can’t remember how high the stock rails are, but if you measure from the drip channel up along the flat side at the REAR mounting point to the roof, it measures 4”. So likely about 1” or so higher than the stock rails? Good luck, gonna be a tight fit!
@@GrizzlyPath good to know. So I will most likely need to hold off. The garage was built in the 50s and they didn't have tall vehicles like they do now. I just barely fit it now. Again. Great review and hit all the points I was looking at.
Yeah sounds like you’re pushing the limits! If you’d like any more measurements just let me know. Glad I was able to help give you a bit of insight.
Looks great! I just bought the same left but I haven’t installed it yet, how do you like it? What are the pros and cons?
It’s lightweight, modular, functional as heck. Con would be it doesn’t have the round tube aesthetic if you’re into that, and these types of racks are pretty popular so it’s not super unique- although bare aluminum is pretty rare. I’m happy with it!
@@GrizzlyPath no the lift kit
Ohh haha, I like it a lot! Pro-tip, don’t install the little Allen set screws. Just the coil over locking rings are enough. The set screws Allen head strip out and they rust in, and also damage the threads. I’ve never used the set screws on other coil overs without issue but these are dumb! The adjuster spanner is expensive but really nice for adjusting while on the vehicle. The style of locking rings aren’t “gears” otherwise you could use a standard coil over spanner or hammer/punch, kinda a bummer.
@@GrizzlyPath OK great thanks good to know!
I have a 2022 4Runner orp with a sunroof as well. I'm looking into getting a sherpa rack as well. I see a cross bar over your sunroof I know it won't hit when you slide the sunroof open but does it hit when you put the sunroof up position ?
No it doesn’t hit, it’s high enough to clear.
I was looking into getting this rack but couldn't find many reviews on it. Thanks! My questions are:
1. How's the wind noise if any?
2. Sturdiness, does it shift back and forth at all?
My current rack (uptop overland) has plenty of wind noise since it's not flush, though they claim no wind noise. Also the front 2 feet seem to shift around a bit. Haven't loaded anything onto it yet to test but doesn't seem like the most sturdy solution
1. Is tricky, there’s more wind noise than nothing, but gosh I don’t even notice it personally. Either I got used to it or it’s almost nonexistent, either way I’d say you’re pretty good!
2. It doesn’t move at all. Once it’s fully tightened down and the front feet have been put under compression, the rack is stout and doesn’t move.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
I have this same rack, just installed about a month ago! To your questions, from my experience 1. I didn't notice any wind noise difference from the OEM rack to this rack. The wind fairing on this is solid, and it could be I just listen to music so often I didn't notice wind noise in the first place. 2. EXTREMELY STURDY. I installed a Roof Top Tent a few weeks ago (about 150lbs). Last weekend I went camping and had my partner, myself, and two large dogs up there. That's over 650lbs on top of the rack and the Crestone didn't so much as budge. It's incredible.
I get a significant whistling noise beginning at 60 mph and gets even louder above 60. I installed the wind fairing flush with the side rails as recommended.
Hi, I just got a crestone and am wondering if you have a link/specs for the eye bolts that you bought. Thx!
1/4-in lifting eye with 1/2” long shaft that is threaded in 1/4-20 so you can use 1/4-20 captive nuts.
US Stainless 4 Pieces Stainless Steel 316 1/4" Lifting Eye Bolt 1/4" UNC Marine Grade
Does it work ok with the sunroof? Are you still able to tilt and fully open it?
Just used it today, works great without any interference! Worst case could just move the crossbars so they’re out of the way, but I think there’s clearance below them anyway.
Very detailed review, I didn't choose Prinsu for the same reason, tinny tube spacers are gonna dent/deform the roof, especially when under load. I ended up with LFD steel, they use the same style spacer like yours. Are those Plano 68qt sportsman trunk?
Yeah they’re 68QT, I think I have one or two videos on the tote setup if you’re interested in details!
@@GrizzlyPath Just did, great contents
nice video! how's the wind noise at highway speeds?
I’ve had a few racks and baskets over the years and this one is pretty good. It has a solid faring and is quite low pro which helps. There is added wind noise, but in my personal opinion it’s not too bad. Louder with sunroof interior slide thing open. I haven’t taken any before/after dB measurements though.
I get a significant whistling noise beginning at 60 mph and gets even louder above 60. I installed the wind fairing flush with the side rails as recommended.
@morpheus1818 that sounds about similar to me
Having issues with noise. Only mounted towards the back with the 4 mounts to the oem rack placement. Seems to teeter back and forth and could use reinforcement towards the front. Any ideas?
You likely did not apply enough upward pressure (resulting in front feet in compression) to front feet. Gotta wedge it upwards a lot then tighten front supports down. Then tighten aft 4 supports. Just my recommendation, I’m not sponsored or anything.
@@GrizzlyPath thank you
So no drilling roof just factory mounts? Outside the feet what else is better vs frontrunner, prinsu etc
No drilling, and I like the way Sherpa did the mounting feet. Otherwise parity with Prinsu, Victory4x4, etc are going to be similar and will be up to individual preferences it seems. FrontRunner is a much different type of rack so I’d think that would depend on the individual. I’ve been quite happy with this Sherpa rack though. Definitely not sponsored haha.
I just installed a similar looking rack today on my 4Runner but it sits on the existing factory cross bars. Yes, it doesn't look as cool as these custom jobs but it is about 1/5th the cost! Did I mention that I'm cheap?
Height was a big factor for me due to my garage!
@@GrizzlyPath the one I installed clears my garage door by 2 inches! I measured several times before ordering it.
What is your impression of the wind noise with the Crestone versus without it, please.
Note: I have larger more aggressive tires and a lift that to me have minimal noise effect.
There is noticeably more wind noise, primarily due the the rack extending to the windshield where as the stock rack is further aft.
That being said, for me, it’s not too bad and I don’t really notice it. It’s louder if I have my sunroof cover open (glass closed).
Unfortunately without data it’s super subjective. You will have more noise with all racks over stock no matter what really.
I get a significant whistling noise beginning at 60 mph and gets even louder above 60. I installed the wind fairing flush with the side rails as recommended.
Did you check Prinsu? Which has lower profile, your Sherpa or Prinsu?
I did and as far as I can tell they’re the same height. Prinsu has some design differences that make it look lower profile though. Note that the height of my crossbars is exactly at the height of my radio fin antenna. I personally chose Sherpa over Prinsu specifically due to the mounting method.
So why were the feet on this preferable to the built in bent ones? Is it because the bent aluminum is a weak point? Or did u just like the rubber boots?
That’s a good question and I kinda glossed over that. I mostly just liked the modularity of having the feet be a separate and adjustable, but ultimately it’s because I liked the rubber mounting block.
Excellent thanks! This video was very eye opening, I too was thinking I’d diy one, but now I’m second guessing that strategy based on your very good point about not having much wiggle room for any errors…. Which the first time doing anything seems to result in opportunities for improvement.
Glad I was able to provide some insight. It’s really a “fun DIY” vs “cost and time”. In this case I opted not to DIY, but I’ll likely make a rack in the future!
I’m currently installing mine and having a hard time getting a nice snug with the front feet. For some reason I can’t seem to get it tight enough against the channel.
I ended up cutting a 2x4 into a wedge, like a door stopper basically. I wrapped it in a microfiber towel and then used that to wedge the front fairing up so it was reallllly pushed up (be careful not to dent roof, not too hard!) and then that’s when I spread the leg bracket and tightened it down. Had to get creative, but now it’s tight as can be. Good luck!
Yessir! Just need to really get it forced up. Could also maybe try loosening the middle feet bolts a bit, doing the front, then tightening the middle back down. Just an idea I thought of that could help.
@@GrizzlyPath I al having a similar issue with the front feet sitting snug against black weatherstripping. Any more tips or I go on the piece of wood you made to lift it?
Tighten all the other mount fasteners, leaving the front pair loose. Anything that won’t mar the roof or dent it will work. Add a little pressure to lift the front evenly on both sides, tighten the front foot fasteners and remove the shim; inflatable shims (AirShim, WinBag) will work well.
what is the weight? and how is the wind noise??
Website says about 50#. Wind noise is about what you’d expect. Not really noticeable to me until I get to about 65+ and then it’ll pick up a decent amount. Nothing that bothers me, but I’m not sensitive to it.
@@GrizzlyPath Thanks grizzly! And thanks for subscribing ❤️ 😃
How loud is it when you are driving down the highway?
Honest opinion here- over 55mph and there’s additional noticeable wind noise. 40-55 and I can only hear it with the sunroof shade open. Less than 40 and I can’t hear any additional wind noise over stock.
@@GrizzlyPath thank you for your honesty.
🙂👆👍
How’s the wind noise?
More than stock, and probably a “normal amount” compared to other racks at speeds >65mph. Definitely noticeable at like 80mph+. But overall I have no complains compared to other baskets, racks, and stock roofs. The fairing seems to do a decent job staying aero.
Any water leaks?
It’s been on for a couple years now I think, no leaks at all!
@@GrizzlyPath Great...thanks!
Sherpa is most expensive roof rack let’s hope I would worth the money.
So far it’s a solid and functional rack, I’ve really enjoyed owning it since I purchased it.
I just order black for $1450 now…..
Sounds like it’s gone up!
Now its $1600😂😂😂
Pre-COVID prices, RIP!
It looks really ugly, I wish there were nicer looking options for the 4runner.
Seems like there’s either OEM rack + basket, “Prinsu style” like this, Gobi style, or something like a Frontrunner platform. I personally love the tube Gobi style the most, but this is more functional/modular so from that standpoint it’s quite utilitarian.