3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner Roof Racks Review
If you are looking for a roof rack for your 3rd Generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner, then you have come to the right place! (If you have a 4th or 5th Generation 4Runner, check out our other Toyota 4Runner Roof Rack page.)
As the 3rd Generation 4Runner is still popular to this day (that's some reliability!), there are several companies that make roof racks for them, and it can be a bit daunting to buy the right rack.
So, we've put together the following review of the best 3rd generation 4Runner roof racks to help you find the perfect rack for your 4Runner.
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Top 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner Roof Racks
Matterhorn Full Length 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack
Sherpa Matterhorn is the best overall 3rd gen 4Runner roof rack.
The Matterhorn Roof Rack by Sherpa Equipment Co is the best roof rack available for the 3rd generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner. Battle-tested on some rugged Colorado trails, it as tough as they come and features a sleek modular design.
It comes with aircraft-grade aluminum side panels and 9 crossbars. However, the number of crossbars you want to use is totally up to you. If you have a lot of gear to mount, you can use all 9 crossbars. If you have less, just a few will do.
As for the weight capacity, the Matterhorn has a static load capacity of 600 lbs and a dynamic load capacity of 200 lbs. Plus, installing this rack on your 4runner is as easy as ABC -- it doesn't require any drilling or modifications to your vehicle.
All of the Sherpa Matterhorn crossbars come with t-slot channels to allow you to hard mount and secure your gear easily. Plus, the Matterhorn rack has a truly flat top so that you can maximize crossbar contact and distribute loads evenly and efficiently.
Price
$1,299
Overview
- Includes 9 crossbars
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum
- Modular Design
- 600lbs static load capacity
- Super easy to install
Prinsu Full Length 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack
The Prinsu Full Length 3rd Gen 4Runner Rack has the best weight capacity.
The Prinsu full length roof rack for 3rd Generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runners has an unmatched weight capacity. If you want to haul heavy gear (think roof top tent + boat + accessories) then this rack is for you.
Featuring a static weight capacity of 800 lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 400 lbs, there is no load this rack can't handle.
Plus, the Prinsu 3rd Gen 4Runner rack comes with 2 aluminum laser-cut side rails and 9 crossbars (as well as a 10th that serves as a wind deflector and optional lightbar mount).
Like the Sherpa Matterhorn, this rack is completely modular and all crossbars come with a t-slot channel on top to make it easy for you to secure your gear.
You also have the option to choose the height of the wind deflector in case you want to mount a light bar on your rack.
Price
$899
Overview
- Adjustable & Modular Design
- Low profile & Sleek
- Noise Reducing Edge Trim
- High Weight Capacity
- Includes 9 crossbars
Prinsu 3/4 Length 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack
The Prinsu 3/4 Length 3rd Gen 4Runner Rack is the Best 3/4 Length Rack.
The Prinsu 3/4 length roof rack for 3rd Generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runners is the same rack as the full length, but 25% shorter. Perfect for leaving a sunroof uncovered or just taking up less of your roof.
Like the full length Prinsu rack, it has an unbeatable weight capacity. Featuring a static weight capacity of 800 lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 400 lbs, there is no load this rack can't handle.
Plus, the Prinsu 3rd Gen 4Runner 3/4 rack comes with 2 aluminum laser-cut side rails and a still impressive 7 crossbars.
The rack is completely modular - you can use as many or as few crossbars as you need - and you also have the option to choose the height of the wind deflector in case you want to mount a light bar on the front.
Price
$870
Overview
- Adjustable & modular design
- 3/4 length for maximum flexibility
- Noise reducing features
- High weight capacity
- Includes 7 crossbars
The Antero 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack
The Antero is the best half length 3rd gen 4Runner roof rack.
If you are looking for a half length roof rack for your 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002), then the Sherpa Equipment Antero is the perfect option for you. It's affordable and high quality at the same time.
Made with aircraft-grade aluminum side panels and stainless steel hardware. the Antero has a static weight capacity of 500 lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 200 lbs. You will have no problem mounting gear like mountain bikes, most roof top tents, and more.
The Sherpa Antero comes with 2 side panels, 5 crossbars, and 4 mounting brackets. As the rack features a modular design, the number of crossbars you choose to use is totally up to you.
The Sherpa Antero 3rd gen 4Runner roof rack features integrated handles and tie-downs built right into the side plate profile to make it easy for you to secure your gear. Also, all the crossbars on Antero come with a t-slot channel.
Prince
$799
Overview
- 500lbs static load capacity
- Modular design
- Includes 5 crossbars
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum
- Installation doesn't require drilling
Matterhorn Sport 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack
Sherpa Matterhorn Sport is the best lightweight 3rd Gen 4Runner roof rack.
The Matterhorn Sport Roof Rack from Sherpa is a full length, low profile, lightweight rack that fits any 3rd generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner
It's the same rack as the Sherpa Matterhorn, just lower profile and lighter weight.
It comes with lighter and leaner side panels, as well as 7 high quality crossbars. With a static weight capacity of 400 pounds and a dynamic weight capacity of 150 pounds, you can haul smaller roof top tents, bikes, kayaks, and other accessories.
Plus, the rack is extremely low profile, letting you get into any garage or low-ceiling spot that your non-rack 4Runner can enter.
Price
$899
Overview
- Includes 7 crossbars
- Made with lightweight aluminum
- Modular design
- 400lbs static load capacity
- Super easy to install
Must-Have 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Accessories
Sherpa 3rd Gen 4Runner Awning Mounts
Do you want to attach an awning to your 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner roof rack? This awning mount is a must-have for you! You can mount practically any awning using the Sherpa Awning Mount (except 270-degree awnings). Tepui, ARB, and Roam are just a handful of the major awning brands that the Sherpa awning mount supports.
Sherpa Awning Mounts, like their roof racks, are simple to install. They mount to the sides of any crossbar and sit about 3/4" above the rack.
Starting at
$55
Prinsu 3rd Gen 4Runner Tie Down Rings
Tie-down is one of the most useful roof rack accessories you can ever buy. They are pretty inexpensive and allow you to easily install and tie-down items such as luggage, kayaks, and so on.
Prinsu Tie Down Rings are composed of stainless steel and come in sets of two. They are also quite simple to set up. All you have to do is slide them into the T-slot channel on the crossbars or side rails, and you're ready to go!
Starting at
$18
Sherpa Smiley
Sherpa Smiley is a basic yet extremely useful addition for 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner roof racks. They can be used for various purposes: from Extra tie-down points to opening beer bottles or keeping items from sliding around on the rack.
Starting at
$25
3rd Gen Toyota 4runner Roof Rack FAQ
Can I use a 3rd gen 4Runner roof rack with a sunroof?
Yes! All of these 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner roof racks are designed so that you can use them on your 4Runner even if you have a sunroof. However, if you want to be able to see through without having crossbars in your view, check out the 3/4 or 1/2 length racks.
Can I mount a roof top tent on these racks?
Roof top tents weight anywhere from 90 to 300 pounds. You can mount any small roof top tent on any of these racks, and the higher weight capacity racks can handle any tent on the market.
What is the process of installing a roof rack on a 3rd gen 4Runner?
The installation process for all of these racks is pretty simple and won't require drilling or modifications to your 4Runner.
Do these racks make wind noise?
You may notice some noise when you add a roof rack to your roof, and especially if you put lots of gear on top of it. But all of these racks come with a noise reducing edge trim and front aerodynamic wind fairing to reduce wind noise when you are traveling at high speed.
Have Additional Questions About 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Racks?
Overland Junction is here to help you locate the best roof rack for your 3rd generation (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner. If you have any questions or want to learn more about any of the roof racks before making a purchase, please browse our website, text or call us at 833-205-7703, or email support@overlandjunction.com.
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