Front Runner Roof Racks vs Sherpa Racks
Front Runner Roof Rack Vs Sherpa Equipment Co
Made in Johannesburg, South Africa, Front Runner is one of the leading brands of roof racks currently in the US. Even though they are not cheap, Front Runner Roof Racks are widely popular among the off-roading and overlanding community for their quality and durability.
Another roof rack brand that is gaining a lot of popularity in the off-roading and overlanding community is Sherpa Equipment Co. Made in the USA; Sherpa roof racks feature extremely high-quality construction and are priced very competitively.
In the following sections, we will compare Front Runner Roof Racks with Sherpa roof racks to see how they stack up in terms of features and price. Without further due, let's jump right into it.
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Front Runner Roof Rack vs Sherpa - Features
Construction
Front Runner Roof Racks are made using a combination of T6 aluminum and high-strength steel. Plus, the whole rack is black weather-resistant powder-coated to prevent rust.
As for Sherpa Roof Racks, they are made using 1/4" 6061 Aluminum and are very customizable. You can choose the type finish of your rack to crossbars. Plus, all Sherpa roof racks employ rubber seals and washers to ensure your vehicle stays dry and rust-free at all times.
Even though both Front Runner roof racks and Sherpa roof racks feature very similar construction, we will give this round to Sherpa as their racks utilize slightly thicker materials and are highly customizable.
Winner: Sherpa Equipment Co
Installation
Both Front Runner roof racks and Sherpa racks feature a very easy installation process. Almost all Front runner and Sherpa racks can be installed without drilling holes in your vehicle (Some might require drilling). Installing these racks is super simple and can be done by anyone in under a couple of hours.
Draw
Wind Fairing
All Sherpa Roof Racks come with wind fairing to reduce drag and wind noise when traveling at high speed. You also have the option to choose the height of the wind fairing. If you want to mount a light bar, you can select the half-height wind fairing; otherwise, you can go for the full-height wind fairing.
On the other hand, Front Runner Roof racks don't include wind fairing with their roof racks. However, they do have the option to buy wind fairing separately for around $200. Front Runner roof rack wind fairing doesn't have to option to mount a light bar.
Winner: Sherpa Equipment Co
Handles
For about $59, Front Runner has an option to add handles to their roof rack to make it easy for you to reach and access your gear.
As for Sherpa roof racks, they come with built-in handles on the side plates. It doesn't cost you anything extra.
Winner: Sherpa Equipment Co
Front Runner Roof Racks vs Sherpa Racks - Features Overview
| Features | Front Runner | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| Made using | T6 aluminum | 1/4" 6061 aluminum |
| Average Weight | 70 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Average Weight Capacity | 600 lbs | 700 lbs |
| Wind Fairing |  |
|
| Handles | |
|
| Modular Design | |
|
| No Drill Installation | |
|
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Front Runner Roof Racks vs Sherpa Racks - Price
Both Front Runner roof racks and Sherpa racks are pretty evenly matched when it comes to price. On average, they cost around $1000.
Front Runner
Most Popular
Avg. $1,000
Mount anything from a kayak to a roof top tent by installing a Front Runner roof rack on your vehicle.
Learn MoreSherpa Roof Rack
Our Top Choice
Avg. $1,000
If you are looking for a "bang-for-your-buck" roof rack, then the Sherpa Equipment Co roof rack is the perfect choice for you.
Learn MoreFront Runner Roof Racks vs Sherpa Racks - Reviews
Check out what people are saying about Yakima Skyrise and Nomadic roof top tent.
Front Runner Roof Rack
Easy to Install
"Installation was really straightforward. Love the rack. Holds our roof top tent easily."
Charles H
Solid
"Front Runner roof rack feels incredibly solid and extremely durable."
Gear Junkie
Well Built
"Construction and design are superior by almost every measure ⋅ Well-built rack."
The Manual
Sherpa Roof Rack
Top of the Line
"I installed this in just under two hours on my 2010 4runner. This rack is top of the line, and there is so much attention to detail."
Josh H
Great Rack
"Very solid rack. Goes together easy. Good adjustability in terms of rack placement, bar placement, and fairing adjustment. The instructions and videos help. I did it alone."
Chirs E
Top-Notch
"Quality is top-notch, wind noise is nonexistent, peace of mind with waterproof fittings, made/sourced in the USA. Worth the Money."
Eric O
Front Runner Roof Racks vs Sherpa Racks - Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful to you in understanding the main difference between Front Runner roof racks and Sherpa Roof Racks. If you have questions about either roof rack brand, please reach out to us via email or phone, and we will get back to you as soon as possible (support@overlandjunction.com and 833-205-7703).