Any surfers out there?
- Thread starter FJimbo
- Start date
- Aug 6, 2024
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- 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 Edition, 2008 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, 2005 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
I haven't found one I like yet. I would think a full size rack would be better for transporting Surfboards.
I’m a surfer (also primarily a long boarder) and a paddle boarder. My First Edition came with the FE rack, but after trying to use it, I pretty quickly traded it for OEM rails and cross bars. They work with my lifestyle so much better.
My wife is a surfer (longboard and some mid lengths). I have a 1958 and I just added the roof rails. I will be adding the crossbars and Yakima SUP rack and then it'll be good to go. We have this same setup on her RDX and my WRX, and it works like a charm. I hope this helps.
I toss inflatable paddleboards on the OEM crossbars regularly with tie-down straps. On longer camping trips with more gear I'm likely to just deflate and re-inflate, and I'll put the cargo box on the roof instead.
The height of the cruiser is the hardest part. I'm 6'1 and pretty agile, so it's not a problem putting them on, but there's more climbing involved than putting them on the Rav4.
The height of the cruiser is the hardest part. I'm 6'1 and pretty agile, so it's not a problem putting them on, but there's more climbing involved than putting them on the Rav4.
Surfer as well. I have an fe and actually like the rack for carrying boards. The machines holes make it really easy to lock the straps in.
That said, the fe rack has a lot of noise and most of the time I ride shorter boards that fit in the back of the car, so I’m looking to swap for rails and cross bars. Will probably look to after market low noise cross bars at some point too…
if I’m doing a short commute not on the freeway with my longboard I just put it in the back and out the back window with the glass popped up.
Lastly, getting up to strap in the boards is more work than I’d like too bc the LC is so tall (I’m 6ft 34 year old in good shape). I bought one of those steps from Amazon that hook on the door and that makes it a lot easier.
That said, the fe rack has a lot of noise and most of the time I ride shorter boards that fit in the back of the car, so I’m looking to swap for rails and cross bars. Will probably look to after market low noise cross bars at some point too…
if I’m doing a short commute not on the freeway with my longboard I just put it in the back and out the back window with the glass popped up.
Lastly, getting up to strap in the boards is more work than I’d like too bc the LC is so tall (I’m 6ft 34 year old in good shape). I bought one of those steps from Amazon that hook on the door and that makes it a lot easier.
Nice! Any recommendations on particular tie-down straps brand or models for the FE roof rack?
Re: Surfers, looks like Toyota's got your back!
jalopnik.com
Toyota Goes Old School With A Two-Door 4Runner Concept That's A Tribute To California's Surf Culture
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept gives the iconic off-roader a body style it hasn’t seen since its introduction
jalopnik.com
My boards fit right in back inside the LC with seats folded down. But I do have the DaKine soft racks / strap system in case I need to use the back seats. Pads can wrap on existing cross bars on the FE, and the straps are universal and can tie down on the cross bars as well. I used this in the 4runner and it's a great system.
Yeah I think a warning will pop up on the dash that says glass open and you can shut it up by pressing okay button (that or the back button, I can’t remember for sure but it tells you what to press)
Just bought a 2026 LC, I had Toyota put the OEM crossbars on the roof-figured I could strap my longboard up there, but the crossbars are really close together, established by the pre drilled holes in the roof rails. I thought I could widen the stance of the crossbars for a more stable mounting surface. Pretty lame these can't be shifted. Should I return the factory crossbars and get something after market? Just wanted proper roof storage for a longboard. Thanks
I have this wescott designs roof rack...whenever I've had to haul boards it works well with the Dakine (really any) soft padding for the rails. I will say, if a board has a lot of rocker I'll need to give it some cushion (a towel) when I put it up on the rack, as otherwise the board rocker will touch the roof rails. That's only happened to me with a longer fish/gun...usually my longboards run >=9'6" and don't have that issue.
Honestly though I'm lazy. I drive with the back window open + boards hanging out around San Diego all the time with no issue. Granted, I don't ever go on the freeway...only on streets up to 45 mph or so. Only time I use the roof rack is when I have a bunch of people in the car.
OK, there should be plenty of distance for you to strap the longboard up there. You only need to strap down the rear 1/3 or even rear 1/4 of board to be properly secured. Also best for aerodynamics. You don't want much board sticking out in front of the first tie down point as this will create lift from wind coming off hood.
So if you ride a 9'0" or even a 10' footer, only strap down the first 3' starting just behind the fins, so fins lock it in, with board deck side down on the rack, and you are good.
Buy some DaKine velcro pads and tie straps. All you need.
I put my 9’6 longboard on my FE roof rack many times. The only thing I do different than normal is put a foam pad only in the front to the lift the nose of the board and keep the bag from flapping against the roof. Other than that - just strap em down normally
