Delayed update. The truck, the dog and I have done a few more trips now. Recently, we also had a few additions to the truck which will be discussed in another post. Even more goodies are stuck in the garage now waiting for installation.But for now, the one completed item is a new roof rack. Ready for usage on longer trips where space is at a premium. So far, there has not been a great need for it but soon we will start carrying a large propane tank for heat and cooking, which I would prefer not to keep inside the cabin. Beyond that, space inside the truck has been sufficient to carry the dog and our gear for 2 and 3 day trips. However, it is very likely more space will be needed soon for longer trips, especially if we included another passenger.
The rack I went with is a full-length roof rack which will allow for maximum usage of the roof. Built by a local 4Runner enthusiast, it is low-profile and likely will be unnoticed by the untrained eye. It includes a removable sunroof panel. His business appears to mostly come through word of mouth, and I heard of his work through the 4Runner forum, where several local members have supported his small business.
The mesh bottom of the rack makes for a great looking rack, but also makes it difficult to install brackets for mounting other accessories. My fingers can't fit underneath the rack, and the holes are too small to get any leverage. I've tried a few different tricks to install brackets on the mesh, but in the end have thus far decided not to use brackets there yet.
Next, I need to buy brackets to mount the ARB awning, perhaps add a few ligths, and of course add stickers to the front wind deflectors!