Roof Racks

Front Runner Dometic roof racks are full-platform systems, not just crossbars. That means your entire roof becomes usable space for gear mounting. Every rack is built from T-slot aluminum extrusion, so accessories slide in and lock without drilling. The platform design distributes weight evenly across the roof, which improves stability compared to bar-only systems. Front Runner has been making these racks for overland expeditions since the early 2000s, and the designs are tested on some of the roughest roads in Southern Africa, Australia, and the American West.

The Slimline II is Front Runner Dometic's flagship roof rack. It is a full-length platform built from heavy-gauge aluminum with a low-profile design that sits close to the roofline. The T-slot channels run the full length and width of the rack, giving you the most mounting flexibility for rooftop tents, awnings, cargo boxes, recovery boards, Jerry cans, and more. Slimline II kits are available in full-length and 3/4 sizes for popular vehicles including the Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler JL, Land Rover Defender, and Rivian R1S. If you need maximum cargo capacity and plan to run multiple accessories, the Slimline II is the rack to start with.

The Slimsport sits about an inch lower than the Slimline II and weighs less. It uses integrated mounting feet built into the side rails, which eliminates the need for separate mounting towers and makes installation faster. Slimsport racks are a strong fit for drivers who want roof-mounted gear capacity without the full bulk of a platform rack. They work well for single-accessory setups like a bike carrier, cargo box, or light bar. The trade-off is fewer T-slot mounting points and compatibility with fewer accessories compared to the Slimline II. For weekend warriors who stick closer to paved roads and need a clean look, the Slimsport is the practical choice.

The Slimpro sits between the Slimline II and Slimsport in terms of capability. It offers a balance of low-profile design and solid accessory compatibility. Slimpro racks are a newer addition to the Front Runner Dometic lineup and are built for drivers who want more than crossbars but don't need the full expedition capacity of a Slimline II. Check available Slimpro kits to see if your vehicle is supported.

Three questions narrow it down fast. First, what vehicle are you driving? Front Runner Dometic makes vehicle-specific kits for hundreds of models, so start with your exact make, model, and year using the "Outfit Your Vehicle" tool. Second, what do you plan to carry? A rooftop tent with recovery gear and an awning calls for a Slimline II. A single bike carrier or cargo box works fine on a Slimsport. Third, do you care about aerodynamics and fuel economy? The Slimsport and Slimpro create less drag than a full Slimline II platform. Dynamic load ratings vary by vehicle, so always check the spec sheet for your specific kit before buying.

Overlanding is where Front Runner Dometic roof racks really prove their value. The platform design handles multiple accessories at once, so you can mount a rooftop tent, an awning, solar panels, recovery boards, and water tanks all on a single Slimline II rack. The T-slot system means you can reconfigure your layout in minutes depending on the trip. Heading to the desert? Add Jerry can mounts and traction boards. Doing a weekend camp? Swap in the cargo box and bike carrier. Front Runner Dometic racks are trusted by overlanders running expeditions across Africa, Australia, the Americas, and beyond.

Front Runner started building roof racks in South Africa for vehicles that needed to survive corrugated dirt roads, river crossings, and weeks of constant vibration. That field-tested approach is why the Slimline II became the default rack for serious overland builds worldwide. Now part of the Dometic family, Front Runner Dometic combines that expedition DNA with Dometic's 100+ year engineering legacy, expanded quality standards, and a global support network. The racks are the same ones trusted on professional expeditions, now backed by broader resources and availability.

Front Runner Dometic roof racks are powder-coated and built to resist corrosion, but basic maintenance extends their life. Rinse the rack after trips through mud, salt, or sand. Check all mounting bolts and hardware before long drives, especially after off-road use. Inspect T-slot rubber beading periodically and replace it if worn, since tight beading keeps accessories locked in place. Replacement parts like beading, end caps, and mounting hardware are available individually so you don't need to replace entire kits when something wears out.