Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Racks, Accessories, Applications, Q&A

[Equipt]

Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Racks, Accessories, Applications, Q&A

I have started this thread with the intention of giving the ExPo forum a venue to view the new Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Rack Systems and accessories, see some the standard and custom applications, and ask questions about the system. It is also for individuals to share their K9 rack photos and impressions of the system. As time goes on we will be launching new applications and accessories, and will share them here as well.



Eezi-Awn is internationally known as the benchmark in roof top tents. They have returned to producing roof racks with the introduction of the K9 Series. With decades of real world experience, not only traveling but building the best expedition equipment available, Eezi-Awn knows what an expedition roof rack should be. And this is it.

Rack Concept

The goal of the K9 Rack System is to be an expedition grade rack platform, providing a very strong, light weight, low profile, aerodynamic and modular storage extension to any vehicle. The platforms are all aluminum extrusion, fully welded, anodized and powder coated. They are designed with a front to back slotted slat surface to provide an infinite amount of mounting options. The edges of the platform also include a slot for mounting equipment. Because of this capacity, a side rail is not necessary. The platform is mounted to a vehicle by either a gutter mount leg, or by a rail mounted foot. For gutterless applications, an aluminum rail is mounted to the vehicle, and the feet slide into the rail.

Specs

The platform is only 1-3/8" high, and is available in 1250mm (50") and 1400mm (55") widths. Several lengths are available for different applications. Gutter mount legs provide 5-3/4" to 6-1/4" clearance or 8" to 9" clearance, designed to clear most any roof from a Toyota 70 Series to a high roof Discovery 1 or 2. The rail/feet systems clear from 3" to 5-1/4" (3 foot sizes) for gutterless systems like the Land Cruiser 100 or 200 Series, or the LR3/LR4. On average, an entire rack system will weigh less than 60 pounds while capable of managing a roof top tent, fuel storage, or use as a walking platform.



Standard and Custom applications

The 2 widths available cover a wide range of typical applications. The narrower platforms are used on midsized SUVs and trucks such as the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Pathfinder. The wider platforms fit the entire line of Land Cruisers as well as the Wrangler, Defender, Discovery and LR4. And we have standardized kits for these vehicles. But what makes the K9 Roof Rack System unique is it's ability to customize to most any application. All of the components are available individually. Universal rail is available to be drilled to your unique need. Feet and rail can be applied to give you a rack system not available anywhere else.

Versatility

The K9 rack offers a completely flat mounting surface. It is the optimal surface for a roof top tent. It also allows you to attach and remove anything quickly and without modification to the rack. Simply use 8mm and 6mm hex headed bolts to locate and secure any gear you want.

Accessories

The K9 system has a range of accessories that is expanding all the time. We currently have accessory adapter brackets for the side of the platform, allowing you to vertically mount equipment and awnings to the edge. We have 3 sizes of stainless/aluminum tables, that store underneath the platform and above your roof line. Stainless steel tie down rings in two sizes attach anywhere you want. A list of accessories including dual can holders, axe, shovel and hi lift mounts, and a spare tire mount out due out later this year.



You can find out a lot more about the K9 System by clicking here and navigating to through the options in the left channel of the page.

http://www.equipt1.com/companies/eezi-awn-k9


Comments and Questions

We encourage you to let us know your comments and questions about this unique roof rack system. And please share your photos of your K9 racks. We are excited about this system and look forward to sharing more as we go.

Cheers,

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I'm enjoying the K9 system on my 100 Series. Quality is fantastic and I really like the low profile and 'hug' to the roof line it offers. The top of each lengthwise runner offers two bolt track extrusions and the bottom offers one, combine that with the bolt tracks in the cross-bars and it has plenty of mounting options for just about any tent, light, can holder, accessory, etc.

I was fortunately to have Paul help me with the installation here locally during my 48 hour 100 Series build weekend, you can see some shots of the roof rack assembly in the video here.

 

[udoxx]

Pic Heavy

Ah man, where do I start? I want to talk about the K9 rack but I want to say first that Equipt provides excellent customer service! So why did I need a roof rack? Because a larger spare and an Auxiliary Fuel tank made the stock location underneath the rear of my Commander unusable. I decided on a custom roof rack application from Paul May and his Equipt team. Paul came up with a custom solution for my non-standard Jeep Commander roof. Paul took the time to answer my questions via email, phone and text! He personally checked his warehouse for custom mounting options. He even shared his personal number with me, that made so that I could get him photos and dimensions of the roof, gutters and any other items to consider for exact fitment. He suggested 1400mm wide by 1600mm long platform, the six mounting feet designed for the LR4 allowed me to reuse the OEM track. The fitment was near perfect considering the OEM track. The front of the rack does not obstruct the view from the sunroof nor does it contact the rear hatch when opened. I only wish the OEM track was long enough to allow two more mounting feet for more support beneath the front of the rack. Here are the photos, after installation:




I was able to install the rack with a friend and yes due to it's custom fitment it was a PITA to install. Access to where the mounting plate sandwiches the OEM track to the mounting feet was tight; finger dexterity and small tools were required. The custom installation can be done just prepare to be patient. I would believe standard Toyota, Land Rover or Jeep Wrangler would be an easy installation.

How sturdy is the rack and mounting points? Strong enough for two full grown men to sit atop the rack while watching Fireworks. Sturdy enough to carry a spare tire on the washboard road to the Race Track Playa travelling above 40mph (Old Man Emu suspension and proper tire pressure). One spare tire mounted on top isn't much weight but the tire was strapped to the rack. The straps loosened every so often causing the tire to vibrate and sometimes bounce. The rack held up nicely to that punishment with no bowing or vibrations within the construction (rails and mounting feet). Most recently, I placed my parents luggage (about 150 pounds) on top utilizing the slots designed in the rack, large tie down rings and ratcheting straps. Thanks to the Nylock nuts, the rack is still tight and rattle free. I have had it installed since Apr 2013 and have had no issues with the powder coat fading or peeling. The rack does not bow nor does it rattle. I will be loading it up again this weekend for a trip down to California's Central mountains. I am completely satisfied with the solution and confident it will serve well years to come.

I am looking forward to using the spare tire mount, under rack table and awning. At some time I will make some modifications to allow another pair of mounting feet and maybe some spacers to raise the rack allowing fitment of the under rack table.

 

[Colin Hughes]

Looks like a very nice rack. It appears the feet are adjustable so if your roofline is lower at the front and/or back, you can level out the rack, correct? This was a problem with the Front runner rack I bought and the number of shims I had to install made me concerned about safety. Do the gutter mount feet have this option too? I have a Disco 1 and with a modular rack, the rack bent to the front and rear as the centre was higher when I tightened it down until I installed the shims. The thick bars of the FR also caused a fair amount of vibration in certain cross winds. I see the bars run front to back on this rack. What would be really cool, likely not possible, is to get a custom side rail that would allow the rack to follow a Discovery roofline like the Safety Devices and Baja racks do. I had really given up on a rack but this one looks very interesting.

 

[Equipt]

I'm enjoying the K9 system on my 100 Series. Quality is fantastic and I really like the low profile and 'hug' to the roof line it offers. The top of each lengthwise runner offers two bolt track extrusions and the bottom offers one, combine that with the bolt tracks in the cross-bars and it has plenty of mounting options for just about any tent, light, can holder, accessory, etc.

I was fortunately to have Paul help me with the installation here locally during my 48 hour 100 Series build weekend, you can see some shots of the roof rack assembly in the video here.

Thanks for the comments Kurt. The video of your vehicle build is pretty cool to watch. Your rack is the same rack I had on my Land Cruiser 100 Series. It consisted of a pair of rail that were drilled specifically to match the factory mounting points on the 100 Series roof line, a set of six 60mm feet that slid into the rail, and a 1400mm wide by 2200mm long platform (55'W x 87"L). Install on this rack was a little over an hour total. It is long enough to put a 1400mm wide RTT on it and still have room for fuel cans in front. Here are a couple photos of my 100 Series with the same rack.



My feet are clear stainless in the photos. The feet now are still stainless, but powder coated black to match. The size of the platform is just right for the 100 Series roofline, and it creates minimal noise at highway speeds.

Cheers,

 

[Equipt]

Thanks Udoxx for sharing your Commander photos and comments. Yours was the most interesting custom application so far. I am glad it worked out for you. We will have a proper tire mount for you coming out hopefully this fall. It looks fantastic on your truck.

Cheers,

 

[Equipt]

Looks like a very nice rack. It appears the feet are adjustable so if your roofline is lower at the front and/or back, you can level out the rack, correct? This was a problem with the Front runner rack I bought and the number of shims I had to install made me concerned about safety. Do the gutter mount feet have this option too? I have a Disco 1 and with a modular rack, the rack bent to the front and rear as the centre was higher when I tightened it down until I installed the shims. The thick bars of the FR also caused a fair amount of vibration in certain cross winds. I see the bars run front to back on this rack. What would be really cool, likely not possible, is to get a custom side rail that would allow the rack to follow a Discovery roofline like the Safety Devices and Baja racks do. I had really given up on a rack but this one looks very interesting.

Hi Colin,

The gutter mount legs that the K9 system uses for the Discos can adjust between 8" and 9" in height, and can articulate 5 degrees in either direction. That means you can adjust them to meet the height variance and angle of most any roof line without the need of shims. Also with having the slats run front to back, the great majority of wind noise and vibration generated by lateral slats disappears. There are cross braces under the platform slats that the legs attach to. These increase the platform strength and give a place to mount things underneath the rack. No rack is noise proof, but the K9 rack does a great job of mitigating the issue. Unfortunately the K9 platforms are all flat. We don't have a varied height platform for the Discos. Thanks for the questions. Let us know if you have any more.

cheers,

 

[Jus4fun]

My K-9 roof rack installation

I was intrigued by the Eezi-Awn K-9 rack system when Equipt1 started carrying them with accessories. I have owned Front Runner roof racks, an expedition Baja Rack, and an ARB rack on previous vehicles. All have their unique attributes but I was drawn to the K-9 by it's design and construction. The K-9 is an aluminum rack that is solid and welded as 1 piece. The similar Front Runner is a bolt together, modular rack that is a challenge to assemble and requires some maintenance due to bolts loosening and rusting.
My recent vehicle, a 4runner Trail Edition, is a work in progress, but I wanted a small stable rack to support my Series 3 1600 Eezi-Awn RTT. Paul had a few smaller K-9 racks on a container so I waited patiently for the delivery. No fault of Paul or Equipt1, the rack arrived via Fed Ex freight and one corner was crumpled by the shipper. I sent it back ,and Paul had a new rack my way the next day. The track install was easy as I used the same mounting plates on the stock 4runner rack following Paul's excellent instructions on his own 4runner build ( http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/98414-2013-Toyota-4Runner-Equipt-Edition-Build ). I soon added an awning, Series 2000 1.5"spoyla", attached w/ K-9 accessory adapters which allow for easy and secure mounting of awnings or various tools to the rack edge.

I will add pics of my Eezi-Awn RTT on the K-9 rack soon. I am loving the K-9 and accessories!

 

[usadventureracing]

Do you have a size that fits a Land Rover 110?

 

[Equipt]

Thanks Jus4Fun for sharing your 4Runner install with us. It turned out great! I like the 1.5M awning on there too. Very clean. I can't wait to see how the rest of the build works out for you.

Cheers,

 

[Equipt]

Do you have a size that fits a Land Rover 110?

Yes we do, in several sizes. We offer the 1400mm (55") wide platform in 2.0M, 2.2M, and 2.8M lengths (79", 87", & 110" respectively). We have the first 2 sizes in stock and will have the full length 2.8M length available in February. We sold out of that size a little while ago. Here is a photo of a 110 with the rack on it and it has some additional legs. The 2.0M and 2.2M lengths come with 6 legs, and the 2.8M comes with 8. The photo shows it with 10, as per a customer's request.



You can look at the spec on the different models by navigating to them in the left channel of the K9 Roof Rack Systems page on our site.

http://www.equipt1.com/companies/K9...-awn-k9/1075369-eezi-awn-k9-roof-rack-systems

Cheers,

 

[2wheelbob]

I have been running the Eezi-awn rack for about a year now on our 2000 model year 100 series Land Cruiser and have nothing but praise for it. It mounted up fairly easily (took me longer to get the factory rack off). It has carried our RTT and a bunch of other equipment over many miles of Wyoming's backcountry. Also, Equipt's customer service is the best! It seems there was some concern with the original, factory supplied, set of rack mount feet not being of the top quality Equipt demanded. Paul called me directly and sent me a new set of black powder coated ones and a UPS slip to return the originals (all on his dime). I'd order another rack (or any of their products) without hesitation. I highly recommend this rack!

Bob

 

[Equipt]

Thanks for the comments and kind words Bob! It's great to hear from you, and I am glad you are happy with the Eezi-Awn products.

Cheers,

 

[Corey]

Hello Paul, just ran across your tables again after seeing it in the toolbar at the top of the forums.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/expedition-gear/accessories/2370-eezi-awn-k9-roof-rack-table.html

I currently have two table you need to unroll the slats and out them on the frame with the last one I bought, the Slumberjack being the better of the two.
Still a PITA to setup though, so I will be picking up your large table before to long.
I should be able to lay it flat in the back of my FJ, or strap it to the side of my ARB fridge, will have to measure first.

I do not think the roof rack mount for the tables will work with my Bajarack MG model (discontinued) which is the same as their Utility rack pretty much.

The table will be to support my chuckbox and more.

 

[Equipt]

Hi Corey,

Thanks for noting the ExPo Forum article on the tables. It was a nice article, and covered a lot of info.

It might be possible to use the table mount on your MG rack, depending on if there is enough clearance. You need about 2-1/2" to clear the table. The table mount could be reconfigured to mount to it with a series of small U bolts going around the rack bars and the mount edge drilled in the appropriate places. You would need to modify the table stop to fit as well, but definitely feasible.

The large table is pretty large, and would be plenty stout to hold your chuck box. Any of them could do that for you. The medium or small versions might be a better size for strapping to the fridge.

Take some measurements and lets see if we can make something fit.

Cheers,