Why are the Malone SteelTop # MPG203 Not Confirmed to Fit My 2020 Toyota 4Runner with Raised Rails?

Question:

We have a 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited. It has raised factory side rails. This MPG203 is not a confirmed fit. Can you explain why it is not confirmed as the towers MAL25YR seem to be the same as the Malone MPG202, which is a confirmed fit ? Thank you,

asked by: Stephen

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a fitment answer for you. The reason why the Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 65" Long # MPG203 is not listed as a confirmed fit for your vehicle is because the 65" length of the crossbars are deemed far too long for your 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited with raised factory rails. This is why the SteelTop 50" # MPG201 and SteelTop 58" # MPG202 are confirmed fits. You are right that the towers # MAL25YR will fit your vehicle.

Also, another reason why the 65" crossbars are not listed to fit is because the crossbar space after the feet of the crossbars are not load-bearing areas. These areas on the rack are not designed for holding weight.

However, with all this being said, I have a great solution for you. According to my research, your 2020 Toyota 4Runner measures 75.8 inches wide. With that width, you can accommodate a longer crossbar system without it being dangerous or illegal. For that route, I recommend the following setup:

- Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 70" Long # Y00427
- TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails # Y33TR
- Yakima Same-Key System Lock # Y07204

With this crossbar system, you gain an additional 5 inches from the # MPG203. Also, with the Yakima setup, you have a 165 pound maximum weight capacity. As with all roof racks, I recommend confirming with your owner's manual to make sure that your roof can handle the weight you wish to transport. I also recommend measuring your vehicle from mirror end to mirror end to make sure the 70" crossbars do not extend past the mirrors.