Rack Handle Bracket for Front Runner Slimline II Platform Rack

Video Transcript for Front Runner Slimline II Platform Rack Handle Bracket Review

Hi everyone. Aiden here at etrailer. Today we're gonna be taking a look at this rack handle bracket from Front Runner. This is designed to work on your Slimline II platform racks and mount to that side rail, giving you an easy-to-grab handle for getting up to your roof, whether you need to access something that you have up there or mount to accessory up. Let's check it out. Now like much of the rack itself, it's gonna be a black powder coated steel, meaning that this is going to match the looks, but also be quite durable.

And the reason it's designed to work with just the Slimline II is because you'll notice it mounts to that side channel that is only present on the Slimline II. So if you did have a Slimsport rack, this wouldn't work. Now when you mount this up, you can mount it centered between the slats on your platform, or you could mount it in line, and reuse some of the hardware that secures those slats underneath. But that means it is going to be at somewhat fixed intervals, but really, it can go the whole length of the platform, giving you tons of options to get it in the right spot. Now, I chose to mount mine towards the rear of the vehicle here, because if I need to access the front of the platform, I can climb up into the door jambs, or use the running boards that are present on our 4Runner today.

But to climb up on the back tire, it's a much bigger step. And this handle provides a safer way up and down, because it's a bit easier to reach for me, and it gives me access to the rear of the platform, which was otherwise hard to reach. And one other thing I did want to point out is this handle, because it's so small, is pretty friendly with other accessories. You'll notice that we have our pro prep table underneath and the brackets that hold that in. If your rack has that option available, or you're interested in that accessory, just know that because you have the handle there, it's not going to interfere with the function there.

You might get a little bit of contact, but it's still completely functional, and you can have those accessories mounted up, in this case, right next to each other, and you don't have to worry about it. Now, one thing I do wanna point out is that we have the just standalone handle kit right now, but there's another kit that comes paired with one of Front Runner's rock lights, which can be used right in this center gap and mounted up. That does mean you'll need to wire it to power and ground and a switch to control it, but that'll give you a light that can shine down over your campsite, or wherever you have this handle mounted up at. Or if you decide down the line that you do wanna add this, and you just wanna get the handle right now, you can get this separately, and all the hardware you need to mount this up is included with the handle out of the box. So down the line, if you choose to add this, you'll be ready to go.

What I would suggest is if you plan on adding this down the line, or you plan on doing any sort of lighting upgrades, like adding a light bar from Front Runner to the front of your rack, do this at the same time, because all the wiring you're gonna have to do is pretty custom, and it's gonna be very unique to each vehicle, and just your overall personal preferences, where you want your switch, how you want it controlled, and how you want all your lights wired together, if you want everything on one switch or separated. So the reason I say do it all at once is because that process will be involved, and it's gonna be easier to just do it once getting those wires ran to the switches, and that switch into your vehicle where it's easily accessible. But that's really all there is to it. It's a pretty simple add-on to your rack, doesn't take up a lot of space, adds a lot of utility, and makes it easier to just reach the top, especially if you've got a taller vehicle on maybe some larger tires. Something like this to help you up is gonna be a big addition. And if you do choose to pair it up with the rock lights, it could be a good way to light up your campsite, and keep things pretty discreet too. But that was just our look at the Front Runner handle bracket for your Slimline II platform rack. Thanks for watching.