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Need help?Do you have a question about the Warrior Products 3860 and is the answer not in the manual?
Locate and remove roof rack components, then remove bolts/brackets from mounting points.
Attach small front mounts and large rear mounts to the vehicle roof mounting points.
Place main platform onto brackets, aligning corner plates and mounting surfaces.
Loosely install hex bolts to attach the platform, then fully tighten all hardware.
The Warrior Products 3860 FJ Cruiser Platform Rack is a robust and versatile accessory designed to enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of your FJ Cruiser, protecting your adventure lifestyle. This platform rack provides a secure and expansive surface for transporting various gear, making it an ideal addition for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and anyone needing extra storage space for their vehicle. Its design focuses on durability and ease of use, ensuring that your equipment remains safe and stable during travel, whether on paved roads or challenging off-road terrains.
The primary function of the 3860 FJ Cruiser Platform Rack is to provide an elevated and flat cargo area on the roof of your vehicle. This allows for the transportation of oversized items that would not fit inside the vehicle, such as camping equipment, recovery gear, spare tires, fuel cans, and other adventure essentials. The rack's platform design offers a flexible mounting surface, enabling users to secure items using various tie-down methods, including straps, bungee cords, or specialized mounting accessories. By utilizing the roof space, the rack helps to free up interior cargo room, improving passenger comfort and allowing for more organized storage within the vehicle. It also contributes to a lower center of gravity for heavy items compared to traditional roof boxes, which can be beneficial for vehicle stability during off-road driving. The rack is engineered to distribute weight evenly across the vehicle's roof, minimizing stress on the mounting points and ensuring structural integrity. Its open design also allows for easy access to items from multiple angles, facilitating quick loading and unloading. The platform can serve as a base for mounting additional accessories, such as awnings, light bars, or specialized carriers for kayaks, bicycles, or surfboards, further expanding its utility.
The Warrior Products 3860 FJ Cruiser Platform Rack is designed with user convenience and adaptability in mind. Installation begins by locating the six mounting points on the vehicle's roof, which may involve removing an existing roof rack or trim covers. The process requires careful removal of existing bolts and brackets, ensuring that both bolts at each mounting point are loosened before either is fully removed to prevent damage to the internal roof brackets. This attention to detail during installation highlights the importance of following the instructions to maintain the vehicle's structural integrity.
Once the existing hardware is removed, the small mount is attached to the front mounting point on each side of the vehicle, while the large mounts are secured to the rear two mounting points. The upper tabs of these brackets should face inboard, towards the center of the roof. The mounting brackets are designed to fit into the existing channels, with plastic sleeves positioned in the mount holes. The mounts are then secured using supplied M8 Button Head cap screws, lock washers, and small washers. All twelve mounting screws must be fully tightened to ensure a secure foundation for the platform. An optional step involves applying silicon or other gasket material around the plastic sleeves in the roof. This is a crucial feature for ensuring a waterproof installation, preventing water ingress into the vehicle's interior, especially important in diverse weather conditions or during water crossings.
A key consideration during installation is the potential need to adjust the vehicle's roof trim. If the mounting brackets do not fully seat into the mounting channel, users may need to slide the trim or carefully cut it with a hacksaw to provide adequate clearance. This feature underscores the product's adaptability to variations in vehicle manufacturing and ensures a flush, secure fit.
After the mounting brackets are securely in place, the main platform is carefully positioned on top, with the curved end facing forward. This step is significantly easier with the help of a second person, emphasizing a practical aspect of installation for larger components. The platform's corner plates and mounting plate surfaces are designed to rest on the bottom side of the rack, ensuring proper alignment.
The platform is then attached to the mounting brackets using twelve 3/8” x 1” Hex bolts. During this stage, users might need to flex the mounting brackets slightly, either inward or outward, to align the holes properly. This flexibility in the mounting system accommodates minor discrepancies and ensures a precise fit. The instructions also highlight that due to the taper of the FJ Cruiser roof and the specific locations of the mounting points, the bolts must be placed in appropriate mounting holes, with a visual reference provided in the manual (Figure 3). This detail is critical for ensuring correct load distribution and structural integrity of the rack. Finally, all hardware is fully tightened to secure the rack firmly in place, completing the installation process.
Once installed, the platform rack offers a versatile surface for securing cargo. Its open design allows for various tie-down configurations, accommodating items of different shapes and sizes. The rack's robust construction is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road travel, including vibrations, impacts, and exposure to the elements. The ability to mount additional accessories like awnings or light bars directly to the platform further enhances its utility, making it a comprehensive solution for adventure travel. The rack's low-profile design, while providing ample cargo space, also aims to minimize wind noise and drag, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.
Maintaining the Warrior Products 3860 FJ Cruiser Platform Rack is straightforward, focusing on ensuring its longevity and continued safe operation. Regular inspection of all mounting hardware is paramount. Users should periodically check the M8 Button Head cap screws, lock washers, small washers, 3/8” x 1” Hex bolts, 3/8” washers, and 3/8” Nyloc nuts for tightness. Vibrations from driving, especially off-road, can cause fasteners to loosen over time. Retightening any loose hardware prevents potential rattling, ensures the rack remains securely attached to the vehicle, and maintains the integrity of the load. This proactive approach to maintenance helps to prevent wear and tear on the mounting points and the rack itself.
Cleaning the platform rack is also an important aspect of maintenance. Exposure to dirt, mud, road salt, and other environmental elements can accumulate on the rack, potentially leading to corrosion or degradation of materials over time. Regular washing with mild soap and water, followed by thorough rinsing, will help preserve the finish and prevent the buildup of corrosive substances. For stubborn grime, a soft brush or sponge can be used. It is advisable to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washers, which could damage the rack's coating or finish.
Inspecting the rack for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or excessive wear, is also crucial. While the rack is built for durability, impacts from low-hanging branches, shifting cargo, or accidents can cause structural damage. Any detected damage should be addressed promptly, either by repairing the affected component or replacing it if necessary, to ensure the rack's safe load-bearing capacity.
If silicon or gasket material was applied during installation to ensure a waterproof seal, it is good practice to periodically inspect these seals for cracking, drying, or degradation. Over time, these materials can lose their effectiveness, potentially leading to water leaks. Reapplying sealant as needed will maintain the waterproof integrity of the installation, protecting the vehicle's interior from moisture.
For users who frequently remove and reattach accessories to the platform, it's important to ensure that the mounting points for these accessories are also kept clean and free of debris. This prevents cross-threading or damage to fasteners and ensures a secure attachment each time.
Overall, the maintenance routine for the 3860 FJ Cruiser Platform Rack is designed to be simple and effective, ensuring that the product continues to perform reliably throughout its lifespan. By following these basic maintenance steps, users can maximize the utility and durability of their platform rack, supporting countless adventures for years to come.
General| Product Type | Front Bumper |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Powder Coated |
| Winch Mount | Yes |
| D-Ring Mounts | Yes |
| Installation | Bolt-On |
