Front Runner Outfitters
LEGEND HAS IT THAT FRONT RUNNER WAS CONCEIVED BETWEEN A 1988 LAND CRUISER 70 AND A 1992 MERCEDES G-WAGEN IN BOTSWANA, AROUND A CAMPFIRE, NEAR A MAJESTIC BAOBAB, AMONGST ELEPHANT TRACKS, BY A HANDFUL OF FRIENDS FROM SOUTH AFRICA WITH BACKGROUNDS IN ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING AND OFF-ROAD RACING.
After suffering through numerous equipment failures on their expeditions around the world, they decided to take their shared passion for vehicle based adventure travel and dream up new, smart gear and build it stronger than… well, as they put it, “stronger than the elephants at the watering hole 1 klick over.”
With the gruelling African bush as a testing ground, we at Front Runner focused on a tough love approach to developing products. With both feet facing the future and little sentimentally for mediocre ideas of the past – common approaches to off-road vehicle product design were quickly jettisoned in favor of innovation, new materials, and superior manufacturing practices.
Today our products have a well deserved reputation (if we don’t say so ourselves) for quality, intelligent design, and durability. Our manufacturing facility just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa features in house laser cutting, bending and powder coating. Our CAD designed products by a team of engineers and built by skilled craftsman in our ISO-9001 : 2015 Certified factory.
Our roof racks, water tanks, tents, awnings, drawer systems and camping accessories are enjoyed, used and abused around the world by casual campers, the U.N., overlanders, NGOs, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme athletes.
THE SLIMLINE II ROOF PLATFORM
GO TO EXTREMES, BRING BACK PROOF.
ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD STRENGTH MEETS TRUE ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE. 55 SIZES. 50+ ACCESSORIES. LIFETIME WARRANTY*
The Front Runner all aluminium Slimline II Roof Racks are engineered with modern vehicles in mind and offer unmatched strength, lightness and functionality. Built for off-road adventure with on-road sophistication and style - the Slimline II as equally at home in the city and wilderness.
All Front Runner Slimline II Roof Racks are constructed with a commitment to quality in the Front Runner factory in South Africa. Each rack is engineered to meet the exacting demands of professional adventurers who navigate extreme road conditions day in and out.
MODULAR
The Slimline II offers complete roof rack design flexibility. No other roof rack available today can be assembled by the customer to meet their specific needs.
More slats can be added to create a solid platform option for sleeping and/or sitting and enjoying sundowners. Slats can also be removed to create access and views through many T-tops or sunroofs.
A full size rack can be quickly converted to a shorter rack with the purchase of a pair of shorter side rails. Or a smaller rack can be made longer with the purchase of longer side rails and additional slats.
Expedition style rails can even be effortlessly added to create the classic roof rack basket shape.
If any individual component of the roof rack becomes accidentally damaged, the part can be swapped out without having to replace the entire tray.
STRONG
Unlike most roof racks, the Slimline II was designed and built specifically for off-road use. Manufactured with high density aluminum, the Front Runner Slimline II tray is rated to carry 300 kgs / 660 lbs and can withstand the stress of any adventure.*
The load support slats fit into a double walled aluminum extrusion channel on the side profiles and are secured via locking nuts. This patented design creates a joint support that is stronger than usual for a roof rack.
The Slimline II’s L-shaped rear and front slat design increases the strength of the entire rack, making the Slimline II the lightest and the strongest roof rack available.
(*the rack must always be loaded in accordance with the vehicle’s load rating specifications).
LIGHTWEIGHT
Aluminum is on average 30% lighter than steel. The new Front Runner all aluminum Slimline II patented design offers the best strength to weight ratio of any roof rack. The all aluminum Front Runner Slimline II can withstand greater stresses than the best all-steel roof rack at 1/3rd less the weight.
The extra strength and lightness of the Slimline II allows heavier loads to be carried on the roof of the vehicle more safely compared to comparable all-steel roof racks. Using the lighter Slimline II Roof Rack instead of a comparable all-steel rack can lessen your vehicle’s environmental impact, decrease vehicle wear, and improve gas mileage.
LOW PROFILE
Because of the unique T-slot mounting system, “basket style” side rails are not necessary. This flat deck design is unobtrusive and compliments the lines of today’s automobiles. Because there are no side rails, it’s easier and quicker to remove stored gear and it’s also possible to mount a roof top tent.
For city use, the lower profile affords easier access to underground car parks and garages. By minimizing the profile, there is less drag and noise than the typical roof rack - thereby increasing fuel efficiency and increasing performance.
To further reduce wind noise, all Front Runner Slimline II Roof Racks come with Wind Deflectors included.
VERSATILE
The Slimline II offers easy on and off mounting for any type of adventure gear. No more untying, unstrapping, un-netting the entire contents of your roof rack to remove one item. Loads are independently secured anywhere on the top, sides, or bottom of the rack using Front Runner’s unique bolt on system.
The Slimline II offers limitless possibilities for the end user to customize the arrangement of over 50 Front Runner roof rack accessories.
Front Runner offers roof top solutions for securing water, fuel, tents, bikes, braai/BBQ grates, skis, fishing rods, surfboards, axes, recovery jacks, spades/shovel, bottle openers, clothes, canoes/kayaks, lights, tables, gas/propane bottles, rescue tracks, spare tyres/tires, suitcases, chairs, potjie pots/cast iron pots and snowboards.
And if you can’t find a Front Runner accessory for your particular brand of adventure -- secure whatever you like via 8mm bolts in the t-slots or try the Front Runner Tie Down Rings with the Front Runner Stratchit. The possibilities are endless.
DURABLE
A roof rack should last as long as your vehicle. Most roof racks available today will rust, chip, and/or crack after being exposed to the elements. The Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack will take the abuse of the sun, the rain, the gear, as well as whatever condition road you drive on.
The Slimline II tray is manufactured in South Africa entirely with corrosion free aluminum while the mounting solutions are either all aluminum or stainless steel -- ensuring a lifetime of dependability.
As an extra layer of protection, all Front Runner Slimline II Roof Racks and mounting solutions are powder coated satin black with one of the industry’s most durable and lasting finishes - Akzonobel’s Interpon 600 (CPO 6034). This weather resistant powder coating is formulated for exterior uses and far exceeds industry standards, with the finish showing no visible damage at 500 hours of continuous salt spray.
EVERY RIG DESERVES A ROOF RACK THAT FITS.
MOUNTING OPTIONS FOR ALMOST EVERYTHING
The Slimline II platforms are sold as "kits" comprised of a vehicle specific mounting system with the appropriately sized rack tray. All hardware components you need to install the tray on your specific vehicle are included in the kit. No additional tools are needed to assemble the tray. To see an entire list of racks and other Front Runner products that will work with your vehicle. Shop by vehicle below:
