Sherpa Princeton Roof Rack for 2003-2009 4th Gen 4Runner
Sherpa Princeton Roof Rack for 2003-2009 4th Gen 4Runner
✓ Drill-Free. Zero Vehicle Modification.
The Princeton mounts to factory locations on your 4th Gen 4Runner. No drilling, no cutting, and zero modification to the vehicle. On a truck that is now 15 to 20 years old and worth keeping original, that matters.
The 4th Gen is the 4Runner a lot of people argue is the sweet spot: the 4.7 V8 option, a solid rear axle setup people still swap in from, and the last generation before the platform grew up and got complicated. The Princeton is the full-length Sherpa PEAK 4th Gen 4Runner roof rack built for it, covering 2003 through 2009.
This 4th Gen 4Runner roof rack spans 89 inches with 10 extrusion crossbars and carries 300 lbs dynamic and 600 lbs static, with no drilling required. Construction is 1/4 inch aircraft-grade aluminum side panels with stainless steel hardware, at roughly 53 lbs. Bolt into any of the crossbars or strap gear directly to the side plates. Black textured powder coat, black anodized crossbars, black oxide stainless hardware. Choose a Full Height wind fairing or a Half Height fairing sized for a single-row light bar. Manufactured in Colorado. Lifetime Warranty.
Ten Crossbars Across 89 Inches
Most full-length PEAK racks run seven to nine crossbars. The Princeton gets ten across an 89 inch platform, which is a lot of mounting positions for a mid-size SUV.
That matters because the 4th Gen is a vehicle people build over years rather than all at once. A rooftop tent goes on first, then an awning, then traction boards, then a light bar, then a shovel mount. Ten bars means each addition slides into place rather than forcing you to rearrange everything already up there. You can also strap gear directly to the side plates when bolting is not practical.
The PEAK Series
Industry leading premium roof rack systems. The PEAK series is the go-to for a premium aluminum roof rack. It is the line that Sherpa built its name on, and for years it has carried the gear of the most extreme adventurers. Sherpa believes in the constant evolution of their products, building the toughest systems on the market. From industry-leading alloys to uncompromising mounts, you will always Adventure with Confidence.
Crafted
Manufactured in Colorado with precision laser-cut 1/4" aluminum sideplates formed with CNC accuracy by Sherpa's team of professionals. They have created a very stout mounting structure, secured with stainless steel hardware, that will keep your gear where you need it. The 1/4 inch aircraft-grade aluminum is thicker than most competing racks, which is where the strength comes from without the weight penalty of steel.
Adaptable
Sherpa knows the importance of mounting all of your goodies on your rig. With the PEAK Series, you have the ability to mount just about anything, anywhere. With slots and holes all over the rack, plus Sherpa's line of accessories, you will never find yourself wishing you could mount something. For anyone shopping 4th Gen 4Runner accessories to build an overland setup, the rack is the foundation the rest of the roof hangs off.
Durable
Strength is built into Sherpa's brand and the PEAK System is what they built their name on. Using the best in materials and hardware, you can beat on this system every weekend and trust it to show up to work on Monday. On a 4th Gen that has already proven it will run past 250,000 miles, a Lifetime Warranty on the rack is a fair match.
Which Fairing Is Right for You?
Sherpa's full height fairing is built for people who do not want to put a light bar on their rack. The half height fairing is made so you can fit a single row light bar while keeping everything flush. Both cost the same, so this is purely a build decision.
Specifications
| Vehicle | 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner (4th Generation) |
| Weight | ~53 lbs |
| Crossbars | 10 x 47" |
| Rack Dimensions | 89" x 47-1/2" x 2.5" |
| Dynamic Load Rating | 300 lbs |
| Static Load Rating | 600 lbs |
| Sideplate Material | 1/4" aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Mounting | 4 mounting brackets |
| Finish | Black textured powder coat |
| Crossbar Finish | Black anodized |
| Hardware | Black oxide stainless steel |
| Installation | Drill-free. Zero vehicle modification |
| Fairing Options | Full Height (no light bar) or Half Height (single row light bar) |
| Manufactured | Colorado, USA |
| SKU | 113744 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What's Included
📄 Installation Instructions
Download the Princeton install guide. No drilling required, and all hardware is included.
Pros
- Ten crossbars across 89 inches, more mounting positions than most full-length racks
- Completely drill-free with zero modification to the vehicle
- About 53 lbs for a full-length aluminum rack
- 1/4" aircraft-grade aluminum sideplates, thicker than most competing racks
- Bolt into the crossbars or strap directly to the side plates
- One 4th gen 4Runner roof rack covering the entire 2003-2009 run
- Choice of Full or Half Height fairing at the same price
- Made in Colorado with a Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Fits the 2003-2009 4th Gen only. 3rd, 5th, and 6th Gen 4Runners need different racks
- 600 lbs static is lower than Sherpa's newer racks, so check a rooftop tent's weight before ordering
- Four mounting brackets rather than the six on some PEAK racks, which is why the rating sits at 300 dynamic
- Fairing choice is made at purchase, so switching later means buying the other fairing separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it fit my 4Runner year?
The Princeton fits 2003 through 2009, the entire 4th Generation. So whether you have a 2003 4Runner roof rack question or a 2005 4Runner roof rack question, this is the one. It does not fit the 1996-2002 3rd Gen, the 2010-2024 5th Gen, or the 2025+ 6th Gen. We carry a Sherpa rack for each of those too.
Does installation require drilling?
No. The Princeton is drill-free and requires zero modification, mounting to factory locations with four brackets. All required hardware is included. On a 4Runner that is now 15 to 20 years old and increasingly worth keeping original, not putting holes in the roof is worth more than convenience alone.
Can I mount a rooftop tent on it?
Yes, with attention to weight. 300 lbs dynamic covers the tent plus accessories while driving, and 600 lbs static covers the tent plus occupants once parked. That 600 lb figure is lower than Sherpa's newer racks, so a heavy hardshell plus three adults is worth calculating first. A tent in the 100 to 130 lb range leaves comfortable margin on an 89 by 47.5 inch platform. Browse our rooftop tent collection here.
Which 4Runner rack do I need?
Sherpa builds one per generation. The Matterhorn for the 1996-2002 3rd Gen, the Princeton for the 2003-2009 4th Gen, the Crestone for the 2010-2024 5th Gen, and the Capitol for the 2025+ 6th Gen. Call us at 844-200-3979 with your year if you are unsure which generation you have.
Why ten crossbars?
More mounting positions. Most full-length racks run seven to nine bars, and the Princeton fits ten across 89 inches. On a vehicle people build up gradually, that means each new accessory slides into place rather than forcing you to rearrange what is already mounted. The bars also slide to whatever spacing your gear needs.
Which fairing should I choose?
Choose Full Height if you are not running a light bar, since it deflects the most air for the quietest ride. Choose Half Height if you want a single-row light bar to sit flush with the fairing line. Both cost the same. If a light bar is anywhere in your plans, Half Height saves you buying a second fairing later.
Complete Your Build
Which 4Runner Generation?
Tell us your year. We carry a Sherpa rack for every 4Runner generation and will match you to the right one.
844-200-3979
