Why Choose the KC HiLiTES Platform One Roof Rack

[kophoto4x4]

Why Choose the KC HiLiTES Platform One Roof Rack for Your 6th Gen 4Runner

I have looked at every roof rack on the market and none of them have come close to the KC HiLiTES Platform One and honestly, it’s been one of the best mods I’ve added so far. I wanted to share a quick breakdown of why this rack stands out compared to the usual suspects like Prinsu, Sherpa, Front Runner and others.

1. Hybrid Design & Build Quality

The Platform One isn’t just another flat rack. It’s a hybrid between a low-profile platform and a traditional basket design — giving you the versatility of a flat rack for RTTs or gear mounts, plus integrated side rails for extra rigidity and tie-down options.
KC went heavy on quality here: aircraft-grade aluminum, powder-coated finish, and rock-solid mounts that feel extremely sturdy.

2. Integrated Lighting & Wiring

This is where this rack really SHINES. The rack is designed around lighting integration, not as an afterthought.

• Front light bars (available in Amber, Combo, or Spot configurations) that mount seamlessly into the front faceplate.
• Side and rear scene lighting using the new SideCast lights.
• Built-in wiring channels to route cables cleanly through the rack.
  It’s easily one of the cleanest lighting setups on the market with this setup looking OEM

3. Utility & Modularity

Each slat accepts standard accessory mounts, meaning you can add Maxtrax, Rotopax, recovery boards, or rooftop tents without drilling or fabricating custom brackets. KC also offers tie-down rings, awning brackets, and mounting plates that bolt right in.
Basically, it’s a rack that grows with your build whether you’re doing overlanding, trail days, or just weekend trips.

4. Style That Matches the 4Runner

A lot of racks look bulky or tacked-on. The Platform One actually complements the 4Runner’s body lines. The side profile is sleek and aggressive, especially when paired with KC lighting. If you care about both
performance and aesthetics, it nails both.

5. Backed by KC’s Legacy

KC’s been building lighting gear for longer than I’ve been alive, so their reputation for durability and customer service is top notch. The Platform One is a newer addition to their lineup, but you can tell it’s designed by enthusiasts who actually wheel their rigs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a roof rack that combines functionality, clean lighting integration, and rugged looks, the KC HiLiTES Platform One is absolutely worth a look.
It’s not just another rack, it’s an entire ecosystem built for 4Runner owners who actually use their rigs.

You can see the system for your self at: https://www.kchilites.com/families/platform-one

 

[Trail4R]

Damn dude, love how the wiring is all integrated into the rack like that. Does the rack come pre-wired if you order it like that, or do you have to feed the wires through all those channels?

 

[kophoto4x4]

The SideCast lights are an add on option so it does not come pre-wired. The wiring is super easy though you just slide the wires in. KC makes it really simple to make it look clean!

 

[Archer80]

That is a nice system, well thought out and lifetime warranty is awesome, especially from a company like KC but wow, 5K+ would seem to keep the target market pretty low????

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[KCHiliTES]

Thanks for sharing this @kophoto4x4 - we're stoked to see that you are enjoying the Platform One. We've been working on this rack for quite some time now, and one of the main goals of the entire system was not only to bring something unique to the market, but to bring the manufacturing locally to ensure a higher level of production and quality control. Platform One is built locally in small batches to deliver strength, versatility, and a clean, contoured design that is ready for every adventure, whether it's on a new 6th Gen 4Runner, 5th Gen 4Runner, or many other makes/models on the road.

If anyone has any questions at all on the rack, lighting integrations, how to wire specific lights, integrate solar, mounting storage boxes, or anything else... let us know. We're always around.