I'm looking for a roof rack system that doesn't use the factory rack - I guess I'm being way too difficult because I also don't like the idea of the clip in the top of the door (leakage, looks, etc..). Has anyone out there come up with some way to permanently mount the Thule/Yakima hardware by pulling up the weatherstripping and using the existing holes? Or better yet, is there something that someone has seen that looks more professional than the typical aftermarket rack and would use the same approach?
I'm looking for a roof rack system that doesn't use the factory rack - I guess I'm being way too difficult because I also don't like the idea of the clip in the top of the door (leakage, looks, etc..). Has anyone out there come up with some way to permanently mount the Thule/Yakima hardware by pulling up the weatherstripping and using the existing holes? Or better yet, is there something that someone has seen that looks more professional than the typical aftermarket rack and would use the same approach?
Thanks for any advice!!
I would be very interested in a nice looking permanently mounted rack too for my Access Cab. Any ideas out there?
__________________ 2007 Tundra DC Limited, 5.7L, 4x4 2008 Prius (to make up for the Tundra's gas milage)
Unless you're going to drill into the top of the truck your only real option for a roof rack requires the clips. You might want to note though that the factory roof rack now has OEM options for bikes, skis and baskets. I posted the part numbers here a few days ago.. (I'll have to find the link).
Other than that you could go with my option and use the cargo bars on the bed of the truck and mount your stuff there. Several others on the forum have done so as well.
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
White
TRD Off-Road
TRD CAT Back Exhaust, Bed Mat, Husky Floor Mats, Wildcat Flash Nerf Bars, Prodigy Brake Controller, In Dash cell phone mount, Cargo Bars w/Thule Ski & Bike Attachments, Toyo Open Country A/T Tires (Stock Size)
Unless you're going to drill into the top of the truck your only real option for a roof rack requires the clips. You might want to note though that the factory roof rack now has OEM options for bikes, skis and baskets. I posted the part numbers here a few days ago.. (I'll have to find the link).
Other than that you could go with my option and use the cargo bars on the bed of the truck and mount your stuff there. Several others on the forum have done so as well.
Good idea, but I need to carry a canoe around. I don't have a problem drilling my roof if the mount/rack looks nice and will hold a couple hundred pounds (safety margin). I have another thread going on cutting down the OEM rack that fits the DC. How viable do you think that idea is? Someone else said that he didn't think the OEM rack was all that sturdy. What's everyones opinion of the OEM rack?
__________________ 2007 Tundra DC Limited, 5.7L, 4x4 2008 Prius (to make up for the Tundra's gas milage)
Good idea, but I need to carry a canoe around. I don't have a problem drilling my roof if the mount/rack looks nice and will hold a couple hundred pounds (safety margin). I have another thread going on cutting down the OEM rack that fits the DC. How viable do you think that idea is? Someone else said that he didn't think the OEM rack was all that sturdy. What's everyones opinion of the OEM rack?
total crap is my opinion... i don't have any problem drilling into the roof either, just haven't seen anyone else do it first
Check this out. I'm going to wait for this one! The black bar system is apparently already out, but I am waiting for the silver...if I can stay patient long enough. http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...235#post253235
Answers the ladder rack questions too..
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The New - - 2007 Sun Fusion FJ Cruiser
Deep Cycle Battery-Running Boards-That's It For Now But Not For Long
The Old - - 2005 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (I Miss My Baby)
Dual Optima Batteries-Toytec Lift-MB Motoring Wheels-285/75/16 Nitto Grapplers-Waeco Portable Fridge/Freezer-Yakima Roof Rack-Softopper Canvas Top-Airaid Intake Kit-Billet Grille-Flowmaster 40-Aries Nerf Bars-Tint-Wade Hood Protector-TRD Seat Covers-Bed Extender-Toyota Bed Mat & TRD Floor Mats-XBar Light Bar
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The New - - 2007 Sun Fusion FJ Cruiser
Deep Cycle Battery-Running Boards-That's It For Now But Not For Long
The Old - - 2005 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (I Miss My Baby)
Dual Optima Batteries-Toytec Lift-MB Motoring Wheels-285/75/16 Nitto Grapplers-Waeco Portable Fridge/Freezer-Yakima Roof Rack-Softopper Canvas Top-Airaid Intake Kit-Billet Grille-Flowmaster 40-Aries Nerf Bars-Tint-Wade Hood Protector-TRD Seat Covers-Bed Extender-Toyota Bed Mat & TRD Floor Mats-XBar Light Bar
I have a Yakima set-up with the hitch mounted "Dry Dock" boat carrier in back and a rooftop crossbar over the rear doors. I don't like it very much. When the dry dock is in place, you cannot open the taigate and the crossbar over the cab with the clips,etc. just isn't solid enough. I also dont like the goofy stabilizer straps you have to use wiht the Dry Dock. I may be used to the old raingutter mounts that were rock-solid...but the clip style mounts just don't compare. I have already ordered the Thule XK1 adapter for the Xsporter form a local rack shop. I think it will be a much better, more versatile system. Can't Wait!
I agree the Thule Xsporter looks very versatile especially since the bed portion is adjustable so you can just lower it (or take it off) when you don't need it.
That's interesting about the gutterless mounts. I was reading the install instructions for the Yakima and Thule and wasn't totally thrilled with the Yakima instructions. I imagine they are both about the same though...stability wise. Thule's install is just much more simple. You have any pics of the over the cab bar?
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The New - - 2007 Sun Fusion FJ Cruiser
Deep Cycle Battery-Running Boards-That's It For Now But Not For Long
The Old - - 2005 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (I Miss My Baby)
Dual Optima Batteries-Toytec Lift-MB Motoring Wheels-285/75/16 Nitto Grapplers-Waeco Portable Fridge/Freezer-Yakima Roof Rack-Softopper Canvas Top-Airaid Intake Kit-Billet Grille-Flowmaster 40-Aries Nerf Bars-Tint-Wade Hood Protector-TRD Seat Covers-Bed Extender-Toyota Bed Mat & TRD Floor Mats-XBar Light Bar
Anybody think of using the Top Track system? It'll require some drilling but once its on it'll be easier to use than the foot mounts, which can scratch up the paint and effect the door closure/seal. Probably be the way I'll go when it comes time for a rack.
I've been to Rack Warehouse and prices are pretty good. I found even better prices over on ORS Racks Direct. They've got a Christmas sale going on. Was around $35 less than Warehouse (at least the Yakima & accessoriesI was looking at was).
The Thules to me just seem much more easy to install to me, but I have decided to go with Yakima because it was determined that the round Yak bars would look better than the square Thule bars because everthing else on my truck is round (steps, light bar). However I stopped and looked at a 4-Runner that had a Thule setup and it looked VERY nice.
Some of the prices are the same, some are different.. I definitely added ORS to the favs.
I already have some sks locks I can take out of the Yakima beddy joe so Yakima is the route Id take since they have a roof mounted track system as well. Im waiting to hear back from them to find out if they have tried their track on the Tacoma yet. Hopefully theres nothing up there that will interfere with it, such as the side curtain airbags..
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Roger
05 Tacoma 4x4 TRD DC Off-Road
Shrockworks Front Bumper, K&N Intake/AEM Filter, XM Satellite, Retrax Tonneau Cover and Yakima track rack system, OEM roof rack
Roof Rack System w/out using Factory Rack?
Linear Mode
