Roof Rack Fit Question

I am looking to add a roof rack to my 2016 double cab. It has the ditch/channel running the length of the cab, but all the main companies (thule, yakima) don't suggest mounting there. They all tell me to go with the clip system that wraps into the door frame.

Are the mounting points under the trim/molding only for the OEM roof rack?

Does anyone have any experience modding the flush mounted system (like pictured below) to the mounting points on their tacoma? Will the brackets fit without being a liability?

Seems like a cleaner look and would give a higher load capacity (feel free to make childish comments on that one)

 

I had a Baja rack on my '12 FJ that mounted under the trim. Solid as a rock and was a great rack. It was the same mounting system that is on my Tacoma. It supported quite a bit of weight plus my weight. I slept on it. Wish the Baja rack for the Tacoma had the mesh flooring I had on the FJ.

 

I use the factory rack locations for my prinsu also. Rack can support lots of weight. There should be no issue installing the thule/yakima at the factory mounting points. Just take your time make sure you seal properly/abundantly with silicone and water test the following day. The q towers work also and some members prefer those. But imo they dont look clean/factory.

 

I know there are 5 holes per side above the double cab, 2 in the front 1 in the center and 2 more towards the rear. Does anyone have the measurement between the 2 holes in the front? And also is the measurement the same distance as the set of holes in the rear? (See pic)

Thanks

 

@Spokruiser I can try to take measurements when I get home. Do you have a footer to compare the hole positions?

 

I have the measurments at home on a peice of cardboard from when i cut mine for the prinsu. If noone else gets back to you i can post tonight.

 

@Jaybez I ordered from PRINSU just the 4 footers and two crossbars to do my Leer topper (waiting for them to arrive) If the space is the same then I will likely do a repeat order for the cab. I like the look of the full PRINSU system but cant justify the price for my needs (Canoe, lumber, ect)

& sorry for the thread hijack, maybe this helps you too?

@Broccoli Thanks!

 

He makes a kit for the truck that just has side rails then you can add the load bars as necessary.

 

Basically I am going for 4 crossbars (2 on topper & 2 the on cab) - the back setup ran me under $200. I don't really need the side rails even though they look cool.

 

Didnt get a chance to measure. We had a bit of a rain storm here. It wasn't the the best time to break a weather seal on the roof of the truck.

 

@Jaybez no worries whenever you get around to it, much appreciated!

 

Yes!

I did a write up on this, go with Rhino Rack it's exactly what you are looking for if you want crossbars.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rhino-rack-installed.470338/#post-14165738

Ironically, your picture is from Cascade Rack in Bend Oregon (where I'm at), but I got mine up the street from them at Rack 'N Roll - both good shops however.