All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

DO NOT BUY KUAT. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A BUNCH OF SARCASTIC ASSHOLES AND IT REMEDYS YOUR TAILGATE USELESS IF YOU NEED ANYTHING OUT OF IT. There. I am done yelling.

 

cool. I talked to wife and she said must stay midsize she says she much prefers the size plus all winter I get to park in garage too....

 

Not to poke the bear... but feel like I've got to hear this story. Seriously considering one of their racks to replace my borrowed Thule T2 predecessor.

 

Sorry about long response.

There's two parts to the story. But the issue with the Kuat Racks is that some of them do not allow the tailgate to come all the way down on 2016 and newer Tacomas. They seem to work on my 2011, but I've got some modifications that seem to allow the extra spacing. Essentially part of the swingarm does not allow the tailgate to come down without contact (which could be a big problem to your paint). This article describes it somewhat, but what it doesn't show is that even with the bike off the rack, there is still contact with the rack https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-kuat-nv-hitch-bike-racks-2016-toyota-tacoma-n105-107.aspx. If you can live with that contact, or don't mind not being able to fully use your tailgate with the rack installed, you'll be fine. If you find the need to drop your tailgate often while the rack is installed, then you may have some issues. The only real solution that I can think about, is to remove the rack partially (time consuming I know) before you drop the tailgate. So, it's something to think about before you buy one of their racks (which are actually fantastic, if not a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for).

Now, I know I am a first time poster here. (I didn't even know you guys existed until erminman started something on another site, but I'm thrilled to know about this site and am a happy owner of 2011 Tacoma that haunts the far reaches of Nevada).

But, there is a huge part of the story that erminman is not telling you about in his effort to smear Kuat. And he's not being truthful about the customer service at all. Essentially he started a thread on a private Facebook group where he thought a Kuat employee posted. Many of the posters thought his post was pissy (for lack of a better word). They turned on him pretty roughly. They have nothing to do with Kuat. Zero, nada, zilch. erminman did post on Kuat's Facebook page and they gave a timely and honest answer about the racks touching the tailgates. It's a known issue. So his comment about Kuat being a bunch of sarcastic assholes is unfortunately an outright lie. But, he is right about issues with the racks, and that will be something you'll have to consider.

And no, I don't work for Kuat. Just happen to enjoy their products. I'm more into playing desert rat.

Sorry about the manifesto, but hope this helps.

 

Ahhhh ok, thanks for the clarification! Wanted to check to see if there was anything in the product longevity or quality that I'd missed through many hours of research (my job is mucho boring!).

The touching has always been known for Kuat as far as I've seen at least.

 

I'm pretty sure there are no issues with quality (at least as far as I know). I don't know of too many people who use the racks on Tacomas, but those that I know that use them on their SUV's and whatnot have had very good luck with them. Never heard a complaint. If you get one, I hope it serves you well. Just remember to be gentle with that tailgate .

 

Oh, one more thing. Nice MTB. I'm not far from the Tahoe (Sierra Nevada) network of trails. Awesome stuff if you're ever down California way! Between Tahoe and Reno area, you can ride a new trail every day for two weeks.

 

Yea I figured if I went with a Kuat I will have to Macgyver some protection with pipe insulation or some type of foam.

Thanks eh! Hands down the best riding bike I've had or have tried... ever... across all "genres"... It eats everything I've thrown at it all over Ontario and wants more. I've got it in the 29'er setup and will put 27.5+ on for the fall/winter and cannot wait. I almost think it will make riding too easy (if that's possible)

Noted! My brother lives in Oakland, CA. Him and I have been working on a month long road trip of MTB and shenanigans. The end result has been I may just move south... hah

 

T-1 hr until I get to ride my bike! Smoke isn't too bad today. Anyone else riding?

 

No MTB this weekend, heading out on the roadie though to do some Sierra Passes. Kind of sucks, the trails should be perfect after two days of rain out here.

 

Found a sweet new trail to ride last night that is a natural jump line. Pretty sweet. Even has a creek gap! The view isn't too bad either.

 

You wouldn't have a picture of said creek jump by chance would you?

 

Yea man its viscous, you could barley see across the street a week ago!

 

Its just part of the graphics. You can see the blue on my friends yeti sb5+.

Not quite but it i did order a set, ill post some pics when they get in I'm hoping today!

 

KEEP YOUR NOSE UP! It helps to know it's coming...

 

That landing doesn't look so fun...

 

Its not as bad as it looks, but it isn't the best. These are mostly moto trails that are MTB-able or were converted to single track by USFS and the construction reflects it.

Sudden steep and loose climbs, and river rock stream crossings are a dead giveaway. A lot of trails are lacking "flow" but there are some gems. If you can ride the moto stuff clean though, you'll be carved out of wood before too long.

 

Love this area! As a kid i spent a lot of time in Squaw. Beautiful place and endless adventures!

 

This looks like its about to be a case..? Or am i mistaken?