Finally got OEM rack on

I put an OEM rack on my '19 OffRoad. I wanted to be able to carry kayaks on top and bikes in the back. Plus I like the OEM look and ability to stow the crossbars when not carrying anything on top to minimize drag and noise.

Installation was a bit of a pain though, because A) the front clip required some bending to be able to put the bolts through, and B) some of the threaded holes were just not tapped properly, or had some milling debris in there or something. I struggled with the middle bolts, and it required way more force than it should have (using a socket wrench) to get them tightened down. I felt like I was tapping new threads, not screwing into existing threads.

Re' A there was no "play" with the bolts. They had to be inserted right at 90 degrees, which required bending the clips to get them in proper alignment.

Anyway, overall I'm pleased with the fit and finish of the product. I carried a kayak last weekend--about 45 lbs, using a Yakima BowDown rack. It seemed very solid, though there was a bit of movement with just the carriers on, so I removed them after bringing the kayak home, cause I didn't want a lot of vibration with the wind.

No complaints except I think they could have done a better job with the bolts and threaded inserts. Anyone else have any difficulty getting it installed?

 

Thinking of doing the same thing soon, but hesitant based off feedback from people saying the OEM rack has the crossbars spaced too far apart for typical accessories like roof basket etc.

 

I tried an after market rack and sent it back because it didn't fit. The problems you had were pretty much along the same lines, but so bad it couldn't be made to work even with the extra effort.

 

Here ya go...

I think for a clean look (and likely more aerodynamic) OEM can't be beat. For a more aggressive look or more weight capacity, obviously there are other alternatives (but pricier).

 

Looks awesome, I really like the clean look OEM provides, and I dont see them around my area at all which is another bonus to the OEM. Thanks for the pics!

 

Do any of you know if it’s possible to put an awning on an oem roof rack? Or if there are specific brackets that should be bought?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/arb-awning-on-factory-rack.484707/

I suggest just biting the bullet and getting an aftermarket rack though because of the modularity and ease of removing and using multiple attachments based on season and need. Put that money towards a rack system that's worth it! OEM rack is shit IMO for price and what you actually get.

 

+1 for the OEM rack. Looks nice and like the way the crossbars store to the side

 

Stowing the crossbars is great, I put my rack on and put the bars across, holy wind noise! I put them stowed back and the noise was gone.

 

++ on this^ I think someone else asked, and maybe I missed the answer - did you have any issues with that rear bar clearing the shark fin? I'll probably never have anything heavier than a few Plano/ Pelican cases on the roof (camera equipment) so that clean look and factory-spec'd install is a plus (for me). I can see how some of the guys here really need the heavier duty racks, but this looks sweet man. Nice clean ride.

 

There's a build date range for that issue. 2020 from SOP to February 17th, iirc. After that, the fin was moved and it'll fit just fine.

 

But of course... FML...

 

Build date, not order date. I'm not sure how offset that is in the Toyota realm.

 

Ahhh. Where might someone find the build date? Door jam sticker maybe?

 

The door sticker will show the month and year of production, but not the day if i remember correctly.