Roof rack question

Hi everyone,

I am just curious for those that have them for the same price for the factory version which I believe is around 400 are there better options out there for that price or less?

Thanks

 

Major Toyota dealerships typically have some pretty massive sales around holidays for parts. You could probably get the OEM for $280 around Christmas with free shipping.

If you want better options that are similar to OEM, I haven't seen any. Most people probably just spring for Prinsus at that point. The OEM rack is a bit limited by its weight capacity and the curve of the bars.

 

Thank you,
Its kind of a funny reason why I am looking in one as an option as I plan to put a CB radio in and I use the cross rail as a place to mount the CB antenna vs drilling a hole in the roof and when i had a jeep liberty the boxy style it worked very well.
I also am considering using one of the cross bars as a possible mount for a light bar when I run calls for my FD.
I dont like drilling holes in the roof for stuff like that.
Although I do plan on rigging up a flood bar thag I have to go along the front top of the windshield is the only thing I plan to drill holes into the body for.

 

They are 250-280 bucks online, seem kinda useless but I like the look. Not sure how you would mount an antennae to them or lights, seems like a prinsu rack would be better OR put the CB antenna in the bed.

 

The rubber insert in one of my roof rack channels is coming out, I have to smack it back down from time to time, but without adhesive, it's going to forever do this.

I'm assuming those are channels for a roof rack. Never had one...

If I get an OEM rack, will it sit in those channels perfect and will it still require drilling into the roof?

 

I wanted a place to mount an antenna, and like you, didn't want to drill my roof so I got a back rack to mount it on. Pretty happy with that setup so far. They also make light bar mounts for it.

 

Yes, the rack sits in the channels. You take out the current rubber seals and the rack has some built on to cover the rear section near the window. The screws are already tapped in the roof for you exactly where the rack goes. It’s a 20 minute install on the truck.


I use Mighty Mounts and have my ARB awning installed on my rack. Works great.

 

For the CB antenna mount I use a mirror type of clamp around the cross rail and run a ground to the roof.rack mounting bolt.
I would most to the bed but I use the CB for.distance while traveling rather than just short less than a mile communication. The roof of the truck makes a better ground plane for omnidirectional signal flow. Although I have not ruled out a possible dual whop setup using the bed rail along the cab side of the bed.
I have used mag mounts in the past but over time dont like how they mess up the paint ect.

 

I have the oem rack, works well enough for the $250 I paid for it. I like how it rotates out of the way for long highway miles cause it’s quiet.

at $400 I wouldn’t buy the oem, and just go prinsu. Especially since you want to add antennae and light to it. It’ll handle waaay more weight than oem too.

 

If just for an antenna, why not mount it in the bed rail?
IMHO the OEM roof rack sucks. I returned mine. Low quality for $340

 

OEM roof rack owner here. I use it occasionally so it does what I need it to do and doesn't make wind noise when stowed. I like it for what it is.

I would not use it for a CB mount though, it's pretty lightweight and I can see it being damaged by an antenna clamp. Also, the ability to stow the bars makes them less rigid so I could see wind force twisting the crossbar of you had a fire stick or something like that.

Me, I'd look into a bed mount instead. Cheaper, stronger, better looking, and less chance of damaging your truck.

 

Get the Martin rack. I’m super happy with mine and Gage Martin’s service is phenomenal!

Every bit as good as the Prinsu for less money.

 

I'm with you, not wanting to drill holes in the roof. roof rack just for a CB antenna mount pretty costly but not a bad idea at all.
Caliraised has an antenna mount for the 3rd gen picks up existing hardware at the bed. They also sell ditch light brackets that might be able to used for an antenna mount.
https://caliraisedled.com/products/2016-2020-bed-accessory-mount

 

you could also use a diamond, lip mount attached to hood lip near the windshield.