Roof Rack

Hey guys. Looking to purchase a new roof rack for my '13 Taco. It is a double cab. I had Thule bars but finally sold it and am looking for something new. Have been leaning towards Front Runner, but it seems to be in a lot of discussions with Prisnu. Any insight? Need to be able to mount my 17' sea kayak (so need an attachment that is compatible). Ideally, I would also love to mount some camping gear up there when I need to.

Bonus points if you have a front runner rack and can post pics, I want to get a better idea of what they look like.

Thanks in advance.

 

If it’s only needed for a kayak and camping gear, I’d save money and go OEM. Unless you want a basket option, I’m not sure how that would work with an OEM rack as I’ve never looked into it. OEM isn’t as aggressive looking either, if that’s what you’re going for. I just throw all my camping gear in the bed or back seat (flipped the seat up for more room).

 

How well do the oem racks handle kayaks? I have 2 10.5 footers that I'd love too throw on the roof rack instead of the bed

 

No bonus points.

I have an OEM rack and my 12 footer travels quite well on it. Others have mounted a basket on the rack for additional storage when needed. They are reasonably versatile.

Not my setup but an illustration of one way to do it. (I have pads on my cross bars and ride the kayak upside down on them)





Roof basket on OEM rack (again not mine)



Cheers.

 

The above is from a recent camping trip, roof basket on the OEM rack and a PVC bag on the basket. Let’s us keep tent, sleeping bags, and matts up high to save space in the bed. Also have an awning bolted directly to the basket.

 

If you want to be able to put everything plus the kitchen sink up there, get a full rack. I had a Prinsu rack that I’ve recently replaced with a Victory 4X4 cab and cap rack.

 

I have only put 1 on the rack so far, and it handles it with no issue. However, my girlfriend wants to buy 2 brand new kayaks for us (not fighting her on this) and when she does, I absolutely plan to try everything in my power to fit them both on the rack. I have seen this done using the “J” style mounts, which is what I will try. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work, it will just be a tight squeeze.

 

You have to keep in mind that the OEM roof rack weight limit is a paltry 75lbs. There's a reason why you only see RTT's on aftermarket racks, never on an OEM. This is one area you want to go aftermarket for peace of mind if you plan on adding a kayak and camping gear. Imaging hauling a heavy load in windy conditions at highway speeds.

 

I’ve had an oem and a front runner. Oem was trash. Front runner is overpriced, I’m going to prinsu since it’s similar to the quality of front runner but seals against the roof so that it won’t make as much noise

 

Thoughts on both?

 

This is probably what setup I'm leaning towards. I've love the rhino rack bars on my shell & if i'm going to spend $$ on a oem front rack - i'd rather just buy a cab rack. If i do that then I have to get 1 to match in the back!

 

I couldn’t be happier with them. My fly rods go in the ski racks so I don’t have to break them down or risk damaging them sliding around in the bed. Waders, boots, vest and anything else that gets wet (and smells like shit) goes in the cases and I can lock them up if I need to.

I’m currently looking for a fishing kayak. I’m hopeful there’s a way I can move things around and keep all three things up on the racks.

 

Does anyone know what the weight rating is for the roof. I was going to put a rack and mount 2 kayaks on it but the wife voted for a trailer instead as it would be easier to load and unload. I still want to put a rack up there for other stuff but can't find anywhere what the total load for the roof is. All the manufacturers rate their racks but I am looking for total weight I can put up there including the rack

 

I don't have the actual specs for roof weight limit but 2 kayaks mounted on a good rack (OE or aftermarket) should give zero problems. Definitely easier to load/unload from a trailer but then you have the problem of having to tow a trailer all the time which isn't ideal for everyone's situations. Trailers also cost more.

Now if you are planning to carry other heavier stuff up top on a rack/basket for longer trips consider how this could increase your truck's desire to tip over or body roll when cornering. More weight up high = worse vehicle dynamics on the road. Just keep in mind when loading out.

 

Good points although I can get a utility trailer for less that 1K and the roof rack I want is over 1K. Oh well. If I put the kayaks on the trailer the items I am putting on the roof will be low profile Pelican cases so hopefully they will not cause too much problems with ride or safety

 

don't forger the widdle wadder

 

I would suggest the Martin OffRoad rack. Cheaper than a Prinsu and plenty of carrying capacity. I previously had an OEM rack and while useful, I wanted more space and options for carrying fishing/camping gear.