Roof Rack Suggestions

Hi all,

I want to get a roof rack suitable for transporting at least two (and ideally three) kayaks. I've never once in my life had to buy a roof rack so I am flying blind here. And while I've spent several hours today researching options, all the information I've found so far has been either vague, contradictory, or absurdly expensive. Often all three.

Somewhat humorous side note: this is the first truck or SUV I've bought since 1989 that didn't come with at least roof rails if not a full roof rack - and I've bought a bunch. But it's the first time I've actually needed a roof rack so of course the Tacoma doesn't have one.

Anyway, any advice or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Prinsu (gold standard in Toyota roof racks)
Martin off road (cheapest of all)
Sherpa
Westcott (the best looking imo)
UpTop

… I can keep going but those are the big players for FULL racks

If you’re talking about cross bars..
Rhino
Yakima
Thule

 

Same situation here. I'm looking for one I can carry a 17' canoe on. In addition to the ones already mentioned I was also considering Victory 4x4. Their installation video has good detail.

For Yakima and Thule - I would like something with mounts that attach to the roof and you can remove the bars whenever you want but I don't think they've come out with anything compatible yet except the universal ones that clamp to the door frame. Not sure about Rhino.

 

I used the Rhino Rack for my 2020 and it worked well. It clamped on the door frame which was fine, although not ideal. Had I known Rhino came out with a different system that mounts to the pre-drilled holes on the roof I would have gone for that instead. Having said that, I reached out to Rhino yesterday and was told their engineers are currently working on a version for the 4th gen which should be available in the fall. Here's the link to the 3rd gen system for reference:
https://www.rhinorack.com/en-ca/pro...t600-ditch-mount-black-2-bar-roof-rack_ja8414

This what the Rhino Rack system I had on my 3rd gen looked like:

 

FYI, I noticed Yakima modern towers still accommodate their ubiquitous round bars. Other products accommodate them such as tent/wedge topper makers. At the moment I don't see the right clips available and dealers say out of stock.

My logic for that beyond having round bars and attachments is you can remove the setup with ease. You won't have the wind noise and cleaning hassle of more permanent roof racks. If you don't have Yakima round bars they are easy to find used and you can buy replacement plugs.

Thule seemed to have new and old style bar towers available but in our case we have the round bars and I didn't see 3rd party products use their bars as some do with Yakima round bars. I'd have confidence in both makes. Once initial setup is done it has always been quick on and off with Yakima towers.

 

I am digging the idea of this and may go that route. The price is eye-watering though and I have a TRD Sport so it might not fit. Kidding! About the second part not the first.



While I muddle through all the options, I bought a $60 roof rack for the trailer hitch and so far it's carrying our crappy kayaks just fine.

 

Thule

 

I can't believe the only option Toyota gives us for the roof is a really crappy roof rack.

 

Bed racks and roof racks are two different things. I can't imagine long boats on a roof rack, but I'm sure it is done.

I recently installed the trac one Thule bed racks after cutting down the height about 4 inches.
There are pics I posted elsewhere on this site.

Very pleased, they are sturdy and bone quiet on the road. I like the track system in the cross bars. And they come off the truck in no time when needed.

 

All I can tell you is get something that it's easy to remove when not in use. Racks are noisy and compromise your MPG.

 

They come off fairly easy. The guy giving me a demo on the Thule had them off in about a minute. Unlocked them and hit a button.

 

I carry a 20" OC-1 on my Silverado with Thule bed racks and Dock sliders. It's actually very common to carry long boats like OC-1's and Surfskis on roof racks.

I want to switch over to my 24 TRD OR LB which has a hard tonneau bed cover. Hence, a roof rack. But, I have no need for the full roof racks currently being sold. So far, the only option I've seen is the clamp on style from Thule and Yakima, which aren't recommended for highway speeds over 50. It would be nice to have a rail option that directly mounts to the roof mounting points.

 

This thing looks very versatile. What did you end going with?

https://youtu.be/94snof3CdkM?si=mQcKtKHR_s9kpHGn

 

We're still using the $60 roof rack that attaches to the trailer hitch. It's cheap, it works, and it's easy to install and remove. We did however significantly upgrade our kayak game last weekend.