Roof Rack Poll

Can you take a picture of yours?? I don't know if I want the mesh or not!

Thanks!

 

Here's the standard rack. Super versatile. I dig the mesh floor, but I've realized I'm glad I stayed with the standard rack. One reason is that I can still use rack attachments (such as Thule kayak supports) and my RTT. The multiple crossbars make it possible to attach to nearly any location on the rack, and it's compatible with almost any aftermarket rack accessory (Yakima, thule etc)

 

Great! Thank you!

As you said, I think its has more advantages to have the standard one... Also, you can wash better the roof!!

 

Funny. I think the reverse is true. Having the mesh floor gives an almost unlimited source of mounting points as threaded fasteners (eye bolts, etc.) with backing plates / washers can be placed through the mesh floor in almost any location. BajaRack has Thule / Yakima mounts that work with the mesh floor. No reason a RTT could be mounted either. I can also sit or climb on it very comfortably. My oldest kid likes it up there. The additional cost for the mesh floor was $150 at the time I ordered, the additional cost is due to the additional labor that goes into welding the mesh and grinding the welds.

No doubt, it must be easier for you to spot clean the roof (reaching through the bars and all). I can't do that, but it's not been a problem for me either as I have enough room to get in there from the sides.

 

dawson I like your setup. I'm gonna be doing the same so I can put paddleboards and long boards up there. Very Nice.

 

So Im thinking of doing a baja rack that mounts to the factory rails then adding a led light bar underneath it or to the wind deflector

 

Thanks for all the close-ups of the tops. I didn't understand the mesh/ no mesh difference until now.
Pulled the trigger on a standard utility rack.

 

Can you post a link or part number for this. All I see on their site are the ones like others have posted with the side rails. I like the flat top like you have shown. Do you mind sharing the price?

 

I have the same set up. I'm thinking an led bar under the fairing too. Just haven't had the coin to buy a bar yet.

 

Here's the link.
http://www.bajarack.com/fj-ut-rack

Basically its the FJ utility rack, but when you call to order, specify that its for a Tacoma. They will know what you're up to. Also IIRC the Tacoma rack was actually cheaper than what they have listed for the FJ.

So apparently there are proponents of both styles of Utility rack, w/ or w/out the mesh bottom Looks to me that you cant go wrong no matter which you choose!

Thoughts on Lightbars...
I, too was super hyped about throwing a lightbar on the roof rack. I purchased a 32 inch LED with that very purpose in mind. However, after countless hours of research (trolling TW) I chose not to mount it to the roof. 2 reasons why.

#1: The dreaded windshield/hood glare. In nearly every TW roof rack related thread (and there are many... trust me!) There is someone who has mounted lights on their rack (LED and HID and traditional) and has suffered some form of awful glare from either the windshield or the hood reflecting light back into the driver's eyes. (See Blueberry's build page). It seems that in order to avoid the glare owners were either mounting the lights further back on the rack (see Tacovendor) or painting/derping their hoods flat black to avoid reflection. With the Utility rack's light tabs being forward of the A pillars, I was sure I'd end up with some sort of nasty glare.

HOWEVER: I never actually mounted the light bar up there, so i cannot confirm. I'm just relaying the information I read in other threads that convinced me to mount my light bar in a lower location.

#2: Wiring. The BajaRack mounts beautifully to the existing bolt holes in the roof of the Tacoma DC. The mounts sit flush and there's no need to drill or otherwise invade the sanctity of your truck's roof. Adding the light bar to the roof would require access for the wiring. While it is commonly done, it can be tricky to do cleanly, and without altering the roof in some way or another. Everyone has a different method, but with the BajaRack mounts utilizing the 4 existing access holes in the roof its almost certain that you would have to penetrate your roof in some way or another. I was hesitant to tear into a pristine roof unnecesarily. Mounting my bar in the lower valance provided simple access to the engine bay, no need for modification to the existing wiring and no extra holes in the roof...

HOWEVER: It has been done, and it has been done cleanly, by braver souls than myself! (I don't care HOW much silicone sealer you use up there... it ALWAYS LEAKS!)

Just my .02 on the matter, please don't let me dissuade anyone from modding their truck in any way... I just wanted to share some of my previous experience, having recently gone through these same decisions regarding roof racks, lights, mounting etc etc.

 

Box Rocket Fab racks FTW!

 

i know its a very old post but anyone knows what is this rack? i want the exact same, thanks

 

Ya i hear ya

I would def do a spot beam pattern and black out the center section of the hood to minimize the hood glare.

 

sub'd

 

Okay, but has anyone installed a fairing on an OEM crossbar?

 

It says in the first pic, Thule. It's just the footpack, crossbars, and a visor.

 

THULE!!!!!

 

I have the new Thule setup with the new wide areoblade load bars and the 480R foot pack, this hold my big Thule Boxer ski box... the Thule stuff is very well made I've had it on 4 cars first truck and never had any damaged to anything... It been on the truck since November, this is what I used on a day to day for my ski gear.
It looks great anyway

 

Im looking for the lowest profile rack to clear my garage. Any idea how tall this one is? Is it taller than the OEM rack?

Any idea if this is the same flat utlity Bajarack shown above?
http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-9483

 

The overall height gain is minimal. The rack is only 1.5 inches above the highest part of the roof. The link you posted seems to be for the correct part. Its called the "utility rack" and it says its for the Tacoma, so you should be good. Although without a pic, its hard to be certain. I would recommend calling and asking. Or even sending an email to a sales rep with a pic of the rack u want, just to be sure. I have never dealt with the folks at TRD 4 US but I can attest to the excellent customer service from the BAJARacks people. Super helpful, friendly, Willing to go out of their way. Call em up!

Here's a pic. The 1.5 is at the peak of the roof. Obviously the gap is different near the edges, due to the slope of the roof, but the overall height gain is only 1.5