Heavy duty roof rack

I need to get the roof rack situation ironed out soon.
Before we begin: I need something really strong. It should be strong enough to carry a Honda sports ATV if needed (just hypothetical) but you get the picture. None of the plastic stuff from "exotic" brands like thule or OEM. I need ability to weld mounts, brackets as well.

This is my order of preference.

#1
Warrior roof rack
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/warrior-platform-roof-rack-war4860.html
Cost: $550 including shipping

I have never heard of this brand and have not seen one other tacoma (other than the one in picture) sporting it.
Pros: Easy to mount roof top tent (which is not my immediate need now but will be), plus the flat design is better. Comes will all mounting hardware.

Cons: Flat bed, the tie downs have to secure the load at all times and no room for error.

#2
Smittybuild Defender:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smittybilt-Defender-Welded-One-Piece-Roof-Rack-45654-/191617986091?fits=Model:Tacoma&hash=item2c9d526e2b&vxp=mtr
This is just the bucket. You need to buy the mounting hardware separate (additional $116-$120).
Cost: $535+ $120(approx)= $655

Pros: Bucket style, so tie downs need not have to be super strong.
Cons: $100 plus dollar expensive and does not look "cool" as the flat design. No easy way to mount roof top tent.

Any other brands you can think of ? Pictures?

 

I'm not aware of any cab roof rack on the market that could support the weight of an ATV.

Have you checked out Prinsu Design Studio Roof Racks?



Bajarack also makes a nice flat utility rack.

 

There is also Frontrunner.



And if you really want to spend some money, my personal favorite the Gobi Stealth Rack.

 

Gotta say, my front runner roof rack is pretty beefy. Pricey, but a good looking solid unit. That being said, I would drive around with a couple hundred pounds up there, but not much more.

 

ATV on a tacoma roof rack? Yeah, no.

 

My vote is for Front Runner. Take a look at the offered accessories and you'll understand why.

 

I like my Defender rack but I applied it differently. I got some KB Voodoo bed bars, spun the Defender rack backwards and mounted it above my bed:

PS, I got the 40204 "shorty" model.

 

Front Runner

 

Holy shit I just spit tea on my laptop.

 

Haha. At least the option is there. Options are good. It's nice to know a company puts so much thought into their products however practical.

 

I'm still curious about clearance for the satellite radio sharkfin antenna and all these options. I know Warrior is working to get an answer, and someone with the FrontRunner said they were just about touching, but cleared with no radio interference. Not sure about the others at all. Anybody? I hate the OEM rack and probably will never put my kayak up there again, so need a better solution.

 

Why wouldn't you put a kayak up there again? Because of the rack you are using now, or other reason?

 

The Toyota rack is so flimsy. With a 60 lb kayak tied up there, the crossbars seem to flex and if you tie to the rack, the edges of the rack lift up. I want some secure metal up there, not that plastic crap. I dread the thought of something breaking loose up there while driving down the highway.

 

Understandable...for now I use a harbor freight bed extender to carry my Jackson Big Rig or Hobie Outback kayaks..

 

Does the 2015 double cab come with the pre drilled holes for a roof rack?

 

I have a defender roof rack and wouldn't recommend it. You need to drill 1/2 inch holes in your roof and in the first week 2 of the well nuts broke and all I had been carrying was my hi-lift jack. Since I have dropped the headliner and bolted the rack down, but it rattles like crazy. In hindsight I should have gone with one that bolts to the OEM mounts.

 

I would never drill new holes in my truck....if it doesn't fit the pre drilled holes..it's not getting installed...

 

Take a look at this rack, ADV Rack by Wilco offroad. Looks nice but the price is nice too I assumed.

 

I have a Defender rack on mine,built my own brackets so it attaches too the factory roof pre drilled holes,no rack made that attaches too the roof should ever be loaded with more than 50lbs in my opinion,the roof is not strong enough for any more.