OEM Roof Rack MOD

Hey guys,
First post here on TacomaWorld, but long time viewer.

My current roof rack setup includes the OEM rack on the cab, and Thule Steel Bars on my Leer Cap. Im content with the current setup, and not looking to splurge on a front runner rack of sorts at the moment.

The issue i am having is the Thule bars sit roughly 1 3/4" higher than the OEM bars. I've been brain storming ways of perhaps adding onto the OEM bars to make up the height so they are flush horizontally.

This mainly becomes an issue when i want to throw long stuff up there like a canoe, 2x4's ect.

My current idea's include: Surf rack pads or mounting a strip of properly dimensioned lumber.
I don't mind the surf pad idea, but there hard to find in long lengths. The OEM bars measure 34". The lumber idea would certainly work.. i'd probably only use the wood when needed, but would like to keep something on there that looks a little nicer than lengths of wood.


If anyone has any ideas on this it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

 

I'd probably just try to find a thick pad, something along the lines of a pool noodle, and only use them when you're hauling something long. The rest of the time I'd just leave them off. I wouldn't be too concerned with the front being lower, myself. I would think it might even help the air flow over something like a canoe if the nose was an inch and a half lower up front. That way when you're on the road the air is likely to push down on the canoe instead of trying to pull it up away from the rack. Just my 2 cents of course.

 

The pool noodle would work, but foam pipe insulation would also work and the black color is closer to the color of the rack...check Home Depot, Lowe's, or any good hardware store...and the pipe insulation is usually split lengthwise to make it easier to slip on and off the crossbars, and can be secured with hose clamps or something similar that is easily removable.

 

Front Runner Group Buy is active until Friday July 21st. 15% off plus free shipping.

Just saying...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-runner-racks-2-0-group-buy.497817/

 

Thanks for the link dude. I'll go and check it out. I am definitely interested