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Question: Does Shark Fin become useless with Thule carrier?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by kgoldy, Feb 4, 2019.

  1. Feb 4, 2019 at 6:19 AM
    #1
    kgoldy

    kgoldy [OP] New Member

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    Kristofer
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    TRD Intake, TRD Exhaust, Pioneer and JBL Sound
    Hey everyone - new to the forum, first post here.

    I (my wife) recently made the decision that I'm going to hold onto my 2010 until it dies rather than buy a Tundra, so I'm going to slowly begin playing with it and adding aftermarket toys.

    I've currently got a LEER Cab-High 100XQ cap on with the square Thule roof racks, and just purchased a "Genuine Toyota Stowaway Roof Rack for 2005-2013" from Amazon to put on the cab.

    Living in a small apartment in Manhattan, the truck doubles a mobile storage container, and it's where all of my outdoor equipment and tools stay. The bed is full to the rim, but when I carry anything it ends up obstructing my view out the back, which I like to avoid. So -- I'm looking at getting a Thule carrier to put on top.

    I've also recently installed an aftermarket stereo with satellite radio. I'm currently using the little antenna that came with the SeriusXM kit, with the antenna hanging loosely on the dash as a temporary situation until I can install the Shark Fin Antenna Adapter for many Toyota and Lexus vehicles: SFA12M (male connection) that I just purchased.

    So, my question is: if I get a Thule and throw it on top of the cab, will it make the Shark Fin antenna useless? I am thinking of going with the Thule Force XT L, or Thule Motion XT L. At 74.75" (Force) or 77" (Motion) either carrier will be over the shark fin whether it's mounted on the cab or over the cap -- and I'd like to mount it on the cab to even out my weight distribution.

    If the Thule carrier does interfere with the Shark Fin, what are some favorite spots to permanently mount the antenna that comes with the SeriusXM kit?

    Bonus question -- does anyone have photos of either of the 16-cu ft carriers on their 4-door Tacoma? Open to thoughts and suggestions for this or other cargo carriers.
     
  2. Feb 4, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #2
    SebSA

    SebSA Active Member

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    I have Thule mounted on Leer standard cap. The fin is pretty well covered by the carrier (at least a foot in every direction) but I do not have many difficulties getting SiriusXM. Maybe a little trouble, but wouldn't swear to it. I'll look for a picture, but not sure if I have one.
     
  3. Feb 4, 2019 at 9:11 AM
    #3
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    You can cut the top off the antenna and reseal it without any effect on reception (internals are in the base, the fin is for looks) or swap it out for a flat style. I think the Camry antenna is supposed to b a plug and play swap. My XM reception is not affected and I have an overhanging camper about 1” above it extending forward and all the way to the sides of the cab.
     
  4. Feb 4, 2019 at 10:11 AM
    #4
    kgoldy

    kgoldy [OP] New Member

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    Kristofer
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    2010 Speedway Blue TRD
    TRD Intake, TRD Exhaust, Pioneer and JBL Sound
    Follow-up question -- has anyone had issues attaching the Thule to the OEM Tacoma roof rack?
     
  5. Feb 4, 2019 at 11:22 AM
    #5
    vtdog

    vtdog Well-Known Member

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    I don't know if this helps, but when I put my aluminum canoe on top using the OEM racks it covers the shark fin, but does not impact operation
     
  6. Feb 4, 2019 at 12:28 PM
    #6
    JC15Taco

    JC15Taco Well-Known Member

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    Jeff
    SK, Canada
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    Well there you have it....and dispels that "tin-foil hat" hypothesis. :)
    Jeff
     
    cruxofthebisquit likes this.

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