ARB flat rack & Cali Raised Pods

Couldn’t find too many pics and reviews on the ARB Flat Rack on 3rd gen Tacoma’s so decided I’d share mine incase anyone’s out there looking to purchase one! So far so good!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Thank you all!

 

Welcome to TW! Looks good

 

Welcome!

 

Rack looks great man! I’m glad you posted because I am looking to buy and in a similar situation. ARB needs to hire a new marketing guy

How does the rack attach to the roof? There is a $179 kit that I think is to attach to the roof, but I don’t have the factory roof rack and want to make sure that isn’t necessary.

 

Hey @taco417

Yes, you do need to purchase the $179 fit kit to use the ARB rack. I also noticed that the rack was slightly pushing my shark fin antenna. I bought some 1/4” spacers at Ace Hardware and that fixed the issue! As far as wind fairing, I posted before that I used a 46” universal deflector, but I swapped it for a 52” and it looks much better. I love this rack but if I was to be honest, I didn’t know PRINSU racks were a thing until I had already purchased the ARB rack... I would’ve spent the extra money for a Prinsu had I known about it earlier! Just sayin!

 

Great advice! I’ve done a bit more research and decided to go with it. I see Prinsu racks on almost every Tacoma with a roof rack, and enjoy the simplicity of the ARB. Besides, all I’m really gonna need to mount are basic things the rack can handle easily (kayaks, maybe spare tire when I’m wheeling, awning in the near future...) One question I do have is how you mounted the Cali Pods. Also looking at creating eye bolt tie-down points, and want to figure out the best way to do it.. Any input/pictures would be awesome because as of now my plan is to experiment with some things when I can actually get my hands on the rack lol

 

Here’s a picture of the rack from the top. As far as the pods, I ordered the combo kit online from Cali raised Led in Texas. They make and sell the mounts for the pod lights. Definitely recommend the pod lights! I live up in the mountains and it’s been a game changer! I’ve seen some taco’s with ARB racks with the kayak racks mounted to them, I personally just cut a pool noodle and just stick the kayak on the flat rack. Haha! @taco417

 

@taco417 the rack is pretty loud without a wind deflector. I used a Yakima 46” in at first but realized I could’ve used a longer one. I purchased a 52” Yakima wind deflector and it works and looks great. Made a few adjustments for the mounts for the wind deflector but no big changes.

 

P.S - they all come with Yakima logos on the deflectors. Don’t know if that’s an issue for you, I just flipped it around lol

 

Thanks for choosing us! The truck looks great.

 

Got it installed over the weekend, figured I’d update with a pic. Love it so far! Highly recommend

 

How's the wind noise?