Anyone have success with a low profile, foldable roof rack like this?

I was looking for a roof rack similar to this. I like the idea of the crossbars folding up when not in use. All of the ratings seem to be rather poor. Usually do to difficulty with installation and all of the holes lining up. Is there a version of a similar rack that is more legit and better quality without huge hassles during installation?

 

Yeah, get the OEM rack. Its the same as that one, but OEM built.

It doesnt have a very high load limit though.

$376 Genuine Toyota PT278-35130 Roof Rack

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-PT278-35130-Tacoma-Roof/dp/B00K6LQ55C

 

Don't waste your money on the Off brand, get OEM!!!! I installed the OEM roof racks on mine and my Son's and they went on perfectly fine. I did have a bad screw but was easily fixed. The fit is better. I'm going off reviews only.

 

Agree with the others, this is a knock-off of the OEM rack. Every review and video I've seen about them complains about poor build quality, bolt holes not lining up, etc. It's a good design concept but the knock offs are bad execution. Spend the extra $$ and get the OEM rack. There are plenty of sources online that will discount off MSRP for OEM parts & accessories.

 

I paid $270 with tax. Local Toyota dealership.

 

Agreed on the OEM roof rack. I installed one on my 08 and 2021. It carries my kayak just fine.

 

Agreeing with all the others—just go OEM. Make sure it will handle the load you want. I wouldn’t put more than 80 or 90 lbs on the OEM rack.

It’s quiet with the arms stowed and convenient for small or light-ish loads (kayaks, boards, skis, a few long bits of lumber, etc.)

 

I agree with others, go OEM. I do have the knock off installed and have no problems. Looks great, no gaps, no leaks, and have loaded it up with gear. Now the reason why I say go with OEM is because I have only had it on for roughly 10,000mi so I don't know how they hold up long term. Also they did not include any instructions but any YouTube OEM roof rack instillation video will suffice. At least with OEM you know you are getting quality.

 

I just ordered the OEM. If you look around you can get it for $240 or so with free shipping and no tax. I plan on putting that on the cab and then the Leitner rack in the bed.

Question for you. Did you put any silicon around the bolts? Lots of discussion here about leaking and I would be curious to learn how you installed yours.

Thanks!

 

I siliconed my bolts when I did my rack, but I got my rack second hand so it didnt come with the sealing washers for the bolts. No leaks yet.

 

Thanks. I am trying to come up with a good plan. Curious. Did you put the silicon inside the bolt holes on the roof or just around the bolt holes? Trying to think of the most effective way to do this before I start my install.

 

I put a blob on each bolt hole that covered the holes. When I ran the bolts in, they glue sealed up every thing.

 

I used an automotive silicone and filled the holes after the sticky washers. Then covered the rubber washers with the a tin layer. No leaks and I did install two sets, no issues so far. Also put some over the brackets where the racks attached to. Make sure the rubber trim on the racks is completely around the edge before installing the racks. Good luck, its really easy. Watch some install videos.

 

This was the biggest pain in the ass part about installing my rack. Getting the rack to stay inside the gasket while installing.

 

I installed an alleged OEM (I think it was knock-off) and it's fine. The holes should line up - you have to install the unit with the arms crossed and connected. And obviously don't final-tighten any bolts until everything is in place. Whether it's OEM, this is not a robust rack. It has limited load capacity and it relies on plastic clamps/fittings to keep the cross bars in place. What I do like about the stowable arms is that wind noise is eliminated when the rack is not in use.

 

I did one side at at time, careful to not over tighten the nuts. When all tightened up the cross bar fit perfect then installed the last cross bar. I think ones that have the non oem racks are having to do all the tightening at once because of fitment issues

 

Looks like they are all crap and OE is way too go (is it really that hard for the manuf to put the holes in the right spot ‍♂️). But judging by comments regarding the amount of wt even the OE can handle, maybe I’ll go a different direction. Thanks for replies guys!!

 

I think the best looking racks are the OEM oney, fit and finish is nice. I have mine for looks, i know it sounds stupid but I like the looks.

 

I made the mistake of going with a knock off from ebay. While it looked the same as OEM, the fit was just awful. The gasket was too small and I couldn't get it to fit without heating it up. Then there was the futile attempt to get it to sit flat and the mounting hardware was garbage. I gave up. Returned it and got my money back. The seller decided to not even want it back after I sent the pictures of how bad it was.

 

If you can tighten up 14 bolts and squeeze out some silicone into hole then you can install them, its really easy but sounds hard.