Baja Roof Rack Write up (pics and info)

Hello everyone,
I have now owned all three versions of the Baja Rack for the Tacoma and I had an issue with one version. I started a thread here to ask for assistance in dealing with the issue; however, Baja Racks being the excellent company that it is, fixed the problem and I promised to do a write up on the racks once I wrapped everything up. So here it is...

Ok so I got my Tacoma in May 2012 and one of the accessories I added to the purchase was the OEM roof rack. This is the two bars that run along the sides of the roof. I like the design because it stows nicely and is still functional. In any case, I knew I would want a proper roof rack/ roof basket in the future. Up to this point, my experiences with roof rack all needed and existing “luggage” rack with cross bars and then the roof rack would attach to the luggage rack. There several pros and cons for these types of racks. From my perspective you can always remove it when not in use to cut down on wind noise; however, adding lights to this type of rack would mean that the wiring would need to be temporary as well or have a detachable connector somewhere in the line. Another issue is the weight limit. I am sure most of us have seen a Disco with a roof tent, or a spare oversized tire on a rack along with hi-lift mounted on side, etc....

Anyway, how can you put something like 600 lbs on a roof rack? Well I found out that the answer was to have a bolt on roof rack.

But I degrees,

So I had a spanking new Taco and needed a Baja Rack, a member here had one for sale and I jumped on it. Once I got it, i learned that the accessory light bar offered from Baja Racks only fits the bolt on rack version and that the “Pre Runner” (one that attaches to the OEM roof rack) was actually a different width.

Here are the pics of the Pre Runner rack






But I decided I wanted the bolt on version so I sold the Pre Runner rack and the OEM roof rack here on TW to another member and I ordered the bolt on version from Baja Racks.

This rack arrived via UPS freight (tractor trailer) and was packaged very well. It was inside a large thick cardboard box, inside there was foam on all four sides, the rack was wrapped in a plastic bag and bubble wrap around the wind deflector. The mounting hardware was wrapped in foam sleeved and inside another box that was zip tied to the rack.


Mounting the hardware is straight forward:
Pull the rubber rain drip rails off the roof.
Remove the tape seals over the pre drilled mounting holes.
Insert the included threaded punch pins into the pre drilled holes.
Place the rubber rain drip rails over the punch pins and hit the drip rails with a mallet to force the pins through. this is done so that you know where to drill the holes in the drip rails.
Drill the holes in the drip rails.
Remount the drip rails.
Place the mounts on the roof and bolt through the drip rails.
Attach the roof rack.
this entire process took me about an hour to complete.
However, I ran in to an issue. I have a 2012 Tacoma with a shark fin XM antenna on the roof. the Baja Rack did not fit because the fin sticked up too high and the rack rest on the antenna with at least 1” of space between mounts and the rack.



So my dilemma was to either get a different XM antenna (like a 2011 tacoma XM antenna) or cut the rack. this is when I started a thread to ask for help on how to remove the XM antenna. Well it would require separating the the roof liner and a good amount of work. A “old” version of the XM antenna would cost 80.00 new and after spending just under 600.00 for the Baja Rack I was not happy. I called Baja Rack and explained to them the issue. Baja Racks was already working on the 2013 racks with a cut out for the XM antenna because all 2013s will have the shark fin. They shipped me a shark fin version and arranged to pick up the bolt on rack.



In this picture I placed the shark fin version in front of the bolt on version.


I also purchased the light bar and here are the pics







All and all I am extremely pleased with Baja Racks and their customer service. I found the quality of the racks to be first rate. The welds, finish, and design are excellent. The only thing that I think Baja Racks should change is the nuts and bolts used to mount the rack and light bar. they should be black rather than a stainless finish.

Well I hope this helps anyone looking for a roof rack.

 

looks good man

 

whats with the "I Love War" on your toolbox?

 

I really like that, nice job

 

Looks good. Great write up.

 

Jon850FL, ajohnson, and Kolunatic, thanks for the comments.
Rotorpilot, well since I have spent the last 24 years fighting for my Country, serving in the military is one of my professions and I love doing it, and since my job has been to go to war. I love my job, so I love war. To be honest, I really miss not being inthe thick of it. I had the same plate on the tool box on my Tundra since 2007 and before that, on my Dodge Ram since 2000, and before that, on my Jeep since 1995. I have never had anyone say anything except "I love your truck, jeep, etc... and I really love your bumper stickers". So thats the story with that...BTW, what do you fly? Are you @ Dobbins?

 

Nice, that truck looks good. Here are a few pics of mine.







I put LED work lights on the rear of mine. I've tried the OEM bars, Thule load bars, and a Thule basket. This is by far the most secure and versatile option for a double cab. The bolt on version is rated at 200 lbs. Good write up OP.

Edit: my rack was purchased from SouthEast Overland. Great communication and service highly reccomended.

 

Ive been thinking of getting a rack for awhile. I really like yours, it seems to have a more low profile look then some of the others

 

Hey 1 question I just checked out there site. Whys it say no drilling, when clearly in your post u said u had to drill holes? Just curious that's all

 

No drilling. Toyota already has threaded holes under double sided tape underneath the rubber drip molding (on double cabs). It is painted over and only requires a razor blade to expose the holes. These are the same holes used to mount the OEM load bars.

 

I was wondering if you could post pictures of how you routed the wires for your lights on the roof...

 

Kind of ghetto to be honest but I tried to make it look clean. If you look at the second picture you can see she wire loom on the drivers side glass. I got some double sided plastic pieces that have holes for zip ties and I used 4 of them to tidy it up some and keep the wire loom where I wanted it. Wasn't excited about a) drilling the roof skin or b) having the wire sticking out of a door jam etc.

 

Exactly...we have a local guy who wants help putting lights on his roof, but none of us can figure a way other than yours to wire them up...

 

AzoggSS, the ARB is next on my list. Waiting for them to come out with the 2012 version for my truck. I e-mail the USA VP about every two weeks and he says late Sept or Oct. Waiting and waiting and .... BTW yours looks great.
Ross132, The drilling I was talking about is in the rubber rain drip rail strips. You do not have to do any drilling to the truck just the strips. AzoggSS is correct, you use the existing drilled holes in the roof.
Also you mentioned the low profile. That is another reason I went with this version. I have a very small garage and I needed to keep a low profile to get it in there. Even at the highest point on the light bar top, it is still lower than the top of my OEM antenna. I will be using the antenna as an early warning device to prevent me from making a costly error.
Slimwood Shady, funny you asked. The lights are not yet wired. I hope to get them done in the next two weeks and I will start a new thread for that once it is done. I will be running everything off an added fuse block and it will all be wired with those kick ass OEM style lighted switches that say Zombie Lights. BTW, I did buy the Baja Rack wire harness for the tacoma and I will let you know if its worth the 98.00 it cost. I am thinking no but we will see.

RLTW (for those who know)

 

Are the mount brackets seperate from the rack?
They bolt on and then the rack ataches to them correct?
I would not mind getting the mounts to use a rack I have already or I can probably make some if they won't sell the seperately.
Thanks

 

AzoggSS, no it looks clean. Most likely what I will do as well. Down the back, then under the cab to the engine compartment. I though about drilling and running through the A piller but decided against it.

 

OH-MAN, yes the mounts are separate. I do not know what Baja Racks would charge for just the brackets? Not sure they would work for you though. Most roof racks are not as wide at the bolt on version is. Thats king of how I ended up with the bolt on version.
I called Baja Racks to order just the mounts to use with the first rack I had (pre runner version). that is how I learned that the bolt on version was wider and that the mounts would not work. In any case, the mounts are made from 1/4 steel so I would thing you fabricate you own. they have a 1/4 thick piece of foam rubber on the underside to protect your roof from scratches. I will shoot some pics monday and post them so you can see them better.

 

Let me start off by saying thank you for your career of service. I was hoping there was a personal significance & not some kid that loves call of duty or whatever.
I was ARNG over at Dobbins for 6 years. Started flying after my ETS. Mostly the small civilian trainers. Schweizer300c/cb/cbi - working toward my CFII & heavier iron.
back to the thread though - your truck does looks sick. I am thinking of adding the oem rack to my '12. (should've gotten it when I purchased)

 

Rotorpilot, thank you for your service. Since I have been running the I love war plate I have been preparing myself for the inevitable run in with the typical love not War crowd and I am a bit defensive of it. Unfortunately, no tree hugging bed wetting liberal has had the stones to call me out on it. Anyway, I grew up in May retta (Marietta) and my family has been land owners there since GA was a colony.
Back to the thread, actually I think you are better off getting the OEM rack after market. here is a link to order for 213.50 http://www.mytoyotawarehouse.com/servlet/Detail?no=74
I have seen it go for a little less expensive but most of them go for around 200.00. Since you are local, if you order one and need help installing it, PM me. I am happy to assist in installing it, it only takes about 45 min.
Keep up the flying, I love choppers.

 

Thank you for the info.