Direct Mount Roof Racks

I have a 2015 Tacoma Double Cab and am looking at adding a roof rack with the plan to primarily carry 2 kayaks. The weight limit on the OEM rack seemed a little on the low side for the kayaks and the J-racks (kayaks are listed at 48 lbs/piece). I won't generally be driving very far with the kayaks (so maybe the 100 lbs is sufficient?). Either way, I wouldn't mind something a little more robust if possible. I am a little leery about the feet/towers that have the latches that lock into the door frame seems like they'd scratch/dent over time. So I'd really prefer to be able to do something that mounts directly into the space that is already there. What are the options? I haven't had a ton of luck. The racks from Baja and Prisnu look like they might be a bit too robust for my needs and aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing. Thanks for the help!

 

Looks like you have the age old fashion or function dilemma.

I opted for Yakima Q towers, for better and worse. I like being able to remove them when I want. I did improperly load them once with my 100 pound canoe (canoe wasn't the problem - I was) and dented my roof. And they can fuck up your paint too, if you don't remove them and clean everything regularly.

I vote Prinsu for fashion and function, I really like the Baja flat racks too if you want lower profile.

 

do you know if either of those racks can handle the weight of a CVT tent? its about 150lbs and i would like to use it so add another 200lbs and possible guest.

 

I have Thule rails on my cap and haul all kinds of stuff.


I don't see why the bars couldn't hold the weight, my limiting factor is the strength of the cap.

 

The load recommendations include traveling at highway speed, so wind and inertia are taken into consideration. I know some people run tents on these setups, some add a third bar for added support - really easy to do. If it was me, I'd go with a permanent rack system if I was doing a RTT, but I am sure a Yakima or Thule will work.