Ditch mounted tracks on double cabs.

I think these look way better than the OEM roof rack. I have the OEM on my truck and it got annoying to look at pretty quick. These ditch tracks aren't as convenient as folding out the OEM rack in a moments notice, but if you don't carry anything on the roof often they appear to look great by themselves with no towers or crossbars. Granted buying the ditch tracks, towers and crossbars will cost more than the OEM rack also, but it's a way better system that can hold more weight.

 

It sounds like the ditch tracks require drilling. Does anyone know if that's true, or do they just use the stock mounting points? (talking DC here)

 

yes they do require drilling

 

Thanks.

I really like the concept, but it seems that once you get it installed, buy a bar system, and buy a rack, you are about the same price range as a Prinsu. The big advantage with the ditch-mount of course is that you can easily remove everything for a clean look and better aero when not needed. I guess it just depends on your needs, but it's great to have the option available.

 

I was in your same position, I decided I didn't need a full time platform and crossbars can be quickly and easily installed and removed. but hey to each their own. good luck with your decision.

 

Any concerns with rust, leaking, etc? I've always been 100% against drilling holes in structures designed to keep water out, but these rails look like exactly what I need. Wish Toyota offered them from the factory.

 

It looks like the instructions http://rhino-rack-vpm.s3.amazonaws.com/Instructions/Parts/Tracks/RTS03-4-5.pdf specify rivets, but these rails have been installed with screws. Do you recommend screws? Can you give any tips on installation?

 

Been a while since anyone posted anything in here. Just finished installing these myself. Im by no means mechanically inclined, I work with computers all day. The first hole I drilled was incredibly scary just because I was putting a hole in my truck. A little bending, a little drilling, a little riveting, all done. As long as you don't burn up bits, this could be done in a day. Took me two days and a couple trips to get a couple more drill bits. There's quite a bit of metal in that track, I don't think you could use screws. The rivets included with the kit are pretty beefy.

 

Thanks for posting this. I can imagine that takes some big, brass ones to put a drill into the cab of a brand new truck. Glad to hear it all worked out in the end. I'm going to see if I can live with just the rails on the camper top for the short term, but will probably be following your lead eventually. I'm a fellow IT guy and have visions of myself paralyzed with fear, drill in hand. Drilling holes in roofs is just not in my DNA. Wish these were installed in the factory, as it's such a great use of the ditches.

 

Just a thought, it seems like with some very accurate measurements and precise drilling on the tracks a person could use the factory mounting holes/threated parts in the ditch...Am I dreaming or is this possible. I have yet to take off the rubber trim in the ditches, so I can't see what conditions exist in the ditch. Anyone have pictures of the roof after the rubber is removed? That might provide some indications to whether it is possible or not.

 

I thought the same thing. There are 4 threaded holes in the double cabs. If you google Tacoma factory rack install you should find what you're looking for. It would leave the majority of the rail free and I would be concerned about vibration and or buckling. You would probably want 1 or 2 rivets in the middle.

 

I just watched a couple of install videos, to see what the raw roof looked like. I agree, it seems that without further fasteners it would not be secure enough to hold 100KG (220 lbs). There goes that idea. Love the ditch mounts, but I hate drilling my roof, not going to happen any time soon.

 

where do I find the hardware to mount the foot to the track? I have the tracks and an older set of Thule towers and bars but I need the nuts and bolts to connect them to the track. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks

To be clear I have the Rhino-Rack Ditch Tracks and the Thule Tower and bars. I want to attach the thule to the rhinorack

 

I bought them on Amazon.

 

Why can't I seem to find them? Maybe I don't know what I'm looking for..lol

 

I'll go look in my purchase history. Stand by.

 

I'm not 100% sure but I think these will work with both Yakima and Thule tracks. Hopefully someone will chime in. I used these to install Rhino Racks on my Yakima tracks that came on my snugtop.

 

Okay Thanks. I am looking to attach Thule Towers to the Rhino Rack Ditch Mounted Track Like this Post #9 or #10 in this thread

 

Got it. You literally have the exact opposite problem that I did.

The part numbers I gave you should work great. The Inserts for the Rhino Rails are just a hair wider than the Yakima ones. If you have these, they'll work in Yakima OR Rhino rails.