Do I need a roof rack, OEM?

I'm thinking that it may be useful, but wanted to hear from folks that have a factory roof rack and use them. My '18 DCSB doesn't have one and not sure they're really that functional or it's just nice to have. The 2 kayaks I have, would be too heavy for the roof and they'll fit in the bed with the tailgate dropped anyway. The one canoe here is definitely too heavy. It's my daily driver and I don't really go off road, so there's no pressing need for those purposes. I have concerns with wind noise while driving and possible roof leaks from installation, but I've seen videos of the install, so it's a no drill install. I definitely don't have a need for a higher end roof rack or rails, so I'm only thinking in terms the factory model. Can anyone share some insight on this, as I'd appreciate opinions pro or con - Thanks Bill

 

Oem has worked on everything I've put up there...also no noise when the bars are stowed. You can find them new for ~$200

 

The OEM roof racks are ugly. They look like slicked back hair.

You want a metal roof rack if you need one. Plastics ones can’t handle much weight.

I don’t like roof racks because I don’t like putting things on my roof because you typically ding up your paint job.

I personally don’t think you need to look for an excuse to get one.

 

Forget OEM and install a Rhino Rack.

More weight capacity and very little wind noise on mine. No drilling required and easily removed and installed.



Far superior to Yakima and Thule.

http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/prod...rtex/vortex-2500-black-2-bar-roof-rack_ja2211

 

There's nothing wrong with installing the roof racks and using them only when you need them. They don't take away from the aesthetics IMO, and they don't add any extra road noise when they're not in the crossbar position. But the safe load capacity is only 100 lbs.

I won't talk about the Prinsu rack because your post implies OEM rack or bust, but those give you the most bang for your buck. Especially with a camper shell.

 

Thanks for the replies, I do recognize that the OEM ones are light duty. Just wondering if they're functional, within their design limits. As I'm still learning, relative to the Tacoma, there are many aftermarket companies offering well designed and rugged accessories, most of which I don't need, but it's great to know they're available. I fully understand, you get what you pay for and cry once buy once, philosophies and how they apply to Tacoma products. Using my new truck, in similar fashion to my previous trucks, I'm not sure if I need them. I ask, because if some folks have them and use them for applications that I haven't thought about, then I may decide to go forward. If they're just something that's useless and gets in the way of clearing snow from the roof, that helps too! Thanks again Bill

Matt - Thanks again! I was happy we crossed paths a few weeks ago, when I was driving on the salted roads this morning!

 

My oem rack handles 2 kayaks or 1 SUP without issue for reference.

 

My son and I have 11 foot, sit on, fishing kayaks and they weigh about 80 lbs a piece, so they'll be hauled around in the bed only, long tailgate overhang, but doable, as we don't travel far. Thanks for the heads up though. Bill

 

Glad you are protected.

I get that the prinsu style racks may hold more weight but I personally wouldn't put 500lbs on my roof. All that weight still gets translated down to the mounting locations. I would keep light bulky things on the roof rack and heavier stuff in the bed...keeping lower center of gravity. I see little to no mpg loss with the oem too.

It's your money...spend how you want!