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Modifying Rola Ladder Racks

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Paulndot, Jul 24, 2020.

  1. Jul 24, 2020 at 5:28 AM
    #1
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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  2. Jul 24, 2020 at 8:00 AM
    #2
    Tonche

    Tonche Well-Known Member

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    You can always remove the bed rails if they're in your way.
     
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  3. Jul 24, 2020 at 8:31 AM
    #3
    CrazyAirborne

    CrazyAirborne Who jumps out of perfectly good airplanes?

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    The fact the description directly states it was designed specifically for the Titan, Tundra and Tacoma bedrail systems, I would believe it would work. The Amazon "will this fit feature" is less trustworthy than the item description from the manufacturer.
     
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  4. Jul 24, 2020 at 8:33 AM
    #4
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I think you're right. I use them for other stuff though, so it would kinda make it an either/or situation instead of an all-in-one. Know what I mean? Fairly easy, right? Just unscrew the rails & be done, but then I'd have to put them back when not using the boats & using the rails for other stuff. Pinchy huevos - I miss my 4Runner. :(
     
  5. Jul 24, 2020 at 8:36 AM
    #5
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good point. Another forum member PM'd me - he has a 2020 and said his fit fine. But, he's heard other guys having fitment issues like feet not reaching far enough to line the mounting bolts into the t-nuts inside the rail. Might just have to take a leap here.
     
  6. Jul 24, 2020 at 10:04 AM
    #6
    Malvolio

    Malvolio free zip ties for Stun

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    Here’s a video of an eTrailer guy installing it. Might help you visualize it.
    https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-rola-t3-truck-bed-ladder-rack-2018-toyota-tacoma-59799.aspx
     
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  7. Jul 24, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #7
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Malvolio[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Jul 24, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #8
    Freetime

    Freetime Well-Known Member

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    I have this rack set and a 2016 AC. Mine fits fine.
     
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  9. Jul 24, 2020 at 6:41 PM
    #9
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks to all that replied & PM'd... pulled the trigger. Next update upon delivery... in 2-4 weeks
     
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  10. Aug 6, 2020 at 4:47 AM
    #10
    Paulndot

    Paulndot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Finally got the Rola rack in and installed. As suspected - it did need the slightest bit of modification. As others said - the holes in the bed mounts just don't reach the rail in order to get a flush fit. It works, sure, but the flat surface of the mount either has to be angled, and therefore NOT flush where it meets the bed, or where it meets the rail. They need to be modified (at least in my case) for the large, M-8 T-bolts to align correctly so both the bolts and the bed-mounts fit flush against the rail and bed:61808259565__529CD267-2AA7-4B52-A6B3-AB46A91B525B.jpg

    The holes in the mounting bracket need to be at least 2" long. I used a bit just slightly larger that the factory cut-outs, and just line it up against one side so that the opening bulges out ever so slightly: IMG_1293.jpgIMG_1294.jpg

    This maybe added an hour to the build. Drilling the 8 holes without a drill press was a PITA, but the rack is SOLID when mounted this way. It gives the bed mounts the reach needed to align everything true, at a 90-degree angle, flush against both surfaces:


    IMG_1320.jpg

    Added "don't be that guy" note. USE LOCTITE! They only give torque specs for the 4 bolts that hold the vertical support arms to the bed mounts. The corner braces came loose on the first test run. Driving along and thud, rattle, ping, the nuts holding the corner braces worked themselves loose. After a bit of loctite, and a Baja-style run down a dirt road - they were still solid after adding it to all the bolts:61827720126__DDF09503-C327-4272-8468-EF75107F3161 3.jpg

    Overall it's a VERY solid rack and really can't be beat at this price point, can't wait to take the boats back out!!IMG_1317.jpg

    61827720126__DDF09503-C327-4272-8468-EF75107F3161 3.jpg
     

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