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Roof Rack for A.R.E. Bed Cap

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by halld15, Feb 25, 2023.

  1. Feb 25, 2023 at 2:39 PM
    #1
    halld15

    halld15 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    2019 Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab
    I have a 2019 Tacoma Access Cab with the long bed, and in November of 22 I got a A.R.E. bed cap installed. I want to get a roof rack on there, and already have a set of Thule Aerobars. It looks like the Rapid Podium 460R towers/feet are the way to go, but I am having trouble figuring out what Thule Fit Kit to use, anyone else have any experience putting a Thule Rack on an A.R.E. cap?
     
  2. Feb 26, 2023 at 10:14 AM
    #2
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    05 TRD Off-Road, SR5, 6 speed
    You're missing some info- does the shell already have tracks? ARE uses Yakima racks (the dealer may install something else) so those are the same size as Thule. If that's the case, you just have to look at Thule's site and figure out what you need to go on a set of tracks. If you've got artificial gutters or something else then you'll have to do a bit more research. If you don't have a Thule dealer near you then the easiest thing to do is call etrailer.com or one of the other big online retailers and ask them, they should be able to get you set up quickly.
     
  3. Mar 1, 2023 at 8:37 PM
    #3
    halld15

    halld15 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2023
    Member:
    #418830
    Messages:
    2
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab
    Update for anyone else who is doing this, here was my solution:

    My A.R.E. CX Classic bed cap had Yakima brand T-style tracks from the factory. I was able to get a Thule setup on there using Thule Fit Kit 3101, the Thule 460R Rapid Podium Towers/feet, and Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53") for the bars.

    Couple things to note:

    1) I did have to file down the sides of the interfacing tabs on the 3101 Fit Kit to get it to fit in the tracks, but that was not a big deal. They were JUST too wide to fit in the tracks without it.
    2) I was originally going to use Thule's 60" bars, but they are too wide for the base tracks on my cab (the tracks are about 41" center to center). The way Thule makes the Wingbars, there is a track in the bottom of the bar where the tower connects, and it is the same length for all the bars, about 8" or so. That means if you change the bars up or down a size, the minimum spacing of the feet changes 3" on each foot accordingly. The 54" bars will work fine for what I have planned as it turns out, but it was annoying to have to make another trip to exchange them. I nearly ended up modifying the bars and using a Dremel with a cutting disc to extend the channel, since there is no internal bracing or anything as you look down the end of the bar. It seems very doable, I was just hesitant to do that and then put an actual load on the rack for risk of having weakened the bars.

    Anyway, if you are somehow on the same niche quest I was, I hope this helps.
     

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