Roof rack

i have been searching for a roof rack, i dont really want to spend $200+ for one and dont want to drill the roof. i would only use it a couple times a year and wouldnt mind taking it on and off when needed. i saw this on ebay... any ideas? it looks like it would be easy to mount and get off when needed

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

The oem roof rack runs for 220 give or take. Aftermarket thule and yakima runs a bit more with all the parts added and can be taken off fairly quick as oppose to the oem which uses one time soft washers. I wouldn't trust those universal ones like you posted. Get a quality rack but you gotta pay for quality. Look in the classified section, i recently saw a member selling his complete yakima setup w the fairing for 200.

 

Or search on here, there's two members that made their own and look damn good

 

the guy selling the one on here wont ship it, i did see a Thule on Ebay for 175+shipping.

you dont think that this would be ok for a few trips a year?

 

how bout this one or am i wasting my time

i like the basket style better

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UNIV...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

ugly

 

Yakima or Thule. You'll use it way more than you think. I had a Yakima on my 1990 Infiniti, and I used it all the time. Of course. It didn't have a truck bed They're built well though. The big thing is if you're actually going to use it to carry a load it won't damage your roof.

Check craigslist for the pieces. Lots of people unload them. You might only need to buy the clips for a tacoma if you can score the towers and bars from craigslist.

 

so i can get the risers and bars then just a tacoma fit kit from thule?

this is about 15 minutes from me http://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/2026705504.html

 

yes, that will get you everything you need.

i'd recomend a fairing as well to help with noise, but that can be added at anytime.

edit: not sure if the one in the CL link will fit the tacoma, but since it's close, oyu might as well go test fit it.

 

I'd double check that. That says cars with rain gutters, I think that means the c shaped channel on the edge of the roof. It might just be that you can get different clips and still use the towers. Worth considering.

Also, the bars come in different widths (length). Make sure they're wide enough before you buy. Easy to tell though, just want them to engage the towers, with a couple inches spare on each side.

 

Check mine out in my build thread... last page. Gettin' it powdercoated this weekend, bolts/ hangs right onto the Thule carrier with hardware. No drilling or anything required.

 

DO NOT buy that one from craigslist. The feet (towers) are not right for the tacoma. Go to Thule.com and use the fit guide to see exactly what components you will need, then you can search ebay or whatever for them, but only buy the ones that will actually work.

As for those universal racks you posted.. I wouldnt ever waste my time or money with those. They are garbage. No matter how few times you think you will use a roof rack, you will end up using it alot more than you think.

 

yeah i just went to thule and found all the part #s i need, i should be able to peice it together for cheap on ebay

thanks everyone

 

Has anyone built one using the factory mounts in the rails?
That seems like a slick way to make a strong rack instead of clamping to the gutter rails.

 

i have seen a few on ebay and craigslist. ill be getting something soon, i just need to measure and see if i can fit either thru my garage door. my antenna hits when i drive it well it did until i cut 4" off

the Thule or Yakima will just barely fit through the garage, should i just go with an OEM rack? maybe i should make a poll