roof racks

hi, i am wondering what is involved in mounting a roof rack system for hauling my kayak. i do NOT have factory rails. how would this work? thanks guys for any help! this is on a 2016 tacoma offroad trd double cab 4x4

 

I can vouch for the rhino rack track. I have the RTS track. From this setup, you can mount various rack installations, and also have the ability to remove the rack when not using it.

 

Do you want a permanent setup? If so, most require putting holes in or cutting a space in the weather strips to put the rack bolts through them into the existing threaded bolt holes already up there on your roof. Its easy enough to do, just be sure to do a good job using silicon sealer when installing the bolts. I have a non- removable Prinsu rack, but ones with tracks like mentioned above may be a good option - you do the same to bolt in the tracks, and its low profile.

 

The couple times I hauled my 12' solo fishing canoe I just tossed in the back, resting on the tailgate, with a ratchet strap on it.

If the kayak is long get a hitch extender from harbor freight. That's what I use when I haul my 12' jon boat.

 

Prinsu! For the win

 

hey, thnas for all the responses. but i guess i didnt say it quite right. i not only do not have factory rails, i do not have any weather stripping on my roof. it is smooth as a babys butt, nothing up there but paint lol

 

Do you have an access cab or double cab? I thought all third gens had the weather strip?

 

Pics

 

I used to the Thule rack set up for my kayak, long board and paddle boards worked great

 

I find it hard to believe you got the only double cab without the weatherstrip.

 

Take a pic of your roof and post it.

 

haha! it appears i am a bigger idiot than even i was aware! i looked again, and yes i do indeed have the weather stripping along the roof. sorry. but i have found the responses to be very helpful, and i thank each of you very much. keep them coming!

 

We carry our boat with a Prinsu.



It keeps it up off the canopy and doesn't hang out the back of the truck. Important because we tow a trailer when camping and need the room. Bolts permanently to the truck via the factory rack holes under the weather stripping. Carries all sorts of stuff.

There are cheaper easier setups out there if you aren't into the look of a roof rack. You can find the OEM type on ebay or in the classifieds. The nice part about them is the bars fold in when you are not using them.

 

Well, underneath the weather stripping is factory well nuts under some stickers if you want to go with a permanent mount, like the factory rails, or something like a prinsu. Bolt on type racks mount right to the nuts.

Or you can just use a Yakima/Thule type setup and use the door frames.

There are some other setups that require various amounts of work to make work.

I have had a thule setup with crossbars and a fairing and now have a prinsu. I prefer the Prinsu as it is stronger, but for a kayak either will work. It really boils down to how much you want to spend.

 

Prinsu does the trick - had mine on for over 2 years and it's served its purpose well! Just pull the weatherstripping and you can peel back some painted on stickers that cover the holes in your roof. A bit of silicone in the holes as you bolt down the rack keeps everything nice and dry inside

 

Needs more kayak

 

I have it set up so I can carry 5 kayaks easily and do so frequently (there's a big canoe taking up the space of what could be two kayaks on that side, while keeping the bed completely clear for gear). If I want to give up some bed space and have them hang over the tailgate I can easily get 7. Being able to carry a lot of kayaks is crucial in whitewater where shuttles must be run with a crew to remote put-ins and takeouts. No body wants to be that worthless guy who can't even help set a shuttle or move boats around for folks!

5 is just right though. for a short-ish distance normally 30-45mins, 5 adults can cram in the Taco with all their gear and boats and then we can leave a bigger passenger vehicle at the takeout to easily get everyone dry before returning to the truck

 

That’s awesome. I just sold my 13.5ft ocean kayak. Kind of regret it

 

prinsu is the rack system i have been looking at actually. i have watched a couple of youtube vids with folks that have them on their Tacomas. without being too nosy, what would be the cost, with installation?

 

I use mine to carry two 18-foot double Greenland II Folbots when they are set up, plus a RTT. Really love it!

$675 (with easy DIY installation)
https://ventureoverlandcompany.com/...roducts/2005-2018-toyota-tacoma-cab-roof-rack