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Roof Rails Only (No Crossbars)

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jwilson9282, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. Jan 4, 2021 at 3:39 PM
    #1
    jwilson9282

    jwilson9282 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2021
    Member:
    #351298
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB TRD Off Road
    Several years ago I installed the OEM swiveling/hideaway rails/crossbars on my 2015 DCSB Tacoma. I'd like to replace them with side rails only so that I can attach the crossbars of my choosing as well as put the crossbars closer together than they are on the OEM unit, as the OEM unit's bars are too far apart to attach a Yakima cargo box. Are there rails that exist, OEM or not, that use the existing fitment points on the roof and don't require any drilling? I've scoured these forums and the web to no avail, but figure it's worth asking!

    Something similar to this is what I'm looking for:

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jan 5, 2021 at 10:41 AM
    #2
    wi_taco

    wi_taco My skid plates give rocks taco flavored kisses

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2020
    Member:
    #335129
    Messages:
    4,121
    First Name:
    Adam
    SE Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2015 Toyota Sienna with rear locker
    Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe if you have no rails right now and only the factory black weatherstripping, installing ANY type of rails will require drilling. There's another thread somewhere (fairly sure it's somewhere in the DIY prinsu style rack thread here) where they show even the factory-drilled holes underneath the weatherstripping is covered by paint/sealer which you need to drill out.

    Besides that I'm in the same boat as you. Pretty sure due to how much Thule/Yakima/Rhino mounts and bars cost I'm gonna DIY anyways but that's just me.

    Edit: Well after scanning through that DIY rack thread I found there are pre-made Rhino Rack tracks that fit the factory channels. Here ya go.
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2021
  3. Jan 5, 2021 at 11:55 AM
    #3
    jwilson9282

    jwilson9282 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2021
    Member:
    #351298
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB TRD Off Road
    My research turned up the same conclusions as yours, wi_taco. Even that Rhino Rack option you linked requires some drilling in addition to utilizing the existing factory-drilled holes. And then you're locked into Rhino Rack products, as those tracks aren't the typical rails that would allow one to utilize Yakima Skyline mounts, for example.

    I'm thinking I may just leave the OEM rack/rails on for now and put my Yakima clamshell on the canopy I'm purchasing instead, as it will have the sort of rails that can be used with any rack system.

    Really a bonehead move on Toyota's part to design their rack system with such a wide gap between the bars. I can't imagine why they would've done it that way.
     

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