To roof rack or not to roof rack

I just got mine, with the tube steps which I already installed. I got it more for the looks than anything. I'm sure i wont be using it very often.

 

300? The OEM bars are only rated at 100 pounds.

The BajaRack (1st gen rack weighs 35 pounds) + two

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, The Leader in Off-The-Ground Camping, Rainfly and Carry Bag Included, Holds 350lbs, Sets up in Seconds

oversize tent cots at 36 pounds each is pushing the limit of the OEM bars during my off road trips. Last summer I had the storm case full of gear + the BajaRack and after a 5000+ mile road trip -the bars are showing the wear.

Highway bumps are far worse than desert trips because the sandy washes are softer and I go low and slow on the rocky hills. Cruising 70MPH+ and you hit a pothole or a rough transition driving on or off a bridge with loaded OEM bars is harsh. This summer I'm traveling a bit lighter but I'm still concerned about the bars.

I don't understand getting the OEM bars just for looks. Whatever floats your boat. If you want something on your roof that can support your gear, there are better options available than OEM.

 

I am a recovering rack-whore. Every car or truck I have had has gone through several rack iterations trying to find the perfect set up for bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. My dearly departed 09 DC started with the Yakima base rack, which subsequently dented the roof under the feet with less than 150 lbs on it. It was also noisy and could slip around if not installed perfectly (it needed lots of clamping pressure, which also helped dent the roof). I tried the OEM rack after that- it was great looking, not super noisy, and the bars were pretty solid, but you are relying on mostly plastic to hold your gear in place, so stuff really needed to be tied down front and rear to keep it secure. I am about to jump back into the Taco world with a '12 DC, but I will probably go with the Thule bed rack, a modified Yakima Outdoorsman or some custom set-up.
I guess I'm still recovering.

 

I have a bed for gear. The roof rack will at most be used for lighter and bulkier items on expeditions, if it gets used at all. It's nice to know it's there if I need/want it

 

Some people might carry more gear than you. The OEM rack might look pretty but it doesn't hold much.

People should decide based on their needs. I'm glad it suits your yours. It isn't enough for others.

 

No argument with that.

 

Who has pics??

 

The first page has a link to this thread with plenty of pictures.

 

I have a second bar coming up from my trailer hitch that I put on for the canoe or long lumber. Don't have anywhere to store the cab rack so it stays on. I did it this way so I can travel with my gear in the bed, canoe up top and tonneau closed to keep stuff dry and out of the weather.

 

I'm planning on getting the OEM. All I am going to carry is a 10' Kayak......maybe 2 later on. Do you guys think OEM will be sufficient?

 

Makes sense now!

 

A vehicle without a roof rack is like a one legged prostitute. Yeah, it works, but there are some tricks it just can't turn.

I use mine a lot (rhino rack). I find myself hauling lumber, long PVC and copper tubes, and furniture for work regularly.... On my personal time I put my 15' kayak and surf rods up there. I put a couch up there recently.

To the op... If you have to ask the question, you probably don't need one. But I vote that you should get one because there will be a day when you need to carry a coffin or a 20' tall Christmas tree and you will wish you had it

 

Have the OEM's. Have not used it much BUT the two times I did.... What a godsend.

Also as it has been said; my Taco looks different.

Yuma Taco,

 

ordered mine the other day....hoping I get it tomorrow.

 

I just ordered some Yakima Q clips for my access cab, i have 3 Q towers that are good to go but my 4th is missing the clamp down sooo...yeah, anyways yakima's customer service is good from what i hear and hopefully i can get the part i need. I will most definitely use the rack. i have a yakima basket that will probably go on first maybe mount up some lights or something, also got some ski & snowboard Clamp downs that might go on during the winter. For my mountain bike i just got a dakine tailgate pad that works great.

 

BTW, i didn't order the Q towers new from Yakima, they came off our old Subaru.

 

I wish I had one on my truck. I am hoping to pick one up soon for cargo box and canoe use plus I may put some fishing rod racks up there.

 

Finally got my rack and basket on. about to order some lights then i'll be good to go!







=)

 

I haven't heard a sound from my roof rack. Of course, I usually have other items (H/AC, radio, etc) on, so these may be drowning out any noise from the rack. Don't know about fuel efficiency, but your premise seems logical.

That's really about all one should carry on the roof. The roof itself can't reliably support much more weight and it's dangerous to shift the vehicle's center of gravity higher with considerable weight on the roof. That said, I have hauled heavier (more than 100-lbs) on my roof rack for short trips (from a nearby store, etc). Both the roof and rack seems to have survived the experience, though I was careful to avoid shocks to those from sudden bumps and similar.

 

Before i added the basket, i had some wind noise around 50mph+ (with the $80 fairing on haha). But hey, it doesnt bother me, plus when im on the hwy i normally have the windows up therefore i cant hear it. Haven't hit high speeds with the basket on yet. Once ski season starts up i'll be debating on taking the basket off and putting my ski racks on. Thanks to Yakima for making assembly and disassembly easy, only took me literally 15min to put the basket on. Also, with the debate about it denting the roof, i'm not looking at hauling rounds of wood up there, try sleeping bags, tents, any lightweight camping stuff.