Putting a Roof Rack On Your Tacoma is Asking for Trouble

Your might be asking for trouble if you're putting a roof rack on your Toyota Tacoma! Here's what can happen. What do you think?
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[@FishermanATX]

Good points man! When I fixed mine, I changed these water washers along with the screws. The original rubber washers if I remember correctly, cracked as I was tightening the screws. So far so good, but again, I definitely did not remove it to check. I use mine to carry my kayak and my fishing rods and it's doing its job 😊

[@Mumfy64]

Yep, my Prinsu roof rack does avoid the shark fin. I also like that it houses my light bar too.

[@RobMotive]

That’s great! It seems pretty easy to add a light bar to the Prinsu rack👍

[@ryannewazada2102]

Gr8t video Rob. You already weighed the pros and cons in placing the roof rack on your Tacoma. Many consumers can learn from your experience and your wisdom on this subject.

[@RobMotive]

Thanks👍

[@randallupton3622]

Way more complex than it sounds. On the plus side it is an opportunity to use black silicone caulk. I didn’t know some caulks can cause rust. That is good info for sure

[@RobMotive]

I had never heard that about caulk either! Just think Randall…Your Mojave may be falling apart around you as we speak😬

[@randallupton3622]

@@RobMotive yeah could be but doubt it. I think my tube said acid free? Maybe 🤔 it was acid? Trying to remember if it smelled like vinegar. Think not. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DJXPLRS]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful as adding a roof rack to my 2021 Tacoma is a future consideration.

[@RobMotive]

You should be ok with the antenna for the 2021 I'm told.👍

[@bartcanuck734]

Hilarious.. stumbled across this video as I am installing a roof rack and looked….. my silicone can cause corrosion. Went and bought some RTV silicone. Thank you!!

[@JRWJ2K]

Thanks for sharing. Great info. I really like the OEM Roof Rack. My Tacoma is a 2021 model and I just checked the antenna position and is almost at the rear edge. I guess I should be good to go.

[@RobMotive]

Yup…as long as you’re about 1-1.5” from the back you should be good👍

[@terrynewell4749]

I went with OEM rack only to survive car washes. My weather striping kept getting blown off in the blowers, dealer felt the OEM rack would be fine, they installed. Has been great no problems. I would have not done it, but in Michigan auto car washes is a way of life, too much salt and too cold in the winter to hand wash. I was uncertain about the aftermarkets in the car washes.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds like a good choice to me👍

[@juangtorres8442]

You made a good point . I have the same issue with the Car Wash

[@frankdigristina5859]

Hi Rob, read crossbar is about 1 1/4" inn away when opened .

[@user-tn1rf8bl8w]

Good information Rob! I was considering installing the oem roof rack as it looked pretty slick, stores the crossbars when not in use, etc. Until I got to the end of your video talking about the satellite antenna and describing the interference on the 2020 taco. Which is what I have! Ugh! Guess I'll be looking for another option. Really liked the self storing crossbar feature though.

[@jefferylorance7988]

2019 factory install , clears the antenna. When in use ..NOISEY from the wind. I added Ski racks to hold my fishing rods. Got use to the NOISE, also added a wind defector, reduces just a little bit. Toyota bad design on the wind NOISE! Aloha

[@frankdigristina5859]

Good morning Rob,how are you today? As always your spot on with info, my OEM went on no problem (I have a 2021 TRD OFF ROAD) only thing is I still don't know if I like it yet,lol and again great vid!

[@RobMotive]

Great to hear! Does the rear bar conflict with the shark fin antenna?

[@perspicator5779]

You go bro.! Love Texas!

[@kenwgold]

👍 great info Rob!! Colorado ken 👍

[@RobMotive]

Thanks for watching Ken👍

[@ronhughes1822]

good video, you think like I do. go above and beyond.

[@fredsausage7656]

Make sure the silicone is neutral non corrosive (non acid curing).

[@RobMotive]

I’ve heard that! Wish I’d have known prior to application 😬

[@dkshdw2004]

Thanks! Good to know... 🤔

[@christopherarcamona8545]

Hey Rob how about using teflon tape on the bolts first before I stalling the bolt ? Do you think that Would help? Thanks Chris

[@RobMotive]

For water proofing? Probably not🤔

[@dedetheb7311]

No roof rack for me. I’m keeping my tacoma. Thanks for the info.

[@828findadventure]

I was a little disappointed in the quality and design of the OEM Toyota Tacoma rack. The price is good but there are better-looking options that can hold more than a SUP. I eventually went the Prinsu route and as much as I loved my Prinsu rack it is hard to do a clean install while utilizing the OEM weather strip down each side. Yes, it can be done, but it is not for amateur fabricators. Did I love the functionality and beauty of the Prinsu rack? Yes. Would I put one on my Tundra? No, you have to drill and use plus-nuts.

[@RobMotive]

That’s the big advantage for OEM parts. Usually very simple installs👍

[@hike2024]

The bolts I had in my kit came with a bit of thread sealer on them, not enough in my opinion. I added a generous amount of thread sealer to all the bolts in addition to using silicon around the area of the mount and bolt heads. BTW, this was on my 2017, and I had no problems with the holes lining up or leakage. I have a 2021 now, and I'm not sure what I'm going to do for a roof rack at this time. The OEM racks have a really nice look but they are almost useless for my needs. I had my 2, 14' kayaks (about 110 pounds total) on my 2017 racks and the racks were stressed... I wouldn't do it again. Anyway, that's my experience. Thanks for your videos.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds like a good experience with the install on your 2017. I agree, you need something beefier 👍

[@Pj.1620]

Did it with oem parts no issues!!

[@user-mo5gg9eh7h]

Mine came factory, no issues

[@davidkraus7842]

Thanks for the Roof Rack tips. Just ordered one, so will be sure to be aware of the leak issue! I also like some of your under hood mods, what do you think about adding hood insulation. I've looked for a liner, but have not seen an OEM version. Thoughts?

[@RobMotive]

Why add under the hood insulation?

[@DinorwicSongwriter]

Snow & sleet & freezing rain. How are you going to clear the snow off the truck? Only option I see is bolting a sheet of plywood on in oct.

[@RobMotive]

Where I live we don’t get any of those things.

[@mikeschoolcraft21]

I said it before, fill the hole completely with silicone caulk. My rack has been in four years and the cheap hardware needs to be replaced with stainless steel.

[@ejshelby5460]

funny, I just added a comment to another OEM roof rack install video about water proofing...feels to me those rubber rings are not enough, you should use a 3M silicon gasket forming gel all around the mounting holes....

[@kokoyhawaii]

Had to tap new threads in one of my bolt holes...

[@dominica2765]

When I had my Tacoma regular cab Smitty built was the only one that made a small roof rack didn’t work too well so I had to re-design it drilled holes right through my roof tore the headliner out got military grade rubber make gaskets for the inside and the outside silicone both the inside and the outside cut out metal plates for the insideThen I did the whole Inside of the roof which sound deadening material stuff like tar even if I got a leak it wouldn’t be a problem then I put the headliner back on with a nightmare I was committed once I started drilling holes from my roof came out nice never do that again be blessed

[@RobMotive]

Wow! Sounds like it was quite the undertaking!!😬

[@youtubeisinconsistent9169]

I'm actually putting on the folding crossracks because the factory rain strip blew off in a car wash, toyota refuses to help in any way, so this seems like the best solution. 3m silicone for sure on the install as well

[@youtubeisinconsistent9169]

Update: the two holes in the back WILL NOT LINE UP. Any tips?

[@RobMotive]

Which holes are you referring to?

[@youtubeisinconsistent9169]

@@RobMotive the two rearmost bolt holes would NOT line up when I went by the sketchy instructions I got with this thing, finally came back after a break with a new plan and it worked. Whole thing bolted down now just perfecting fitment with a heat gun. Those rear tabs are really wanting to lift up against the adhesive

[@flameartcom]

Did you do anything differently? Im having the exact same issues with mine.. rainstorm in 3 hours.. thought it would be an hour install but quickly becoming a bigger pma.

[@youtubeisinconsistent9169]

@@flameartcom 4 hours of fighting and cussing, put super black under the o rings and let it cure first, that was one of the biggest time eaters chasing those stupid gaskets for the bolts

[@tacticalceo685]

Nice video Rob I think with some accessories you just need to be really careful and read the reviews .

[@RobMotive]

Absolutely! Best to hear from real owners👍

[@user-kd3gq4km1k]

Hi Rob, what brand of silicone do you recommend for sealing? Any other brand tips for this installation?

[@RobMotive]

I just used a GE silicone 👍

[@user-kd3gq4km1k]

@RobMotive any brand specific? There is too many to look through. The one you personally would use would be great

[@Champaign268]

I found myself extremely frustrated during install of the Toyota OEM rack. It's a major pia aligning the bolts with the holes but the OEM roof rack does indeed fit.

[@RobMotive]

Seems to vary widely. One I did was bad and the next was ok🤔

[@rafitaino3137]

So what kind of kind silicone u recommend??

[@RobMotive]

I use GE.

[@kevinhallen1722]

I have a 2019 Toyota Tacoma and was thinking about putting a roof rack on, what would you suggest

[@RobMotive]

I just went OEM. Prinsu seems to be a favorite.

[@dave5237]

Rob! Im sure this is buried in the questions, but does the OEM rack hit 2018 TACOMA( double cab) ? Thanks!

[@RobMotive]

It was only for a short period of production for 2020👍

[@jamesgum5492]

Just installed mine on my ‘21 off road and it’s leaking in the A pillar. Anyone know what size replacement washer I should buy?

[@RobMotive]

That’s a bummer! I’d pull it and caulk around the holes👍

[@jamesgum5492]

@@RobMotive Should I put caulking in the hole itself or just around the edges of the washer?

[@RobMotive]

I’d do both. Can’t hurt👍

[@spyplanez]

I had a bunch of trouble putting mine on my 14’ Tacoma. Stripped the bolts and it was really awkward fitment. I need to readjust it. I thought it was me, but i guess a lot of people have had issues.

[@RobMotive]

Seems many have had issues. The alignment seems to be all over the place😬

[@kokoyhawaii]

Same on one bolt hole, had to tap new threads

[@spyplanez]

Update: returned a junk ebay one and got one from dealer than fit perfectly

[@youtubeisinconsistent9169]

@@spyplanez how much was the price diff? Bout to do the same...

[@DJLOUIE1000]

Mine came with roof rails. I want to remove but scared of leaks.... 🤯

[@RobMotive]

Just caulk the holes. You would also need the rubber trim pieces for the slots.

[@jamesgum5492]

Also, any tips on how to remove that yellow clip up front?

[@RobMotive]

Yellow clip??

[@jamesgum5492]

@@RobMotive yes the yellow plastic retainer that holds the front of the rail to the bracket. I’ve heard they’re very difficult to find and I was wondering if there was an easy way to remove it so I don’t break it.

[@RobMotive]

TBH…I don’t recall that piece😬

[@terrancetatum7599]

I want to like the OEM rack, but just can’t. ☹️

[@RobMotive]

Lol! It’s not for everyone 👍

[@frankdigristina5859]

Rear, I hate autocorrect

[@MPGunther1]

I saw your challenges and heard your opinions so I'm going to pass on the OEM

[@RobMotive]

Can’t blame you😬

[@PNWXOverland]

Hey brother I agree with everything you said about the Tacoma roof rack but I can say for 💯 that if you do buy go OEM cause I had a cheap knock off leak on me so I replaced it with a Prinsu immediately! Now I have a 21 offroad and am wondering what to do this time. Cheers bro! You follow me on IG so give a bro a subscribe!! 🤙🤙@RobMotive

[@RobMotive]

Thanks👍👍

[@AB-cc6fy]

You need to get a BB gun

[@RobMotive]

😬

[@jupethdulalas9759]

Better you demo or show how to do it, than keep on talking.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds like you're on the wrong video.