Why the STOCK Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack is a Good Option

Installation of my genuine Toyota Tacoma roof rack. I explain why I chose it and show the install process. The installation is quite simple, and only requires Torx T25 and T30 adaptors, and I used a ratchet to install them. I'll explain why I think its a really good option VS some of the other aftermarket options that are on the market.
Here is the link, still on sale but not as cheap: parts.stevinsontoyotawest.com...
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TACOMA:
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[@sherryhospodar2401]

Wow this was a great video . Who knew it would be this simple to install yourself !!! Great find .

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!

[@bernm5874]

BRO!! THANK YOU!!! Thanks to your detailed video, my installation went perfect. After opening the box from the dealer, I was IMMEDIATELY anxious seeing all the different sized screws and parts. Your step by step instructions was awesome. THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Glad it helped!!

[@goldenflash0588]

Just purchased using link you provided. They offered a free shipping coupon code. Saved $160 on shipping! I paid $280 for the roof rack itself, so only $30 more. Thanks for helping a fellow Tacoma owner out. Will be referring to this video when I attempt the install once the roof rack is delivered.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome glad the link still works, and thanks for watching and sharing!!

[@CGGarage]

Thanks dude for this video. Just got a 2006 tacoma recently and I really like the 2nd gens with the OEM roof racks. So I'll definetly be picking this up. I never noticed how awesome they function too.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

You are welcome! It’s a good rack for general use.

[@kristierundell8917]

Looks good and easy install ! Enjoy the day.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching, and have a great weekend!

[@chrisparnell5217]

Thanks for your video really helped me I’m the 2nd owner of my 2016 Tacoma it has this exact rack I have yet to use it but your video really cleared up some questions I had thanks

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome, and thanks for watching!

[@joellenklemek138]

Thank you so very much !!! I had no idea that they have cross bars that swivel out!! The dealer I just bought my 22 Trd pro taco from also doesn’t know this. He told me I will need to buy cross bars. Wow. Thanks! Seriously.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Glad it helped you out, but shame on that dealer!!😂

[@paulvanhorne4143]

Excellent video. BTW, I've been considering the OEM rack, and the dealer parts department where I bought my truck was more than happy to print out the instructions, if you ever need them.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching, and glad the instructions can be had!

[@canxlr8]

Great video, thanks for posting!😊

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!

[@Shelley-xr5ir]

Awesome! Had no idea i already had the rails in the OEM!!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sure do!!

[@autologic3163]

Dude, I absolutely loved this video! I just bought a 2015 Toyota Tacoma with only 67,000 miles on it and it already had this installed and I wasn’t sure exactly how it worked or if I had to buy crossbars to add to it. So knowing that the crossbars are integrated into it and that this is tier 100% factory OEM makes me nerd out that much more

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome, glad you found it helpful! Enjoy the Taco!!

[@nelsoncolon3692]

I just pick a 15 today with 39k miles for $28,705 and love it

[@thekyle91]

I picked up a 21 taco back in January. Had the OEM rack on it, and like OP, I was unsure if I needed crossbars. About a week ago I saw a Tacoma in my local area with an OEM rack configured with the bars across the roof! I got curious and found this video! Excellent and exciting discovery that I don't need aftermarket crossbars!

[@RatBonez74]

Thank God I watched this. Great video man, thanks a ton.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thank you!

[@g7003041]

Thanks for sharing. Btw good looking truck

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Much appreciated!!

[@HandsONreviews4u]

I was driving in my 2012 Corolla and of course I dream to one day own a V6 TRD 4X4 TOCOMA. I saw one drive by me with those same roof racks and DAMN YOU EXPLAINED EVERYTHING BRO👌. I am subscribed 👍

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomashospodar9808]

Those are cool and simple install

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!

[@ventenueve100]

Awesome always wanted to know how this worked only wish they made this for the access cab

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah for access can you would have to find an aftermarket option.

[@VantasticTelevision]

That's slick how the crossbars pop drop & lock!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yep it was definitely one of the reasons I went with the stock bars!

[@paigecollier8192]

Useful and looks cool!! 😎

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks!!

[@nycenj3974]

Great job on video... 🤙🏼

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Much appreciated!

[@r.r.hughes9808]

Awesome. Thanks

[@DirtEveryWeekend]

I love that those crossbars move. that way you not dealing with wind noise all the time. Let me know how the wind noise with the cross bars deployed. I need to see if they make these style for My Sienna.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah it was one of the reasons I wanted the stock rails too. In one drive with the cross bars extended I didn’t notice any noise, it was not on the highway though. Honestly I wouldn’t deploy them unless I was going to have something up there, so that would likely be the main noise and fuel economy impact.

[@wph1215ecu]

Can you make a video of HOW to utilize (maximize) this roof rack… do they make other attachments to make it more like an aftermarket Roofrack like additional cross bars? What are the indents for on the sides? I have this but don’t really use it. I’d like to put long flat pelican rifle cases on top without them sliding everywhere

[@seasonAIRes]

Great video

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!

[@uno3863]

My '12 came with a roof rack like yours and I am going to take it off because to me it's an eyesore 😂😂will be selling mine soon since I don't have any uses for it.

[@jimf.625]

Thank you for posting. Very helpful and detailed. Do you know the distance between the two crossbars when deployed? Also the load rating. Thanks again.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching. The distance between the rails is about 40.5”, depending on how you measure it. I *think* I had the load rating in the video, and am pretty sure it was about 100lbs, which for something like this seems appropriate.

[@wessmithp5560]

Ended up here before doing an install on a 2005. I couldn’t by the OEM rack, so I had to find an aftermarket. Complete pain in the ass. The little snap in piece up front was very difficult to get locked in. None of the bolts patterns were right so lots of shifting and flexing of the plastic required. That last bolt for the cross bar had to be put on prior to putting the actual bracket on due to the nit on the back not being locked in so if it falls off you have to remove entire side and start over. Of course it’s nearly impossible to put the front two short bolts in if the cross bar is fastened, so it takes some shimmying. If you can get the OEM, get the OEM, otherwise be prepared for wild times;)

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sorry to hear about the hassle, but thanks for adding your feedback!!

[@chrischurch6187]

Thanks for the install video. Gonna order one for my 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport. Where did you get the TRD emblem?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I think I found that vinyl sticker on eBay iirc.

[@tillertommy]

Great video looks simple to install, is there a problem with the rear cross bar touching the roof antenna when it crosses over the cab roof? I noticed you placed it in the front hole and it didn't look square. Thank You!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks! It is in the correct hole, it only fits in the hole I secured it in, it won’t fit the hole that the other rail comes out of.

[@STZNCCTX]

Nice

[@nathanjones8221]

Had no idea the OEM roof rack had the cross bars included like that, pretty awesome design. Anyone mount any Thule products on theirs yet?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yep seems like a surprise to a lot of people, and definitely was a key feature for me to use them!

[@user-xn4bl6qx5f]

😅 Nice work. Thank you very much.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thank you too!

[@edwardphilipdeasis3220]

Thanks for this video, used it as a reference for installing mine today! Just wanted to ask how yours is holding up and if you got any issues with leaks? I just kept on reading about leakage from the bolt holes and its got me spooked so I applied clear silicone to the hardware when I did mine

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Glad it helped! No issues at all with mine thus far. Adding silicone should be a good insurance policy. I didn’t add silicone, but as in the video I left as much of the sealant tape on and only cut through it enough for the bolts to go through, so far so good!

[@edwardphilipdeasis3220]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend That’s good to hear! Thanks for all the help!

[@edwardphilipdeasis3220]

Update: Heavy rain 24 hours after my install and got a small drip runnjng down through the B pillar visible at the seatbelt area. Gonna liberally reapply the silicone in all mounting holes as I’m pretty sure I went too conservative with it the first time

[@Noah_Tatum]

Could you mount an light awning off the side of the truck when the bar is in its closed position aka not hooked up to the opposite bar?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

While it might be possible, it would really depend on the mounting options of the awning I think. It probably wouldn’t be ideal though since there are no flat surfaces or other holes to mount off of like some aftermarket racks would have.

[@monfrair]

are you aware if there is enough space with the crossbars (when not telescoped), to connect a Thule foot-pack with longer crossbars?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Honestly since I am not familiar with the specifics of how that mounts up I can’t say for sure, but it sounds like it is designed to be flexible to mount to various existing roof systems.

[@gtarbmx]

These look exactly like the aftermarket ones and those also are 100lb rating. I just wish I could get heavy duty ones with that design. I'd like to be able to load them up with a 150lb tandem kayak safely.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah a little more capacity would be nice if needed.

[@edfig]

Agreed. Most heavy duty roof racks are overlander style. Wish they sold one like this but all powder coated aluminum.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Can you do this with a Ford F150, say the Platinum or Raptor, on top of the cab? How about on an Audi Q8 or SQ8, any idea? I really like this product, its function, its versatility to save on wind resistance thus mpg when not in use, and frankly, its look.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Honestly I am not sure about those vehicles and what options they have available for their roof.

[@Skol-Vikings]

Would you happen to know the distance between the two rails when open? Looking to put a carrier on it when need be

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I took measurements for you. It is just over 45” on the outside of the bars, and 40.5” measured to the inside of the crossbars. Both measurements are from to back.

[@isamora4685]

👍👍

[@joegrzymalski3476]

Can you replace the original rubber molding underneath the rack? Will it help to keep water out?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Since the molding really fills the gap I don’t think it would be compatible. But I do think leaving the sealed foam mostly in place (which is the actual water tight seal), only putting a small hole for the bolt to go through, and using the supplied rubber grommets should do the job well.

[@Swarm_A.P.]

Lol iv had my tacoma for like 1 year and i always wondered why someone put a roof rack with no cross bars but i sall this vid and i had a shoulda had a v8 moment😂 now i know

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

It seems like most people don’t know how these things work, Toyota needs to educate more on them I guess!

[@johncoleman8386]

There does not seem to be any threads to secure the front of the passenger, (right) side using that long screw that came with the kit. Am I missing something?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Honestly, I can’t remember having any drama with that aspect, so if you are missing the threads to fasten into seems like a big problem!

[@peterwilde2679]

At 5:14 you pick up an additional bolt that was to be used to install the cross-rail. I'm looking for one of those as it was lost when I bought my 2017 Tacoma. Do you have any idea about what that bolt is called, a part number, etc.? Thanks..

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Unfortunately I don’t have any details on part numbers. If you have a Toyota dealership near you they should definitely be able to tell you and get this bolt though.

[@zjgvergara]

I think that’s all I need. How much was the kit?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

You can check with your local dealer. This one was on sale for about $250. I posted a link in the description, not sure they are still on sale. MSRP is about $360 I believe.

[@vickomf1]

Deal still on. $240 and free shipping.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome!!

[@Jeff-gu6nb]

can someone tell me exactly how wide this roof rack is? the usable area between the two mounting side bars. Thanks!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Measured mid way (at the b-pillar) on the cab, the inside to inside measurement is right about 41.5”.

[@wheelsturn]

Have you had any issues with water leaking through? I’m thinking of going with this OEM rack so I can mount my surfboards.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have had no issues with leaks. I made sure to utilize the existing foam tape (not removing it and making only a small incision for the bolt to go through) and using the rubber grommets that were provided.

[@wheelsturn]

Awesome! Thank you. I may throw in some silicone in there around the grommets as well.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@wheelsturn It could only help!

[@johnnyv-coins4553]

Hey buddy, My Tacoma year 2017 What’s the name of that roof rack and where can I oder exactly like that you have. I’m appreciate for your sharing 🙏 man!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

It is the stock Toyota rack, you can check my link in the description below to see if it is still on sale, or go to your local dealer.

[@johnnyv-coins4553]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks again buddy. 🙏 But I haven’t see the link . Can you tell more details how to get through the link. ?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@johnnyv-coins4553 you are welcome. Under the video, where the like and share buttons are, there is a written description, use the arrow or click on “show more” and it will expand it so you can see the link I provided.

[@johnnyv-coins4553]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend hey buddy. I found it . It’s in Amazon :) Thanks again .🙏

[@wb4514]

Do the cross rails have any adjustment fore an aft ?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

They do not, because they are a fixed pivot design, so that is a disadvantage, but I prefer to be able to stow them most of the time anyways so it’s a fair trade-off I think.

[@ejshelby5460]

wondering if the rubber gasket and the entire base is water proof?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

It seems like it’s a pretty solid design, I have seen no indication of any water issues.

[@rhondaweber5995]

Why can I not find these for the Tundra? I like the way these look with the curve. I cannot find any I like for my Tundra.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Honestly I am not sure if these were ever a factory option for the Tundra or not.

[@rhondaweber5995]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend ❤ Do you have a suggestion?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@rhondaweber5995 honestly I’m not really up to speed on the Tundra options, so would hesitate to recommend anything.

[@jefferylorance7988]

When in use, NOISEY! Even with a wind deflector. Faster you go…the NOISER it gets. No manufacturers are able to solve the wind NOISE!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I haven’t had anything stowed on mine yet, but I do have a roof top tent on my bed rack, which is about 6” above roof line, and I don’t notice anything from that as far as noise. I could see having a box or traction boards on the roof making noise though.

[@roseturner7889]

My truck doesn't have those holes.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Interesting. I would have assumed they all had them, but maybe it is model/trim or year specific??

[@heregoesmike]

These racks look great when installed, but Toyota SERIOUSLY cheaped out on the hardware and preassembly. On my kit, the factory lower seal was hanging off and I needed to realign it myself on both sides. The nut for the passenger side arm fell out after I mounted the rail, and one bolt stripped when removed… should’ve taken 30 mins max to install, took more than two hours… if you buy these racks, TAKE YOUR TIME and do it right!!!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sorry you had issues on your install/rack. I didn’t have any problems with mine, I think I had one bolt on the passenger side that was a bit slow to go all the way in but as you said I took my time with it.

[@wolverine754]

Do they add any noticeable wind noise?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I haven't noticed any noise when they are stowed away. There may be a bit when they are fixed across the roof but I don't use them that way often.

[@wolverine754]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks!

[@Ringoluck]

Watch that plastic rear coolant bypass

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Did it go on yours? I am aware that they did that, but I haven’t seen any real issues with it as a common problem. I do know if it needs replaced they actually take the cab off to do it😳

[@theadventurefamily761]

Any issues with water leakages?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

No evidence of any water leaks. I would expect it to remain water tight as well with the existing sealant tape and the rubber gaskets.

[@mikedavis612]

Can't find the link.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Here is the last link I had, its been awhile so not sure if its still active or not: parts.stevinsontoyotawest.com/p/Toyota_2021_Tacoma/Roof-Rack---Double-Cab/70290669/PT27835170.html?referer=parts.toyota.com&machineIDT1=odiakd2qxbakvc24hvdehsxj

[@JER1980]

Just a heads up this roof rack scratches the shit out of the paint on the roof.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

How so? I haven’t seen any evidence of this.

[@Kuhliifa]

Is this removable

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

You would have to uninstall it via the supplied bolts to remove it, so it’s not something I would recommend putting on and taking off regularly.

[@7arsenal]

Will you sell me the weather stripping?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for asking but I plan to keep it just in case down the road I need it.

[@guillermoortiz1492]

Any water leaks?? ..i get constant water headliner leaks since installing something similar on my Ridgeline.. makes me want to go to tacoma route

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sorry to hear about your leaks, but no I have had no issues at all. I did everything I could in the install to minimize the opportunity for water to get thru, so far so good!

[@InDaCutty85]

It's probably an installation problem. The 3rd gen tacoma group is full of leaks because of this very issue. It's not the make, it's the user kinda thing. Got my Tacoma last February and no leaks yet. Will always still want a Ridgeline though, Honda should make more trucks 🤷‍♂️🤞

[@AZ-nu2co]

Never install a Toyota Factory roof rack it will mess up the paint. I regretted putting one on my truck when I switched to a Rhino rack you could see where the Toyota rack had ruined the paint.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

How so? This isn’t an issue I have seen from the various Tacoma pages and forums. I have definitely seen many accounts of various aftermarket racks causing damage though.

[@AZ-nu2co]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend The plastic rubs on the paint, thereby ruining it. If you ever remove the rack the only way to fix it is to get it repainted.