Roof rack

So I’m wanting a roof rack. I’m alittle sketched out about drilling my roof. What’s the chances of this creating rust issues long term? I know they silicone the holes but I think water has to eventually find it’s way in years down the road.

 

Don’t drill into the air bags!

 

Google Spider no drill roof rack.

 

rhino rack has been great for me. no drilling

 

Spider looks cool. Anyone know how well the glue holds up with wind pulling on the loads on the rack?

 

You can get Thule cross bars that just attach to the door frame.

 

It is designed to be used without the epoxy if one chooses. By design, each side is mounted in such a way that it actually keeps the opposite side tight in the channel. Somewhat like this makeshift example: LJ, the L is held by the J and vice versa. As I understand it, the epoxy is simply optional insurance. Good luck with your search!

 

Just an idea, I have a massive homemade hitch cargo basket that is easier to load/unload, can be used on multiple vehicles, can carry more weight and volume than a roof rack, and doesn't impact mpg as much. However, I have an upgraded rear suspension, so 700 lbs on a 40 inch long lever has very little impact. Just another option!

 

I have the Spider No drill rack. Have ZERO issues since install.

 

^^This^^

 

I didn't want to drill into the roof either, so went with a Rhino-Rack ROC25 (from etrailer, item RR64YR) with Vortex Aero Crossbars. The two clamp inside the door frames, seem strong, and look almost OEM (no arms sticking out the sides of the truck). Also cheaper than the Thule version.

 

Did you use the epoxy to mount the brackets?

 

thats what I have

 

Just put the Rhino-Rack on last week. Preparing a 1/2 length basket (lightbar, etc) to go on top of that. The whole thing will sit towards the rear of the roof on my Crewmax, above the rear windows. Want to leave the moonroof clear for the view.

 

Also, how much height does it add to the truck?

 

Rhino has rail systems for some of their platforms if they fit the need.
https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/roof/platforms-and-baskets/pioneer-platform-rail-kits

 

I have the Spider No Drill and really like it. It’s been less than a year but no issues so far. In that time, it’s done a 5k mile round trip to Colorado for a month. I haven’t driven through a tornado yet, but crosswinds, highway, off-road, heat, cold - no problems.

 

Very well. I just removed mine and that glue is no joke.

 

Were you able to get brackets off truck?

 

Yep, took a little work but came off with out issues.

 

Curious why you removed it. Considering the Spiddr but the amount of spacing between cab and rack gives me pause. I like the tight fit of the Weatcott Designs but definitely don’t like having to drill 12 holes in the roof.

 

I’m moving towards keeping gear in the bed rather than the roof. I’m also shifting towards more of prerunner build as we do Baja more often now.

 

Sounds reasonable. Aside from that, we’re you happy with the Spider?

 

Yea, absolutely. Fits low to the roof and the no drilling is a plus.

 

Sounds good, thanks. Just for future reference, what did you have to do in order to remove the channel brackets?

 

Heat gun and flat head/chisel with some slight hammering to wedge between the roof and bracket. Then just clean/remove remaining glue.

 

Thanks. Did that peel the paint or have to do any touch up?

 

small touch up but it’s also hidden under the roof drip molding as well.

 

Thanks for the info. Think I’ll go with the Spider. Worst case scenario, if I don’t like it, can easily go back to stock.

 

I had Tiger, the owner, complete the install, but yes, epoxy was used.