Did you install your own roof rack or have a shop do it? Labor question

[ThatSickRIp]

That’s pretty much what i did when I installed it on the roof by myself. Its just a pain having to go back and forth from one side to the other. But it saves you from having to call a friend and lifting one heavy piece than one small light piece at a time

Ok cool, so it's possible. I assumed it was, but wasn't sure. I'd imagine I can just leave the side rail bolts semi loose until all the crossbars are on, rack is squared up and then tighten it all down.
I'll probably message Wescott since they're super responsive and just make sure they don't point out any issues that method have

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[IsGon26]

Cali Raised rack, installed with help of a friend. Difficulty was the height as we are both about 5'8", just used plumbing pipe foam tubes at all edges to get into position, otherwise it would have scratched roof.

 

[HVLA]

I cannot imagine paying to have a roof rack installed. I guess maybe if I was disabled or in my 70s?

It is super easy. Having a helper to get it on the roof is ideal, but it can be done without. Just use a couple cheap moving blankets

 

[Joey_Midnight]

The covers are pretty annoying to get off but its an easy swap. Takes torx bits and a ladder, I installed it for free on the buyers truck when i sold my arb rack

 

[xp0nex]

Ask yourself whether you really need a roof rack. I had one on my 3G Tacoma, and never again. I thought I was going to use it, but I never actually did and worse, even when I installed it correctly, it still leaked water into the cabin during heavy rain.

 

[HVLA]

Ask yourself whether you really need a roof rack. I had one on my 3G Tacoma, and never again. I thought I was going to use it, but I never actually did and worse, even when I installed it correctly, it still leaked water into the cabin during heavy rain.

I used the roof rack on my gx460 all the time. If it leaked it wasnt installed correctly.

 

[xp0nex]

I used the roof rack on my gx460 all the time. If it leaked it wasnt installed correctly.

I am just saying you risk the possibility of getting a leak.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Ask yourself whether you really need a roof rack. I had one on my 3G Tacoma, and never again. I thought I was going to use it, but I never actually did and worse, even when I installed it correctly, it still leaked water into the cabin during heavy rain.

Yea, we're going to use it. 2 dogs on trips leaves zero room in the cargo area for luggage, etc. so its a necessary addition to go anywhere with the 4R.
Leaks were one of my concerns as well, and a concern with a shop doing it and then having to fight with them to get it corrected. I might not get it done as fast as a shop, but I'll take my time and silicone all the bolt holes as directed in the installation videos/diagrams. I cant guarantee a shop will, even if they say they will.

 

[mfoga]

Ask yourself whether you really need a roof rack. I had one on my 3G Tacoma, and never again. I thought I was going to use it, but I never actually did and worse, even when I installed it correctly, it still leaked water into the cabin during heavy rain.

You also had a truck bed on a Tacoma, a roof rack is much bigger luxury.

 

[HVLA]

Yea, we're going to use it. 2 dogs on trips leaves zero room in the cargo area for luggage, etc. so its a necessary addition to go anywhere with the 4R.
Leaks were one of my concerns as well, and a concern with a shop doing it and then having to fight with them to get it corrected. I might not get it done as fast as a shop, but I'll take my time and silicone all the bolt holes as directed in the installation videos/diagrams. I cant guarantee a shop will, even if they say they will.

Correctly apply silicone and it will never leak. It is very easy to do correctly.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Correctly apply silicone and it will never leak. It is very easy to do correctly.

Wescotts video for the lo pro shows using silicone around OEM bolt holes where the spacers go. Any other possible recommended places for silicone?

 

[HVLA]

Wescotts video for the lo pro shows using silicone around OEM bolt holes where the spacers go. Any other possible recommended places for silicone?

That is the only place it is needed.

 

[ROBERT18452]

I installed mine with the help of my wife. IT's CHALLENGING!! It depends on what manufacturer you go with; some provide detailed videos and instructions. Others provide none!

If I were you, I would pay the installer the three hours' labor.

It's sad; however, it took us about 8 hours to install a Westcott Designs Modular (full-size roof rack), and I opted to install all of the roof panels on mine.

 

[Sacul40]

I agree with this completely. I did my own Westcott Pro and since it sits so tight to the roof you really have to position it correctly for it not to sit on the frame. I was worried I did something wrong at first. I would suggest two people do the job and cover your roof so you don’t get accidental scratches.

For the brackets in the front did you completely cut the weather strip to the width of the brackets?

 

[3rdRunner]

I installed mine with the help of my wife. IT's CHALLENGING!! It depends on what manufacturer you go with; some provide detailed videos and instructions. Others provide none!

If I were you, I would pay the installer the three hours' labor.

It's sad; however, it took us about 8 hours to install a Westcott Designs Modular (full-size roof rack), and I opted to install all of the roof panels on mine.

Did you set it up as “basket” or “platform” ? I reconfigured mine to “basket” and picked up a vibration. Wondering if it’s because the inserts aren’t fully loaded and they’re resonating.

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