3/4 length rack that doesn't require sealant?

[bbbradley]

New 4Runner that needs a rack or rails for an Inno ski box, was ready to go with the Westcott, but come to learn that the installation requires sealant to prevent water ingress. That seems like a poor design that will require upkeep. What is it about the mounting that necessitates sealant and why did they do that and add a failure point?
I can't find any other 3/4 length (we have the moonroof) racks out there.

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[Archer]

Sorry made a post but just noticed your talking about a 3/4 rack but they wouldn't let me delete it.

I have no experience with WCD 3/4 racks but the WCD full length rack uses the OEM rack bracket mount points which use sealant from the factory. As long as you clean the old sealant out and use a quality sealant you shouldn't have an issue.

 

[bbbradley]

I have no experience with WCD 3/4 racks but the WCD full length rack uses the OEM rack bracket mount points which use sealant from the factory. As long as you clean the old sealant out and use a quality sealant you shouldn't have an issue.

Does that mean the factory rack has built in leak points? Coming from a Wrangler where Jeep publishes a diagnosis & repair manual for water leaks I was hoping to never have to worry about it raining inside the vehicle.

 

[Archer]

How do you think roof racks are connected to the roof? It's in the design. I've not heard of any leaks from the roof rack.

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[bbbradley]

Factory vs DIY aftermarket is not even close to the same thing. Factory can install the rack from inside the bodywork.

 

[Archer]

Factory vs DIY aftermarket is not even close to the same thing. Factory can install the rack from inside the bodywork.

OK


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[Wandering Sagebrush]

Factory vs DIY aftermarket is not even close to the same thing. Factory can install the rack from inside the bodywork.

They can, but unless I’m missing something… they don’t. The towers are attached by bolts from above. A good install video to watch is by Backwoods.

 

[spyder40]

Sherpa doesn't use sealant and they don't leak but are full length. Solid strong rack and pretty quiet. Had one on my 5th gen and now my 6th gen

 

[bbbradley]

Sherpa doesn't use sealant and they don't leak but are full length. Solid strong rack and pretty quiet. Had one on my 5th gen and now my 6th gen

Thanks, saw that one, but not keen on a rack over the moonrood.

 

[spyder40]

Thanks, saw that one, but not keen on a rack over the moonrood.

The bars can be put anywhere you want. If you don't want them over it don't put them there. Bars don't affect the operation of it. Can still tilt up

 

[bbbradley]

Didn't know that, I only wish Sherpa would keep the bars and knock a few hundred off the price. $1200 for a chunk of metal is a bit to stomach.

 

[BonRunner]

Get OEM ARB 3/4 style. Plenty of Trailhunter & Pro in my area selling take-off for less than $500.

 

[pistol]

Why not just run oem crossbars for the box?

If you're worried about removing the factory rails... don't?

I have kuat dek with an inno box and if you use the correct sealant it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[xp0nex]

Sherpa doesn't use sealant and they don't leak but are full length. Solid strong rack and pretty quiet. Had one on my 5th gen and now my 6th gen

I will not do a roof rack ever again unless I really need it and there is no way around it. I had a Sherpa once on an older vehicle and that thing still leaked. Whenever it rained hard, I'd always find a puddle at my feet. Removed and re-installed several times and that never resolved it. Silicone was used at the end of the day to remedy it.

 

[spyder40]

I will not do a roof rack ever again unless I really need it and there is no way around it. I had a Sherpa once on an older vehicle and that thing still leaked. Whenever it rained hard, I'd always find a puddle at my feet. Removed and re-installed several times and that never resolved it. Silicone was used at the end of the day to remedy it.

I've had 2 Sherpas and taken them off/on multiple times to apply ceramic coating. Haven't had a leak yet. Only 5th and 6th gen though

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