Mounting Roof-Rack through the actual roof?

[dyogim]

I have a sort of custom set-up on my tundra. I used the exisitng tracks on the roof to bolt the thule "feet". I noticed this groove is the thickest part of the roof on the tundra. It's where the pressed body parts overlap and are spot welded. From there, I used Thule bars and made my own frame for the rack and used a heavy duty pallet shelf for the basket. I flipped the shelf upside down and cut off the excess. Cost for everything was under $150. I had the thule parts from a previous vehicle.

 

[YJake]

I would drill through the roof on something with a replaceable roof, like a jeep, but I wouldn't do it on something that can't be replaced.

My general advise is to avoid the roof rack at all costs. If a rain gutter mount won't hold the weight you want to put on the roof, don't put that much weight there! In my opinion having weight on the roof is one of the WORST things you can do for vehicle stability, performance, and aerodynamics.

I agree with this.

Or maybe mounting a rack on a vehicle more aerodynamic than a Jeep (A brick on wheels) is not as bad at higher speeds but boy, I've driven a few Jeeps with loaded down roof racks and it left much to be desired on the Highways. I believe a regear would be in order to carry one with any real weight/mass at Highway speeds.

Yet again, maybe other vehicles don't suffer quite as much.

-Jake