Roofrack mounting on Tacomas

[TangoBlue]

Yes Kurt. Something like what you've got would be perfect. I guess I was under the impression that the extruded rubber pads you have on yours are difficult to come by. You have any leads for me?

Make your own pads... http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber/=fchqcp

All sorts of shapes, densities, no backing, adhesive, laminates. I'm sure you want to distribute the pressure points of the base and protect the finish and metal from deformation. I wouldn't skimp knowing that you might reconfigure your load-bearing system in the future.

 

[Box Rocket]

This is all great! Thanks to all of you for the suggestions and ideas. Please keep them coming if you have them. Not only is it helpful to me but I'm sure others will gain ideas here as well.

 

[Box Rocket]

Something like this might work well. Except for the orange color.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber/=fci118

 

[TangoBlue]

That link gives me the rubber foam main page Adam.

IIRC when I had a Yakima rack, the rubber pads were a 1/2" thick, hard durometer rubber; I would think a similar material that you could custom trim to your base legs is what would satisfy your requirements.

I don't know if you saw 4307's rack and mount solution but I thought it nailed your requirements; he's a skilled and meticulous fabricator. He built a hell-for-stout rack from angle iron and expanded metal mesh that was low profile, utilitarian, and attractive. Best yet, it is all easily reproduced by you with your skill set from what I've observed on your past builds.

 

[Rattler]

I debated on mounting mine with some brackets or what not but decided that I really didn't plan on putting a lot up there. I ended up finding a factory roofrack, mounted it and then put my Bajarack on that. I can't remember the Bajarack's load limit but the factory rack is @ #75 I think. I don't think I go over that any with a load.

 

[robert]

I know you said you didn't want to drill holes, but you ought to take a look at the Yakima or Thule rail system (Yakima calls theirs Tracks). You mount the rails/tracks where you want them using nutserts/plusnuts. My brother had a set on his old Suburban using the Plusnuts and didn't have any problems; I've got the Tracks mounted on my camper shell using the through-bolts and so far no issues with them either. As long as you seal it as they recommend you shouldn't have any problems. I actually picked up another set of tracks with the Plusnuts clearance priced for $10 and am thinking of mounting them on my cab so I can mount a small basket and/or lights.

 

[clcoyle]

Great ideas