OEM roof rack opinions

Looking to put my old Thule mummy case on top of of my 2016 Taco Sport for some trips. I don't have factory rails, just the "naked" roof.

I'm not going to be putting a ton up there, mainly just the mummy case full of small carry on bags. I know there are some great offroad ready racks out there. I just don't need that.

If there are good alternatives to the OEM racks that won't break the bank, info on them would be appreciated too.
Thanks.

 

Define breaking the bank. Also, be careful drilling into the roof so you don't puncture the side curtain airbags. A certain brand that got banned as a vendor had poor instructions and a video that led to people doing that on their Tundras.

Is there a reason you don't put them in your bed?

 

Prinsu. Not cheap but good. No drilling was required, used OEM nut serts. Pull off the rubber strips on the roof. You should see the OEM nut serts under tape.

 

Bed will be full of other stuff for a trip. Bikes, boogie boards, etc.
I found the OEM rails for $275. I see some imitations of the OEM rails for as low as $135. Sometimes imitation stuff is fine and sometimes it's crap.
I'm not drilling anything. I've read that the OEM rail installation involves popping 4 caps off and bolting the rails into the pre-threaded roof framing.
Alternative to that, I was looking at getting a Thule kit that mounts to the naked roof. Found a used set for $500. I'd prefer to go cheaper than that since I won't use it often. Figured the OEM set could stay on and looks nice enough. Sometimes the Thule ones that mount onto paint can leave dull spots in paint beneath them. I wax the areas and clean the pad rubber to prevent that but sometimes it still happens.

 

I'll probably get banned for saying this, but I actually don't like the look of the Prinsu roof racks. Their stuff is great, but just not my taste. And yeah, for me, $700+ isn't worth it. I'll probably use the roof rack like 2-3x per year. Just need a bit more space and have the Thule case already. And the case is nice because it keeps everything clean/dry.

 

One plus for the OEM rack is that the cross bars stow away when not in use. It's a decent rack for the price, I've had them on my last 2 trucks. I personally would avoid the knock-offs, although I have no experience with them.

 

I was looking through reviews on cheaper knock-offs and there are lots of complaints about missing hardware and holes not properly aligned. Typical import knock-off complaints. Then some said everything was perfect. But with something like a roof rack, I could see things going flying if there was an accident, and then insurance not wanting to cover damage caused by cheap parts. That might just be my paranoia of insurance companies. I'll probably avoid the knock-offs, although I was hoping someone would point me to one that is cheap and perfect.

And yeah, the bars folding away on the OEM is nice. Less wind noise potential.

 

Nobody is going to point you toward anything as good as the OEM for less money, but I admire the attempt at frugality.

 

In some cases I've found knock-offs made by the same producer and costing less. But yeah, point taken. Thanks.

 

I too would like the OEM rack but I have a 2020 and I understand the rear crossbar hits the shark fin when deployed. I like the looks of it compared to others though.

 

Here comes an unpopular opinion…

I used to have a Prinsu and I hated it. I must be more sensitive to noise than most people because that thing was so loud I couldn’t stand it. My MPGs also dropped by 2-3mpg when I put it on.

Then there was the disaster of sealing the holes back up after I removed the rack. I won’t get into that story.

I would say go for the OEM roof rack if you don’t mind the look. I would be concerned with a knock off OEM rack that the screws wouldn’t line up properly or something might be slightly off and your roof might start leaking.

Just my two cents, hopefully I don’t get flamed too hard for not liking the Prinsu. Having had one, I can attest to the fact that it is extremely well built and has a ton of functionality. I know it’s great for a lot of people, it just didn’t work for me.

 

I think one of the OEM knock-offs for like $150 is going to be your least expensive choice, especially if you only plan on using it once.

 

Least expensive if it works flawlessly. If it breaks off in transit or is a beast to install it's no longer worth the 100 dollar savings.

 

I have the OEM racks on my ‘21. The issue you might have is the shark fin antenna. I’ve heard on the early 3rd Gens the bar hits the fin when you cross it.

 

Love my OEM rack for what I bought it for. I occasionally need to transport light but long stuff like a ladder and it works great. When not needed, the cross bars stow away nicely. But if your needs exceed the weight limit for these bars, then look elsewhere.

 

If you’re only tossing a couple of bags up there I suggest you buy a hitch bike rack like the two-bike 1up, load your bags in the bed, and skip the roof rack until you really need it. I know that’s not what you’re thinking, but bikes take up a lot of space. I find I only use my OEM rack when I need something light and long AND every other spot is occupied.

 

OEM rack owner here. It's decent quality and will work fine for your intended usage but as-is, your mounting options are limited. The Yakima "Mighty Mounts" are great for attaching things to the bars.

Here's a link: https://yakima.com/products/mighty-mount-39h

Oh and as far as sharkfin clearance, there are two settings for the rear bar to account for that. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

If you are just going to use it for the trip maybe get a hitch cargo carrier instead.
Half the price, 5 second install, won't hurt your fuel economy, don't have to worry about your roof leaking.

 

I don't have any experience with the knock off OEM style roof racks, but the OEM one I had on my truck worked well. Fairly sturdy and did not rattle stowed or deployed. Personally I would stay away from the knock offs and just order an OEM rack. Keep a look out on Craigslist or FB marketplace for deals on used ones

 

I second the hitch mounted cargo basket. I have this one (biggest one I could find).

$180 ARKSEN 60 x 23 x 5.5" Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier with Cargo Net,500 Lbs Capacity Heavy Duty 2" Receiver Luggage Basket for SUV, Pickup Truck, Camping & Travel

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J6B19P7?ie=UTF8&th=1

Also, have you considered cross bars over the bed for a cargo basket.