Thule Xsporter Pro Modified

Installed an Xsporter bed rack to my new Tacoma. Did not like the look so I cut 8” off the posts down using a bandsaw chop box, which was pretty simple. It still more then clears the cab when raised, but lowers to hopelly help with gas mileage and noise—and I like the look far more. Got to figure out a way to secure it as the locking feature is now gone on the posts and rails.

 

Hey I was wondering if you have the original clamps that came with your xsporter before you used the kit to clamp it to the rails? If you do and aren’t using them how much would it be to get them from you?

 

Hi Chris, I do have the standard clamps new and in a box that I can sell you for $25. + shipping if that seems fair with you—let me know.

Ken

 

I think they might fit into the USPS box but I’m in 90621. If you want to find out how much it would be that would be great. Do you have the screws that go with them or you used all of them?

 

The balls on you man... I can't even get myself to buy a set of these due to the fact that they can't lower below the roofline without modification, but you went ahead and hacked those MFs right off! Thumbs up (literally no sarcasm intended)

How high above the cab can you get them now that they are shorter?

 

They rise about 1/2” above the antenna. I strap my rafting frame on them and they clear.

 

Can you post pics of it at the highest position?

 

Is any post still below the knob portion when you have them raised?

 

I’ll try to post a pic tomorrow.

 

Post is slightly below the knob position.

 

Sounds like you might be able to drill a hole and put some sort of lock on it then.

 

How has this been working out for you? I am interested in this rack, but unsure of the limited adjustability. If I were to get one, I might not cut it down as much. Maybe 4" or so.

 

I’m interested in why the rack doesn’t lower on Tacoma’s. Is it because the posts hit the wheel well? Or does the post towards the tailgate not have the ability to lower either? Maybe because of that lip that sticks out? I have an access cab, so the wheel well wouldn’t be an issue

 

Just installed one yesterday. Both front and back sit at the '20' height - low as they will go. With an access cab you might be able to get it down to '19' if you install the pillars above the bed slats. Was debating on cutting it down too but think I'll leave it for now. At lowest setting the top of the rack sits 3-4" above the cab which is perfect for lumber/ladders etc. Would prob need to raise it a few inches for my canoe.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info! I guess I’ll go with these and just remove the post/crossbar when I don’t plan on using it. You can essentially just lift them out of the bases, correct?

 

In theory yes, in practice, it's a bit of a PITA. You have to unlock the caps at each piller, untighten them, then shimmy each one up the foot (kind of hard to slide the whole thing at once). Honestly, I got this setup off Craigslist for $250... If I were buying something new I'd go with the Yakima Outdoorsman... way better price and overall simple setup. Especially bc you can't really lower these without hacking them up, anyways.

 

Could you cut the extra length from the top instead of the bottom?

 

lol never thought of that. I'll check it out when I get back next weekend and update.

 

One thing to consider with lowering them is visibility out the back. Before I installed mine, I set the crossbars at different fixed heights in the bed (just set them on random things) and then looked out the back from driver's seat. I found that anywhere I put them other than completely down (crossbars laying on the bed rails) or in their normal position above the rear window I was annoyed with them being in my field of vision. Obviously, cutting enough off the height to fix them toward the bottom of the window isn't feasible since you in turn wouldn't have enough height left to raise them. This was another reason I decided not to mess with cutting them down.

 

Just finished a little project. Picked up full-size Tracrack locally for $200. Purchased Tacoma mounting kit off Amazon for $90. Had an old Frontrunner rack from a 4runner. Chopped 5 inches, tapped new holes, got really frustrated........and finished with a pretty nice set-up. At some point, I will do a how to on it, maybe in a build thread.