I finally got the call regarding my rack being ready. They initially said that mine would be ready by April but managed to get a few extra racks done so mine will be in next week. I placed my order November 27,2020 for anyone who was wondering.

With that being said, I wanted to create another "what should I use to seal the roof rack" thread. Main reason is, as time goes by maybe people use different products or come across new issues so I was hoping someone would shed some light on the matter.

I plan to clay bar the roof and give it a nice wax before throwing on the rack. I'm just not 100% sure what to use to seal the holes on the roof. I've read about Butyl, RTV silicone, some people don't put anything but the seals provided with the rack...

Thanks to everyone who decides to contribute to this post!

I bought mine used and we put it on in the parking lot, I just reused his seals and have not had any leaking and it has been VERY rainy in Georgia in the last 2 years. My only problem is the rubber grommets for the tube rails on top have disintegrated and are dumping rust water on my roof from the tube rails.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, just follow the install instructions and take your time.

Gobi provides some good rubber seals. Each bolt essentially has 4 layers of seal between the bolt head and the threads.

The question usually comes up and racks like Prinsu come with nothing whatsoever.

I see, so no sealant in your case... good to know ! I’m in south Florida so we get heavy rains for a good amount of time so I can’t be playing with water leaks lol

I used RTV silicone. Probably not necessary, but it can't hurt. This video is great to help with the install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfh5...dex=24&t=1428s

I am also expecting a rack very soon, and also in Florida. However, I placed my order September 25, 2020, specifically to beat the rush of Black Friday orders. Clearly, that did not matter as you ordered two months after me and are expecting your rack at the same time. Mine is probably going to arrive during week 24 of waiting. I'm guessing they build racks in batches rather than in order of purchases.

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I followed the gobi instructions and only used the included rubber seals. I didn’t use any sealants or silicone. no leaks.

I feel ya. I placed mine in early September and I’m still waiting on it to arrive. I called them last week and they said I should have it end of March or beginning of April. It’s like they just skipped over the entire month of September’s orders coz I’ve known people in October and November who have gotten them before me.

Oh wow. Sorry to hear that ! It may be that I asked for mine with a no rise option ? Maybe less people ordered those

Awesome! Thanks... how long have you had yours already ?

I concur that you just need to use what Gobi offers and use no sealant. I didn't add any and I live in Portland, OR where I see a lot of rain, and my rig isn't kept in the garage either. No leaks whatsoever.

Not that long, perhaps two mo. But I dropped the rear head liner and looked for leaks. I ran a hose over my roof and simulated rain.

I got the no rise as well. If it shows up and they sent me one with the normal rise I am going to lose my shit. I'm praying that they do a good job with packing and shipping too as I just had a problem with Victory 4x4's packaging job.

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If it eases your worries, my Gobi was packed super well. Almost annoyingly well. Not a scratch, dent, or blemish.

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I would not use RTV for any reason.

"The most commonly used RTV silicones are acetoxy cure silicone and neutral cure (oxime) silicone. Acetoxy cure silicone has a relatively fast curing rate and a short tack-free time, providing a good, quality adhesion, although it is corrosive to metals. This type of RTV silicone releases acidic acid, producing a vinegar smell as a by-product."




Gobi provided seals, plus either butyl rubber or Sikaflex 221 would be best.

Water intrusion thru the roof rack bolt holes is very subtle, the way you'll know is if you pull the seat belts out to the stops and you'll find it's wet/damp.