Are these Rails necessary?

[giguchan]

Hey all,
Was doing some detailing topside and when i got to the Roof rails it was loaded with all kinds of debris (leaves, dead bugs) all stuck in there.. made it kinda hard to clean it all out.
My Question do these rails actually do anything? I'm prepared to remove them wash, compound then wax and then reinstall.. I think they are primarily used in conjunction with the "tie down loops"

Any input would be Helpful.
Thanks.

 

[giguchan]

Sorry i had issues with up loading the photos. I'm referring to the roof rails that go across the roof from Driver side to passenger side.
Thanks.

 

[Kanoe]

No, they don’t do much more than damage paint. They are just there to keep stuff off the roof if you are strapping Rubbermaid totes or boxes up there without a basket rack. They may provide a bit of side to side stiffening but it would be pretty minimal as they are flimsy on the ends.

I say fling ‘em.

 

[TheDurk]

I took mine off maybe in the second year (2001?) and put them in a closet when I went to wax the roof. They are still there. I have carried mattresses and a 22-foot extension ladder without them. They would be good to carry things that sit directly on the roof, but are otherwise pretty useless.

 

[giguchan]

Thanks folks..
Yeah, That's how this whole thing started. I normally have a roof fulla Thule bike,kayak and Rod n Reel holders. In the winter the snow gets in there and it's a royal pain in the ass the get it all out. so i just removed the whole system.before i re install everything i thought it would be good to give the Roof a wash, compounding,wax,polish,carnubaring- all of that.

You guys have given me an idea on removing them.. This way i can give the Roof the attention it needs.If the paint isn't too bad after being up there all these years i'll stash em in the garage- Just hope i can color correct the roof to match from under those pieces.
Thanks.

 

[St Runner]

I tossed them on both my 4runners. All they did for me is collect debris and stain the roof. Having a tacoma with a rack made them completely useless.

 

[giguchan]

Thanks for the reply..
I actually removed them last night after i posted. I'll clean up the roof and hopefully the roof won't look so bad.
Thanks.

 

[3bears]

Thanks for the reply..
I actually removed them last night after i posted. I'll clean up the roof and hopefully the roof won't look so bad.
Thanks.

yep, with a rack or basket,, un needed...but you might want to keep around in case you ever sell so you have "everything"
Im not sure I would trust them to hold much weight anyway

 

[giguchan]

I'm developing a small collection of "un needed" items.
I use the thule so no basket... although i always wanted one..
they look so handy!
Thanks for all of the helpful replies.