DIY: Gobi Stealth Roof Rack/Ladder Install

[leftyguns21]

My rack arrives tomorrow and I’m curious if anyone has installed the stealth rack without using silicone and thread sealer on the roof mounts?

I understand taking extra precautions, but I would think that if Gobi thought water intrusion might be an issue, they would call for silicone and thread sealer in the instructions. The fact that they don’t makes me think this is an unnecessary step.

I did not use any extra sealants and I had no issues.

 

[Hybryd40]

Just a little extra piece of mind for a few dollars more. Worth it to me.

 

[ajwhitt44]

Just put mine on Friday, and the forward legs did the same thing. I re-centered the rack (moved it towards the passenger side a little) and now I have about a 1mm gap between the outside of the pad, and the lip on the roof. I also put an additional piece of rubber under the foot and brought it up between the foot and the roof edge to give it some protection as thing flex.
I have also been thinking of moving the bottom part of the leg to the inside of the support leg. This would move it in another mm or so, but the threaded part of the bolts would stick out.

I didn't have a problem with mine. (The bolts for my CVT awning fit perfectly.)

Can you post up a picture so we can see exactly what you're talking about..

Great post, very helpful. Used it to install my stealth rack and ladder on my 2017 TRD Pro. Studied your steps and photos before the rack arrived and things went smoothly. Some of the parts have changed a little since your original post - the front feet no longer have adhesive pads and the undersurface of the wind deflector is padded now. Used 3m paint protection film under the wind deflector and I think it will protect the paint. Used the marine silicone and thread compound for waterproofing as you suggested. Well worth the extra time. All in all it took about 3.5 hours to install.

Glad it was helpful!

So not I'm several years into using this rack and to date it still works great. No issues whatsoever. And my 4Runner is outside in the elements all the time. No rust spot whatsoever. I've enjoyed it thoroughly!

Guys, a couple questions as I am about halfway through the install.

• The rubber pads that came in the bag for installing the mounts on the roof (in place of the OEM racks) - most of the rubber pads were the same size, but 4 of the pads were double the width and I couldn't figure out why. I ended up cutting them to the same width as the others (since all the photos showed that you use 3 of the same size along with the larger one with the feet) - does this make any sense to anyone?
• I was able to get the rack up with a buddy and onto the mounting points, and most all screw holes lined up correctly. I slipped the rubber pads in between each connecting point by slightly lifting on the rack and sliding the rubber in between - is that how you guys did it?
• The front legs of the rack, are those supposed to sit in the rubber weather channel? My front legs fell into the channel naturally, so just making sure I don't need to make an adjustment here.
• Now that the rack is up, and 2 bolts each w/rubber are secured to each mounting point, HOW MUCH do I tighten this whole thing down? I don't want to over-tighten, but I definitely don't want this thing falling off or moving. Do people re-tighten after a week or so of settling also?

That's all for now, will try to get to the ladder and wind fairing tonight.

 

[dwib44]

Wind shield sticker?

I have noticed some wind shields on the wrack have the gobi logo and some do not. Is this a sticker that you can optionally apply? Or is this a customizaiton you have to request when you order?

 

[BigTex513]

I have noticed some wind shields on the wrack have the gobi logo and some do not. Is this a sticker that you can optionally apply? Or is this a customizaiton you have to request when you order?

It comes with them, take it off easily if you don’t want it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Toyota.ARK]

I have noticed some wind shields on the wrack have the gobi logo and some do not. Is this a sticker that you can optionally apply? Or is this a customizaiton you have to request when you order?

When ordering mine, I asked how to get one without the logo, and Alex noted to send a deflector without one.

 

[BltByKrmn]

Selling my Gobi Stealth no rise with brand new ladder and wind deflector if you don't want to wait.

 

[Darrow]

Selling my Gobi Stealth no rise with brand new ladder and wind deflector if you don't want to wait.

PM sent