Ecotechne roof rack GROUP BUY!!!

[Vinsil]

That definitely looks like the installer.

Yep. The jackwagon who did that used a screwdriver and your roof as a lever...

 

[AndrewTK]

Here are some pics of mine installed. The other improvement that I would recommend in the future is even spacing of the crossbar mounting points along the rack. It would be nice to have the option to put the tray anywhere along the rack, but it seems that it only lines up with the front or the rear bolt areas. I saw that someone else had just drilled holes to make it work and I'll probably go that route with mine.

Now I need to get some black bolts I think.

 

[AndrewTK]

for everyone that has had their rack installed for some time have you noticed any dents near the mounting points? i noticed today that i have 4 total dent 2 on ea side in very similar locations all near the mounting points. i at first thought my installer may have left the dents i jus am now finding it too coincidental that i have all 4 of these dents now all in the areas of where it got mounted........ill post pics to show you but if anyone could chime in if they have had any similar issues I'm anxious to figure the reason behind these dents

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Yeah I agree that looks like the installer. The one that I dented wasn't that big, and from the looks of it the guy was prying on the caps in the wrong place. I discovered that if you don't pry where the clips are then there isn't anything for the screwdriver to catch on the inside and you can easily dent the roof by prying too hard. I just can't believe he did it 4 times.

 

[Mack1611]

I'd be very pissed with the installer, caps come off easy if you pry in the correct position. Spend 8 bucks and buy a nylon trim tool set from harbor freight, helps keep the scratches to a minimum.

 

[L-Force]

For those planning on removing their roof racks, the factory caps actually need pulled out board in two places, not up. See this thread for the locations of the two clips that need cleared: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/79563-diy-roof-rack-delete-w-pics.html

He is using a screwdriver with a rag here, but the truck is soft here for dents. I used a nylon 90 degree tool to pull the caps out enough for the clips to clear and then just push the caps with your hand towards the center of the truck, they will pop right off.

 

[LV4RNRTRAIL]

for everyone that has had their rack installed for some time have you noticed any dents near the mounting points? i noticed today that i have 4 total dent 2 on ea side in very similar locations all near the mounting points. i at first thought my installer may have left the dents i jus am now finding it too coincidental that i have all 4 of these dents now all in the areas of where it got mounted........ill post pics to show you but if anyone could chime in if they have had any similar issues I'm anxious to figure the reason behind these dents

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I agree with the others here, looks like the installer. For future reference, Plastic Pack Tool ( used to remove tires from rims of mountain bikes) sold in bike shops (about 2 for 5 Dollars) will work to remove the OEM Roof Rack plastic covers. Never use much leverage motion only a clockwise slight twist turn motion as you slowly, carefully slide between the plastic covers and the black rubber like gasket around the area of the bracket clip attachment points. Once you reach the right spot it will click and become loose. There are a couple of U tube videos on this... how to delete 4Runner Roof Racks to get a better concept. The FJC also uses this type of clip for their roof rack plastic covers, and FJC can be damaged the same way, and they use same OEM diameter M8 screws to fasten the roof brackets to the roof. This damage you have on your ride was more likely done during the removal of the OEM rack using the ride to get leverage. Or, something solid used between the roof and the new rack to hold it up on one side while working on the other. Remember the OEM plastic covers are about 10" long, and a wrong tool makes the distance longer for the potential of damage away from the plastic cover greater. And another option available is anyone can take their ride to the Toyota Dealership and ask them to remove just the plastic covers for a small fee.

 

[LV4RNRTRAIL]

Any news on the ladder for the roof rack?

 

[atomii]

Do you guys hear your roof rack rattle when driving? I'm finding that any small bumps I can hear the roof rack rattle. It's not crazy loud but enough that I can still hear it with the windows closed.

 

[DeepSea]

Would anyone be interested in sliders? I had a question about them and might be able to get them. I'm asking trying to negotiate as we speak. These are 100% bolt on.

I'm interested but are they legit "rock sliders" as advertised on their website or more of a nerf bar/side step? Usually true sliders bolt onto the frame vs the body

 

[Mack1611]

Do you guys hear your roof rack rattle when driving? I'm finding that any small bumps I can hear the roof rack rattle. It's not crazy loud but enough that I can still hear it with the windows closed.

No rattles here just an increase in wind noise with the moonroof open, sure you have it buttoned up tight?

 

[Armyfazer]

Do you guys hear your roof rack rattle when driving? I'm finding that any small bumps I can hear the roof rack rattle. It's not crazy loud but enough that I can still hear it with the windows closed.

I would go over every nut and bolt on there. It's pretty solid if everything is tightened up properly. I haven't heard anything except a little whistling if the sun roof is open.

I'm thinking of plugging the holes in the light mounts for now to see if that takes care of that very minor annoyance.

 

[4Radski]

mounting rack

Overall, I like the rack, the price, and the customer service from Rorck has been great. I also spent quite a bit of time fiddling with the brackets that attach to the roof, as I think that part could use improvement, as part of the 3rd batch.

I made aluminum plates to go between the bolts and the brackets, filed/grinded down the edges on some of the brackets so it wouldn't create high stress spots when bolted to the car. I also used some rubber washers between the bracket and car to spread the load. I found that 30mm long M8 bolts with my stack up was pretty close to how far the threads extended on the OEM rack. After I bolted it all up, I wanted a bit more clearance between the driver's side front fairing and the roof, so I enlarged the bracket holes, and added an additional thicker rubber washer under the front brackets only, but it didn't add as much clearance as I was hoping for, so I'll have to try something more solid later.

 

[4Radski]

attempting to attach pic of the bracket config...

 

[AndrewTK]

Overall, I like the rack, the price, and the customer service from Rorck has been great. I also spent quite a bit of time fiddling with the brackets that attach to the roof, as I think that part could use improvement, as part of the 3rd batch.

I made aluminum plates to go between the bolts and the brackets, filed/grinded down the edges on some of the brackets so it wouldn't create high stress spots when bolted to the car. I also used some rubber washers between the bracket and car to spread the load. I found that 30mm long M8 bolts with my stack up was pretty close to how far the threads extended on the OEM rack. After I bolted it all up, I wanted a bit more clearance between the driver's side front fairing and the roof, so I enlarged the bracket holes, and added an additional thicker rubber washer under the front brackets only, but it didn't add as much clearance as I was hoping for, so I'll have to try something more solid later.

I used the same setup as you. One of my brackets was low as well, I made another aluminum spacer and put it on the bottom of the bracket to raise it up some.

 

[4Radski]

The extra aluminum spacer under the bracket is a good idea. This forum has been very helpful!

 

[yotaflame]

Overall, I like the rack, the price, and the customer service from Rorck has been great. I also spent quite a bit of time fiddling with the brackets that attach to the roof, as I think that part could use improvement, as part of the 3rd batch.

I made aluminum plates to go between the bolts and the brackets, filed/grinded down the edges on some of the brackets so it wouldn't create high stress spots when bolted to the car. I also used some rubber washers between the bracket and car to spread the load. I found that 30mm long M8 bolts with my stack up was pretty close to how far the threads extended on the OEM rack. After I bolted it all up, I wanted a bit more clearance between the driver's side front fairing and the roof, so I enlarged the bracket holes, and added an additional thicker rubber washer under the front brackets only, but it didn't add as much clearance as I was hoping for, so I'll have to try something more solid later.

I used the same setup as you. One of my brackets was low as well, I made another aluminum spacer and put it on the bottom of the bracket to raise it up some.

Where did you guys source the aluminum to Fab with? Thanks.

 

[4Radski]

Where did you guys source the aluminum to Fab with? Thanks.

I had a leftover piece that just fit from some other project, I'm pretty sure I got at my local hardware store. I'll go measure the dimensions.

 

[AndrewTK]

Where did you guys source the aluminum to Fab with? Thanks.

I grabbed some from the hardware store, I believe it was 3/4" wide by 1/8" thick.

 

[AlblineStar808]

I agree with the others here, looks like the installer. For future reference, Plastic Pack Tool ( used to remove tires from rims of mountain bikes) sold in bike shops (about 2 for 5 Dollars) will work to remove the OEM Roof Rack plastic covers. Never use much leverage motion only a clockwise slight twist turn motion as you slowly, carefully slide between the plastic covers and the black rubber like gasket around the area of the bracket clip attachment points. Once you reach the right spot it will click and become loose. There are a couple of U tube videos on this... how to delete 4Runner Roof Racks to get a better concept. The FJC also uses this type of clip for their roof rack plastic covers, and FJC can be damaged the same way, and they use same OEM diameter M8 screws to fasten the roof brackets to the roof. This damage you have on your ride was more likely done during the removal of the OEM rack using the ride to get leverage. Or, something solid used between the roof and the new rack to hold it up on one side while working on the other. Remember the OEM plastic covers are about 10" long, and a wrong tool makes the distance longer for the potential of damage away from the plastic cover greater. And another option available is anyone can take their ride to the Toyota Dealership and ask them to remove just the plastic covers for a small fee.

wish i would of jus done that. hopefully the dent shop can get them all out

 

[AlblineStar808]

Any news on the ladder for the roof rack?

x2......? they replied to my ig and said they were drawing up a new ladder