Puravidacttech
New member
Great install info on the cross bars. I'm still undecided in whether to get the Toyota crossbars or get Thule cross bars, what would you suggest?
I have a TRD Pro 2016.
I have a TRD Pro 2016.
How to install roof rack crossbars
- Thread starter x67934
- Start date
Cymon
New member
Only the 2010-2013 Trail Editions had different roof rack and cross bars. 2014-2016 has the same roof rails and cross bars on every version (SR5, Limited, TE, and Pro)
It takes less then 5 minutes to install...really easy. Also check eBay or the classifieds as you can usually find them for less then what your dealer will charge.
Last edited:
Cymon
New member
I have the Thule Aerobars and love them. It really depends on what you are using them for. The one advantage of the OEM crossbars is they sit lower to the roof. This is also the disadvantage as when you load certain things or put on a larger roof top carrier it they will interfere with "shark fin" antenna on the back. Here are some pics of mine. They are 53".
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/members/cymon-albums-aeroblade+pics.html
Thanks, I really appreciate it. That explains a lot. It was becoming really frustrating on how complicated just adding on cross bars could be.
Cymon
New member
Glad you figured out my typo that should have said 2014-2016. Also the 2010-2013 SR5 and Limiteds have the same cross bars that we do on the 2014-2016 vehicles. And if you need help on the install PM me. All it really takes is a flat head screwdriver and rag/towel.
Racehoss
New member
Will 12' TE crossbars work for a 16" TEP????
My wife has a 2012 TE with crossbars. She never uses them so I thought I'd take them off and put them on my 2016 TEP. They look like they'd fit in the channel. Does anyone know if they will fit before I start taking racks apart?
Thx
My wife has a 2012 TE with crossbars. She never uses them so I thought I'd take them off and put them on my 2016 TEP. They look like they'd fit in the channel. Does anyone know if they will fit before I start taking racks apart?
Thx
2nd Chance
New member
Yes 14 thru 15 will fit and I didn't know there was aftermarket rails.
Thank you!
Just got a set of cross bars for my 16 SR5. I've put these on other vehicles, and usually the process is about the same.
But, I had NO idea what the two rubber inserts were for. Looked high and low on the web. Finally typed in the right combination of things into Yahoo, and it led me to this link (go figure).
Great information! Thanks again.
Just got a set of cross bars for my 16 SR5. I've put these on other vehicles, and usually the process is about the same.
But, I had NO idea what the two rubber inserts were for. Looked high and low on the web. Finally typed in the right combination of things into Yahoo, and it led me to this link (go figure).
Great information! Thanks again.
Great thread - THANKS
25 minutes, was a bit concerned about the risk of breaking the rear caps and had my doubts about the paint can opener. Cold in Ohio today so used a hair dryer to warm the plastic caps just a bit. Tried a putty knife and switched to the paint can opener after quickly figuring out that was going to be a problem. Paint can opener worked super. I used a framing square to make sure the cross racks were square to the sides. A bit of dish soap on the rubber plugs helped them pop right into place. Glad I read this tread before jumping in on my own. Sure as heck I'd have busted something.
25 minutes, was a bit concerned about the risk of breaking the rear caps and had my doubts about the paint can opener. Cold in Ohio today so used a hair dryer to warm the plastic caps just a bit. Tried a putty knife and switched to the paint can opener after quickly figuring out that was going to be a problem. Paint can opener worked super. I used a framing square to make sure the cross racks were square to the sides. A bit of dish soap on the rubber plugs helped them pop right into place. Glad I read this tread before jumping in on my own. Sure as heck I'd have busted something.
jacksparrow
New member
I can't see the pictures in this thread and few others for some reason. Was wondering if any of you have ran into this issue?
Right on the picture, it says "update your account ....."
Right on the picture, it says "update your account ....."
Last edited:
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
jacksparrow
New member
Thanks!
Durango4Fun
New member
tools to install cross bars
Great instructions from the members. I found that using these metal pry bars a easy solution to removing the end caps. I covered the pry bars with a few layers of duct tape so as not to damage the plastic or accidental scratch the vehicle. Also, I put a layer of duct tape on both sides of the end caps to protect that work area while I pried off the end caps.
Great instructions from the members. I found that using these metal pry bars a easy solution to removing the end caps. I covered the pry bars with a few layers of duct tape so as not to damage the plastic or accidental scratch the vehicle. Also, I put a layer of duct tape on both sides of the end caps to protect that work area while I pried off the end caps.
Is it worth it to spend the extra money for Yakima or Thule cross rails (OEM roughly $100 or $300 for towers/rails for aftermarket)? Do all the aftermarket mounts for kayaks, bikes, racks, ect. work with the factory OEM cross rails? Aside from sitting higher and wider, are there any other cons from aftermarket rails or pros that make them worth it?
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
Stock / EOM cross-bars may be less expensive, they may be more aerodynamic.
However:
Good after-market cross-bars (aka load bars) rest on the raised factory rails. OEM cross bars rest on plastic parts.
OEM cross-bars only go as wide as the factory rails, so you are more limited. For example it would not accommodate a Thule Hullavator kayak loader that requires a cross-bar extending past the raised rail.
After-market ones extend beyond the width of the factory rails (as long as 60 inches), AND you can vary how far they stick out on either side as needed to fit your accessories (i.e., the side where my Thule Hullavator kayak loader is mounted sticks out beyond the factory raised-rail by about 6 inches. The other side sticks out about 20 inches, allowing me to load another kayak alongside the one already on the Hullavator.
You cannot load 2 wide kayaks side by side on OEM cross rails like this.
LiveLifeOnWeekend
New member
Does anyone know if the Factory roof rails with additional crossbars would be enough to support a large roof basket and gear?
my '11 SR5 has those standard factory roof rails, but I'm wondering if I would have to take them off and install different roof racks in order to attach a basket such as the Thule Canyon or ROLA rooftop carrier?
Thanks all!
my '11 SR5 has those standard factory roof rails, but I'm wondering if I would have to take them off and install different roof racks in order to attach a basket such as the Thule Canyon or ROLA rooftop carrier?
Thanks all!
Last edited:
Really quick low-quality video of the end cap removal using a paint can tool, which was suggested earlier in the thread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15DLTUExb6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15DLTUExb6s
Similar threads
