Roof Rack Install Sealent/Silicone and Weather

Thirty4

New member
Hello,

I am looking to find the best product for sealing the install points for my roof rack. I have a 5th gen 4runner and I went with the GOBI rack. I did search every possible thread for the version of sealent/silicone that people used and I wound up confused as all hell!! LOL Which is likely why my FJ's rack leaked. I likely used the wrong product!!

What are the better options out there because I tried to look up 3M sealent, 3M silicone, RTV sealent, Marine Grade sealent/silicone and your typical Home Depot varieties. I even found a post that had a particular item number for the 3M, but when researching this, I found that there are Sealents and Silicones. It looks like Silicone would be the most advantageous, what did everyone go with? Is there a difference between Sealent and Silicone?

Also, should I wait until Spring to install the rack? I am worried that the sealent/silicone will not cure well here in Chicago in the Winter. I am DEFINITELY looking for some opinions on that from people that have experience with the products. Thanks!!

NOTE: I will have access to a heated garage for the install, but will lose that access once I am finished. So, it's back to the cold for the 4Runner after that.
 
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Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it. I did read a little further and it looks like Silicone can be applied in a variety of temperatures, so I would sure like to install this rack before I go snowboarding this year. I can always use the extra storage space! ;)

Any other replies or experiences would be appreciated from anyone willing to lend a bit of advice on the topic. I know that a lot of my initial posts here will be more boring and information based, but hopefully they will help someone else in the process. Thanks!
 
I just used regular silicon from Home Depot for the mounting holes. Squirted a shit ton inside and around. It rains a lot in Seattle and I haven't had any leaks for the past 2 years of having my rack installed. It's parked outside year round too.
 

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