Roof racks and Car Washes Compatible?

[rob_dixon]

For those of you with Roof racks (e.g frontrunner or Gobi) what success rate do you find with being allowed into a car wash?


I read a blog somewhere that said this was a no go, you can cause damage. Is this a myth?

 

[Wagonhenge]

Ive had my Gobi on for about 2 years with zero issues.

 

[jstuchap]

The ultra high 2019 trd pro rack fits as well with no issues. Its more or less an issue for lifted trucks with roof racks and light bars because they are not liable for damage. But if you are stock height or even barely lifted with just a plain roof rack like the ones mentioned without attachments...should be good.

 

[Peadog]

I've seen a picture on here of a roof rack folded in half by one of those spinning brushes. I wash mine in the self serve bay since the Gobi was installed.

 

[KingTaco]

I've seen a picture on here of a roof rack folded in half by one of those spinning brushes. I wash mine in the self serve bay since the Gobi was installed.

I remember that post as well. Not only destroyed the rack but his roof too, and let tons of water through to the interior. I remember thinking of that picture when I took my BajaRack through the wash the first time. Worked out fine for me though. Now I found a hand wash place that works out fine. I'm not a stickler for having it showroom clean, but the DIY wash bays are not my favorite.

 

[Ray Dunakin]

I have a Gobi and run it through a "no touch" automated car wash all the time with no problems. I might be nervous about going through a wash with the spinning brushes.

 

[TheMagicMan5280]

I use the touchless carwash's only. Most of the newer wash's have laser contouring which is very useful for trucks or cars that have accessories. I have a frontrunner rack btw.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I've taken my wifes 2014 4R SR5 with roof rack(came with vehicle) thru the drive-thru-scrub-a-dub car wash many times in the last 5 years. So far so good.
As mentioned above - it may be related to the style of rack and other considerations. Her 4R is 2WD - not lifted.
I have never gotten a vehicle clean with the touchless version. They are OK if your vehicle is just dusty - but any imbedded dirt remains. That's been my experience.
Safest way is to wash it at home on your driveway.

 

[aelarson]

For those of you with Roof racks (e.g frontrunner or Gobi) what success rate do you find with being allowed into a car wash?


I read a blog somewhere that said this was a no go, you can cause damage. Is this a myth?

$15 carwash = $4047.18 in damages and repairs

Here is the thread that a few people have mentioned. Do not run your truck through a touch wash. It could end in disaster for your roof rack, as seen in the thread I linked. And its horrible for your paint!

Run through touchless car washes, use pay & sprays, or wash at home. I do a combination of all 3 depending on the season!

 

[flyrv9]

Lots of horror stories about automated carwashes. Besides not really doing a very good job, damage as above can result. Usually it's a broken mirror or scratched paint due to dirty (never cleaned) brushes. I just do ours at home - good exercise!

 

[Layson]

I have the full baja rack on mine. I go though the car wash daily.... I use the Tommy Car Wash, it is a brand new very nice car wash. Never had a problem and its worth it during the winter. They heavily salt the roads here...

 

[CF_Machete]

I tell the guy at my car wash "no top" and they retract the top brushes but leave the ones going on the sides. zero issues with my gobi rack or fender flares.

No issues with height, I've seen pick ups with 6" lifts and huge tires roll through with out issue.

 

[MaddoxPics]

Touchless or hand wash places is what I would stick with. Though I know plenty who have gone through others with no issues. I'm not that brave.

 

[Layson]

I tell the guy at my car wash "no top" and they retract the top brushes but leave the ones going on the sides. zero issues with my gobi rack or fender flares.

No issues with height, I've seen pick ups with 6" lifts and huge tires roll through with out issue.

Really I didn't know they can even do that. I might have to ask that question this next winter.

The only thing that touches the top where I go is the draped strips that slide over the top. I just try not to have anything that would catch those...

 

[macscac]

full prinsu (drilled in front)
i run it thru a brushed carwash weekly.
no issues.
if the brush is going to pull my rack up, its going to pull the whole roof off the car.


as far as paint damage... who cares.
i run thru the desert on the regular so theres scratches and chips and pinstripes galore.
this is a toyota truck. its no luxury car.

 

[flyrv9]

Automatic car washes and oil change places are both best left alone.

 

[SATX_SR5]

No luck

Sadly, I get turned away EVERY time. On multiple occasions I've made it through the "you're all set go see the cashier" phase.. but quickly get called back.

 

[Off-choader]

I would never run a car through any wash with spinning brushes rack or not, Its touchless or by hand

 

[mynameistory]

Imagine stacking accessories all over your truck to make it look tough and then it can't even go through a carwash :rofl:

I've been through several car washes of all kinds, but my rack's also built like a tank. Ah well, c'est la vie.

 

[rob_dixon]

Imagine stacking accessories all over your truck to make it look tough and then it can't even go through a carwash :rofl:

I've been through several car washes of all kinds, but my rack's also built like a tank. Ah well, c'est la vie.

Yeah its funny. My girlfriend said the rack "makes it look stronger." Damn she is so cute sometimes.